Awesome Cars

Ascari A10

2007-04-23T23:23:00.001-07:00

British supercar manufacturer, Ascari has produced the answer to the Ferrari Enzo FXX,
whereas the Enzo FXX is not road legal, it was produced to be driven during track days only and costs over $1,700,000, the A10 is road legal so can be driven home and parked on your drive, to the envy of your neighbors for just $650,000. even with this attractive price, only 10 will be built to order.

Designed, engineered and hand built in Banbury, England the A10 has 625 bhp and weighs in at around 2645 lbs, thanks to its lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork. Reaching 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and 100 mph in less than 6 seconds, the manufacturer claims the A10 is the fastest road going production car around a race track.

This car has new body panels, a reworked engine and suspension, with extensive brake modifications to cope with the extra power. Lucky owners will also benefit, if they wish, from some luxuries such as remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, climate control and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.

The UK’s newest supercar will make its first ever appearance at the 2006 MPH show in Birmingham, England on 28 October.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

2007-04-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Not content to rest on past achievements or awards, Mitsubishi continues to refine one of Japan's most revered - and one of the world's best-handling - competition-derived production cars. Finding room for improvement was no small task, so Mitsubishi turned to one of the world's most powerful automotive microscopes: Nurburgring.

The Nurburgring Nordschleife is known for its bumpy surfaces, twisting corners and changes in surface friction. It was there that engineers discovered one that could use some improvement. The Nurburgring test results showed the need to deliver all the power to the road through all four tires; it also showed the need for accurate feedback that gives the driver the highest level of control over where those tires are placed. As result of such testing, in 2005, Mitsubishi introduced the next level in handling performance: the Lancer Evolution MR. The development lessons from the MR program and the knowledge gained on the WRC circuit have now trickled down to help usher in the 2006 Lancer Evolution IX: the best performing member of the series yet.

The Evolution MR features several handling improvements, a lightweight aluminum roof panel (a first for a Japanese production model), designed to lower the center of gravity and reduce the roll moment and also and lightweight BBS forged alloy wheels.

New for all Lancer Evolution models, the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder intercooled-turbocharged engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC) is tuned to deliver maximum power across lower, middle- and higher parts of the rev band. Horsepower has increased to 286 bhp at 6500 rpm, there is now more power and response on tap on the left side of the tachometer, thanks to the combination of MIVEC, a revision in the turbocharger's compressor housing, and an improved muffler that also offers a throatier exhaust note.

While a six-speed transmission is exclusive to the MR to make the power more accessible, the IX and RS models also receive a revised closer ratio 5-speed gearbox that helps keep the engine in the "sweet spot" of the power band.

Pontiac Solstice

2007-04-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

The heart of the Solstice GXP is the Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in North America. It produces 260 horsepower, making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever, at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 bhp per liter), and the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.
A dual-scroll turbocharger with a lightweight turbine provides nearly instant power, and an air-to-air intercooling system boosts the turbo’s performance by reducing inlet temperatures. Dual cam phasing complements the turbocharging system by optimizing valve timing at lower rpm for best turbo response and quick access to engine torque.
Direct injection technology helps the Ecotec engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine.
With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system.
The GXP’s high-performance Ecotec turbo engine is connected to a standard five-speed manual gearbox, or an optional five-speed automotive transmission. Either transmission can propel the car from zero-to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.

Acura NSX

2007-04-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Acura NSX supercar is an example of the performance that of every Acura vehicle. Developed out of years of racing experience, the NSX sets the benchmark for Acura technology.

The Acura NSX offers two distinct, mid mounted engines. The first is a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.2 liter V-6 engine coupled with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission producing 290 horsepower. The second is a 3.0 liter V-6 engine with a 4-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that generates 252 horsepower.

The 2005 Acura NSX features a removable roof panel for open-air driving. A sculpted, wedge-shaped body and forward canopy design clearly communicate the car's high performance personality. Additional features include a body integrated rear spoiler and airfoil, power operated sideview mirrors and Xenon High-Intensity Discharge projector-beam headlights. The NSX comes in seven exterior colors, which can be ordered with a matching or complementary interior color.

Subaru WRX STI

2007-04-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Subaru has restyled its Impreza line in 2006 and in addition given the massive 293 horsepower WRX STI several performance enhancements.

Following an interior redesign for 2005, all Impreza models have been restyled in 2006 to reflect the new brand identity. The new Subaru signature front-end design for Impreza features a three-section mesh grill inspired by the company’s aircraft heritage, plus boldly styled headlights with smoke-tinted lenses. The 2007 WRX STI is distinguished by the smaller hood scoop from the standard WRX to aid forward visibility. Daytime running lights are added for safety to make the WRX STI more visible to other drivers. A new roof spoiler, inspired by the Impreza World Rally Championship competition car, contributes to stability at track speeds.

In 2005 the WRX STI also received wider wheels. In 2006, the addition of a steering sensor input to the DCCD All-Wheel Drive system enhances power distribution response by more accurately relaying the car’s cornering situation. The WRX STI is based on the Impreza WRX platform but is completely re-engineered to provide even higher levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance that challenge the world’s best sports cars.

The STI is powered by a turbocharged 2.5 liter dual overhead cam boxer engine producing 293 horsepower at 6000 rpms. This engine paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, can propel the car to 60 in under 5 seconds.

The WRX STI conveys its performance attitude from the inside, as well. The driver grips a MOMO 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Performance design front seats feature substantial side bolsters, integrated head restraints and embroidered “STI” logos. The seats are upholstered in unique perforated blue high-grip Ecsaine fabric with contrasting black knit bolsters, complemented by matching blue door trim and blue floor carpeting.

Lamborghini Diablo

2007-04-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Development of the Lamborghini Diablo began in 1989 to replace the countach model. The cars woer came from 5.7 liter 48 valve version of the legendary Lamborghini V12. It had dual overhead cams and computer controlled multi point fuel injection producing a maximum output of 492 horsepower. The vehicle was capable of reaching 60 in just over 4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. It was originally a rear wheel drive car with a mid mounted engine to aid in its weight balance

The vehicle featured very few amenities that we are all use to today even though it cost over 200 thousand dollars. It came with only basic radio functions, and had manual windows and no antilock brakes. These things were left out to help minimize the vehicles already large curb weight. Some of the nicer things the car featured was the option to have the driver seat custom molded to the buyer and the option to get factory fitted luggage.

The final model was built in 1998 after Audi AG took over Lamborghini. It featured a 6 liter engine. It also featured a new exhaust and intake system with refined variable valve timing.

Maserati MC12

2007-04-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Maserati MC12 is a grand tourer produced by Maserati. The car entered production in 2004 with 30 cars produced (though only 25 were for sale). Another 25 were produced in 2005.

The car was built by Maserati on the chassis of the Enzo Ferrari, though the final car was much larger. The car also shared the Ferrari Dino V12 engine with slight modifications as well as the same gearbox. The only externally visible component shared with the Enzo is the windshield

The car was developed to signal Maserati's return to racing after 37 years of being out of the game. One of the requirements to participate in the FIA GT is to produce at least 25 road models. It began racing towards the end of the 2004 season achieving a victory at the Zhuhai International Circuit. They were also entered in the American Le Mans Series races in 2005 but suffered weight penalties because of its large size

The MC12 began development while Maserati was under the ownership of Ferrari. Its original name was the MCC standing for Maserati Corse Competizione.

The MC12 sports a 6 liter Enzo Ferrari Engine that pushes out 621 horsepower. It is capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 205 mph.

Mosler MT900

2007-03-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

The MT900 is a sports car built both in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom by Mosler. This car was introduced in 2001. It was designed by Rod Trenne, who had previously done work on the Corvette C5. The car's name stood for Mosler, Trenne and the cars 900 kilogram target weight.

The car used a carbon fiber chassis and a V8 engine mounted amidships. The power output is 350 horsepower.

Though the target weight was 900 kilograms, the original version weighed in at 1175 kilograms. Though it was so much over the target weight, it could still accelerate from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

The cars rather plain looking exterior resulted in a very low coefficient of drag, just .25. only 14 of these cars were ever made for production.

Noble M15

2007-03-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Noble M15 is a new supercar designed and developed by Noble Automotive, a high-performance sports car manufacturer based in Leicestershire.

Production began in early 2006 . It was designed to compete directly with the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Ferrari F430. Because of this, the car has some features that were not previously found on Nobles such as satellite Navigation, Traction control, Electronic windows, and Anti-lock Breaks

The car is based on a brand new platform with a longitudinally mounted engine. The double wishbone suspension is a development of the system mounted on the M400. The mounting allowed the engine designers to increase the cooling flow to the engine which allows the 3 liter twin turbo to produce 455 horsepower.

The engine meets European emission standards and the new steel/aluminium space frame has been designed with a view to passing crash test regulations around the world. This car is planned to be the first Noble to gain both European and US type approval.

Bristol Fighter

2007-03-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

The Bristol Fighter is a British supercar manufactured by Bristol Cars in small numbers from 2004. It has a coupe body style with gullwing doors that was designed by Engineer Max Boxstrom. The car has a coefficient of drag of .28 and a maximum speed of 210 mph.

The car features a front mounted V-10 based on a Dodge Viper, but is modified by Bristol to produce 525 horsepower. In the more powerful fighter S version, the engine is tuned to 628 horsepower (using ram air, it's capable of 660 at high speeds.)

The car has the option either a 6 speed manual transmission or a four speed automatic transmission both with rear wheel drive.

In 2006 Bristol announced the Fighter T, a turbocharged version of the Fighter with a modified V-10 engine that produces 1012 horsepower. It will also have a drag coefficient of .27, .1 less than the previous model. Though they say that the car is capable of speeds up to 270, it will be electronically goverened to 225.

TVR Cerbera Speed 12

2007-03-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

The TVR Cerbera Speed 12 is a high performance concept car designed by TVR in 1997. It was intended to be both the highest performance road car, and also be the basis for an endurance racer. Though it was abandoned and never actually produced, it's still worth mentioning because of its extreme power.

The engine displaced 7.7 liters and was reportedly capable of 800 horsepower. Though it was never offically measured, the car was said to be able to hit 60 mph in the low 3 second range, and its top speed comparable to a Mclaren F1

Several people put deposits on this car planning to own one, but when things fell through, the deposits were returned. There eventually was one sold, though it was not for many years later and it wasn't of the production models, it was actually a mixture of a production prototype and a racing version of the car. It was sold to a buyer that was personally hand picked by the owner of the company certified to be a TVR enthusiest.

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

2007-03-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

The SSC's new car, the Ultimate Aero TT is one of the most powerful production cars on the face of the Earth. Surpassing it's original design specifications, SSC's proprietary twin turbo pushes out an astounding 1180 horsepower. Though it is so powerful, it still is able to run on regular 91 octane pump gas. It also is able to handle long term red-line rpm usage.

Further establishing its place among the elite super cars of the world, The car produces more emission legal horsepower than any other production car in the world.

The car made its debut in Wolfsburg Germany in may of 2007 at the world top-speed competition held there.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this car is its top speed. The current fastest speed of a production car is 253 mph, set by the Bugatti Veyron. Under extensive wind tunnel testing the Ultimate Aero TT not only proved that it was able to be stable at speeds over 250, but actually was capable of up to 273 mph. Though the 6 speed transmission is adjusted to handle speeds of up to 286.272 mph. This was scheduled to be put to the test on march 22^nd of 2007 but due to non-optimal weather conditions the driver reported tire slippage at 190 mph and wasn't able to get the car above 230 mph.

Spyker C8 Spyder Wide Body

2007-03-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Spyker had a press release where they announced the development of a prototype. This prototype is called the C8 Spyder Wide Body. It's powered by a Audi V-8 Twin turbo with a 90-degree block angle. It has a displacement of 4172 cc and also pushes 525 horsepower.

It comes with an option of either sequential or manual six-speed gearbox without electronic intervention. The cars rear wheel drive can have an optional limited slip differential. It also comes with traction control and antilock brakes.

The car also features an aluminum space frame clad with aluminum panels. It features fully adjustable F-1 style independent suspension.
It comes with 6-piston aluminum brake callipers at the front, with 4 piston aluminum brake callipers at the rear with ventilated discs.

It is capable of going from 0-60 in 4 seconds, and reaching a top speed of up to 200.

Ferrari Hamann F430

2007-03-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

In 2005 Ferrari came out with a with a successor to it's F360. This came in the form of the Ferrari F430. The F430 Hamann is named for the german tuner Hamann.
The engineers of Hamann have designed a comprehensive aerodynamics package for this car. This was one of the key elements when designing the car, along with wight and performance. The innovative front spoiler gives the F430 a striking face and minimizes the lift force at the front axle. At the back, the newly designed rear diffuser ensures a higher downforce at the rear axle. All of the parts that Hamann used are available in either carbon-kevlar or fiberglass.
Hamann has also created a a complete high performance sports exhaust system. The result of this modification is an increase of 48 horsepower.
Hamann has also designed a special coil suspension. This suspension can be adjusted in height as well as in rebound and compression. This offers a more customizable experience for the driver.

Saab Aero X Concept

2007-03-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

The Saab Aero X was designed as a way to explore future design directions. Its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

One of the first thing you’ll notice is that there’s no doors at all or windshield pillers. This is because the car has a cockpit canopy, just like you’d find on one of Saab’s aircraft. This is to give you a full 180 degree view of the world around.
The car features a 400 horsepower twin turbo BioPower V-6 engine. This will cut significantly on C02 emissions.

On the inside, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.

Because of the use of carbon fiber bodywork, with a lightweight powertrain, electronically controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X promises performance to match it’s stunning looks. Computer simulations by Saab anticipate 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds.

In the back there is a twin storage facility. This features a conventional hatch for opening and a sliding drawer underneath.

Dodge Viper SRT10

2007-03-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

The New 2008 Viper SRT10 (the SRT stands for Street Racing Technology) is an awesome upgrade from the previous one. This year Dodge is offering a new 8.4 liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an extreme 600 horsepower. This is a 90 horsepower increase from the previous model, and can now go zero to sixty in less than four seconds.

Dodge worked with specialists from Mclaren Performance technologies and Ricardo, Inc. to meet strict federal Tier 2, Bin 5 and California’s Low Emissions Vehicle 2 mandates.

There were also several updates made to the car to allow it to handle the increased horsepower and toque levels, while still improving upon traction, driveability and durability. Among the updates was the clutch, they upgraded the previous large single disk clutch to a smaller diameter twin disk clutch. This reduced rotating inertia 18 percent which reduced clutch pedal effort and improved engagement feel.

On the outside the car features a new hood with a larger scoop to feed the beast that lies underneath. It also features functional hood louvers to facilitate a greater cooling effect.

Inside you will find a cockpit fit for the track. There is a red push-button starter. In the center of the instrument panel you will find the tachometer big and bold so you don’t miss a shift. To the right of this is the 220-mph speedometer.

Cheverolet Corvette Z06

2007-03-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Corvette Z06 is the second half of the C5’s life with a Corvette model for the extreme performance enthusiast in all of us. They combine attributes of the sixth-generation corvette with technology and winning determination from the C5-R program.

The car is the most powerful and the fastest car that Chevrolet and GM has ever produced.

There are several features that are new to the 2007 model. The first is OnStar. It also features a wider glove compartment due to advances in airbag technology. The real treat comes in the form of a new engine. The 2007 model reintroduces the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette. Unlike the previous big-block design, the new 7.0-liter engine LS7 is a small-block V-8. This is the largest-displacement small-block ever produced by GM. This engine pushes out 500 horses.

The Aerodynamics of the Z06’s Exterior were shaped by Corvette’s racing program where high-speed stability and cornering were essential. The large rear wing that is used in the racing model is replaced with an elevated spoiler that provides considerable downforce.

Lamborghini Heuliez Pregunta Concept

2007-03-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Lamborghini Pregunta was a concept that Heuliez came up with in 1999. thought the car never made it to production, it featured some quite impressive stats.

It was powered by a Lamborghini V12 with an 87 mm bore and 80 mm stroke. The car’s horsepower peaks at 7100 rpm’s when it’s at 530 bhp. The car features a mid engine just like all Lamborghini’s, as well as the standard four wheel drive. It features a top speed of 206 mph and a 0- 60 of only 3.9 seconds. It only features a 5 speed manual transmission as opposed to the 6 speed that I’m used to seeing in Lamborghinis.

It is really a shame that this car didn’t make into Lamborghini’s current production line because it would have made a nice addition, as well as a little bit of variety and spice to the current two models.

Gumpert Apollo

2007-03-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Gumpert, a German car company, is building several supercars around Audi Components. Their first product to be sold is a production version of the Apollo mid engine supercar that was seen earlier this year.

The Car is powered by an Audi V-8 with twin turbo blowers. This provides the car with 650 horses to push it to 60 mph in just 3 seconds flat. This is what Gumpert advertises anyway, it’s not yet been tested.

The car has a carbon fibre body that sits on a chrome molybdenum alloy and steel frame. With this setup, the Gumpert has a better power to weight ratio than the McLaren F1.

To keep all this speed in check the car features 15 inch disks on all wheels held which can be brought to a stop by 8 piston calipers. This is of course aided with a ABS system.

It also uses an under tray to create downforce which means it doesn’t need to have massive wings to hold it to the ground.

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition

2007-03-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

The supercharged beast that is the SLR 722 Edition is a homage to the victory won by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson at Mille Miglia in 1955.

The car features a supercharged 5.5 liter V-8 Engine That displaces 650 BHP. This engine has several high points to it. The first and perhaps the most notable to the driver is the immediate response to movements of the accelerator. The next is the highly emphatic torque build-up. Finally the unmistakable V-8 sound. This monstrous engine allows the car to be propelled from zero to sixty in just 3.6 seconds, with 124 mph coming just 6.6 seconds later. Eventually it will reach its peak speed of 209 mph, up 2 mph from the previous peak speed of the old SLR

The Handling Characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension. The car features 19 inch alloy wheels with stiffer damper configuration. It is also .4 inches closer to the ground than the previous model. Larger brakes also ensure excellent braking performance.

There are several discreet visual modifications made to draw the target group of wealthy sports car collectors and enthusiastic drivers. The first thing is a modified front spoiler and air splitter. This is coupled with a rear diffuser, together they improve aero dynamics and contact pressure. The use of clear lacquered carbon as an extremely strong, but still lightweight material that symbolizes the practicality of these technical features. Bucket type sports seats upholstered in leather provide lateral support, while the racing steering wheel, gearshift paddles, and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.

Pagani Zonda F

2007-03-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

The Pagani Zonda F is one of the fastest supercars ever made. It was built using Pagani's extensive experience in carbon fibre construction. With this car, Pagani is among a small group of independent supercar manufacturers that challenge more established competition such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The Zonda F is a special edition car that will be built alongside the regular production model. It takes modifications adapted to the C12-S Monza and refines them into a more appealing package. This makes the Zonda F lighter, more powerful, and faster.
Aerodynamics play large role in shaping the new Zonda. More traditional devices include a one piece fixed wing. To help airflow underneath, a larger front splitter and rear diffuser with twin stabilizing wings create even more downforce. Finally at the front is a much larger Air intake to increase cooling effectiveness of the more potent V-12.
The highest model features a huge 650 BHP which allows the car to easily rival cars including the Porsche Carrera GT and the Ferrari Enzo.

Ferrari F50

2007-02-28T21:50:00.000-08:00

The Ferrari F50 is a supercar made by Ferrari to commemorate it’s 50^th anniversary in 1995. The car is a 2 door 2 seat convertible sports car with removable hard top. It has a 4.7 liter V-12 that was developed from the engine used in the 1992 Ferrari F92 Formula One Car.

There were only 349 of these ever made, which is one less than Ferrari estimated it could sell. This was because, according to Antonio Ghini, because “Ferrari’s are something cultural, a monument. They must be hard to find, so we will produce one less car than the market.”

Following the motorsports theme, to compete in GT1 class racing, Ferrari developed a prototype based on the F50, called the F50 GT. The car had a fixed roof, large rear spoiler, new front spoiler and many other adjustments. Ferrari decided to cancel this project and instead focus on Formula One instead.

The car’s engine features 513 BHP that push the car from 0 to 60 in only 3.7 seconds and to 100 in 8.

Audi R8

2007-02-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

Using their experience in racing over the years Audi has developed the R8. It has since become the most successful car ever to compete in the Le Mans with 5 wins, and has won a total of 62 out of the 79 races it’s entered.

Audi was the first car company to make their cars out of aluminum, and as with all the other things about Audi, this is constantly refined. The R8 features a high strength Audi Space Frame made from aluminum and magnesium developed specifically for the R8.

Another innovation used is the liquid in the struts. Instead of conventional damper oil, the shocks are filled with a special fluid whose viscosity can be controlled by an electromagnetic field.

The car also features a innovative high rev concept. As a result of this, the engine develops huge thrust over a broad speed band up to 8250 rpm’s.

Porsche 911 Turbo

2007-02-28T15:17:00.001-08:00

Porsche’s latest turbo 911 model surpasses all expectations set upon it significantly. It’s the first non diesel with turbo ever to incorporate Variable Turbine Geometry. It is also the first to feature actively controlled all wheel drive and the first to reach 60 MPH in less than 4 seconds. All together it’s the most rewarding 911 Turbo ever built.

The turbocharger has gone through continuous evolution in the hands of Porsche engineers. Variations in Turbine size, and the addition of the intercooler, the move to twin turbos and advances in engine management systems have all wrung greater performance from the basic concept of an exhaust driven compressor.

Small turbos have an advantage at low rpm’s because they can get up to speed faster, though at higher RPM’s there is backpressure which robs the engine of power. However large turbines, while working well at high speeds, don’t get enough speed in lower rpm’s to spin fast enough to provide power, this is called turbo lag. The solution to this problem is what is called Variable Turbine Geometry, the exhaust flow is channeled into the turbines by way of electronically adjustable guide vanes. By changing the angle of these vanes, the system can replicate the advantages of a small turbo at low rpm, and a larger turbo as the tachometer climbs.

Aston Martin Vanquish S

2007-02-28T06:25:00.002-08:00

The Aston Martin Vanquish S was designed by Ian Callum in 1995. It, unlike the other cars I've written about so far is a grand touring car. This car rose to fame after being featured in the official James Bond car in Die Another day. The Vanquish is scheduled to be discontinued in the 2007 year to be temporarily replaced by the DBS, though it's true successor is to be introduced in 2010.
The vanquish is powered by a 5.9 Liter engine that pushes with the power of 520 horses. It is controlled with a fly by wire throttle and a 6 speed paddle shift. The engine shares some components with Ford's Duratec 30 V6, being that Ford is the parent company. Many people think that the engine is simply 2 Duratec's linked together, though this is not the case.
It is correct that the V-12 shares some components with the Duratec, but it is simply not possible to simply put two V-6's together to make a V-12. The bank offset for a V-12 is equal to one rod bearing width, whereas the bank offset for a 60-degree V-6 is significantly longer than one rod bearing width, thus it is necessary to design a V-12 as a totally new engine.

Enzo

2007-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

google.com

When people hear the word “Enzo” they think of the super car built by Ferrari. What a lot of people don’t realize is that this car is actually named for the founder of the Ferrari Company, Enzo Ferrari. A car with this name had to be something very special indeed and that’s just what Ferrari has created.

The car was built in 2003 using Formula One Technology. This including such features as a carbon-fiber body, sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake disks. There are also some technologies not allowed in F-1 such as Active Aerodynamics. This means that when a downforce of 1709 pounds is reached at 186 mph, the rear wing is actuated by a computer to maintain that downforce.

The Enzo’s V-12 is based on the architecture of the V8 found in Maserati’s Quattroporte. They used the same 104 mm bore spacing. This design will replace the former architecture in Ferrari’s other V-12’s and V-8’s.

Ferrari plans on coming out with a new version of this car every four years (though they wont always be calling it the Enzo. The latest model comes with cameras instead of mirrors, they will be viewed in the center console where the navigation system goes.

Koenigsegg CCX

2007-02-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. The CC stands for competition coupe, and the X stands for the 10^th. This car is the most powerful V-8 production car in the world.

The engine for this is a 32 valve V8 enhanced with two centrifugal superchargers. The engine produces 806 BHP running on 91 octane, on 110 octane it can produce 825 BHP and on biofuel it can produce an astonishing 900 BHP. This is a unique flex fuel car, because it actually produces more power using

The body of this car is made of pre-impregnated carbon fiber/Kevlar. This makes the vehicle very strong, but still very light weight. The car also features carbon / magnesium wheels, making it the first production car ever to have carbon fiber in its wheels.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

2007-02-12T16:04:00.001-08:00

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the latest and greatest in the world of super cars. It took 4 years to develop this car that only 300 of which will ever be made, making it extremely rare and sought after by collectors. This car is the most powerful production car ever made with over 1001 BHP.

This extreme amount of power is generated by the cars innovative quad turbo charged W-16 engine. This basically means it has two V-8 engines mounted at a 90 degree angle to each other.

This tremendous engine gives the car unheard of acceleration. In just 3 seconds this car will take you from 0 to 60 and at 14 seconds it can have you past the 200 mark, but it doesn’t stop there, the cars not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 MPH. The only reason the car isn’t able to go faster is because the car is limited by the design and construction of the chassis and drive train.

The car also features a transmission called a directshift gearbox. The car can accelerate from 0 to 252.3 MPH, through all seven gears without any interruption to the acceleration.

Ford GT

2007-02-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

When people think super cars they often think of ones that come from Europe, but there are also a few that come from the United States as well. One such car is the Ford GT. This car started production in the summer of 2004 for the 2005 year and continued until 2006 when production stopped. Only 4200 of these cars were ever produced so demand for them is very high.

This car features a supercharged V-8 that displaces 5410 cc. This provides the car with 500 BHP at 6000 RPM's. This allows the car to travel from 0-60 in 3.8

The GT features many new technologies unique to this car alone. These include super-plastic-formed aluminum body panels, roll-bonded floor panels, friction-stir welded center tunnel, and others.

The breaks on this are massive four piston aluminum Brembo calipers with cross drilled and vented rotors at all four corners.

When the car first came out people paid significantly more than its suggested retail price of 140,000 to 157,000 dollars depending on optional equipment. The first ever sold was at a charity auction where it sold for 500,000 dollars to a retired Microsoft executive. Ford Then recognized the ongoing demand for the car and raised the base sticker priced by 10,000 dollars to 149,995 in late 2005.

Lotus Elise

2007-01-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

The Lotus Elise is much smaller than most super cars, but that doesnt mean that it isnt fast and packed with power.

The Elise S1 is powered by a Rover 1796cc 4 cylinder in line engine. it has a double overhead camshaft. It's peak power comes at 5500 rpms with 118 BHP. You can also get a 135 BHP engine upgrade from Lotus. The Elise weighs in at a itty bitty 1521 lbs, which is what allows for it's speed with such a small engine. This engine can power the little Elise from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, with speeds up to 126MPH. The car comes with a manual 5 speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch. The chassis is made of epoxy bonded aluminum.

With all this power you're going to need some good breaks to bring it to a stop relatively quickly. The brakes are 282mm diameter cast ion ventilated disks mounted outboard.

The original target weight fot he Elise was 550kg. The first brochures list it at 690kg with a 39%/61%, front/rear distribution. Early Elises weighed in around 725kg and various modifications have meant that the standard car now weighs 755kg and the 111S weighs in at 770kg. The Elise Sport 190 is 670kg.

Mclaren F1

2007-01-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

The Mclaren F1 is probably one of the most exotic of exotic cars, if for nothing else simply because of its million dollar price tag. At the time of the cars production it was the most powerful and the fastest production car in the entire world.

Only 100 of these were ever made over their seven years of production and they have gone out of production, making them rarer, and increasing in the already outrageous price. Currently there are only 7 in the United States, and Ralf Lauren owns two of those.

The F1 is powered by a BMW V-12 engine that pushes with the ferocity of 627 horses. This pushes the car from 0-60 in a mere 3.4 seconds, and has the ability to top out at 240.1 MPH

One of the most unique features of the F1 is that it has a center driving seat with two offset rear passenger seats to the rear. The F1 was the first to use an all carbon composite chassis. This was used because it is both strong and lightweight.

In 1995, Mclaren debuted F1 at the prestigious 24 hour of Le Mans. It took first, third, fourth, fifth and thirteenth place.

Porsche Carrera GT

2007-01-29T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Porsche Carrera GT was introduced in 2004. It is a very low lightweight car. Though the car is meant to be topless, it does come with removable roof panels that can be stored in the front trunk to provide protection from the elements should you feel the need to go fast when the weather’s not the best.

The Carrera GT features a 5.7 liter, 605 break horsepower V10 engine. It also has Porsceh-patented engine and transmission mounts made of carbon reinforced plastic. The car has an aerodynamic and race-bred suspension package which provides for safe and stable travel at speeds of up to 205 mph.

orsche developed the engine at their development center in Weissach, Germany. They originally built a 5.5 liter engine but then enlarged the bores to displace 5.7 liters specially for the Carrera GT. The engine has a very low center of gravity with a 68 degree V angle.

The chassis and suspension are based on the “24 Hours of Le Mans” winner of 1998, the Porsche GT1. Like the GT1 the rear track control arms are made of aerodynamically designed steel tubes. They didn’t forget that comfort was a factor when they designed this street road going supercar.

Ferrari Testarossa

2007-01-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

The Ferrari testarossa is a sportscar that was designed by Pininfarina for Ferrari. This 12 cylinder car went into production in 1984 to be the successor of the Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer. It was incredibly wide and low at just 77.8 inches wide and 44.7 inches high.

The Cars name literally means “red head.” This comes from the red painted cylinder heads on the flat-12 engine. It was technically a V-12 with a 180° angle in it. The output from this bohemeth was 390 hp.

Ferrari produced close to 10,000 Testarossas making them one of the most common Ferrari, despite its high price of 94,000 dollars, including a 2,700 dollar gas guzzling tax.

In 1991 Ferrari revamped the Testarossa beefing up the engine and released it as the 512TR. The engine was given a new air intake system and a Bosch engine management system. 10.1:1 compression ratio with new pistons, and revised exhaust power.

They also reduced Shifting effort, which had long been a complaint about the Testarossa. They did this with a single-plate clutch, sliding ball bearings, and better angle for the shifter.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

2007-01-25T17:54:00.000-08:00

Power in the hands of a few, this is the slogan of the twenty year old company called Saleen. They specialize in the design and production of high performance vehicles for the road and track. They were first know known for tricking out mustangs, but then Steve Saleen, the founder, created a car unlike any other on earth. He created America's first, and so far only mid engine exotic super car. The Saleen S7.

As you ease into the throttle, the S7 surges forward with the effortless ease created by 750 horses pushing against just 2968 pounds of car. With 427 cubic inches of V-8 derived from Ford’s NASCAR engines and pressurized by two Garrett turbo-blowers working at a mild 6 psi, the engine generates enough thrust to scare you at just about any rpm. Floor the throttle when you’re rolling along in first gear on a dry, straight road, and the engine fries the rear tires when the boost comes up. On a winding road, it doesn’t much matter whether you run in second, third, or fourth gear because there’s enough power in any of them to summon big-time oversteer if you’re clumsy in a corner.

For the S7, the redesigned front and rear diffusers, along with the new rear spoiler, result in a 40 percent reduction in aero drag and a 60 percent increase in down force. Typically, you would have to trade down force to reduce aero drag. What this increase in down force allows the car to do is stick to the road more effectively. It works so well that at 140 MPH the downforce in Lbs. is equal to the cars weight, meaning if you had a road that went upside down, it would be able to drive on it.

Unless you place the new S7 Twin Turbo next to one of the original 2002 models, you probably won’t notice that the 2005 version has a different rear spoiler package and reshaped front fenders to enhance the S7s already sleek, swoopy and aerodynamic contours.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

2007-01-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

When people think super high performance vehicles, many times their first though is Lamborghini. The Murcielago is a part of Lamborghini's new line of cars that came out in 2001. It was created to replace the famous Diablo model that had been wowing people since 1990.

The Murcielago roared onto the scene with a 6.2 liter version of Lamborghini's legendary v-12. It also sported a 6-speed Manual or 6 speed sequential automatic transmission. These worked together to produce a mind blowing 580 bhp. The car was able to go from 0-60 in a mere 3.8 seconds and reach speeds of 205 mph.

These stats are all well and good for the standard Murcielago coupe, but what about the brand new LP640 that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 06, introduced as a facelift for the original. This model features an astonishing 6.5 liter 640 bhp V-12. the front and rear bumpers have been reshaped to channel air more efficiently, also the rear exhaust has been shaped into a diffuser to cut down on aero lift. The LP in its name stands for Longitudinale Posteriore, referring to the longitudinally mounted engine, this allows the LP640 to go from 0-60 .4 seconds faster than the normal Murcielago.