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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Marcos

Marcos TSO GT2

The TSO, arrived in 2004 with a Chevrolet V8 engine in either 350 bhp or 400 bhp versions. The car's components were CAD designed in England, while chassis engineering has been done by Prodrive.

Also in 2004, the 5.7-litre Chevrolet Corvette (LS1) V8 TSO GT was announced, but solely for the Australian market. It was joined in 2005 by the GT2 for the European market.

In 2006 Marcos announced the TSO GTC, a modified version of the current TSO with a racing suspension, racing brakes and a rear diffuser. The car continues on with its Chevrolet-sourced 420 bhp V8, but there is also a 462 bhp Performance Pack available as well.

With the extra power from the Performance Pack the TSO GTC accelerates to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and to 100 mph in 8.5 seconds. With the bigger brakes, 340 mm AP Racing brakes, the TSO GTC delivers a 0-100-0 time of 12.9 seconds. With the extra power, its 50 to 70 mph time requires just 2.1 seconds. Top speed is over 185 mph.

Marcos TSO GT2 Video

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Maserati

3200 GT

With the 3200 GT in 1998 Maserati returned to its roots. The luxury coupé was styled by Italdesign, whose founder and head Giorgetto Giugiaro penned, among others, the classic Ghibli, Bora and Merak.

The 3200 GT shared the Quattroporte IV's and Shamal's twin-turbo 3.2-liter V8, revised and tuned to 370 bhp while the 3200 GTA was equipped with an automatic gearbox and its engine delivered 368 bhp. Presented to the public at the Geneva Show in 2001, the "Assetto Corsa" was a limited-edition, run-out version of the GT with a special handling package. The 3200 GT was sold mainly in Europe.

The most remarkable detail of its design were the tail-lights consisting of the LED diodes placed in the shape of boomerang. The car was replaced in the beginning of 2002 by similarly designed successor Maserati Coupe, when Maserati decided to turn back on the US market. The original boomerang tail-lights had to be replaced because they did not fulfill the US requirements for better visibility of the car's rear end during driving at night.

Coupe

In 2002, Maserati launched the Coupe and Spyder, based on the 3200 GT, which is not sold in the United States. Both models have a normally aspirated 4.2 L engine producing 390 bhp (291 kW). The top speed is 177 mph (285 km/h), while 0-60 time is 4.9 seconds. The V8 engine was designed by Ferrari but built by Maserati. It has variable valve timing on the intake side only, while a highly developed version of this engine used in the F430 had variable valve timing on both intake and outlet sides.

MC12

The Maserati MC12 is a super car produced by Maserati as a road car (for homologation) from which they developed a FIA GT Championship racing variant. Despite Maserati calling it a grand tourer, the MC12 qualifies as a super car, meeting all criteria. The car entered production in 2004 with 25 cars produced (5 additional cars were also produced in 2004 however they were not for sale), a further 25 were produced in 2005 making a total of 50 cars available for customers.

All 50 were pre-sold for €600 000. Maserati designed and built the car on the chassis of the Enzo Ferrari but the final car is much larger. The MC12 is longer, wider and taller than the Enzo Ferrari however the Enzo is faster accelerating and has a higher top speed.

The MC12 was developed to signal Maserati's return to racing after 37 years. 3 GT1 race cars were entered into the FIA GT with great success. Maserati began racing the MC12 in the FIA GT toward the end of the 2004 season, achieving a victory at the Zhuhai International Circuit. The racing MC12's were entered into the American Le Mans Series races in 2005 but had exceeded the size restrictions and consequently paid weight penalties.

The MC12 is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, powered by a V12 engine in a two door coupe with a targa top roof, however the detached roof cannot be stored in the car. The mid-engine design helps keep the centre of gravity near the middle of the car and the standing weight distribution is 41% front : 59% rear, however the downforce of the rear spoiler affects this at speed so that at 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) the (equivalent) weight distribution is 34% front : 66% rear.

The MC12 sports a 232 kilogram, 6 litre (5998 cc) Enzo Ferrari derived V12 engine mounted at 65°. Each cylinder features 4 valves, lubricated via a dry sump system and with a compression ratio of 11.2:1. All of this combines to provide a maximum torque of 652 Newton metres (481 lbf·ft) at 5500 rpm and a maximum power of 463 kilowatts (621 bhp) at 7500 rpm.

The redline rpm is indicated at 7500, despite being safe up to 7700, while the Enzo has redline at 8200 rpm. The Maserati MC12 is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds (though Motor Trend Magazine managed 3.7 seconds) and on to 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) in 9.9 seconds.

It can complete a standing (from stationary) quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 198 kilometres per hour (124 mph) or a standing kilometre in 20.1 seconds. The maximum speed of the Maserati MC12 is 330 kilometres per hour (205 mph). All of these figures are slower than those of the Enzo Ferrari.

Maserati MC12 Video

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Mazda

Mazda Ryuga

The Mazda Ryuga is a concept car introduced by Mazda and parent Ford Motor Company at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The car, along with the Mazda Nagare which was introduced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, is an exploratory design study intended to illustrate future styling directions for future Mazda passenger vehicles. The Ryuga moniker (pronounced "ree-yoo-ga") is Japanese for "gracious flow".

The large 21" wheels placed at the far corners for a stable, balanced stance. The body features two gull-wing doors, and is significantly shorter and lower than the four-passenger Mazda RX-8 sports car.

The Ryuga accommodates four passengers in typical 2+2 seating, with front bucket seats and a lounge-like rear passenger area. A "floating" center cluster with elongated pods includes a multi-function touch panel for controls and displays. A set of charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras are installed for monitoring the rearward view and blind-spot. The steering wheel is an open top style, which utilizes steer-by-wire technology.

Specifications

* Engine: MZR 2.5 L E85/gasoline Flex Fuel

* Transmission: 6 -speed automatic

* Drive: front-wheel drive

* Wheels: 21"

* Tires (Front/Rear) 245/35 R21 (93W) Toyo Proxes

Mazda Ryuga Video

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McLaren

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a supercar engineered and produced by McLaren Cars, a subsidiary of the British McLaren Group that, among others, owns the McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. The car features a 6.1-litre 60° V12 BMW V12 engine and it was conceived as an exercise in creating what its designers hoped would be considered the ultimate road car. Only 100 cars were manufactured, 65 of those were street versions, 5 were LMs, 3 were GTs and the rest were GTR racing models. Production began in 1994 and ended in 1998.

The McLaren F1 was the fastest production car ever built (having achieved a top speed of 240.14 mph, 386.5 km/h) until surpassed in 2005 by the Koenigsegg CCR, and then the Bugatti Veyron a few months later.

The car remains as one of the most popular modern supercars, and is quickly securing a spot among the most famous cars ever made.

Performance

The car may have been relatively small, but its performance was not. With a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds and an official top speed of 240.14 mph (386.4 km/h), although with the rev limiter removed, the F1 remains one of the fastest "production" cars ever made.

While most car manufacturers rate their cars in terms of raw engine power, in terms of overall performance (acceleration, braking, grip and handling) a car's weight is a more important factor. The power:weight ratio is a better way to quantify performance than the power of the engine.

By this measure, the F1 was one of the most powerful production cars ever made. The F1 achieves 550 hp/ton, or just 4 lb/hp, while the Enzo (even with its significantly higher raw output) lags behind the F1 at 481.75 hp/ton (4.6 lb/hp) due to its greater weight. McLaren F1

* 0-60 mph 3.1 s

* 0-100 mph 6.3 s

* 0-150 mph 12.8 s

* 0-200 mph 28.0 s

The Mclaren F1 has a top speed of 231 mph, restricted by the rev limiter at 7500 rpm. The true top speed of the Mclaren F1 was reached on the 31st of March, 1998 by the five-year-old XP5 prototype. Andy Wallace piloted it down the 9 km straight at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track in Wolfsburg, Germany, setting a new world record of 391.1 km/h (240.1 mph) at 7800 rpm.

As Mario Andretti noted in a comparison test, the F1 is fully capable of pulling a seventh gear, thus with a higher gear ratio or a seventh gear the Mclaren F1 would probably be able to reach an even greater top speed (something which can also be observed by noticing that the top speed was reached at 7800 RPM while the peak power is reached at 7400 RPM).

McLaren F1 Video

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