Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a downforce of 775 kg (1709 lb) is reached at 300 km/h (186 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.


The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The 2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant.

In 2004, Sports Car International named the Enzo Ferrari number three on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s.


Every four years Ferrari plans on coming out with a new version of the Enzo (not necessarily being called the Enzo). The new model of the Enzo comes equipped with a carbon fiber front bumper, and instead of having mirrors it has cameras(the views are displayed on a navigation system in the center console.

Motor Trend Classic named the Enzo as number four in their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".


The Enzo is a mid-engined car with a 43.9/56.1 front/rear weight distribution. The engine is Ferrari's F140 65° V12 with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Bosch Motronic ME7 fuel injection is used and the engine is naturally aspirated. It displaces 5998 cm³ (366 in³) and produces 485 kW (651 hp/660 PS) at 7800 rpm and 657 N•m (485 ft•lbf) at 5500 rpm. The redline is 8000 rpm.

612 Scaglietti

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (skal-yeti) is a Gran Turismo car produced by Ferrari since 2004. It is a large two door fastback coupe with a 2+2 seating arrangement. The 612 Scaglietti was designed to replace the smaller Ferrari 456M. Its larger size makes it a true 4 seater with adequate space in the rear seats for adults.


It is produced at Ferrari's Carrozzeria Scaglietti plant, the former home of the car's namesake coachbuilder in Modena, Italy. The design, especially the large side scallops and the headlights, pays homage to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM that director Roberto Rossellini had commissioned for his wife, Ingrid Bergman.

The 612 Scaglietti shares its naturally aspirated 5.7 L (5748 cc) V12 engine with the 575M Maranello. The Tipo F133E engine produces 540 CV (533 hp/397 kW) at 7250 rpm and 588 N•m (433 ft•lbf) at 5250 rpm with a compression ratio of 11.2:1. The car is capable of 199 mph (315 km/h) and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. It comes with two six speed transmission options: a conventional manual or the F1A paddle shift system, a much refined version of the F1 system in Ferrari 360 Modena.

F430

The Ferrari F430 is a high-performance sports car produced by the Italian automaker Ferrari to succeed the Ferrari 360. It debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. European left-hand drive sales began in November, 2004, but right-hand drive sales did not start until Spring 2005, and the United States did not get the F430 until Summer 2005.


Along with a restyled body, the F430 features a 4.3 L V8 gasoline engine derived from a shared Ferrari/Maserati design. This new powerplant is a significant departure for the F430's line: The engines of all previous V8 Ferraris were descendants of the "Dino" racing program of the 1950s. This fifty year development cycle comes to an end with the entirely new 4.3 L, the architecture of which will later replace the Dino-derived V12 in most other Ferrari cars. Power is 360.4 kW (483 hp) at 8500 rpm and torque 465 N•m (343 ft•lbf) at 5250 rpm.

Ferrari Enzo Video

Ferrari F430 Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Ford

Ford GT

The Ford GT features many new and unique technologies, including super-plastic-formed aluminum body panels, roll-bonded floor panels, a friction-stir welded center tunnel, a “ship-in-a-bottle” gas tank, a capless fuel filler system, one-piece door panels and an aluminum engine cover with a one-piece carbon-fiber inner panel.



Brakes are four-piston aluminum Brembo monoblock calipers with cross-drilled and vented rotors at all four corners. When the rear canopy is opened, the rear suspension components and engine are visible.


The 5.4L V8 powerplant is all-aluminum and fed by a Lysholm screw-type supercharger. It features unique 4-valve DOHC cylinder heads and a forged rotating assembly. It uses an aluminum block designed by Ford specifically for the GT program with an emphasis on block rigidity. The resulting power output is 550 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque. A Ricardo six-speed manual transmission is fitted featuring a helical limited-slip differential.



Perfomance (mph):(Source: Road & Track)

0-60: 3.8 s
0-100: 8.8 s
Topspeed: 190 mph

Ford GT Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Honda

Honda NSX

Honda shocked the exotic car world when it introduced its NSX in 1990. Honda designers started with the basic exotic-car wedge (championed by the Ferrari Testarossa and 308), that would remain basically unchanged for its entire life. To back up the styling, the mechanical specifications were right out of a race car.

The NSX featured a super-light all-aluminum chassis, body, and suspension, a first for a production car. The suspension was a double wishbone suspension, mounted at both ends on aluminum subframes. The standard race-inspired V6 engine was mounted midship and featured Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), six individual coils, and titanium connecting rods. This was the first application of VTEC in a vehicle offered outside of Japan.

Beginning in 1992 Honda produced a limited number of around 500 NSX-Rs for the Japanese domestic market. Major changes include a blueprinted engine producing 280 BHP in stock form, a short ratio gearbox, more aggressive suspension and an extensive weight reduction to 1230 kg from the normal NSX weight of 1350 kg. The NSX-R was very track oriented as it lacked sound deadening, audio, electric windows, and air conditioning in an effort to reduce weight. Yet these items were available for a hefty premium as optional items. Production ended in 1995.

In 1995 the NSX-T was released with a targa top roof. The removable roof hurt the chassis rigidity of the NSX and added about 100 pounds of weight. Nevertheless, the NSX-T was the only NSX available in the U.S. for 1995 - coupes were not available. All roofs were now body colored instead of black and several new colors were available. Finally available on the manual transmission version NSX was the electric power steering previously only available in the automatic version.

1997 brought the biggest changes to the performance of the current generation NSX. For 1997 engine displacement increased from 3.0 L to 3.2 L. This new 3.2 L C32B engine gave it slightly more rated power. This improved horsepower from 270 hp to 290 hp while torque increased from 210 to 224 ft·lbf (manual transmission only).

Another big change was the change from a 5-speed transmission to the current 6-speed manual. On the dragstrip, the new NSX rang up better numbers than the horsepower and torque improvements may suggest over previous model NSXs. Other notable changes include a brake rotor size increase from 12 inches to 13 inches, a new aluminum alloy to reduce weight and increase rigidity, and a transponder in the key.

Along with the engine enlargement in 1997, Japan received the NSX type S and NSX type S Zero, weighing in at 1320 kg and 1280 kg, respectively, and both with stiffer suspension than the normal NSX.

The biggest exterior changes for the NSX came in 2002 when it received a facelift with fixed headlights and various other cosmetic refinements such as xenon HID headlamps (see photo from LA Autoshow 2003). The fixed roof NSX was dropped for the 2002 model year. The suspension was revised and the NSX received larger wheels and tires. In addition, the NSX was now available in a number of exterior colors with either a matching or black interior to provide a number of possible color combinations.

A second iteration of the type-R dubbed NSX-R was released in 2002, again exclusively in Japan. The NSX-R has a more aggressive rear spoiler and hood vent, along with various refinements to reduce weight to 1270 kg. Under the body, panels and air fences in the front, along with a small rear diffuser serve to produce balanced downforce. The subtle changes along with its renowned handling have kept NSX-R in contention on the track even against considerably higher-powered cars, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, whose Nordschleife lap time it tied.

A more agile, more responsive, and quicker limited edition NSX called the NSX-R GT was later released. This model was limited to a production run of 5 cars, at a cost of US$ 462,400. This NSX was created to help Honda comply with the Super GT production-based race car requirements. It's easily identifiable by the non-functional snorkel attached to the roof of the car (this is functional in the Super GT race cars), lower and widened body, and more aggressive aerodynamic components.

The Type-S continues with the face-lifted NSX keeping the weight at 1320 kg.

Honda NSX Video 1

Honda NSX Video 2

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Jaguar

Jaguar XK8

The 1997 XK8 was available in coupé or convertible body styles and with either a supercharged 390 hp (287 kW) or naturally aspirated 290 hp (213 kW) engine. The supercharged variant is known as the XKR. The first-generation XK series shares its platform with the Aston Martin DB7. Both cars are derived from the Jaguar XJS, though the platform has been extensively changed.

Both the XK8 and XKR are limited to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) by a computer governor, giving them a lower top speed than the car they replaced. The XK8 heralded a change in direction for the company, resulting in the S-Type and X-Type.

Several limited-edition XKR coupés and convertibles have been produced to mark important events in Jaguar's history.

The first was the 2001 XKR Silverstone, of which only 250 were released in North America, on a total of 600 worldwide(first edition: 100 (For Europe only), then 500 more (sold worldwide)). It featured a Platinum paint finish, high-performance package (same engine than standard XKR, but improved transmission, suspension and brakes and 20" Silver BBS Detroit wheels) and custom interior.

The XKR 100 followed in 2002, of which 30 coupés and 270 convertibles were sold in North America. The XKR 100 featured an Anthracite paint finish, 20-inch modular wheels, Brembo brakes, and custom interior.

Finally, the XKR Portfolio emerged for 2004. Two hundred were released in North America: 100 in Jupiter red and 100 in Coronado blue. It featured 20-inch alloy wheels and custom color interior.

Both the XK8 and XKR come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, and 19 and 20-inch wheels are available for additional cost. A navigation system and self-leveling xenon headlamps come standard with the XKR and as options for the XK8. Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both come with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags. The XK series ranges in price from US$69,830 - US$86,330.

The grille design of the XKR was refreshed for the 2005 model year.

Jaguar JKR-R Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Koenigsegg

Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X. The X commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. The CCX is intended to be more suitable for the U.S. market and thus engineered to comply with US regulations. It is also the World's Fastest V8 production supercar.

Engine

The CCX is powered by a Koenigsegg designed and assembled, all aluminium, 4700 cm³ DOHC 32-valve V8 engine based on the Ford Modular architecture enhanced with twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.2 bar boost pressure and an 8.2:1 compression ratio.

The engine produces 806 hp (601 kW) and 678 lbf.ft (920 Nm) on 91 octane (U.S. rating) gasoline, 825 hp (634 kW) on 110 octane (Euro rating, 95 octane US rating) gasoline and 900 hp (671 kW) on biofuel. This makes it a unique flexible-fuel engine in the sense that it actually produces more power while running on biofuels. The engine is lubricated via a dry sump with external oil pump, features oil spray piston cooling, and an external oil cooler.

Body

Two-door, two seater with removable hardtop stowable under the front hood lid. Body made of pre-impregnated carbon fibre / kevlar and lightweight sandwich reinforcements.

Chassis

Standard:

Front & rear brakes: Ø362 x 32 mm cast iron ventilated discs with 6 piston AP Racing calipers, 2 pads per disc.

Optional:

Front brakes: Ø380 x 34 mm carbon-ceramic ventilated discs with 8-piston Brembo calipers, 4 pads per disc.

Rear brakes: Ø362 x 32 mm carbon-ceramic ventilated discs with 6 piston AP Racing calipers, 2 pads per disc.

Wheels

Koenigsegg magnesium alloy wheels with centre locking.

Optional: carbon / magnesium wheels (first carbon fibre wheels on a production car.)

Front: 19" x 9.5"

Rear: 20" x 12.5"

Tires

Michelin Pilot Sport 2

Undirectional with asymmetric tread pattern.

Front: 255/35-19" (Y)

Rear: 335/30-20" (Y)

Performance

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 3.1 seconds

Standing Quarter Mile: 9.9 seconds, 235 km/h (146 mph)

Top speed: 403 km/h (250 mph+)

Braking distance: 60 mph - 0 mph: 27.7 m (91 foot), 100 mph - 0 mph: 44.8 m (147 foot)

Transmission

Specially developed 6-speed manual gearbox by Cima. Torque sensitive, limited slip differential.

Clutch: Dual plate, Ø 215 mm (8.46 inch)

Gear ratios:

Final Drive: 3.545

1st gear: 97 mph 2nd gear: 127 mph 3rd gear: 173 mph 4th gear: 204 mph 5th gear: 228 mph 6th gear: 245 mph Reverse gear: 103 mph

Pricing

As of March 2006, pricing starts at €458,000 ($578,866 or £303,373). Fully equipped the CCX costs €510,000 ($644,589 or £337,817).

Koenigsegg CCX Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Lamborghini

Gallardo SE

In late 2005, the Gallardo SE (for Special Edition) was introduced. The SE is distinguished from the regular Gallardo externally by having a black-roofed two-tone color scheme as well as specially designed "Callisto" rims shod with Pirelli tires. Mechanically, the SE addresses many of the criticisms of the original Gallardo; the steering is quicker and more responsive, the transmission gear ratios have been adjusted to better suit the V10, and the E-gear now has a "thrust mode" to optimize acceleration, and the car's power has been increased to 520 hp (388 kW).

The SE has a higher top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph), and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Only 250 units of the Gallardo SE will be produced. All the mechanical upgrades of the SE, however, will be included in all Gallardos after 2006 (excluding the two-tone bodywork).

The Gallardo SE comes with a two-tone interior. All piping and stitching on the ultra-quality leather are executed in the same color as the bodywork of the car. The mid sections of the seats are finished in color-coded upholstery and even the black floormats have a color coded borders.

A rear-view camera is also standard issue on the Gallardo SE, as is a multimedia system and a navigation system. The sport suspension and an exclusive cover also came with the car but there are still several other options available, like the E-gear, which featured a 'thrust' mode to offer even more impressive acceleration by improving the gearchange through the different gears.

This "thrust" mode actually automatically revs the car to 5000 rpm, drops the clutch engaging all four wheels in a controlled burnout, and ensures the car performs maximum acceleration. This "launch" only requires the driver to engage the "thrust" mode and step on the gas pedal, similar to the launch technology in Formula 1 race cars.

Gallardo Nera

The Gallardo Nera (Special Edition) was introduced at Paris Motor Show. The Nera has a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph), and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Only 185 units of the Gallardo Nera will be produced and 60 are for the American market.

Performance:

Top speed: 309 km/h (192 mph) / 315 km/h (196 mph)(Gallardo SE and 2006+)

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph): 4.2 s / 4.0 s (Gallardo SE and 06+)

0 to 200 km/h (124 mph): 14.5 s

Standing km: 22.5 s

1/4 mile: 12.2 s at 118 mph(some SEs have run confirmed high 11s)

Engine

Type: V10

Displacement: 5.0 L

Power: 373 kW (500 bhp) / 388 kW (520 bhp) (Gallardo SE and 2006+)

Torque: 510 Nm

Lamborghini Murcielago

The Lamborghini Murcielago is a supercar made by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke. It was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the Diablo. The Murcielago is a two door, two seat coupe. To celebrate the Lamborghini company's 40th birthday, 50 special edition Murcielagos were built during the autumn of 2003.

An open-top version called the Murcielago roadster was introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The roadster features similar performance to the coupe with a more aggressive rear flank, as well as a considerably higher price tag.

The Murcielago sports a 6.2 L version of the legendary Lamborghini V12 engine, a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. It also has a rear spoiler that can be raised to an angle of 70 degrees, side mirrors that fold in to improve aerodynamics, and side scoops that automatically open to the needed size to let in just the right amount of air needed to cool its engine.

The name Murcielago comes from a bull that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight at the arena of Cordoba, and fought with such passion and spirit that the matador chose to spare its life, a rare honor. In another Lamborghini tie-in, the bull was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, a noted breeder, and went on to sire a line of famous fighting bulls. Murcielago also means bat in Spanish, and a Murcielago roadster is featured briefly in the movie Batman Begins. The coupe's base price is US$273,000, which is US$90,000 more than its smaller sibling, the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Lamborghini have announced two more powerful models, the XTR, a track-only car with a 700 bhp version of the V12, and the LP640 with 640 bhp. Although the XTR is not street legal, the LP640 met the standards and is expected to be introduced in March 2007.

Lamborghini Gallardo Video 1

Lamborghini Gallardo Video 2

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Lexus

Lexus LF-A

The Lexus LF line is a series of concept cars built by the Lexus luxury automobile division of Toyota Motor Corporation. The "LF" stands for L-Finesse, a new design direction by Lexus. L-Finesse, Lexus' new design language, was introduced first on the LF Series concepts and has now extended to all new vehicles in the Lexus lineup.

The LF Series vehicles include two coupes/convertibles, the LF-A and LF-C, two sedans, the LF-S and LF-Sh, and one crossover SUV, the LF-X. These vehicles feature new design cues which are emblematic of the L-Finesse philosophy of Intriguing Elegance, Seamless Anticipation, and Incisive Simplicity, and are fitted with new vehicle technologies.

The first concept vehicle of the LF Series, the LF-X, appeared in 2003. Several of the LF concept vehicles have appeared close to their production counterparts, while the design cues of other LF concepts appeared on more distinctly different production vehicles.

The LF-A is a 2-door exotic concept car Toyota produced under the Lexus brand. The LF-A's 5-liter (or smaller) engine produces more than 500 horsepower (373 kW), propelling it to a top speed of approximately 200 miles per hour (322 km/h). It debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). A revised version with more completely furnished interior was unveiled at the 2007 NAIAS as a possible future member of the Lexus F-Series lineup.

Toyota has given the LF-A concept car the green-light for production. Prototypes of the LF-A have been spotted being tested at the Nürburgring, and the production vehicles are expected to carry V10 engines, putting the car in competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Porsche 911 (997). Pricing is to exceed $100,000.

Lexus LF-A Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Lincoln

Lincoln MKR

The Lincoln MKR concept car is a premium four-door coupe design, introduced during the 2007 North American International Auto Show. It is based on the Ford Mustang's D2C platform. The MKR signals the next-generation of premium Lincoln vehicles, and launches a new TwinForce engine family. Ford Motor Company first unveiled the concept car to the media and the public in a press release on 1 January 2007.

The Lincoln concept features an independent rear suspension, with MacPherson Struts up front.

The engine selected for the MKR concept introduces a new generation TwinForce 3.5L twin-turbo, direct-injection gasoline V6, that is also capable of running on E85 ethanol. It is capable of 415-hp, and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The interior design includes environmentally-friendly and renewable materials, such as cashmere leather, oak instrument panel engineered from recycled wood, mohair carpet, and seat cushion foam made from soy. The concept car also features the THX II-certified car audio system.

Special Projects Inc. located in Plymouth, MI was hired and responsible for the building of the MKR. Special Projects has previously built many other concept vehicles for Ford including Ford 24/7 and Lincoln Blackwood.

Lincoln next rear-wheel drive flagship sedan, the production version of the Lincoln MKS, is due for launch in 2008, and borrows heavily from the MKR concept. The MKR represents an expression of Lincoln future design strategy, which includes seven primary design features:

* Clean and uncluttered body surfaces

* High beltlines

* Chamfered surfaces which run parallel to the beltline

* Twin-port “bow-wave” double-wing front grille - inspired by the 1941 Lincoln

Continental Cabriolet

* Thin horizontal headlamps, and thin LED tailamps that run the width of the vehicle

* Thick C-pillar that smoothly transitions into the cantilevered roof

* Pronounced cantrail / roofrails

If approved, a production version of the MKR would be launched in the 2011 time frame.

Lincoln MKR Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Lotus

Lotus Europa S

Lotus Cars Europa S is a GT type two seater automobile designed to complement the very successful Lotus Elise sports car and its derivative, the Exige. The name is borrowed from the legendary Lotus Europa of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Europa S is a light weight car of 995 kg (2194 lb) with a 149 kW (200 hp) 2.0 L engine. It uses an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis with composite body panels and front crash structure.

The Europa S is more relaxed than the Elise/Exige with a larger boot, greater soundproofing, and easier cabin access due to the lower chassis sides, and higher roof line. It also includes luxuries such as air conditioning, custom stereo sound system, leather interior, and plush interior carpeting as standard equipment in keeping with European Grand Touring (GT) auto tradition.

The car was originally planned to be manufactured at parent company Proton's factory in Malaysia, allowing for a significantly lower sale price, but ultimately the company chose the Lotus Hethel factory for its production.

Delivery of the Europa S began in September 2006 from the Lotus factory at Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The car is not expected to be offered for sale in the United States or Canada at first, as the Opel/Vauxhall built turbo is not currently certified to meet emissions requirements for those nations. MSRP is projected at approximately £33,000 (€49,000, $63,000).

The Europa S is a derivative of the Lotus Type 111 Elise and Exige cars only in that they sport variations of the same bonded aluminum chassis, the Europa bears a separate Lotus model designation (Type 121) due, in part, to its longer chassis and completely new body type.

The mid-engined two seat coupe sports a 2.0 L turbocharged GM Ecotec engine producing 149 kW (200 hp/203 PS) at 5400 rpm. The torquey 263 N·m (194 ft·lbf) engine allows the car to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 5.5 seconds, and 100 mph (161 km/h) in around 14 seconds. Maximum speed should be 140 mph (225 km/h).

Lotus Europa S Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube

Maybach

Maybach Exelero

The Maybach Exelero is a high-performance concept car designed and built by luxury marque Maybach, and presented in May 2005. The 700 hp (SAE) (514 kW) two-seater with a bi-turbo V12 engine is a one-off design commissioned by Fulda Tyres. Fulda is using this Maybach as a reference vehicle to test a new generation of wide tires.

The German luxury car manufacturer created the one-off model as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined car of the 1930s. There are various allusions to the historical predecessor, which was likewise based on a powerful Maybach automobile, in this case the Maybach SW 38, and was also used by Fulda for tire testing. Jay-Z can be seen driving one in his video for "Lost One".

Specifications

* Length : 5.89 m (19.3 ft)

* Width : 2.14 m (7.0 ft)

* Weight : 2660 kg (5864 lb)

* Engine : V12 bi-turbo from Maybach 57 S 700 hp (SAE) (522 kW), 1020 N·m (737 ft·lbf)

* Top speed : 352 km/h (220 mph)

* 0-60 MPH : 4.4 seconds

* Tires : 315/25 ZR 23

* Fuel used for Top speed test: 110 octane

Maybach Exelero Video

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia and Youtube