2009 Porsche 911 Convertible Speed9 by 9ff:

9ff SPEED9

9ff Fahrzeugtechnik in Dortmund / Germany is proud to present the new 9ff Speed9. Beside ours already known "world record car" from our vehicle and refining manufacture, the 9ff GT9 (world's fastest street legal car, top speed 409 km/h, put up on the April, 10th, 2008 in Papenburg / Germany) we now introduce with the new 9ff Speed9 our second independent complete vehicle.

Besides, the new 9ff Speed9 stands completely in the tradition of the legendary Porsche 356 / 1500S Speedster (1955) and the later small series of the Porsche911 Speedster (1989) as well as Porsche 964 Speedster (1993). The new 9ff Speed9 interprets the typical design elements of the Speedster, shortened windscreen as well as an emphatically level vehicle silhouette in a quite new and independent manner. The 9ff Speed9 aerodynamics package, consisting of front apron, rear apron as well as beautifully designed sideskirts underlines the sporty optics of the 9ff Speed9 and optimizes the handling characteristics of this amazing car.

In combination with 9ff typical optimization of the engine technology and chassis technology proves an unforgettable driving experience.

The 9ff Speed9 Bi Turbo engine generates 650 HP / 478 kW and delivers his torque strong as an ox of 890 nm with 2.850 1/min. This is reached by the 9ff F650 VTG turbochargers, 100 cells sports catalytic converter as well as the 9ff stainless steel exhaust manifolds.

Other measures like the 9ff sports air fi lter, the 9ff ECU upgrade and the 9ff sports exhaust system „Speed9 edition" grow the engine on proud 650 HP and 890 nm of torque. The powerful engine will leave open no acceleration wishes and leads in combination with the chassis specially conceived for 9ff Speed9 to a unique driving experience.

The demanding chassis, consisting of adjustable stabilizers in front axle and rear axle, double springs and 4 aluminum spring plates, support sportily ambitious driving. Besides, one can count at any time on the 9ff brake system consists of 380 mm Compound brake discs in combination with the 6-pistons calipers and 9ff brake pads.

The cockpit fascinates by his exquisite and sporty atmosphere. Perfectly sports-car feeling by a dashboard completely upholstered with Alcantara and door interior trim which is lined with a noble combination of Alcantara and leather. Special 9ff Speed9 sports seats and the 9ff sports steering wheel, by choice of the gear variation „Tiptronic" of course with integrated Paddel-Shifts, are components of the interior design. Particularly in the area of the interior creation we realize with pleasure individual and specific customer wishes.

Our 9ff Speed9 is available as a complete vehicle, as well as a rebuilding order on the basis of a Porsche 997 Turbo. In any case, it is a completely unusual vehicle with a special charisma and persuasive road performance and handling characteristics.

Convince yourselves. On „Essen Motor show", Germany from the 28th of November, 2009 to the 6th of December, 2009 the latest product from the house 9ff is presented for the first time to a wide public.

You will fi nd us in the VDAT booth, exhibition hall 10, booth 304. We are looking forward to see you!

** Porsche and Tiptronic are registered brands Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

9ff Speed9 Bi-Turbo
• 650 HP / 478 kW, 890 Nm
• 9ff sport-exhaust system
• 100cell sport metal catalytic converter
• 9ff exhaust manifolds
• 9ff intercoolers
• 9ff 650 VTG Turbochargers
• Sport air fi lter
• 9ff ECU Upgrade

Exterior
• 9ff „Speed9" Design
• 9ff „Speed9 Aerodynamic" consists of:
• 9ff frontspoiler
• 9ff sideskirts
• 9ff rearspoiler

Interior
• complete 9ff Alcantara / Leather Interior design
• 9ff steering wheel (Paddle Shift with Tiptronic)
• 9ff Speed9 design seats
• Alcantara dash board
• Alcantara / Leather door trim
• 9ff „Speed9" roll cage
• 9ff design instruments with 400km/h display Wheels
• 9ff 19" center-lock wheels
• front 8,5" x 19" - 235/35-ZR 19
• rear 11,0 x 19" - 295/30-ZR 19

Gear Sox
• 6 shift Porsche PDK transmission or
• Tiptronic available

Brakes
• 2 FR Compound discs 380x32mm
• 2 FR 6-pistons callipers
• 1 special set braking pads
• 2 Rear Compound discs 380mm x 28mm Chassis
• adjustable PASH shock absorbers
• coil over springs with adaptors
• aluminium spring plates.

2010 Porsche GT9-R by 9ff - 1120 hp - 0-60 in 2.9 Seconds:

German tuner 9ff has revealed more information and pictures about their GT9-R. Production will be limited to just 20 cars.

The GT9-R is powered by a 4.0 liter six cyliner boxer engine which puts out 1120 hp. 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds. Top speed is around 257.2 mph, which would put it, if the time was made official, at the top of the heap of all production cars. 9ff does offer de-tuned versions that are a bit more friendly for track or road use.

2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 in matte blue:

Lamborghini presents highly individualized super sports cars at the Detroit Auto Show Sant..Agata Bolognese/Detroit, 11th January 2009 - Alongside the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini will present two exclusive, highly individualized super sports cars at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. With a unique, matt-luster paint finish in matt blue and all available special equipment options, this Murcilago LP 640 and Gallardo LP 560-4 demonstrate the virtually limitless possibilities and expert craftsmanship presented through the Ad Personam individualization program by the specialists in Sant..Agata Bolognese.

Ad Personam offers every Lamborghini customer the opportunity to acquire a completely exclusive vehicle from a unique brand " one that is perfectly in tune with their own lifestyle,.. says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. ..A super sports car from Lamborghini is always a fundamental expression of the buyer..s personality. And that is why the highest levels of exclusivity are possible, right through to absolute one-of-a-kind Lamborghini vehicles...

..Think the impossible.. is the motto of the Lamborghini individualization program. Ad Personam offers a host of possibilities to bring a highly individual style to the exterior and the interior of a Lamborghini " all the way through to a Lamborghini like no other.

A unique color for a unique design

Both super sports cars presented in Detroit are such highly individualized examples"painted in matt blue, an all-new, powerful blue tone with a matt-luster finish. Dressed like this, the Murcilago and the Gallardo are elegant and refined, yet extremely powerful and dynamic. This is a unique color that fits perfectly to the unique design of a Lamborghini.

The super sports car brand from Sant..Agata Bolognese is the only auto maker to have mastered the difficult and complex craftsmanship required to work with the matt-luster paint finish. Alongside the new matt blue three more colors are permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis is a matt-luster black, while the matt white is called Bianco Canopus; and Marrone Apus refers to the particularly elegant matt brown finish. In addition, Lamborghini Ad Personam offers its customers complete freedom to choose any color imaginable.

The Lamborghini Murcilago LP 640 is one of the most fascinating super sports cars of all time, and underscores this in Detroit with a purist interior finished in Alcantara with diamond stitching. Not only are the sports seats upholstered in Alcantara , but also the entire interior, including doors and headliner. The cockpit surround is finished in carbon fiber. The steering wheel features stitched suede and carbon fiber inlays. The high-gloss black of the Murcilago..s wheels " in Hermera design " also delivers the perfect contrast to the matt blue exterior paintwork.
Specs & Info
Auction Date: 24 Nov 2009
No Sale: $281,886
# Bids: 18
Miles: 54
Engine: 12
Transmission: manual
Exterior Color: matte blue
Interior Color: suede black
VIN: ZHWBU37S29LA03607
eBay Auction ID: 280423631803.

2016 Lamborghini Ankonian Concept Rendering by Slavche Tanevski - Hardcore:

Tanevski's Comments:

This is one of the two proposals I did for my first project at school (super Lambo as a first project, can you imagine!? scream...).

The design was done in 2008 and it was chosen by the Chefdesigner of Lamborghini in the top 3 designs, and I got sponsored to do the model. The model was done in clay (1/4 scale) and took me much time and much effort. The hard model was finished in July 2009.

Here's the press release:

"Following the Lamborghini tradition I named the car 'Ankonian' after the bull type which is famous for his black hair (that’s why I chose black).

The concept is a mid-engined supercar that is not "green", but yet shows environmental responsibility, and therefore is downsized.

I didn’t choose the today’s midengine supercar cliches(extreme width, cab forward, aggressive graphical elements), but a rather narrow body, cab backward classical GT silhouette, and complexity/combination of soft and angular surfaces. Instead of showing power and aggression through some wild graphical elements (for example headlights) I achieved the same through the complexity of the main body which is rather softly designed, (and has a flair of the Italian elegance), and the angular, stealthy and sharp elements which remind of shields.

Concerning the design language, I put the Reventòn style to the next level, even more aggressive and crazy, but yet elegant, and more harmonious.

The main themes behind the concept, which actually make the chosen design language even stronger, are ‘underground’ and ‘hardcore’. This is achieved by the triangular forms, for example, but mostly with the color combination of shiny black and matt dark grey.

During the design process we brought back the tradition (we did it old school)-clay modeling instead of CAD modeling. It took approx. 6 months to actually build the model and it was a great opportunity to try different possibilities concerning the surface management and the proportions. This how the design doesn’t look ‘artificial’, but mature, and due to the fact that we had constant support by Lamborghini and Audi Advanced designers, the final designs have professional touch.

Even though very crazy and on first glance complicated, all Ankonian lines and intersections work together. Due to the tension in the lines and the concave and convex surfaces there is an impression of a strong and dynamic body. The big canyons and the fact that the tail was put on a diet give it a very light appearance. In addition, the hot-rod stance gives it a push forward, and the symbolic presence of wings and the arrow-like door graphic make the car very dynamical, even when it is in standing position.

By leaving the usual headlight graphics, and having very thin OLEDs embedded between the surfaces, an eccentric and mysterious feeling is achieved. The same principle was applied at the back too, by doing an alien-like face with two big exhausts as eyes, and diffuser as mouth. Again, the lights are put on a position man would not expect (read: shock value). "

Software used: Alias for modeling, Photoshop, Bunkspeed Hypershot.

2010 Ferrari California by Novitec Rosso:

Novitec Rosso is one of the few tuners who dare to improve Ferraris. Once again, it looks like they've done it. No stone was left unturned, including improving the aerodynamics of the car.

Press Release:

NOVITEC ROSSO Refines the Ferrari California

Styling, Wheels, Suspension, Engine and Interior

Sporty styling, a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, suspension modifications, more power and exclusive interior options: NOVITEC ROSSO now also refines the new Ferrari California.

Tasteful refinements with aerodynamic benefits characterize the NOVITEC ROSSO design program for the sports car from Maranello. All aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from especially lightweight yet high-strength clear-coated carbon fiber.

The NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler attaches to the production bumper and lends the sports car an even more striking face. Its sophisticated shape further reduces lift on the front axle for even better directional stability at high speeds.

The sides are upgraded with striking NOVITEC ROSSO rocker panel moldings for an even more clearly defined racing look. Black side markers add further individual highlights.

To reduce lift on the rear axle and thus achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance NOVITEC ROSSO equips the California with a newly designed diffuser for the rear apron and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid.

Three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels also play a major role in the even more stunning appearance of the refined Ferrari. By choosing a staggered combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 11.5Jx22 on the rear axle NOVITEC ROSSO further emphasizes the wedge shape of the car. Technology partner Pirelli supplies high-performance tires custom-tailored to this Ferrari. The front axle features tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear tires in size 315/25 ZR 22 provide optimal traction.

NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs are custom-calibrated to match these ultra-low-profile tires, and lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters. At the same time the NOVITEC ROSSO specialists have developed an additional feature to further improve the everyday utility of the Ferrari California. The NOVITEC ROSSO hydraulic front lift system raises the front of the car by some 40 millimeters at the push of a button in the interior. That allows drivers to safely navigate parking garage ramps or speed bumps. At a second push of the button or automatically when reaching a speed of 80 km/h the front reverts to its original position.

Even faster throttle response and more power characterize the first NOVITEC ROSSO tuning stage for the Ferrari California, which increases power output of the 4.3-liter V8 engine by 40 hp / 29.4 kW to 500 hp / 368 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 485 to 518 Nm at 5,300 rpm.

This injection of extra power comprises on the one hand a newly calibrated engine management system with custom mapping for injection and ignition, including a new higher redline speed of 8,300 rpm. The tuning package also includes the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and a flap actuator operated from the Manettino switch on the steering wheel.

NOVITEC ROSSO fulfills customer demands for interior customization with perfectly finished leather and Alcantara interiors. The choice of available colors and meticulously sewn upholstery designs is virtually unlimited.

2010 Donkervoort D8 GT Endurance Race Car:

On the way to the Far East - Donkervoort D8 GT will race its first 24 hour-race in Dubai

Donkervoort Racing ready to race in the 24 Hours of Dubai with special 24-Hours edition of the D8 GT

Lelystad, 8 December 2009 - After obtaining the vice-championship in the FIA GT4 European Cup and the guest race in the Dutch GT4, Donkervoort Racing will participate in the 24 Hours of Dubai in January of 2010. This will be the very first 24-hour race for the Donkervoort D8 GT, which was introduced in 2007 and has been racing since 2008. With the brand new and specially developed 24-hour edition of the D8 GT, famous Dutch race car driver Peter Kox and European GT4 driver Nico Pronk (CH), St鰨ane Wintenberger (F) and Denis Donkervoort (NL) will race in this challenging long-distance race on January 14, 15 and 16 at the ultra-modern Dubai Autodrome.

New developments

All developments and experiences gained during the FIA GT4 European Cup are incorporated into the brand new Donkervoort D8GT(4) 2010. The brake- as well as the fuel system have, among others, been adjusted. However, the adapted hybrid chassis/body with carbon fiber sandwich panels combined with the existing tubular frame construction maybe is the most noteworthy adjustment. Furthermore, the aerodynamics underneath the car were further improved for extra down force. It has resulted in a new rear-diffuser, which has influenced the entire look of the rear of the car at the same time. All in all, these technical innovations have attributed to high expectations for the Donkervoort Racing team for the upcoming 24-hour race in Dubai.

Donkervoort Events

Naturally, Donkervoort Events will also use this special occasion to offer its customers a variety of additional attractive possibilities during and directly after this 24-hour event.

This exciting race-event offers a unique opportunity for Donkervoort-drivers as well as Donkervoort Events customers. Solely as a Donkervoort-supporter or combined with other business objectives, these guests will cheer on the Donkervoort race team and get an exclusive ‘inside’ look during the race with among others a Meet & Greet with Peter Kox, listening along with the on-board radio contact during the race and access to the Donkervoort VIP Lounge.

But the stay-at-homes are not forgotten either. For in the months of February, March and April the Donkervoort 24 Hour Experience will be offered in the factory in Lelystad (in a limited number). Accompanied by Dutch TV-presenter Bert van den Dool, groups as well as companies will be provided an exclusive look behind the scenes of Donkervoort during the races. Through film-, photo- and on-board footage, but also through live-interviews with one of the race drivers and the head of engineering of Donkervoort Racing, guests will get a unique on the excitement, atmosphere and experiences during the 24 Hours of Dubai 2010.

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP600/4 - Edo Competition Cooks Up a Spicier Meatball:

600 - 340 - 3.5 ... No, these are not the dimensions of what Santa's about to bring. These are the three most prominent figures of the new edo LP600/4.

600 stands for its power output, 340 for its top speed and 3.5 seconds is how long it takes to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a dead stop.

edo competition has managed to improve performance by increasing power output to 600 horsepower at 7,970 rpm and the torque output to 572 Nm (422 ft-lb) at 6,845 rpm.

Another priority was to upgrade the suspension in order to improve drivability, driving dynamics and precision. edo competition achieved this by employing a newly developed sport suspension system, which is adjustable in compression and rebound damping. This technology allows for custom suspension setups that are ideally matched to a wide range of needs. The low friction shock absorbers and new spring rates were tested extensively on race tracks and high speed ovals, as well as on the road, because handling is not an area for compromise. The result has to be experienced to be believed...

Rounding off the sporty concept are 19 in. three-piece racing wheels with artificially-aged cast center-sections, hand-polished outer rims and 39 stainless steel screws. For the front axle the customer can specify stock tire dimensions or 235/35 ZR 19, while the rear wheels are shod with 305/30 ZR 19 Dunlop Sport Maxx rubber. With this solution edo competition enables its customers to reuse the factory tires on their new wheels.

Another, ever-intriguing topic at edo competition: "The voice".

The new stainless steel high-performance exhaust system with butterfly valves is an attractive proposition. Not only is the sound level adjustable via remote, the exhaust also frees up 15 horsepower and lets the driver enjoy a whole new aural experience. As a welcome side effect, the edo exhaust system weighs 12 kg (26 lb) less than the original piece.

As a result of years of experience with high speed tests, edo competition has reinforced the front end of the edo LP600/4 with a new front spoiler lip, making 340 km/h (211 mph) runs into a relaxing affair.

As promised, lots of extra spice ...

Edo Competition
Ahlen, Germany.

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Volante - Lighter, Cleaner and still Drop-Dead Gorgeous:

Here's a car that's on my "Top Ten Currently Produced Cars That I Want" (TTCPCTIW) list. The V8 Vantage is, I purport, one of the most beautiful, smartest-looking, well-proportioned and desirable coupes ever conceived.

Well, Aston Martin has refined the car a bit for model year 2010 including:
- clear tail lamps
- N400 side skirts
- magnum silver mesh for the air inlets on the fenders and hood
- 19 in. forged alloy wheels
- carbon-Kevlar lightweight seats

- and a 1000 watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Aston Martin
England, United Kingdom.

2009 Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta - 599 GTB Fiorano-Based:

The P540 Superfast Aperta is a special one-off model designed by Pininfarina and built by Ferrari in Maranello. Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the P540 is the second such vehicle to come out of Ferrari's Special Projects program. Mr. Walson was involved in every stage of development, which took 14 months from inception to completion, which utilizes carbon fiber extensively to keep the car lightweight.

-Chris Lydiksen

Press Release:

Revealed: the new Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta one-off

The first shake-down has been held at Fiorano of a very special one-off, the P540 Superfast Aperta, built for an American client. The car, the second in a new Special Projects programme created by Ferrari to meet requests from the most discerning clients and collectors to create truly unique models, is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano and was inspired by a Carrozzeria Fantuzzi-designed Ferrari built specifically for the 1968 Fellini film, Toby Dammit, itself inspired by one of the tales of Edgar Allan Poe.

The P540 Superfast Aperta’s proud new owner, Edward Walson, son of John Walson, the inventor of cable TV, approached Ferrari in 2008 to produce a modern reinterpretation of the gold-coloured car in the film. “I had always dreamed of designing sports cars,” Walson explains, “and when I saw this film the decision came of its own accord: one day I would have ‘my’ Ferrari.”

In accordance with the Special Project’s approach to producing such individual one-offs, the P540 Superfast Aperta respects all existing international safety and homologation requirements and is thus road legal. The car was designed by Pininfarina and built in Maranello, and the client was directly involved in each stage of its development. As the 599 GTB Fiorano donor car is a coup鬠considerable effort went into strengthening the chassis by using finite element analysis in development and the increase in weight was kept down to just 20 kg by employing carbon-fibre extensively. From the initial sketches to the final, road-legal car took just 14 months.

As the client took delivery of the car at Fiorano his excitement was understandable: “This is the most special Christmas present of my life.”

Technical specifications
Length 4731 mm
Width 1954 mm
Height 1300 mm
Wheelbase 2750 mm
Front track 1690 mm
Rear track 1620 mm

Engine
65° V12
Displacement 5999 cc
Maximum power 456 kW (620 CV) at 7600 rpm
Maximum torque 608 Nm (62 kgm) at 5600 rpm

Transmission
F1 6-speed gearbox

Tyres
Front 245/35 20”
Rear 305/35 20”

Fuel consumption
Combined cycle 17.9 l/100 km

CO2 emissions
Combined cycle 415 g/km.

Mini Coupe Concept Car:

On its 50th birthday, MINI is celebrating it with a gift to all MINI enthusiasts: the MINI Coupe Concept. The Coupe Concept is touted as the expression of MINI design and will be unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (17–27 September 2009).

This sporting two-seater is designed to accommodate even the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI – and with the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged power unit carried over from the MINI John Cooper Works, the MINI Coupé Concept offers truly outstanding performance. Maximum output is 155 kW/211 hp, peak torque 260 Newton-metres/192 lb-ft increasing through the Overboost function for a short while to an even more substantial 280 Newton-metres/206 lb-ft.
The new concept car carries over the unmistakable front end look from the four-seater MINI. Smoothly balanced contours on the engine lid characterised by wide and sweeping radii, the large headlights, the homogenous shape of the radiator grille and the wide lower air intake give each model that unique look, openness and charm so typical of the brand. Through the greater rake of the windscreen on the MINI Coupé Concept, the car looks even more striking and dynamic, the low and streamlined body proving clearly that the MINI Coupé Concept is a particularly outstanding performer.

The MINI Coupe Concept is rather functional too despite being a two-seater. The rear end of the MINI Coupé Concept comes with a large and wide-opening tailgate. Hinged above the roof spoiler, the entire tailgate including the rear window swings up gracefully, offering convenient access to the generous luggage space. Deliberately foregoing the rear seat bench, this unique two-seater offers lots of additional space for taking along all kinds of luggage. Luggage capacity is 250 litres or 8.8 cu ft.

The MINI Coupe Concept certainly looks cool and here's hoping that it will not remain just a concept. For now, we'll just have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show to get the full review of the MINI Coupe Concept.

Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4:

0-100km/h: 2.5 seconds
Topspeed: 253 mph (407 kph)

Engine: 8000cc, W16, Quad-Turbocharged
Power: 987 bhp
Torque: 1250 Nm
Weight: 1880 kg
Power-to-Weight ratio: 530 bhp/tonne

Gears: 7 speed DSG sequential
Wheels: forged alloys
Price: GBP 1 million
Available: now
Verdict: Over-engineered, over-priced supercar.

BMW Z4 sDrive35i,Cool Cars:

FAST FACTS:
Engine: 2979cc, twin-turbocharged

Power: 306 bhp

Torque: 400 Nm

Weight: 1580 kg

Power-to-Weight ratio: 194 bhp/tonne

0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds

Gears: 7-speed dual clutch transmission

Wheels: 17” alloys

Topspeed: 250 kph

Price: RM558800 (GBP 37000)

Available: now

Verdict: Sleek new Z4 ups the ante.

Lexus LFA Car:

Perhaps the most glamorous and most anticipated launch in the Tokyo Motor Show 09 was the Lexus LFA. The LFA concept has been around since 2003 and now after 6 years of waiting, the Lexus LFA is finally a reality.

However, don't expect to see too many on the road as it is priced at Euro 361000! For that amount of money, one can get a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 plus a Ferrari F430!

The LFA comes with a bespoke 4.8L V10 pumping out 552bhp and 480Nm of torque.

The Lexus LFA does 0-100 kph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 323 kph. It's kerb weight is 1480kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne.

Lexus says only 500 units of the LFA will be built. With its exorbitant price tag, the Lexus marketing team would need to be really creative. LFA chief engineer, Haruhiko Tanahashi, said that the target buyer is one who is not as extrovert or showy as the traditional supercar customer, and someone who is interested in technology.

Honda CR-Z Car:

Not one to be left out, Honda launched their new CR-Z sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show. We wrote an article about the concept a few months back and now the concept is becoming a reality. Honda has confirmed its production and it should be in showrooms in Japan as early as February 2010 and by June 2010 for the rest of the world.

The CR-Z is the successor to the Honda CR-X del Sol which was a targa convertible 2-seater coupe. Production of the CR-X was stopped in 1997 and now with the CR-Z, the CR series has been revived.

CR-Z is the acronym for "Compact Renaissance Zero" and it will be a hybrid sports car. It is tipped to be endowed with a 1.5L iVTEC engine in combination with Honda IMA hybrid system and power is estimated at a modest 130-150bhp.

The Honda CR-Z will come with a manual or automatic transmission and the battery will be nickel metal hydride units.

Castagna Aznom Car:

One of the most exciting recent developments in the industry, by this writer’s account at least, is the re-emergence of the coachbuilding industry.

Cars like the Fisker Latigo and Zagato Ferrari 575 GTZ have heralded a revival of the long-lost segment that inherently gives birth to some of the most unique automobiles on the road. It was only a matter of time until the Italians picked up where they left off by crafting unique Corvette-based sportscars.

Italian coachbuilder Castagna Milano, originally founded way back in the 1850s and revived in the 1990s, has created a number of bespoke models, including the Imperial Landaulet concept and a slew of custom Minis.

The carrozzeria’s latest offering, the Castagna Aznom, was previewed in skeletal form back in April at Monaco’s Top Marques show, and the firm has now released further details and images.

Based on the Corvette Z06, the Aznom also draws on retro Corvette styling elements, blended with thoroughly modern design features to create a heart-stopping supercar. The egg-crate grille is drawn from the original ‘53 Vette, slab-sided flanks from the ‘58 Stingray and fenders from the ‘56 SR-2 Sebring race car.

On the contemporary side of things, LED rear lights, retracting rear wing, three-section rear diffuser and F1-style fender-mounted carbon-fiber wing mirrors round out the design.

Those sharp five-spoke wheels measure 20 inches, shod in 285/30 and 335/30 Pirelli PZero rubber front and rear respectively, housing 356mm cross-drilled discs with six-pot calipers fore and 340mm discs with 4-pot calipers aft. The cockpit even features a Google Earth-powered sat-nav system.

Whether you love or hate the unique styling, the Aznom has the “go” to back up the “show”. Castagna has thoroughly massaged the Z06’s 7-liter V8 from 500 horsepower to a whopping 750, and with the use of carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium bodywork, has trimmed the weight down to 1,400 kg.

With that magical formula of more power and less weight, the carrozzeria puts the performance figures at 0-60 in a scant 3.4 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 217 mph.

Paulin VR Concept Car:

Paulin Motor Company, founded by well-knowned designer Daniel Paulin launches its first vehicle. This concept car aims to demonstrate Paulins vision of future design directions aiming for the market requirements of 2012 and further.

Daniel Paulin have a background as designer at FORD Motor Company where he among other projects where responsible for the exterior design for the 2004 Ford Focus concept car, the exterior Ford Focus C-Max 2003 and also designer for the FAB1, Thunderbirds the movie.

- I have studied the development of the last decennium and believe this is a logical development where I have tried to create shapes where controlled sculptural surfaces meets dynamic graphical break-ups, says Daniel Paulin, CEO and Creative Director of Paulin Motor Company.

Paulin Motor Company has used Opticore visualization solutions to produce images and real-time presentation environments.

- Opticore Real Time Ray Tracing has helped my product to come to live, Daniel Paulin says. Since there is no physical mock-up, Opticore solutions have given me a great solution to demonstrate my vehicle for prospective partners.

Its very interesting times for the high end visualization business. With Opticores tools, the boundary in-between virtual reality and real life is now removed. The quality has reached a level where many design decisions can be made with out the need of physical prototypes.

Paulin currently involved on several design projects around the globe will continue to launch concepts to highlights trends and ideas of where automotive are and should develop.

The concept car features several creative solutions both from a design and a technical perspective.

With its proportion the car is a pure 2 seated GT concept. Cockpit feeling is inspired by modern jet-fighters. The windshield/roof is hinge in the cowl area. In open position, the doors can be open independently.

The rear wing is integrated in body with a flush condition. In use it moves up and rotates to create appropriate down force. Camera mirrors in the shape of blades, located above the rear fender for best visibility. The view can be seen on a wide display just above the instrument panel.

In the interior, less is more - 2 bucket seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and a control unit. Paulin continues. This concept car is a pure driving oriented vehicle where the design intent is all about simplicity and functionality in true Scandinavian fashion.

What Bugs Me About Concept Cars:

The auto shows are amazing. They show all of these super cool looking cars that are to come and some of the new features on the current model cars. They also show new designs that will be implemented on current cars. As amazing as it is, there is one thing that gets me about these shows. It's the concept cars.

Concept cars are cars that are seriously being thought about publicly selling. When they show off a concept car they are getting feedback on the car they are thinking about releasing. Concept cars are usually not in final form but they can be almost completed as far as the body work goes.

One thing about concept cars is that they look really awesome. The new styling on some of these cars is just amazing to look at. Even if all you see are the pictures online! Now here lies the problem with concept cars. They are not done yet. They are like a teaser of the real car that may or may not be made available and produced for the public.

Take for instance the new Chevy Volt. A lot of buzz was created when GM introduced a concept car, the Chevy volt a few years ago. The car not only looked amazing it had some great features. It could run on all battery power and it did not use its gas engine to power the wheels. Instead it used its motor to power a generator to charge a set of batteries which then ran the car. Each wheel has an electric motor built in.

It has yet to be released, but it could be the style of car for the future.The future in which cars are electric. The problem is they ruined it! General Motors teased us with a beautiful looking car only to change its body style almost completely compared to the concept version. Now it looks like a Chevy Impala/Toyota Yaris smashed together. It is a bit different than the impala but it's too similar for my liking. There is nothing wrong with the impala but what GM had was a totally new style, a body for a new never released car. It looked great and would have stood out a lot. Now for the preview of the production car we get half of what we wanted.

So that's what bugs me about car shows and the concept cars. Just don't fall in love with a concept car too much as you may be disappointed by the production version.

Ferrari P4/5 Competizione to Revive NART Team:

f James Glickenhaus gets his way, NART, Ferrari’s North American Racing Team, might be making a comeback. If you don’t know the name, you probably know about his custom Ferrari P4/5, a rebodied Ferrari Enzo one-off that he commissioned from Pininfarina. Now Glickenhaus has dropped to the media that he wants to build another P4/5 car, a “competizione” version, and take it racing, reviving the idea of an American Ferrari team running factory-supported World Sportscar Championship-type cars for the first time since 1973.

Improvement on Perfection: The Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo XX:

Edo Competition always manages to surprise us, tackling some of the most developed and pumped up cars in the universe and managing to wring extra horsepower out. It’s not exactly like a Ferrari Enzo is some sort of automotive Sham-Wow, hiding double it’s dry weight in performance potential – Ferrari’s engineers have pretty much squeezed it dry. So it’s to Edo’s credit that they’ve cranked up the juice on this “”XX” edition to the tune of 170 HP (!!!), bringing this yellow cruise missile to an even 800 HP.

Nissan Confirms Micro Compact Bound For U.S:

On the heels of the patent drawings that leaked yesterday depicting the new Nissan Micra, Nissan has announced a new model will hit the U.S. lineup in 2010 that will sit below the compact Nissan Versa. While Nissan has not explicitly confirmed the mysterious new micro compact will be the revised version of the Micra spotted yesterday, they have said that it will be built atop the new V-platform which, coincidentally, is scheduled to make its first debut underpinning the Micra’s next-gen European successor.

Toyota FT-EV II Concept Continues Traditional Penchant For The Peculiar:

Apparently there’s an unwritten rule in the automotive industry that in order for your EV to even be considered for widespread commercial success, it must be extremely weird and your presentation of it even weirder. Adhering perfectly to that design rule is the Toyota FT-EV II Concept, Toyota’s companion piece to the original Future Toyota Electric Vehicle unveiled at the NAIAS in January. As you may have already correctly assumed, the FT-EV II is powered by a lithium ion battery pack capable of traveling up to 90km (55 miles) on a single charge and features a top speed of over 62 mph (providing the course is downhill).

The really noteworthy features are not found beneath its hood, however, but inside the cabin. According to the ominously Kool Aid-stained press release, “The vehicle has no steering wheel or foot pedals-symbols of vehicle performance. In addition, it has not been designed simply as a means of transport, but instead based on the premise of collaboration with communications functions, a concept that differs from earlier vehicles.” If you weren’t vaguely creeped out enough to stop reading there, a few paragraphs down Toyota goes on to say, “The FT-EV II is not simply an electric vehicle designed for a post-fossil fuel era, but is a sustainable concept car that focuses on the relationship between cars, people and society of the future.”

Honda EV-N Debuts As First Micro EV We Don’t Passionately Hate:

Despite the staggering number of automakers that bailed on the Tokyo Motor Show this year, Japan’s domestic industry has remained loyal to the mother country and have promised to appear at the show with a series of new, innovative products in tow. One such product will be the Honda EV-N Concept, which is the first electric-vehicle concept to debut in recent history that we haven’t harbored an instant and ardent dislike for. Drawing heavy design inspiration from the Honda N360 Concept that broke cover in 1971 at the New York Auto Show, the Honda EV-N Concept is a 21st century interpretation of an old favorite. Like all the impossibly compact cars that have come before it, the EV-N is geared towards the urban market where maximizing mobility in a limited space is key, which means the interior will boast more cargo cubbies and versatility than the space shuttle and the engine will be largely an afterthought.

Lotus Elise Series 2:

The British manufacturer Lotus Cars has a unique concept for sports car: “performance through light weight.” Introduced in 2000, the Lotus Elise Series 2 definitely took the Lotus family to a whole new level.

Design: The Lotus Elise packs an aggressive design, despite it’s small frame. The car is 3,8 meters long and it weights less than a ton (from 860 to 910 kilograms). It also comes with a fiberglass body shell.

Performance: Considering that the car features a modest 1.8-litre, 4-cylinders engine, one would not expect much, right? Wrong! This baby can go from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4,7 seconds, and it has a top of speed of 150 mph (240 km/h). Given its light weight, you should also have a good time braking and cornering it.

Chick Factor: Low. Some chicks like roadsters, other do not. If you want a car to impress the ladies, though, the Lotus Elise is probably not the best choice. It is, hmm… just small.

Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3:

Pagani is an Italian company that manufacturers carbon fiber and supercars. They started producing the Zonda in 1999, and only 10 units ship every year (at $400,000 a pop more or less).

Design: As you can imagine from a company that produces carbon fiber, most of the body parts of the Zonda are done with that material. It has a coupe style, with 2 seats, and very characteristic placement of side mirrors and front lights.

Performance: The C12 S 7.3 version comes with a mighty 7.3-litre engine. It is one of the biggest 12-cylinders engine ever produced. It has an output of 555 bhp and a top speed of 220 mph (350 km/h).

Chick Factor: High. Despite being a racing machine, the style of this car is quite appealing (we love Italy don’t we?). It also reveals how much it costs at a first sight (and most women get turned on by that).

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren:

Costing $500,000 a pop, the SLR is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world. It was produced by a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive.

Design: One the most futuristic designs on the industry, the car comes with full carbon-fiber monocoque, crash structures and body panels.

Performance: Sit tight now. Its features a 5.4-litre, supercharged, SOHC V8 engine. What kind of power is that? 616 bhp, with an acceleration from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds.

Chick Factor: High. The car is a monster, what else can I say? Additionally, when the ladies see the door opening vertically (called butterfly doors, but they won’t know that) they will love it.

Ferrari F40:

Enzo Ferrari was 90 years old when he decided to produce the F40. Ferrari was losing its edge on the sports car industry (mainly to Porsche) at the time, so the man decided to create a new project to show the world what they were capable of doing. The rest, as you know, is history.

Design: The F40 was built to perform, so its design is rustic. It had panels made of kevlar, carbon fiber and aluminum for strength and low weight. Its accented lines and the legendary rear spoiler immortalized the car.

Performance: Despite being produced in the early 1990s, the F40 is still one of the fastest street legal cars in the world. It goes from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 201 mph (324 km/h).

Chick Factor: Huge. It’s a Ferrari, needless to add anything else.

Dodge Viper GTS:

If you never dreamed about driving a Dodge Viper, you are with the minority. The car become popular after appearing on a myriad of movies and television shows.

Design: Those two white stripes are a trademark of the car. Inspired by the Shelby Cobra, the Viper reintroduced a muscular and aggressive look to American sports cars.

Performance: Just consider that the roof of this car comes with raised sections to allow the drivers to wear helmets…. It goes from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4,0 seconds, and it has a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h).

Chick Factor: High. The car just call the attention to itself. It would be hard to go unnoticed while driving it.

Chevrolet Corvette 1968 L88:

The bad-ass of the Corvette family. It was the third generation produced by Chevrolet, and it marked the realm of sports cars forever (this car is still the most powerful street legal car produced by GM).

Design: Designed by Larry Shinoda, the car had a very aggressive look and marked curves for a coupe. A bit of trivia: GM tried to keep the design secret before the launch but Mattel, a toy manufacturer, revealed it forehand on its line of miniature cars.

Performance: The car was a beast. With a 7-litre engine, the factory listed its produced horse power at 460. But guess what, they were underestimating it. Third parties that tested the car found it to produce 560 hp. No kidding!

Chick Factor: Medium. This is a men’s car. If you are going to buy one, due it because you love the car and not for the ladies.

Porsche Carrera GT:

The development of the Carrera GT started in the late 90s, but only in 2004 it reached the streets, costing $440,000 a piece. Being one of the most aggressive Porsches ever produced, only 1270 units were sold around the world.

Design: The Carrera GT has some big side inlets and air dams to improve the cooling system of its massive engine. It is interior is made with carbon, magnesium and leather materials. Initially it was available in 5 color variations, but custom designs could also be ordered on the factory (for some extra money obviously).

Performance: Porsche used an innovative engine for the Carrera GT, with 10 cylinders in a V formation and a displacement of 5.7 liters, capable of producing over 600 horse power. The manufacturer claimed that it could accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, but private testers found that it was even faster, marking a 3.6 seconds.

Chick Factor: High. The car is a master piece of the German house. Every detail was carefully laid down to create a perfect balance between aesthetics and performance.