2013 Porsche Cayman

2013 Porsche Cayman | THE BEST CARS

They're driving launch versions of the new Porsche Cayman away for the evening check as I'm writing this. German engineers in cars they drive every single day. You'd think they'd be plonking along searching the wavebands for a crucial Bundesliga match commentary. But no, engines are crisply revving through the still air, gear levers snapping between cogs and headlamps spearing round the open corners – they're having fun! That doesn't happen every day.

The Germans call the Cayman the poor-man's Porsche, and in most markets it is Porsche's lowest volume car, but there's no denying its capabilities or enjoyment factor. It's hard to believe this is the third version. The first was launched in 2005 and was thought of as a Boxster with a roof. It's been built by Valmet in Finland, Porsche in Zuffenhausen and was going to be built by Magna Steyr in Austria before VW bought Porsche, and now it will be built at the Karmann plant in Osnabrück, Germany.

This redesign is to put the Porsche Cayman on the new, lightweight architecture underpinning last year's new Boxster and the latest 911, which came out in 2011. At 14ft 4.4in, it is 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor, the wheelbase is stretched by 2.36in and the roof is 0.4in lower. Front track is increased by 1.4in for the Cayman and 1.57in for the S, with the rear wheels pulled out by 0.08 and 0.4in respectively. The old model was quite a looker, but this is better balanced visually. There's one angle which screams TVR Sagaris, but on the whole it's a grand-looking sports coupé and, to the uninitiated, almost indistinguishable to a 911.

The new chassis is clever stuff, being much stronger and 66lb lighter. Made of high-strength and mild steels, with aluminium floors, doors, bonnet and tailgate, it is more than twice as torsionally stiff as the Boxster, which provides a better basis for good handling and body control. An electronic upgrade also means more equipment such as electronically-assisted steering and options such as adaptive cruise control, which maintains the distance from the vehicle in front, a Burmester sound system and keyless entry.
The flat-six, quad-cam engines are largely the same as before, although the 271bhp, 2.7-litre version has a slightly lower displacement but more power. The 321bhp, 3.4-litre of the Cayman S keeps the same capacity. Transmissions are a six-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK twin-clutch unit, which costs another £1,922 and weighs an additional 66lb.

Prices start at £39,694 for the 2.7 Cayman, rising to £48,783 for the 3.4 Cayman S. A Sport Chrono package with active transmission mountings costs £1,084, torque vectoring £890, sports exhaust £1,473 and leather upholstery £2,092 for the Cayman, £1,347 for the S. As you can see, it's not too hard to see the contents of your wallet disappearing at a Porsche dealership, where a poor-man's Porsche is anything but.

Comparing PDK Chrono Sport 2.7- and 3.4-litre models, with the larger engine in brackets, the top speed is 164mph (174mph), 0-60mph is 5.1sec (4.4sec), Combined fuel consumption is 36.7mpg (35.3mpg) and CO² emissions are Band I 180g/km (Band J 188g/km).

THE FACTS: Porsche Cayman

TESTED: 2,706cc, flat-six cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission (optional seven-speed PDK), rear-wheel drive

PRICE/ON SALE: Range from £39,694 to £48,783/now for March delivery

POWER/TORQUE: 271bhp @ 7,400rpm/214lb ft @ 4,500rpm

TOP SPEED: 165mph

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 5.4sec

FUEL ECONOMY: 24.8mpg/34.5mpg (EU Urban/Combined)

CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km

VED BAND:J (£460 first year, £260 thereafter)

VERDICT: It's hard to find much to fault here. A tiny bit of steering feel lost? An electronic handbrake gained? Poor man's Porsche it might be, but the Cayman is also a stunningly good sports coupé and a great drive

Lamborghini Veneno

Lamborghini Veneno | THE BEST CARS

This car is part of the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lamborghini. Veneno still owns more angular design lines of its common Italian supercar, but details were calculated very carefully to ensure the most impressive performance car.
Among the supercars that Lamborghini has ever produced, Veneno is the largest car ownership power. Provide power to the car is the 6.5 liter V12 engine block, providing a capacity of 750 hp, which helps the car can accelerate from 0-100 km / h in 2.8 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 355 km / h.

Lamborghini says only 3 Veneno supercar manufacturer plans to sell up to 3.9 million dollars.

AMAZING CAR

AMAZING CAR | THE BEST CARS

Fastest Amazing Car

Although they are amazing cars built for speed, the Bugatti Veyrons are NOT the fastest cars out there. That accolade rests with the SSC Ultimate Aero. With a top speed of 257 miles per hour this car edges out the Veyron by 4 miles per hour. At "just" half the cost of the Veyron this auto mobile could be yours for "only" $650,000

FERRARI 458 ITALIA 2013

FERRARI 458 ITALIA 2013

With head-turning styling, neck-snapping acceleration and that indescribable but incredibly potent Ferrari allure, the 458 Italia supercar (along with its open-air 458 Spider counterpart) is one of the most desirable rides on the market. It is the latest in a long line of mid-engined, high-performance machines from Italian automaker that started with the legendary Dino.

Displayed underneath a glass window like the piece of art that it is, the 458 Italia's heart is a direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 cranks out 562 horsepower at 9,000 rpm (125 horsepower per liter, a record for naturally-aspirated piston engines). Torque is rated at 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm, 80 percent of which is available from 3,250 rpm.

All of that power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual gearbox that manages to be both smooth and incredibly quick - shifts are achieved in four-tenths of a second.

Performance is impressive, with the zero-to-60 mph sprint dispatched in just 3.3 seconds on the way to a 201-mph top speed. Even more note-worthy is the Ferrari's handling - the car feels like it's hard-wired to the driver's synapses, responding to control inputs with lightning alacrity yet remaining extremely forgiving (assuming the stability control isn't shut off) for less advanced pilots.

Helping to make the 458 Italia's sublime driving dynamics possible is a rigid, lightweight aluminum chassis that features advanced alloys and aerospace industry manufacturing and bonding techniques. The suspension is composed of a twin wishbone/multi-link setup, and an electronic rear differential helps apportion power so as to make the best of use of available traction. Standard carbon fiber brakes are extremely fade-resistant and effective at bringing the 458 Italia down from extra-legal speeds.

Inside, the cabin is a postmodern collection of abstract shapes and flowing lines. The look isn't for everyone, but materials and craftsmanship are first-rate. In order to free up real estate for the large paddle shifters, Ferrari has done away with steering wheel-mounted stalks and relocated a host of secondary controls to the steering wheel. This quirky setup is a bit of an acquired taste. Other ergonomic elements of the 458 are also a bit off-beat, such as a instrument cluster that displays the navigation system or the speedometer - but not both at the same time.

Thankfully, important details like the driving position and pedal placement are superb, and the manettino - a steering wheel-mounted dial that controls traction, stability control and differential settings - is simple and prominently placed.

Should buyers want to personalize their 458, Ferrari offers an extremely wide range of options ranging from different leather upholsteries to carbon fiber trim to faux-suede touches.

To riff off a line from Ferris Bueller - if you have the means, we highly recommend picking a 458 Italia up.

Key Competitors
Though some will only be satisfied with a sports car wearing the legendary prancing horse badge, it nonetheless bears noting that the 458 Italia can be cross-shopped against the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the Porsche 911 Carrera GT2 RS and the McLaren MP4-12C

LEXUS IS F F8 INTERNATIONAL

LEXUS IS F F8 INTERNATIONAL

LEXUS RACES INTO 2013 WITH V8 'SUPERCAR' 
A purpose-built Lexus race car will share the limelight with some of the world's leading tennis players at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament next month. 

The highly modified touring car is based on Lexus' IS F performance sedan, and is one of three built for the Italian-based Superstars International Series by Mauer Racing in Switzerland. 

All three cars have been purchased by Lexus of Brisbane, which intends to use the vehicles for demonstration events, customer experience days and, potentially, racing. 

Powered by the same TRD-developed 4.7-litre V8 engines that powered several Daytona prototype race cars to victory in the United States, the IS F V8 racers develop close to 600hp. 

Several other race specific features are fitted to the racers include Motec engine management systems, ZF Sachs dampers, H&R springs, AP racing clutches and AP airjacks. 

Lexus of Brisbane dealer principal Andrew Scifleet said that the purchase of the race vehicles was born from a discussion with a customer. 

"We'd just taken our LFA customer to the Nurburgring in Germany and he was all excited about Lexus going racing - a week or so later he found these IS F racers for sale in Europe," said Mr Scifleet. 

"Simultaneously, Lexus of Brisbane's chief technician was on holiday, so with an extra flight booked, he inspected the vehicles and the deal was done. 

"Our intention is to use the vehicles for customer experience days and promotional events. We are also in discussion about potential racing use." 

Lexus corporate manager for marketing and communications Peter Evans said that the IS F racer will serve to highlight the Lexus F Sport vehicle portfolio. 

"In conjunction with Lexus of Brisbane, we plan to showcase the IS F racers at numerous public events throughout 2013 to highlight our F Sport range," said Mr Evans. 

The Superstars International Series features high-powered V8-engined touring cars from a variety of marques including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Jaguar, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Holden (in the guise of a Chevrolet Lumina). 

Tech Specs: 

Vehicle: 2012 - Wide body, caged monocoque Lexus IS, weighing 1290kg 
Engine: TRD 4.7L V8 developing approximately 600hp 
Transmission: Six-speed Hewland, rear mounted transmission 
Wheels: BBS 11x18" centre lock front, 12.5x18" centre-lock rear 
Tyres: 295x30" 18" Front, 335x30" 18" rear

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE S

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE S

THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL 4-DOOR
SPORTS CAR 

Designing a more luxurious and more refined Rapide would have been a phenomenal achievement. Engineering a more powerful Rapide would have seen us take our industry leading technology to new heights. But we didn’t settle on one, we did something incredible, we did both.

The result is an Aston Martin with more power and more luxury. An Aston Martin with the power of luxury, Rapide S.

AN ASSERTIVE NEW LOOK

How to improve the design of the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car? Our world-leading design team created unique new styling. Two examples; a new rear deck profile enhances aerodynamics, a new full-face aluminium grille honed as a single piece by hand creates a striking front profile.

The all-new Rapide S is the most beautiful four-door Aston Martin we've ever made.

JAGUAR XFR S 2014

Jaguar certainly knew what it was doing when it presented the XKR-S at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, as it has stolen the hearts of many car enthusiasts and also proven to everyone that Jag is still capable of developing amazing sports cars. As everyone expected, this was just the beginning of a new series of high-performance sports car. This was confirmed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, as that R-S lineup has been expanded with the incredible XFR-S.

After we have seen it in many times testing on and outside of Nurburgring, Jaguar has decided to use to finally unveil the new high-performance sports sedan. Unfortunately, supply to U.S. customers will be rather limited and the price will be astronomical.

The problem is that everyone knew what the new XFR-S will bring, especially after the firm’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark said in an interview: "’I can confirm there is a project to transfer the upgrades from the XKR-S to the XFR." The question remains: how this upgrades transformed the XFR-S’ performance figures?

Updated 03/20/2013: The XFR-S made its racing debut at Goodwood today,. It was driven by 1988 Le Mans 24 Hour Race winner, Andy Wallace. You can see the images of this Italian Racing Red XFR-S in the gallery.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Jaguar XFR-S.

The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S borrowed the exterior design elements from the XKR-S to distinguish it from the standard XFR. Carbon fiber played an important role in developing the aerodynamic package and it is used on the deeper front bumper with its larger lower-central and side air intakes, and the front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper. On the backside, the same material has been used for the central diffuser and the large rear wing.

The exterior package also includes extended side sills and aero blade, side moldings, an extended rear bumper, and a new spoiler that reduces rear lift.

Customers can choose between five exterior colors: French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Gray, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. All of them will be combined with a gloss-black trim around the grille, around the front and rear screens, windows and across the trunk. The XFR-S will be offered with lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels featuring a ceramic polish applied to the outer surfaces.

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, Jaguar has installed the same engine you will find in the XKR-S: a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 unit that delivers a total of 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. That’s good for an increase of 40 horsepower and 41 pound-feet of torque over the XFR. With the extra power the XFR-S will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited).

In order to obtain the extra power, the engineers needed to make revisions to the engine management system along with improvements to the intake and exhaust flow. The exhaust system replaces the central muffler with an X-pipe and near-straight-through rear pipes. Other changes include uprated half-shafts, a larger central bearing on the driveshaft, and a new torque converter.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Quickshift technology. It can be operated in manual, Sport or Automatic modes. While running in the first two modes it automatically blips the throttle to ensure the XFR-S accelerates smoothly out of corners. In automatic mode, it can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load and kick-down request. From there, the transmission makes adjustments on the fly.

Technical Specifications:

Engine	5-Liter V8 Supercharged With Intelligent Stop/Start
Capacity (Cc)	5,000
Bore/Stroke (Mm)	92.5/93
Peak Power (Hp@Rpm)	550@6500
Peak Torque (Lb/Ft @Rpm)	502@2500-5500
Transmission	ZF Eight-Speed ’Quickshift’ Automatic
0-60 Mph (Seconds)	4.4
0-100km/H (Seconds)	4.6
Top Speed (Mph/Km/H)	186/300 (Electronically Limited)
Fuel Economy2 (US EPA Estimated Mpg)	15 City / 23 Highway / 18 Combined (Same As XFR)
CO2 Emissions (G/Km)	270

Prices

The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S will be put on sale next summer at a starting price of $99,000. Only 100 units will be allocated for the U.S. market.

2013 Cadillac XTS

2013 Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac DTS and STS never gained much favor outside of livery slaves and foot-in-the-grave pensioners, and for good reason. Utterly devoid of sex appeal or even the presence of the Escalade or less costly CTS, the Barges of Ft. Lauderdale always came across as something Cadillac had to sell, not something it wanted to.

That looks to be changing with the 2013 Cadillac XTS that serves as their replacement.

Like the CTS that put Caddy back on the map both in design and dynamics, the XTS slots between two segments. Bigger than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 but smaller than those two German companies' flagship sedans, the XTS offers more interior room than anything in its segment-splitting class, along with a trunk that eclipses even the Audi A8 for volume.

The XTS' crisp exterior comes off as a bit sedate in person, but to the design team's credit, chrome use has been kept to a minimum, opting instead for brushed metal and tasteful brightwork in Platinum trim.

If the exterior doesn't excite, the interior should, with Cadillac's new tech-rich CUE infotainment systemhandling everything from navigation to streaming audio, topping it all off with a 12.3-inch configurable display in the IP. But it's also the little things. Purple contrast French stitching on the dash, doors and seats might sound like Joker-approved trim, but the effect is subtly stylish, as are the leather surfaces ahead of the passenger whose perforations spaces out in a gradient as it nears the doors.

As revealed last night, power is provided by a 3.6-liter V6 making 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The base XTS sends power to the front wheels, but with the addition of General Motors' HiPer Strut system in front, rear air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dampers pulled from the V parts bin, the XTS could be a handler – particularly when fitted with the optional torque splitting all-wheel-drive system. Plus, braking is by Brembo all around, even on base models.

Sales of the Oshawa, Ontario-built sedan are slated to begin late next spring, and if you're thinking a V-series version sounds compelling, don't be surprised if it shows up in two years time.

2013 ABT AUDI R8 GTR

  2013 ABT AUDI R8 GTR

This time focus ABT Sportsline R8 V10 upgrade, super car is powered by a 5.2 liter engine with a maximum capacity of 550 hp, maximum torque of 540 Nm Audi. After being upgraded, Audi R8 V10 supercar with a new maximum capacity of 620 horsepower, torque increased to 550 Nm.

While Audi R8 V10 supercar original need 3.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km / h, the ABT R8 GTR supercar just 3.2 seconds to accelerate to 100 km / h, the maximum speed the car is also increased 325 km / h, up 14 km / h over the Audi R8 V10 supercar original.

Carbon fiber ABT Sportsline is used to build the aerodynamic kit for the R8 GTR, the most notable of which is the largest fixed wing behind.

Also thanks to the new carbon fiber kit that vehicle weight of only 1,515 kg, reduced to 110 kg compared to the original Audi R8 V10. Also, the car is also equipped with exhaust system made of stainless steel, the alloy wheels are 19 inches in diameter, as well as sports suspension and damping system can be adjusted.

2013 KOENIGSEGG AGERA R

2013 KOENIGSEGG AGERA R

The 2013 Agera R is the result of Koenigsegg’s endless pursuit of perfection. 

The 2013 model features new Aircore hollow carbon fiber wheels, upgraded power and enhanced aerodynamics. The Agera R has an incredible top speed of approximately 440 km/h (273mph).

Recent Records for the Agera R: 0-300 km/h in 14.53 sec, 300-0 km/h in 6.66 sec, 0-200 mph in 17.68 sec, 200-0 mph in 7.28 sec.

The Agera R is the only roadster Hypercar with a detachable and stowable hardtop, thereby offering the best of two worlds. This, in combination with 120 litres of luggage space, truly combines extreme performance with everyday usability.

The Agera R is available in left or right-hand drive.

2013 Agera R

The 2013 Agera R has all the features and functionality of previous year models, but also features new and unique solutions to enhance performance and visual appearance even further.

Examples of these enhancements include: visible carbon on the front bonnet and bumper, new front side winglets, revolutionary Aircore carbon fiber wheels, new Aero exhaust, increased power and a raised RPM limit.

Please find more details about these features in the menu to the left.

Koenigsegg was the first Hypercar manufacturer to take steps toward green technology with the release of the biofuel CCXR in 2007. The Agera R, based on the highly competitive Agera, follows in the footsteps of the CCXR as it also runs on E85 biofuel.

Among the many differences to the standard Agera, the Agera R has an upgraded fuel and engine management system with enough flow capacity to generate 1140hp and 1200Nm of torque on E85 and E100 biofuel. As there is less energy content per given volume in these biofuels compared to normal petrol, the fuel system has to manage a flow that is similar to a 2000hp petrol engine, which means that the Agera R’s return-less fuel system has the highest capacity of any car presently in production.

As the Agera R is a flexfuel car, it can also be run on normal petrol. As 95 octane fuel has less octane than ethanol E85, the power is reduced to 960hp with 1100Nm of torque due to the boost pressure and ignition timing being altered to match the fuel characteristics.

In order to give the Agera R maximum flexibility when it comes to power delivery, Koenigsegg has implemented the latest technology when it comes to turbo materials and design. This reduces the inertia of the turbine wheel and axle and therefore gives improved response.

2013 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL

2013 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED

Bentley has released full technical details of the Bentley Continental GT Speed - its exciting new 205 mph (330 km/h) all-wheel drive performance flagship - ahead of its official international show debut at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. The new Bentley Continental GT Speed is the fastest road-car Bentley has ever produced and orders are being taken now, with deliveries scheduled to start in October 2012.

Powered by Bentley's iconic 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, the GT Speed develops 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6000 rev/min - up 50 PS versus the standard Continental GT - with 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque available from 2000 to 5000 rev/min (up 100 Nm) for instantly accessible high performance. Coupled with a new ZF eight-speed close-ratio automatic transmission and state-of-the-art engine management software, the GT Speed despatches the zero-to-sixty sprint in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2s), reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in just 9.0 seconds. In-gear acceleration is equally breath-taking.

In the Bentley Speed tradition, outstanding performance is matched by an enhanced chassis with up-rated springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, a lowered ride height (by 10mm front and rear) together with re-tuning of the electronically controlled damping and steering systems.

However, this newest, most powerful addition to the Continental stable still displays the refinement and suppleness that makes a Bentley unique. Even the exhaust note, deeper and more exhilarating under hard acceleration, remains civilised and refined during high-speed cruising.

Its all-wheel-drive system, biased 60:40 in favour of the rear, offers reassuring stability and the potential to access the prodigious performance all year round in virtually any weather conditions or road surface.

Subtle signature design cues distinguish the GT Speed from its stable-mates, including exclusive 21-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels, dark-tint matrix to the radiator shell and lower bumper grilles and 'rifled' exhaust tailpipes. Inside the handcrafted cabin, the Speed models are specified exclusively with the Mulliner Driving Specification, featuring quilted, perforated leather and bright metal detailing plus a broader choice of optional technical finishes. This now includes the exclusive-to-Speed dark tint aluminium as well as carbon fibre. The result is a highly distinctive, contemporary, sporting, luxury coupe.

The 575 PS (567 bhp) W12 powertrain of the Continental GT coupe and GTC convertible models also benefits from enhancements made to the more powerful GT Speed. In addition to the new engine management system and eight-speed transmission, all W12 engines now feature an energy recuperation system. Together, these deliver a 12% improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions across the GT W12 range and a 10% improvement for the GTC W12.

W12 POWERTRAIN

As the fastest production Bentley ever, the new Bentley Continental GT Speed reaffirms the legendary W12's status as an engine of extreme performance. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque from 2000 rev/min, the twin-turbo, 48-valve, 6.0-litre W12 is now fitted with the very latest ME17 engine management system. Capable of performing 180 million individual calculations per second, the new system delivers enhanced turbocharger control, outstanding torque management and improvements to driveability. In addition, a revised Sport mode provides a sharper throttle with faster response for effortless acceleration at all speeds.

The W12 engine is mated to a ZF eight-speed transmission for the first time. Designed to handle the extreme levels of torque generated by the W12, the transmission cuts acceleration times by ensuring that the engine is always at the ideal speed for peak torque delivery. This state-of-the-art transmission also features "Block Shifting" technology, capable of shifting directly from (for example) 8th gear to 4th gear for instantaneous response and thunderous acceleration.

The combination of the new transmission and the uprated engine results in breath-taking supercar performance. The sprint from 0-60 mph takes just 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds) and the relentless acceleration continues to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). 0-100 mph is dispatched in a mere 9.0 seconds - a level of performance akin to the previous generation Continental Supersports, and almost a full second quicker than the updated 575 PS Continental GT.

The exhaust system of the Bentley Continental GT Speed has been developed from the free-breathing, low back pressure design first used on the Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record car. The new exhaust produces a sportier, more intense baritone sound under hard acceleration without sacrificing a relaxed, refined and quiet tone during cruising conditions.

Up to 12% efficiency improvement for all two-door Continental

s

2013 SRT Viper

2013 SRT Viper

Most of what we thought about the development of the new Viper has come true. And this generation snake is an even more venomous evolution. The show car displayed here is essentially the same car that Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne, secretly showed to dealers back in 2010 just after the Viper plant was closed. Back then we'd devoted an issue to the Viper having reached the end of the line and not surprisingly speculated on its return. At the time Dodge's CEO Ralph Gilles, who also happens to be responsible for all product design at the Chrysler Group, talked freely of his hopes that the car would return. And if he had his druthers' it would be an evolution of the second generation and arguably more shapely Viper. He's now the CEO of SRT and directly responsible for Viper. As it turns out while he was talking to us he already had a clay model of the next car in the design studio, that same car they showed to dealers. And here it is at the 2012 New York Auto Show less than two years later.

Heart of a Snake

It has retained its all aluminum 8.4-liter V-10, but with a stiffer block casting, lighter valvetrain, forged pistons and sodium filled exhaust valves. Its output is now a Corvette-ZR1-beating 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. It's also 25 lb. lighter thanks mostly to an aluminum flywheel and composite intake. That composite intake flows better and rejects heat easier. For added refinement the engine mounts are now hydraulic units and the exhaust is better insulated from the passenger compartment. The engine's unique pushrod cam-in-cam design for variable-valve timing has been retained, as has the 6200 redline with a 6400-rpm limiter.

A Serpent's Spine

Although the plant that built the Viper was emptied, the newest Viper will retain much of the past car's structural design. That means the use of a steel space frame will continue. However this iteration is 40 lb. lighter, helping to bring the entire car down to roughly a 3300-lb. curb weight. That's about 100 lb. lighter than before. And, more important, the chassis is 50 percent stiffer while retaining a 49/51 weight split front to rear.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 SRT Viper
Curb weight		est 3300 lb
Weight dist w/ driver		49/51
Height		49.1 in.
Width		76.4 in.
Length		175.7 in.
Wheelbase		98.8 in.
Track f/r		62.9 in./61.0 in.
Seats		2
Trunk space		14.7 cu. ft.
Body/frame		composite/steel
Suspension f/r		upper & lower A-arms, coil spring, (elec. adj. on GTS) tube shocks, anti-roll bar
Wheels		Forged aluminum; 18 x 10.5 f, 19 x 13 r
Tires		Pirelli P Zero; 295/30ZR-18 f, 355/30ZR-19 r
Brakes		14.0-in. vented rotors w/4-piston Brembo calipers
Engine		8.4-liter ohv V-10
Transmission		6-speed manual
Horsepower		640 bhp @ 6150 rpm
Torque		600 lb-ft @ 4950 rpm
Top speed		est 206 mph

Rolls-Royce 2013 Geneva

It's not often that we get to talk about a new Rolls-Royce, what with the fact that the company's current model line is basically made up of two vehicles. But that all changes here at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, with the introduction of what might be the most emotional Roller of modern times, the Wraith.

The new two-door Rolls is effectively a Ghost coupe, and it stands to reason that this is Royce's answer to the Bentley Continental GT, albeit at a higher price point. Much higher, actually – the 245,000-euro – $320k USD – price of entry for the Wraith is about $100,000 more than a Continental GT Speed coupe. Woof. And to our eyes, all that extra money isn't buying you much in the looks department, as the collective opinion of the Autoblog editors on-site in Geneva is that it's more imposing than elegant.

But the Wraith will no doubt be a special, exclusive, impressive machine for anyone who plunks down that sort of cash. For starters, it's powered by a V12 that puts out an impressive 624 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque mated to an eight-speed ZF "Satellite Aided" transmission. This nifty cog-swapper actually works with GPS to not only pre-select the right gear for the portion of road you're on, but for the next portion of you'll be driving on, as well. That, friends, is cool.

Of course, the Wraith will be laden with every bit of luxury befitting of a proper Rolls-Royce including "Phantom-grade" cow hides, new Canadel wood trim and the same Starlight Headliner fiber optic roof lighting found in the brand's flagship sedan. The company is also touting the Wraith's onboard voice command technology, which will no doubt be paired with the most up-to-date infotainment tech on the market.

2013 TOYOTA FT 86

2013 TOYOTA FT 86 OPEN CONCEPT

Do you want a convertible version of the rather lovely Toyota GT86? That's the question Toyota is asking.

And whether the drop-top GT86 makes it into production is very much in your hands. The car you see above is NOT the new GT86 convertible but the FT-86 Open Concept, a prototype which Toyota is using to gauge the public's reaction. If it's a hit, they'll put it into production; if it isn't, they won't.

The FT-86, which goes on show at the Geneva Motor Show next week, features a multi-layered canvas roof which folds electronically behind the rear seats. It's presented in an eye-catching blue and white colour scheme and features interior trim which was developed by designers in Milan.

Mechanically, it's identical to the hard-top, and Toyota is also quick to point out that when the GT 86 was being designed, the engineers were careful to ensure that a convertible model could be developed relatively straightforwardly.

Toyota claims that the FT-86 has been designed to "deliver the lively, highly engaging and accessible performance and dynamic abilities of the GT86 with the added appeal of top-down motoring."

Now, we try to remain impartial (most of the time) when bringing you news about upcoming models, but we'd really quite like to see the GT86 reach production. So, to hell with impartiality -- let's get down to some serious kowtowing.

The Toyota GT86 Convertible will be the BEST CAR EVER MADE. Given £1,000,000 this is the car we'd buy. Forget the McLaren P1, the new Enzo or the Pagani Huayra, the Toyota GT86 is the single greatest achievement in human history.

So, there you go Toyota. There's your answer.