Koenigsegg Trevita CCXR

Has the mighty Bugatti Veyron finally been defeated? The new Koenigsegg Trevita CCXR may be able to do it.

Hardware:

This car means business. It packs some serious hardware. The engine is a 4.8 liter twin-supercharged V8 engine. Running on biofuel, the car produces 1018 horsepower and 782 fr-lb of torque. 1018 horsepower, that's insane! The power is routed through a six speed sequential manual transmission to the rear wheels. Shaving all of that speed off are the massive ceramic rotors with Ap Racing calipers.

Weight: What makes this car so special, when compared to the Veyron, is its weight. Through the extensive use of carbon-fiber in the chassis, Koenigsegg has been able to save valuable pounds from the car. The car is so light, in fact, that the automaker claims that is half the weight of the Bugatti. With fast cars, one of the most important factors in performance is power to weight ratio. The koenigsegg schools the Bugatti in the weight department.

So what does this all mean? Despite the advantageous power to weight ratio, the Koenigsegg is actually slower from a standstill to 62 mph at 2.9 seconds, where the Bugatti only takes 2.5. The Trevita hits 124 in 8.75 seconds. Off the line the Koenigsegg is slower. This may be because the power is sent to the rear wheels and traction may be an issue.

No formal top speed test has been run, but this car should give the Bugattis 253 mph record a run for its money. Only three of these amazing Koenigseggs will be built, so don't plan on seeing one in your neighbor's driveway.

Below is a very informative video of Jay Leno going through every last detail of the car:

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Pure Beauri: Maserati GranTurismo

They say that a car is really beautiful if you don't mind washing it. Earlier tonight, I got a chance to drive and wash the Maserati GranTurismo.

First of all, I have to say that this is one of the most beautiful and well-proportioned car on the market today. The car shows both masculine and feminine traits: the front is mean and aggressive, while the rear is curvaceous and soft. 

These pictures do not give away the actual size of the car. In person, the car is much more massive and has much more presence. Sitting behind the wheel, it is tough to judge where the front of the car is because of the wide, never ending hood. What you do see, though are the very sharp bulges on either side of the car, over the front wheels that remind you that you are driving a thorough-bred, Italian grand touring car, not a large saloon. 

Inside, you get the typical Italian treatment: leather everywhere. The seats, doors, dashboard, center console, and steering wheel are all fashioned out of hand-stitched leather. I am a fan of the analog clock, a Maserati, (above the upper trim strip on the dash). Sitting in the very supportive sports seats, you are truly coddled in luxury. Looking at the gauges, you see sporty blue dials on either side of an informative color screen. The best part is the smell. Take in a deep breath, and the sweet aroma of a new baseball glove fills your nostrils. 

Being a grand tourer, this car needs to have the technological amenities to help the driver survive long distances. First of all, the seats are comfortable. Not only will they prop you up in the corners, but they are also soft and relaxing to sit in. Taking up a large part of the center console is the navigation and entertainment screen. Unlike most of todays systems, it is not operated by a controller right near the armrest. The system is a little outdated and is controlled by two dials under the screen. The cool feature is that it has a 20 GB harddrive built in so that you can store your favorite tunes. 

The Best of Both Worlds:

This car really is the best of both worlds. It is comfortable, thanks mainly to its seats and automatic gearbox. Unlike the clunky automated sequential manual gearboxes mainly found on cars like this, the GranTurismo has a ZF sourced six speed automatic that is smooth and quick shifting. 

Don't forget this still is an Italian sports car at heart. Fire up the engine and you hear the sonorous growl of the 4.2 liter v8 engine. This car talks a big game, but with 407 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, it has the performance to back it up, too. The three spoke, leather steering wheel is sporty and features large, aluminum column mounted paddle shifters. When you want to have some fun flip the gear lever over to the left and control the shifts by pulling on the right paddle to upshift and on the left for a nicely rev-matched downshift. 

This car is beautiful, sexy, and powerful. If you are fortunate enough to steal a slightly used model, (which is probably easy, sadly, since the dealers can't give these cars away), it will be well worth the money. I could have spent all night washing this car.

Best Thrills for 25 K

2006-2008 Maxda Rx-8 

It would be nice to have a little more power from the 258 hp and 159 lb-ft of torque produced by the 1.3 liter rotary engine, but this car is still a blast. On the track, the car's well-weighted steering, crisp 6 speed manual transmission, slotted brake rotors, and well balanced chassis make it a dream to drive. On the road, the car is disguised as a hungry track car by its compliant and suspension, making it a sensible every day car. Oh, and I also should add that it has two rear seats for the kids. "zoom zoom."

2009 Nissan 370-Z

This car is the first full revision of the 350 Z that was introduced in 2003. Let me tell you, I never thought the 350 could have been improved, but my dream has come true. The 3.7 liter engine has more than enough power (332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque) to propel the car from a standstill to 60 mph in 5 seconds, but like the Mazda, the engine is not the car's shining point. The sports suspension, steering, and brakes are all top notch, meaning this car will destroy any track. I also shouldn't forget about the 6 speed manual. With the optional sports level trim, the manual transmission has a feature called the "synchro-rev match." This feature takes out the need for heel-toe shifting as it automatically matches revs on downshifts. Purists hate this feature, but it performs accurate downshifts 100 percent of the time-something that not even the most accomplished racer can do. I'm cheating a little here, because this car comes in at around 30 K, but with the ability to outperform a Porsche Cayman that is twice as expensive, this car is a bargain. It may not be the most forgiving to live with everyday, but I assure you, everyday will be a blast. 

1999-2005(6) BMW M3

Let me start off and say that this is my favorite used car on the market. Not only is this one of the most beautiful cars BMW has ever made, but with 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, this car boasts performance numbers that more contemporary sports cars even have trouble keeping up with---This car is just so much more than the numbers. This car offers a feel and predictability that is unsurpassed by any other car. Sitting in the simple but stylish interior and holding the thick, leather M steering wheel, you feel as if you are one with the car. The car goes where and when you want it to go, where with other cars, you feel as if your input is first processed by hundreds of computers before a calculated output is achieved. The 99-02 models can be had at a great bargain for under $20K, but I would go for a more expensive, low mileage 05 model. Either way you go, this is a LEGENDARY car without a legendary price tag. The M3 is the "ultimate driving machine."

2003-2004 Audi S4

In my mind, this car is quite inferior to the M3 mentioned above. What this car lacks in performance and feel to the M3, it gains in practicality. This sedan is much easier to live with every day than the harsh, loud M3. Don't take this car lightly, though. Under the hood this car as a 4.2 liter v8 (two more cylinders than the m3-more is better) that puts out 339 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system keeps this power under control and gives the driver confidence to attack any corner with speed. I love Audi's subdued styling, too. Despite some badging, tweaks to the bumpers and sideskirts, small rear deck spoiler, and the brushed aluminum side mirror housings, this car does not show off its performance capabilities. It is the sports car for the more mature driver. It is a wolf in sheep's clothing and should not be taken lightly. 

Conclusion:

I am in love with all of these cars, but the M3 has a special place in my heart. For the money, it offers so much in terms of performance and intuitive handling characteristics. It not the fastest, best handling car on the road now, since its competitors have improved over time, but it embodies automotive passion. The car just feels right. This feeling is the holy grail of the sports car industry. There is no formula for it, and it is virtually impossible to achieve. With the e46 (1999-2006) m3, BMW has achieved the impossible. 

Please comment if you wish to add any more cars to the list. 

Test Drive: Audi S5

It was my first time ever driving an Audi, and I was in the V8 Powered S5.

The sun gently warmed my neck as I trekked across the parking lot filled with various Audi models. I finally found the line of S5s parked in the back corner of the lot. The one I was going to drive was the black one on the end.

This was not just any black paint. This car was covered with the optional Black Sapphire Mettalic paint; a conventional jet black with mettalic chips in it, and my favorite color on the s5 model. This car is really one of the best looking coupes on the road.

Exterior Styling:

The more sculpted front and rear bumpers are unique to the s5 and add sportiness over the standard models. I like the subtle s5 and v8 badging on the front, rear, and sides. The car is also set off by its quad tailpipes and upgraded 19-inch alloy wheels. The ten spokes are stylishly arranged in pairs and leave a lot of empty space as if they are boasting about the large, cross

drilled and vented rotors clamped by the large calipers with an s5 logo on them. My favorite final touches are the brushed aluminum side mirror housings. What makes this car so great is how the styling is so subtly aggressive. This is a true gentleman's car.

Interior:

The same beautiful, classy styling is continued in the interior. Soft, nappa leather covers the Recaro sport seats, door panels, and lower dash. A long line sweeps over the insturment cluster and navigation screen and runs do

wn the center console, adding to the sensuality of the experience once inside the car. Piano black and brushed aluminum trim keep the interior looking sporty.

Audi's MMI system controlled by a large knob on the console is fairly easy to use and takes away the need for a clutter of buttons around the dash. A cool feature is that you can store music from a cd or smartphone in the built in hard drive. The build quality is just amazing for a car of this price. I could have sat in the car all day and been perfectly content, but now I had to take it for a drive.

The Drive:

I held down the silver start button on the center console and in a choreographed move, the needles shot up against their grey background and the engine roared to life.

Cruising around at low speeds, this car is extremely smooth and comfortable. The suspension is firm and soaks up any road imperfections without being harsh on your body. If you decide to turn down the fantastic Bang & Olufsen sound system all you can hear is the deep burble of the exhaust.

I slowly made my way to the highway. I could now open it up. I slipped the gear lever to the left, putting the car into manual sport mode. Controlling shifts with aluminum paddles on the back of the wheel, I dropped the car down into second at about 40 miles per hour. I entered the perfectly cambered on ramp and pinned it, coming up to 60 miles per hour. I could hear the tires squeal as they gripped the road. I could now appreciate the very supportive Recaro seats, and the sport suspension which showed relatively little body roll.

Off the gas as i came into the straight and then i nailed it, letting all 354 ponies and 325 lb-ft of torque of the 4.2 liter v8 loose. I looked down at the tach, I was suddenly at the 7K rpm redline. I pulled the right paddle and the dual clutch transmission ripped of a lightning quick shift to third gear.

In 4th gear at 80 mph, I approached the offramp. I broke firmly and pulled off a double downshift into second, the transmission matching the revs perfectly. The strong brakes and really firm pedal can give any driver confidence.

Sadly, after a couple more runs, it was time to turn the car in. The Audi S5 is really an amazing all around car, and at a price of $55 K, it is a relative bargain for a car of that quality and performance.

Summer Lovin' 2011 Audi R8 Spyder

Audi drops the top on its flagship R8 sports car and sets its sights on the Italian competition. This new iteration of the lamborghini derived mid-engine coupe promises success.

Powertrain and Performance:

The R8 convertible ("Spyder") shares the same powertrain with the R8 V10 Coupe. Under the hood is a 5.2 liter direct-injection V10 that is good for 525 horsepower and 391 lb

-ft of torque. This monstrous engine propels the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds, only .2 seconds slower than the coupe. 

The standard transmission option is Audi's six-speed manual with a gated shifter. Optional is the six-speed R-Tronic sequential manual transmission. This transmission is a manual transmission but with an automated clutch. All the driver has to do is pull a paddle on the steering wheel to switch gears. This transmission does not offer the rewards of a traditional manual, but it rips off shifts far quicker than even the most accomplished race driver could.

 

Handling and Engineering:

In creating the convertible, Audi engineers worked hard to save weight throughout. The Spyder only weighs 194 pounds more than the 3,597-pound coupe. The aluminum spaceframe, beefed up for extra stiffness only weighs 13.2 pounds more than the coupe's. The fabric roof and opening mechanism only weighs 93 pounds. Light aluminum is used for the hood and door panels, and a carbon-fiber compound is used for the quarter-panels and the rear-decklid. A dry-sump lubrication system allows the engine to be mounted low in the chassis. 

All of these bits combined, this Spyder version promises to be as competent on the road as its coupe sibling. The car is extremely well balanced, and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system secures every last inch of grip on the road, allowing for more confident driving. On normal roads, no unwanted chassis flex, vibration, or cowl shake is detected. Even though the top is off, don't expect this car to be any less ferocious on the road.

Styling and Interior:

Engineering is important, but personality isn't everything. This audi backs up its serious performance with some great looks. "We didn't want to make the convertible look the same as the coupe," said Jurgen Wacker, the Spyder's project manager. First of all, and sadly, the Spyder lacks the gl

ass engine cover of the coupe. It is a little disappointing not to be able to show off the heart of the beast. Props to the designers, though for cleaning up the engine cover with some stylish vents. The car also lacks the characteristic R8 sideblades of the coupe. Some may find the clean flowing, sidebladeless look of the Spyder a little more easy on the eye, but I think it removes some character from the car.

The interior is still beautiful and very well appointed. Soft, hand stitched leather covers

 the sport seats and dash. Carbon fiber and brushed aluminum trim adorn the cabin and add to its sporty, focused look. Full iPod integration and a Bang&Olufsen sound system are standard. The real music comes from the massive V10, and the sound is only enhanced with the top down. 

The Verdict:

This R8 not only offers the pleasure of open-air driving, but also retains the serious sportiness of its coupe sibling. This car can seriously compete with its italian rivals from Lamboghini and Ferarri, as well as the Porsche Turbo's. At a price of $165,000, this car isn't cheap. It surpasses the coupe's price by about 20 grand, but it still undercuts its rivals by that same amount. Price, luxury, and exclusiveness combine to create a powerful combination.

Photo Credit: www.netcarshow.com

First Look: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

Literally meaning "super light," the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is a stripped down version of the already potent Gallardo LP560. 

"Super Light": Lamborghinis are known for their raw power and sheer speed; the existing Gallardo LP-560 is no slouch. The engineers at Lamborghini do not stop at greatness. They decided to renew the Superleggera model to make the existing Gallardo even more potent.

Through a plethora of modifications to the body, the engineers were able to strip 154 pounds form the standard Gallardo's body. The exterior mirrors, the new rear diffuser and side sills, the wing, the engine compartment lid and parts of the underbody are all carbon fiber, as are the interior door panels, the transmission tunnel, the shifter surrounds, and the seat shells. A lightweight polycarbonate is used instead of glass for the windows. Another 28.6 pounds were shaven off by the use of lightweight forged-aluminum wheels. All of this added together, the Superleggera's dry curb weight is 2954 pounds, making it the lightest Lamborghini available.

Engine and Transmission: Of course, the engineers could not stop with a only a lighter version of the standard car. By reconstructing the engine computer, they were able to squeeze an extra 10 horsepower out of the 5.2 liter V10, hence the 570 moniker. The engine produces 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed automated manual "E-Gear" transmission. WIth this gearbox, the driver can rip off crisp and harsh upshifts with the right paddle on the steering wheel or get a perfectly matched downshift with the left. A traditional six speed manual is available at no extra charge. 

Performance and Handling: With the extra power and less weight, the new Superleggera will explode from 0-62 mph in a conservative estimate of 3.5 seconds. The car will take about 10.2 seconds to reach 124 mph as it continues on its way to a 202 mph top speed. To top it off, this new model lowers its C02 emissions by 20.5 percent and improves 

its fuel economy by 2 mpg over the standard model. 

Keeping all of the power under control is the all-wheel-drive system that sends 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels. The carbon fiber goodies on the exterior not only add to the car's style, but are functional as well. A carbon fiber-sculpted front bumper along with a cf rear diffuser and rear wing give the car more downforce at higher speeds, keeping it planted on the road. Wrapping the 19 inch forged wheels are exclusive Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. With this combination of power and handling, the Superleggera will eat up the track. 

Interior/Options: Looking inside the car, it is obvious that the Superleggera is a serious racer. A cover on the dash replaces what was the navigation unit. The sporty leather seats in the standard model are replaced with low-slung carbon fiber racing buckets. The door panels are finished fully in carbon fiber. To top it off, the seats, steering wheel, dash, and roof are lined with the suede-like material, alcantara, giving the interior a sporty look.

The Superleggera can be as hard core or as drivable (to an extent) as the owner desires. For the intense racer, massive 15 inch front and 14 inch rear carbon-ceramic break disks can be ordered, providing fade-free stopping power. Also optional are a four-point harness, steel roll cage, fire extinguisher, and large rear wing.

At the other end of the spectrum, the car does have some standard creature comforts such as air conditioning and power windows. A navigation system can also be ordered, but if luxury is your desire, the Superleggera will not fill your needs.

Why the Superleggera?

This new Gallardo offers such an awesome combination of power and handling. It can tear up the track in the morning and be driven home in the afternoon. With a rock-solid ride, this car is much more oriented towards the track than public roads. With a base price of $237,600, this is not a cheap car. With options, expect that price to be substantially higher. But can you put a price on driving bliss? Ferrari 458, watch out!

Photo Credits: www.dupontregistry.com/autos