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Ferrari Enzo

2007-09-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Enzo is an ultra-exotic supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. Capable of 225 mph, the Ferrari Enzo makes uses of a 6.0-liter V12 producing 651 hp at 7800 rpm. 0-60 mph takes just 3.3 seconds.Originally priced at just under $650,000, Enzos typically go for close to $1,000,000. A total of 400 units were produced, between 2003 and 2004. The Ferrari FXX was built as a successor to the Enzo, though it is not intended for road use. The Enzo follows a long line of extreme-performance supercars from Ferrari. It followed the F50 of the 1990s, and F40 of the 1980s. The Enzo is sometimes referred to as F60, but this is inaccurate.

2007 Ferrari F430 Coupe and Spider

2007-09-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

The F430 Ferrari's entry-level V8 sports car designed as a successor to the popular Ferrari 360, which in turn replaced the F355. It delivers a whopping 483 hp at 8500 rpm, in both coupe (Berlinetta) and roadster (Spider) form.The F430 has won much praise in the automotive press for its performance, handling, and overall quality. Some testers have managed a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, making the F430 Ferrari's third quickest model ever, behind the Enzo/FXX and 599 Fiorano.

2008 BMW 6-series (650i) Coupe, Convertible Launched

2007-09-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

For the 2008 model year, BMW has made a number of changes to its 6-Series coupe in the form of a mid-cycle facelift. Engine choices remain the same, with the 360 horsepower BMW 650i being the only model offered in the United States. The 650i comes in both convertible and coupe guise. The updated grand tourer now features active headrests, which provide protection against whiplash. BMW has also added LED front turn signals and replaced all taillights and tail turn signals with LED units. As is typical for a mid-cycle update, the 2008 model has updated rear and front aprons. On both the Coupe and Convertible, the additional brake light is now integrated in the spoiler lip. A variety of new wheels designs and interior colors/materials are available.

2007 BMW X5

2007-09-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

BMW today official unveiled the 2007 BMW X5. Power comes from either a 4.8-liter V8 capable of 350 horsepower or a 3.0-liter inline-six with 260 horsepower. The new BMW X5 is 7.4 inches longer than its predecessor, with much of that increased sizing benefiting cabin space. The new BMW X5 boasts a double wishbone front suspension, which is noteworthy for this type of vehicle. This optimizes tire contact on the road and makes the new X5 capable of reaching impressively high cornering forces. The IV rear suspension also helps to give the new BMW X5 strong potential on the road. The new rack-and-pinion steering with a variable transmission ratio geared to the steering angle allows the truck to meet a variety of driving conditions. The new X5 is also offered with the option of BMW's speed-senstiive Active Steering — a technology available on many BMW sedans and coupes, but never before offered on an SUV. An updated xDrive system provides full-time all-wheel-drive with a 60/40 rear/front split. Runflat tires are now standard. Gallery and more details after the jump…

2007 BMW 7-series Exclusive Edition

2007-09-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

About a year after the introduction of the facelifted BMW 7-Series, the German automaker has announced four special edition models with exclusive paint, upholstery, and wheel combinations. The special editions have a new 19" light alloy wheels with the "star spoke 231" design. Two exterior colors and two interior colors will be offered. The four editions will go on sale in Germany this fall. So far, there has been no word on U.S. availability.

2007 BMW M6 Convertible

2007-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

The BMW M6 Convertible is a unique performer featuring the internationally acclaimed engine of the year – the 5.0-litre V10 from the M6 Coupe – which produces an awesome 373 kW (507 bhp) and maximum torque of 520 Nm. With a suspension developed for supreme dynamics and a Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) complete with Drivelogic, this ultimate power unit turns the latest product from BMW M into an open sports car able to accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

BMW "Clever" Concept

2007-09-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

For the last few years, BMW and University of Bath have been hard at work on the BMW CLEVERCONCEPT— acompact fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving. Somewhat overshadowed this week by the launch of the 2007 3-Series Coupe, BMW on Friday released the first images of the completed CLEVER. As the name — Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport — suggests, the aim of the project was to create a vehicle that was practical, safe, and environmentally-friendly. Unlike the Volkswagen GX3 Concept — with one rear wheel and two front wheels — the CLEVER has two rear wheels and one front. If it ever makes it to production, the vehicle is expected to cost around $10,000 and would have a top speed of 50 mph. One fascinating aspect of the vehicle is its unique tilting design for stable, motorcycle-like cornering. See a full photo gallery, more details, and some crash test videos after the jump… Updated: New video added of another similar concept…

2007 BMW 335i, 328 3-Seies Coupe

2007-09-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

BMW has officially unveiled the new 2007 BMW 335i and 328i coupes, which arrive in U.S. showrooms this September. The 335 has a new 300 horsepower inline six-cylinder with twin-turbochargers, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase, pushing the car to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The 335i Coupe will be joined in the U.S. by the 230 horsepower 328i Coupe, which hits 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. In addition to the standard six-speed manual, both models will be offered with an available six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 2007 3-Series coupe also includes the option of xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time ever in a BMW coupe. It will be available this fall in the 328xi Coupe. Adaptive Xenon headlights and Horizontal LED taillights are standard equipment. Details and image gallery after the jump… 

BMW Z4 M Coupe

2007-09-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

BMW has released photos of the production version of the Z4 Coupe and BMW Z4 M Coupe, which were first previewed with the Z4 Coupe Concept last year. BMW will offer the car with a 255 horsepower 6-cylinder engine, as well as a 343 horsepower engine from the E56 M3 in the "M" model. Earlier this month, BMW announced that its Z4 M Roadster would start at $51,995. Pricing has not been announced for any Z4 Coupe variant so far. See all the new photos after the jump…

Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate Edition

2007-09-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin has announced two developments for both new and existing customers of the company's flagship Vanquish S. The first is a Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate Edition that will be limited to just 40 units. The second is a transmission conversion kit to give owners a conventional stick-shift. The Ultimate Edition centers on changes to the Vanquish S’s color and trim. On the exterior, these changes include a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ – a new color that will only be available with this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings. Each car will also be fitted with personalised sill plaques denoting the limited edition number. The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition retains all performance capabilities of the standard Vanquish S – and accordingly its position as the fastest ever production Aston Martin, capable of a top speed in excess of 200mph (321km/h). No additional charge will be made for the Ultimate Edition, available only with the 2+2 seating arrangement.

For existing Vanquish customers, Aston Martin’s world renowned Works Service department will offer a new transmission conversion for owners of the company’s flagship model.

Existing Vanquish owners will now be able to order a transmission conversion from the car’s existing Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system, to a conventional stick-shift manual. Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has been equipped with fingertip controlled, Formula 1-style paddles. Switching an existing car from the F1 system to a regular manual will cost £13,250.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

2007-09-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin launched its new V8 Vantage Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience."The Vantage Roadster adds to the unbeatable thrill of open air motoring and by combining engineering excellence, technological innovation and physical perfection, will ensure every journey is one to remember," he said.The 380 horsepower car will reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Its roof deploys or retracts in just 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30 mph. Gallery after the jump…

2009 Aston Martin Rapide Concept

2007-09-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a four-door high-performance coupe similar to the Mercedes CLS, albeit with an even more premium clientele in mind.Based on Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide was designed from day one with production in mind. In early 2007, Aston Martin's new owners have confirmed plans to produce the Rapide. CEO Ulrich Bez said the car will add another 1000 to 2000 units to last year's record output of 7000. When it comes to market, the Rapide — something of a four-door DB9 — will rival the Porsche Panamera. It is roughly the size of a Mercedes S-Class, but considerably more sleek.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

2007-09-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Introduced in 2001, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish quickly rose to fame with its role as the official James Bond car in "Die Another Day," the twentieth 007 film. It was succeeded by the Vanquish S model, which debuted in fall 2004. With a maximum speed in excess of 200mph (320 km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing 520 horsepower, the Vanquish S is the fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin. “The Vanquish S V12 is a combination of state-of-the-art aerospace technology and hand craftsmanship,” said CEO Ulrich Bez. “It is the flagship model of a confident and growing company that is proud to display its heritage but is also determined to make the most technologically modern and inspirational sports cars in the world.” The car has remained atop Aston's lineup as the company's flagship model for several years, but will be discontinued after the 2007 model year in favor of the V12 DBS. While the DBS is not a direct replacement to the Vanquish S, it will hold this role until the Vanquish's true successor arrives around the end of the decade.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante

2007-09-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin launched its DB9 Volante — a convertible version of the DB9 grand tourer — at the 2004 Detroit Motor Show. It was the sixth new car from the company in less than two and a half years.Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: "From the outset of the DB9 program we knew we wanted a convertible model. So the Volante has been designed, engineered and built from the outset as a convertible - it's not a Coupe with just the top taken off.""The DB9 Volante has all of the traditional styling cues you'd expect from a convertible Aston Martin. It's very elegant and perfectly proportioned from every angle, while subtle embellishments help create a powerful-looking sports car.""I wanted to ensure that the DB9 Volante was unmistakably an Aston Martin, but it had to retain all of the values of a convertible. Even with the hood raised it had to look beautiful," said designer Henrik Fisker.Like the DB9 Coupe, power for the Volante is supplied by Aston Martin's low emissions, all-alloy, 48-valve, 5.9-liter, V12 engine. Like the DB9 Coupe it is offered with a six-speed automatic or a six-speed automated manual transmission.

Aston Martin DB9

2007-09-20T15:30:00.001-07:00

Aston Martin DB9,Launched in 2004, the DB9 is Aston Martin's most recognized model. A four-seat grand tourer, the DB9 is priced against the Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 Turbo. Compared to its rivals, the DB9 is more luxurious, but still reasonably sporty. The DB9 features a 5.9 liter V12 engine producing 450 horsepower. It can be ordered with a six-speed automatic or a six-speed automated manual with a computer controlled clutch. The DB9's bumpers are invisible. The front number plate is part of the crash structure and computer modelling has enabled Aston Martin to use invisible 'hard pressure zones' to cope with bumps.The side strakes - an Aston Martin DB signature - are made from metal. The door handles are flush with the body opening the unique 'swan wing' doors, which rise at a 12-degree angle for improved access. There are no visible gutters on the roof panel, and no visible drain channels at the front or rear windscreens. Nor are there any plastic 'dressing' plates. The DB9 is the first car to be produced at Aston's modern facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire. It is also the first car to use the company's VH [Vertical Horizontal] architecture.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

2007-09-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Affectionately described as the "baby Aston," the V8 Vantage coupe is Aston Martin's cheapest, smallest, and highest volume model currently on the market. It is positioned in price against the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Audi R8, Mercedes SL550, and BMW M6, but in reality is different from all those vehicles. It's lighter and more nimble than the M6 or SL, but more of a grand tourer than the hardcore R8 or 911. The Vantage comes with a 4.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 380 horsepower. The powerplant propels the 3595 pound sports car to 60 mph in no more than 4.9 seconds. A top speed of 175 mph is possible, and good handling on the track is ensured by a 49/51 front/rear weight distribution. Selling at a MSRP of $110,000, Aston Martin is expected to move around 3,000 V8 Vantages per year.