Monday, February 28, 2011

Become the STIG

The STIG
Some say he ate a donkey for spitting on his helmet, and that he once wrote a book on why Ben Collins should die. All we know is, he's called the STIG, and you can now look like him as well. For example, let's start with his helmet. You might think that's unique, but actually that is a Simpson Diamondback Racing Helmet pictured here...

Simpson Diamondback Helmet
You can get it with a clear visor or you can choose from different dark visors, including a dark purple to match the STIG. His suit is actually an Alpinestars Auto Racing suit as seen here...

Alpinestars Auto Racing Suit
You can get this suit in black and other colors as well. His gloves are Alpinestars Tech 1-Z Karting gloves as seen here...

Alpinestars Tech 1-Z Gloves
And finally, his shoes are Alpinestars Tech 1-K Racing Shoes as seen here...

Alpinestars Tech 1-K Racing Shoes
So, there you are: your shopping list of items if you want to look like the STIG. Unfortunately, all of this will cost you a hefty $3000, but if you are a die-hard STIG fan, its worth it.

De Tomaso Returns!

2012 De Tomaso SLS Concept
De Tomaso's been gone since 2001 and most Italian fans have missed it ever since. The Pantera was one of their most famous creations. Elvis Presley had one and it was a fast and quite powerful car. Well, I'm here today to tell the Italians and you guys that De Tomaso is back bringing more luxury to Italy. They're restarting it with this, the SLS (Sports Luxury Sedan) Concept car. Now if you're a beemer fan, you may be looking of this car thinking that it has some similarity to the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. That's because it is, unfortunately. What they've done here is just dumped the German stuff and put Italian goodness in. All of the German techiness has been replaced with drinks-globe Italian luxury. But, honestly, from me, this is just a big, fat humpback whale. I hope the production model turns out better than this. Anyway, if you're on a different position with this car, it will be on display at Geneva this week. Check it out there.

Casino Royalty

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro (Test Drive Unlimited 2)
If you've played TDU 2 for a while now, I think you'll find this car very familiar. It's the exclusive R8 Spyder which is only available on Casino Island. Most of you gamblers know how to win this car: winning the jackpot at the slots. I will tell you this right now: complete waste of time. Soon enough, you'll be hooked and you'll waste all the money you'll need to buy a house or a new car. Well, luckily I'm here and I'm going to tell you of another very easy to go home with this car. Are you ready, cuz here it comes: BUY IT! The car is worth ¢1,000,000 Tokens, which is equivalent to $2,000,000, which you can easily receive through racing in Championships, selling useless items, or just gambling for money. It works and it's so much easier than gambling your money away. So, to those who've said to you, "You can't buy that car. You can only win it", watch them gasp when you roll up in this and then tell them, "This was nearly a buy, not a win." I hope this tip was helpful. More TDU 2 tips coming up!

Build a Beemer Workshop

2012 BMW 650i Convertible
If I had enough money and wanted to buy a BMW 650i, it would definitely look like this. Beautifully isn't it? But hey, your BMW 6 doesn't have to look like this. BMW of America has officially launched their BMW 6-series configuration website. So go have fun making your own BMW. And if you have enough money, your dream 6 convertible could become real. Get started here.

Next To Best

2012 Koenigsegg Agera R
The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport has now become the target to beat to be the fastest car in the world. Unfortunately, Shelby Super Cars will never reach this goal with any of the cars they'll produce, but Koenigsegg gave it a go with their newest creation, the Agera R. Now, some of you may remember the CCXR Edition, the fastest car Koenigsegg had made back then. That car had a 4.7 Twin-Supercharged V8 engine producing 1,018 horsepower, so of course you'd expect the Agera R to produce even more. Yep! How's 1,115 horsepower sound? This is all powered by a new 5.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 that has been modified to run on E85 Ethanol. 0 to 60 is done in a mere 2.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 MPH, near to that of the Veyron Super Sport. Most of the car is made out of Carbon Fiber and the top panel roof of the car is entirely removable, as pictured here...

It's a Convertible Now!
I recommend keeping that panel on though. At 260 MPH with the top down, your face will be disintegrated. Anyway, prices have not been announced yet, but they're near the millions. Check this car out as it wows Geneva next week.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Untamable

2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit)
So, Armed & Dangerous came out yesterday and already people are having a blast playing cops & robbers all over Seacrest County. Well, to make things more exciting, Lamborghini have brought in three of their renowned cars to Seacrest in order to see what the racers and cops think of them. There's the classic Countach, the legendary Diablo, and this: the Sesto Elemento, which is no longer a concept car. Yes! You can actually buy this car for about $3 Million. But, why pay that much to drive the car in real life than pay just $6.99 to drift with the car in Seacrest County while outrunning cops. And it's not like the cops are left out either.

2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Interceptor
The car features the same 570 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine that you get in the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. But, the entire car, including the chassis, is made out of carbon fiber, bringing the weight to just 1 ton (1,000 kg). Because of this, 0 to 60 is done in a staggering 2.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 MPH. You can already guess what tier this car belongs in. Be sure to drive this car along with the other bulls in the Lamborghini Untamed DLC, which will be released March 1.

Rise of the Aventador

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (Courtesy of Jalopnik)
Jalopnik has some exclusive snippets of Lamborghini's new raging bull. Finally, we get to see the car in its entirety. Check them out and see if you like it.

Side View

Nose View
Source [Jalopnik, Facebook]

The Bull God has Arrived

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
This is as clear as it well get. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. As a replacement for the long gone Murcielago, this car has a lot of ground to cover if it wants to be known as a supercar great. It does have the potential though. Lamborghini's new 6.5-liter 690 horsepower V12 generates power to all four wheels, as usual. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 MPH. With those numbers, this car might have what it takes. Let's find out in the weeks to come. It will make its official debut next week at Geneva.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Next To Reality

2012 Pagani Huayra (Shift 2: Unleashed)
Since racing games were born, we've always wanted one that was an inch close to reality. Gran Turismo has attempted this for years, and it has done well. But, it seems that there's a new racing game that beats the living reality out of it. Yep, it's Need For Speed. Now, you might've remembered the old Need For Speed: Shift, their attempt of making their own Gran Turismo. They did manage to pull it off, but the handling wasn't as good and the physics weren't that realistic. Well, I am glad to say that that's all about to change. Next month, Need For Speed will be releasing their newest installment: Shift 2: Unleashed, and might I say that this game will probably be the most realistic racing sim ever created. Yes, it has now become a simulation, this game. Slightly Mad Studios has gotten help from the best of the racing field, including FIA Team Need For Speed. The handling has been massively improved, and you'll be able to feel it. It is slightly drifty like in the last one, but it's much grippier, and that's good. Damage has been improved as well. No longer will your car be smashed up into a rectangular box. Now, realistic damage models on each car, removable bumpers, doors, and windows just make damage look so cool. The new helmet cam just makes racing even more realistic with real movements and coordination. The cars look 10x better and the tracks are just beautiful. NFS didn't want to make this game a Gran Turismo killer. They wanted to make a game that puts you in the action in their own terms, and I think they've done it. I can't wait to test this game out next month. Take a look at the video below to see what they've done so far.

Style and Power do Mix

2012 Brabus CLS
Brabus finally got their hands on the sleek and stylish Mercedes-Benz CLS-class. As you can see, even when implying science and power, Brabus still make their silver arrows look nice, and this is no exception. Brabus will treat your CLS well with a new bodykit featuring new LED Daytime Running Lights, custom 20-inch rims, and eloquent leather interior stitching. Now, as for power, this is where Brabus excels. If you live in Europe and have the CLS250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Brabus will add their ECO PowerXtra D4 Performance kit adding 31 horsepower to the engine, which will also increase torque to 413 lb.-ft. If you have the CLS350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Brabus will add their ECO PowerXtra DS6 plug-and-play auxiliary control unit, which can be installed in less than 45 minutes. This will increase power in sport mode from 261 to 313 horsepower and torque from 457 to 509 lb.-ft. 0 to 60 will be achieved in just 5.9 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 MPH. So, with this car, you'll be able to look good, go fast, and save gas. That should be good. Check this car out at Geneva next week.

Twin-Turbo Goodness

2012 BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo
BMW's new F10 M5 is almost here and there are a lot of people who can't wait for it. But, when it comes out later this year, and you think you can't afford it, BMW will have an alternative 5-series that you can enjoy. They call it the Alpina B5 BiTurbo and although it might not have as much power as the new M5, it's just as good. The 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine produces 500 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 4.8 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 186 MPH. This sounds like a good car, right? But, what if you need something like this that will carry a months supply of groceries? Well, BMW has thought of that as well.

2012 BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring
This is the B5 BiTurbo Touring. It has all the same statistics and features that the regular saloon has, except this has 5-doors and large trunk space. Unfortunately, to own this Über Wagon or the saloon, you'll have to have a big wallet and a house in Europe. BMW never planned to release the Alpina B5 over here in the U.S. But, do not despair. The Alpina brand does exist in America, in the body of a 7-series.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo
This executive sedan is for the man who wants his own "M7". It has the same engine as the B5, only with more luxury, better looks, more speed, and all-wheel drive. But, if you love the 5-series, the good 'ol M5 will be out soon, and that's more powerful and faster than the B5, so everyone's happy.

Ring-Leader

2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package
It's been a while since we've heard of this limited edition package. It was when the LFA first came out that Toyota said they'd be building a hardcore version of this. They even showed us a picture of it. Now, a year later, Lexus is ready to release this hardcore package to the public. Only 50 will be made, each costing $70,000 more than its original price of $375,000. So, what does this package entail? For starters, Lexus added 10 more horses to the engine to counteract the drag of the massive rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser allowing this car to stay planted on the road. Second, it won't just be available in orange. There's glossy white, glossy black, and the popular matte black, but that's a $20,000 option. Third, you can customize the interior colors in all black, black and red, black and purple, or, if your Prince, black and orange. Only the Europeans will have the option of having their interiors all carbon fiber. Fourth, buyers will have the option of getting some lessons from a 'Ring master, or 'Ring mistress (Sabine Schmitz), on how to navigate the 'Ring. Fifth, how's about a year's free pass to go crazy round the 'Ring anytime you want? Sounds good doesn't it? All you need is a check of $445,000 made out to Lexus and they'll do all of this for you. If your a matte black fan, you'll be paying $465,000.

Drop Top Golf

2012 VW Golf Cabriolet
It's been a while since we've seen the Golf go topless. In fact, the last time it did was back in the early millenium with the Mk. IV. It wasn't really that good looking, but this new Mk. VI Golf looks really stunning. Obviously, VW had to do some styling changes to make everything fit perfectly including a sloped front windshield, a low-profile roof line, and a slightly altered chassis. But, it's still a Golf, with new features. There are LEDs in the front and rear lights now. The roll bar that the old Golf Cabrio had now comes standard and rises automatically. There are airbags for your head, torso, and knees. The soft-top can be opened or closed when you're on the move at 18.7 MPH. Basically, there's stuff in this car that make you more safe even when you want to enjoy the summer sun. When it comes to power, nothing much has changed. The Golf Cabrio will be offered with a 105 horsepower 1.6-liter TDI engine. That doesn't sound like a lot, but there's also a 207 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, so expect some GTI-ness with this cabrio to come soon. U.S. prices have not been announced yet, but in Germany, the Golf Cabrio starts at €23,625.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Mad Cat

2012 Jaguar XKR-S
The British truly know design. If you thought the Aston Martin Virage was sexy, well check this out. This is Jaguar's new Mad Cat, the XKR-S. It is possible that the traditional 5.0-liter AJ Gen III V8 setup has received a more potent supercharger or this Jaaag has a new engine. Anyway or another, the power has increased from 510 to 550 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 MPH. This might give the Camaro ZL1 a run for its money. We'll have to wait and see how fast that car actually goes. Anyway, prices have not yet been announced yet, but expect them to be quite high. From the day I started revealing Geneva cars, you've been probably staring wide-eyed at your screen. Now, with this car, you're probably at the point of drooling.

A Whole new Level of Sexy

2012 Aston Martin Virage
It seems that Aston Martin want to expand their current line-up by building a car in-between the powerful DBS and the sleek DB9 and make it as sexy as the Rapide. They call it the Virage and it dates back to the classic Le Mans Virage back in the 1990s. This one, however, has the body of a sexy lady and the soul of race car driver. Aston's 6.0-liter V12 engine that's in the DB9 has been tweaked from 470 to 490 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in less than 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 MPH. The standard transmission is a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission with paddle-shifters. And yes, for those who love having their hair blow in the breeze, this car is also available as a volante.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Volante
Now you may be thinking the Virage is merely a replacement for the old DB9 and in fact, it isn't. The DB9 will still be here until who knows when. This may seem a bit strange that Aston Martin would build car that's just a prettier DB9. But, as long as it stays pretty, I'm sold. Check it out at Geneva next week.

Careful Lamborghini

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (Courtesy of WorldOfCarFans)
Lamborghini really needs to watch what they print if they don't want to reveal things too early. Anyway, what you are looking at here is a leaked image of the all new complete Lamborghini Aventador, the successor to the mighty Murcielago. Under the hood is Lamborghini's all new 7.0-liter 690 horsepower V12 engine. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 MPH. At some angles, this car does look like a Gallardo, but as long as it has that V12 under the hood, it's no baby Lambo. Geneva starts next week. By that time, we'll be able to see the car for what it really is.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Hollywood's Hybrid

2012 Fisker Karma EVer
Attention Hollywood! That includes you, Cameron Diaz! Still trying to save the world with your Toyota Prius? Well, you're missing out on all the awesome luxury that petrol cars provide. Luckily, help is at hand, because if you want a car that's green, expensive, and luxurious at the same time, Fisker has come to the rescue. Introducing their new, sexy Karma EVer (Electric Vehicle with Extended Range). As you can see, it is a bit of a looker, but what's astonishing is how Fisker pieced luxury and electricity together in perfect harmony. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter 255 horsepower GM Ecotec turbo-4 engine, which doesn't sound like a lot. But, this engine feeds power to a 315-cell 606 lb. 20 kW lithium-ion battery pack, which then sends power to two 201 horsepower electric motors. Which means that the petrol engine actually doesn't do any work on the wheels. Altogether, you have yourself the most powerful hybrid ever created with 657 horsepower and a whopping 981 lb.-ft. of torque. 0 to 60 is done in just 5.9 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 126 MPH. When it comes to fuel economy, there are two modes that this car can be in. In sport mode, the maximum range of the tank is 300 miles, about as much as my Range Rover in normal mode. In stealth mode, which is like normal mode, Fisker says that you'll be averaging about 100+ miles to the gallon. The tank only holds 9.5 gallons, so this is astonishing. But, what is more astonishing is what's hiding in the interior of this car.

Interior View
Look at that! That is just the business! This is luxury beyond any field really. Now, because this is somewhat of an expensive luxury sedan, there are only four seats. So, that middle console stretches all the way into the back, as you can see here.

Rear Seats
But, nonetheless, I think this car is supremely luxurious for any EV. As a driver's car, this can be as comfortable and as hard as it can be. In the corners, it is well balanced. Since the engine is in the front-middle of the car and the electric motors are in the rear, this car delivers perfect weight distribution allowing you to take corners with ease and feel comfortable while doing this. This is astonishingly good for a rear-wheel drive car. Now, here comes the best part: the price. You would imagine that a car with this much power, this much luxury, and absolutely brilliant handling would cost as much as the ridiculous Lexus LFA, since it took these guys about 6 years into making it. In reality though, it isn't. Prices start at $96,850 and go all the way up to $108,000, which is pretty good value for a car that's from the future and actually works. So, there you are Hollywood Movie Stars and Cameron Diaz. You can kiss your ugly Prius goodbye. Cuz once you buy this, you'll never want to see your Prius again.

Some Sportige for your Grand Tour

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport
Maserati has done it again. Just when you thought the GranCabrio was gone, it's back with more power than ever. Introducing the GranCabrio Sport, which is heading toward Geneva this March. Other than getting some more sporty styling, some sporty rims, and some sporty colors, this car screams power in ever sense of the word. The 4.7-liter Ferrari V8 has been beefed up from 434 to 444 horsepower. Because of this, 0 to 60 is done in less than 4.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 177 MPH. The suspension is much stiffer and sportier as well. The brakes are much bigger for better stopping force. The car also features new black accents to give it a much meaner look. Prices have not been announced yet, but expect them to be quite high. The GranCabrio has been known to be one of the best grand-touring cars of all time. Make sure you get your copy this summer.

Crickey it's the Rozzers!

Richard as a Baddie in a Rolls-Royce Ghost
Top Gear UK Fans rejoice! Another thrilling episode of Top Gear UK is on tonight at 9 p.m. on BBC America. This time, the guys head to Albania to test out three super-expensive luxury sedans: the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and the Bentley Mulsanne, well when I say the Bentley Mulsanne, I mean a Yugo. You'll see what I'm taking about when you watch it tonight. Then the guys discuss Ferrari's newest creation, the Ferrari FF, which they think looks absolutely fantastic because it brings back the great design that was the shooting brake. Then, Clarkson tests out three high-performance hatchbacks: the Ford Focus RS500, the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400, and the Volvo C30 PCP Polestar, all of which you can't even own. Then, British talk show host Jonathan Ross comes back to Top Gear to set a lap in the Kia Cee'D. It should be one exciting episode. Tune in tonight to see all of the action.

More Gallardo Goodness

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo Singapore Edition
It seems Lamborghini is still trying to tease us with multiple special editions of their baby Lambo, the Gallardo. Before it was the Tricolore Edition. Now, it's the new Singapore Edition, which is a Superleggera with special red stripes on each side of the car. Of course this model is only available in Singapore since they've been in line with Lamborghini for 10 years now. Only 10 of them have been made and all have been spoken for. The price of the car is somewhat larger than the original with $15,000 of the proceeds for each example going to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to benefit underprivileged students. It's a brave thing to do, but honestly Lamborghini, can we see the Aventador now? Please?!?!

V8 Harmony

2011 BMW M3 E92 Competition Package
If you're a BMW owner, you probably know that they aren't famous for making cars that love to boast about power. Luckily the M division got tired of making quiet powerful saloons and are now into having cars that make some noise. New for 2011, when you buy an M3 Competition Package, you have the option of souping it up with a new performance exhaust system. For $4,400, you will be able to make your M3 scream at 8000 RPMs allowing the whole world to know just how happy your car is. I must warn you though: when an M3 is happy, you might want to keep back a few feet. And now with this new exhaust system out there, you might want to move a bit further back. Anyway, listen carefully to the harmonious 4.4-liter V8 in the video below and see if you're M3 needs a tune-up. 

Electric Luxury

2012 Rolls-Royce 102EX
Should luxury go electric? That's a question even Rolls-Royce wants an answer to. The Geneva Motor Show begins in about a week and Rolls-Royce is planning to bring their newest concept car to the showroom. They've labeled it the 102EX, but in essence, it is an Electrified Phantom. The massive V12 has been replaced with some massive electric batteries and motors. Even the flying lady (picture shown) at the front of the car lights up when you turn the car on. But, this is just a teaser pic. We'll be able to see the whole car in a few days. Then, we'll see if luxury should go electric.

Auction Up!

2012 Ferrari FF
The first models of 4 exclusive cars will be up for auction at the Boca Raton Concours d' Elegance in Florida. The first of these cars is the 2012 Ferrari FF, Ferrari's first all-wheel drive shooting brake grand tourer. A 6.3-liter 651 horsepower V12 is under the hood of this car. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 208 MPH. It would be pretty cool if you won that.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster (Rendering)
Next up is the all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. The car has ditched the artistic gullwing doors and a hardtop roof to make driving more pleasurable. What it hasn't ditched though was its 6.2-liter 563 horsepower V8 engine, the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world. We've been waiting for this car to come out for a while.

2012 Audi R8 GT
Next up, for the hardcore drivers, is the Audi R8 GT. Effectively, this is the "Superleggera" version of Audi's successful supercar. The 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine now produces 560 horsepower. The body itself is 100 kg lighter than the standard V10 model. Because of this, 0 to 60 is done in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 200 MPH. Only 333 will be made with just 90 coming here. Wouldn't it be great if you got the first of the 90?

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Last, but certainly not least, Mercedes will be auctioning off a limited edition CLS63 AMG. No word on what special power the car will have but only 30 will be made. So, those are the cars. If you have a big wallet and are in the Florida area, you might want to get in on this.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Jeremy's 2010 Car of the Year

2010 Pagani Zonda R Nürburgring Edition (Shift 2: Unleashed)
It's still the king of the Nürburgring with a time of 6:47. It's one of the lightest race cars ever weighing less than a Ford Fiesta. It's one of the fastest race cars to go round the Top Gear test track with a time of 1:08.5, two seconds faster than the Ferrari FXX. It's Jeremy Clarkson's 2010 Car of the Year. It's the Zonda R. Shift 2: Unleashed is bringing this car back for more madness around the Green Ring and other tracks in the game. 750 horsepower is packed under the hood of this car fueled by it's 6-liter AMG V12 engine. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of about 220 MPH. It was one of the most exclusive Zondas ever created, with a factory price of about $1.2 Million. I'm saying too many facts here, but let's get one thing straight: this was one of the greatest supercars ever created. It is a shame that the Zonda had to go, even though it left us with one last model. It turns out that the Zonda R wasn't actually the last of the breed of the Zonda. There was the Zonda PS, the Zonda Uno, the Zonda HH, the Zonda GJ, the Zonda RAK, the Zonda 750, the Zonda Absolute...

2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore
...and this: the Zonda Tricolore. In honor of the Italian Air Force, this commemorative supercar is just a Zonda R for the road. Throughout its life, the Zonda has strived to be one of the best. And know that it's at the end of its life, we can all agree that it has. The Huayra has big shoes to fill. The Zonda will be missed.

Lightness is Key

2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer
As if the Elise weren't light already, Lotus have decided to make it even lighter. Say hello to the all new Lotus Elise Club Racer. It just weighs 876 kg (1,930 lbs.) and has only 134 horsepower out of its 1.6-liter VVT-I engine. 0 to 60 is done in less than 6.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 MPH. That's pretty fast for a very light and small roadster. Of course, it won't be available only in Sky Blue as you see above you. There's also Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black, and Carbon Gray. Prices start at about £27,000, but no word if this car will make its way into the U.S. yet.

Thanks a Million

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Facebook Edition
If you've been on Porsche's fan page on Facebook lately, you will have seen that they've reached over 1 Million fans. To celebrate this milestone, Porsche has created this commemorative 911 GT3 R Hybrid as a thank you to all their fans. From here, it doesn't look like they've done much. But if you look closely, you can see that the entire body of the car has been littered with 27,000 Facebook signatures of their many worthy fans. They couldn't fit 1,000,000. I don't know if my name's on their, but it would be cool if it were.

Facebook Signatures
This car might be hitting the track soon, but for now, it stays in their museum in Stuttgart, Germany. If you're in the area, go check it out and see if you're name wounded up on the car.

Exclusivity Runs with the Wind

2012 Pagani Huayra (Shift 2: Unleashed)
Remember how the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept made its video game debut in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit? It looks like Pagani have embraced the idea and brought their newest creation, the Huayra, along to be part of NFS's newest game Shift 2: Unleashed. Named after the Andean God of the Wind, the Huayra is Pagani's answer to whatever Ferrari has in store next. The all new 6.0-liter AMG Twin-Turbo V12 engine produces about 730 horsepower. It will do 0 to 60 in about 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 230 MPH. Also, it has a very interestingly designed interior, luxurious leather, and an engine sound that will either scare you or blow you away. Take a listen in the video below and pre-order Shift 2: Unleashed now, if you think you can take it.

The Evolution of Reasonable

2012 Honda Civic Si
Civic lovers rejoice! This is the all new 2012 Honda Civic. As you can see, they've only made a few cosmetic changes to the lights and bumpers, but as for overall shape, I don't really see a change here. It looks people like the new shape introduced in 2008. Anyway, the new Civic gets more fuel efficiency and more power for use on the road. The model you see above you is the Civic Si, which now has 200 horsepower, about as much as a VW Golf GTI. But even though it's powerful, you should get 31 MPG on this. That's pretty impressive for a powerful coupe. There are also other models beside this including the GX, the Hybrid, and the all new HF (High Efficiency). The standard motor is a 1.8-liter four cylinder one in the standard model which will get you 39 MPG. The HF, however, has the same motor, but aerodynamic tweaks allow it to have 2 more MPGs for driving. The Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and a small electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries and not nickel (Well done Honda!). We don't know how much power this produces, but it is supposed to produce an estimated 45 MPG, 4 more than the original hybrid. Prices have not been announced yet, but they will be soon as the car is set to hit the showrooms this Summer.
The alphabetic synthesis passes the constituent behind the assuming ace.

A Magazine That Gets It

Robb Report 2011 Car of the Year
Sure Motor Trend thinks the Volt deserves to be their car of the year, but, out of all honesty, that thing is just an outdated bulgy thing that Chevy though would be more brilliant than the Tesla Roadster. Fortunately, there's a magazine that gets it. Robb Report recently had a list of 13 cars in line to be their next car of the year, and by just looking at the cover, you can already guess who won. For its unbelievable looks, luxurious interior, and overall performance, the Ferrari 458 Italia topped the board of cars that ranged from the Aston Martin Rapide to the Lotus Evora. The Chevy Volt was never on that list. Well done Ferrari!

Italy meets Britain

2012 Jaguar B99 Concept
Bertone has been famous for designing the coolest in Italian cars from the Lamborghini Miura to the Lancia Stratos. So, when Jaguar asked them to design a commemorative car, they didn't let them down. What you are looking at here is Jaguar's 99th anniversary gift to itself: the B99 Concept Study. As you can see it looks rather dashing with stylings based off the old Jaguar XJ. I like it, but will everyone else like it. We'll have to wait til March 1st when the Geneva motor show starts to find out.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

More DLC Madness

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss (Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit)
Well TDU 2 is out and everybody joining in. But, if you thought that the best racing of 2010 was done, well, think again. More DLCs have been confirmed for Need For Speed Hot Pursuit coming in the next few weeks. Next week, an all new DLC named Armed and Dangerous will be released. This brings in two new modes to the game including Most Wanted & Arms Race. In Most Wanted, it's classic cops and robbers with the cops chasing down the racers and the racers protecting the most wanted driver. In Arms Race, it's every man for himself as racer weapons will be activated along with them for use in a races. The week after that, Lamborghini Untamed will be released. This gives racers and cops an access to three new vehicles from, you guessed it, Lamborghini. First, there's the ever famous Lamborghini Diablo, which has been in the Need For Speed franchise since the beginning. Then there's the artistically designed Lamborghini Countach, which was known for being good looking, but with horrible handling. And finally, to put the icing on the cake, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept Car will be available, which on record is the lightest Lamborghini ever built. The week after that, Porsche Unleashed is reborn in Seacrest County giving cops and racers access to three of Stuttgart's finest. First up, the classic 1982 911 Turbo. Then, there's the legendary Porsche 959, one of the best Porsches ever built. Finally, there's the ultra-exclusive 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster, commemorating the classic 550 Speedster from Porsche's very beginning. So, there's the layout for you. There will be new events and new achievements to unlock. Each DLC will be worth $6.99 and will be available for the PS3 and XBOX 360 only. Check out the video below to see the rundown.

Test Drive Unlimited 2: Zonda-Rific

2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore
I think I'm becoming Richard Hammond thanks to Test Drive Unlimited 2. I never realized how magnificent the Zonda was 'til this game, especially the one I'm driving here: the Zonda Tricolore. Made in honor of the Italy and the Fecce Tricolori Aermacchi MP-339-A/PAN Aircraft, this car is a fighter jet for the road. It looks like a regular Zonda, but don't be fooled. This is Zonda Cinque. It has the same Carbotanium goodness that the Cinque has along with the 678 horsepower 7.3-liter AMG V12 engine. It even has Jet inspired design including rear thrusters and small fin on top of the hood. Of course, this car was only available to the lucky souls who pre-ordered the game off of STEAM and costs just about $2.3 Million. It might not be as fast as a Bugatti Veyron, but it sure handles better than it.

2010 Pagani Zonda F Roadster
Then, there's the glorious Zonda F Roadster. Made out of naked Carbon Fiber, this is the sickest roadster ever created. The regular Zonda F has 605 horsepower. This one has 650. Roadsters are also notorious for being heavier than their hardtop counterparts. Not Zondas. This car is actually a third and a bit lighter than the regular Zonda F, making it unbelievably fast. Honestly, I'm just bowled over with these cars. I even made a movie about these hyper cars while jamming with Swedish House Mafia. Check it out below.