Ford F-Series pickups get a lick and a promise for 2013 updates

You'd have to be a disciple of pickup truck design to spot the differences between the 2013 Ford F-Series shown above and the previous model year, the best-selling vehicle in the United States.
It's that time in the life cycle of a U.S. pickup when the engineers give it a few sparkly bits to let the marketers have something to work with -- while they busy themselves with the real work of an all-new model, due two years from now.

For 2013, Ford says the F-Series gets a new set of grilles that look more than ever like the towering front of the Heavy Duty line, along with optional HID headlamps, new wheel choices and a version of Ford's MyFordTouch system that can handle drivers wearing work gloves, among other enhancements. Good news for those hay haulin' types who've been waiting for Alcantara seat inserts to impress the ladies -- your prayers have finally been answered as well. There's no major changes in engine choices, including the twin-turbo V6 that accounts for nearly half of F-Series sales.

Nothing on the immediate horizon suggest any challenge to Ford's sales dominance in pickups, with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra prepping for all-new versions that won't go into production until next year. A more complete update of Chrysler's Ram pickup arrives this year, with an 8-speed transmission and other fuel-saving tweaks which should make the truck more competitive with the F-Series. But among many pickup owners, switching brands is one sure way to signal a crisis of personal identity.

McLaren MP4-12C vs. Factory Five GTM: Motoramic TV

Ah, the McLaren MP4-12C. It's McLaren's first in-house road car since the legendary F1. And while the 12C is far less expensive than the F1,
its base price is still $229,400. The car we drove tallied $270,690 and options can push the sticker beyond $300,000. For that, you get an undeniably exquisite machine constructed by the pedigreed craftsman of some of the world's best race cars.
You get dihedral doors that open by sliding your hand along the bodywork. You get a twin-turbo, flat-plane-crank 3.8-liter V8 that howls out 592 horsepower and hurtles the car to 60 mph in about 3 seconds. And you get an ingenious suspension design that uses cross-linked hydraulic chambers in place of conventional shock absorbers, delivering both a shockingly supple ride and race-car roll control. In short, the MP4-12C is a lot of car for the money. But it's still a lot of money.

So what do you do if you want top-tier supercar performance and dramatic mid-engine styling, but you only have $50,000 to spend? Enter the Factory Five GTM. With a 420 horsepower GM LS3 V8 propelling only 2,400 pounds, this is one of the few cars that would hound an MP4-12C on the track. (A 505-horsepower LS7 is also available, but frankly the LS3 seems pretty adequate.) You do have to be handy with a wrench, since the GTM is a component car.

But GTM owner Gary Cheney has built 13 Factory Five cars, including three GTMs, and not only does he still have all his fingers, he insists that the building process is part of the fun. This particular GTM is set up for track duty, but it was surprisingly usable on the street, with deliciously communicative speed-sensitive power steering and Corvette Z06 brakes that are hugely overqualified for a 2,400 car. Plus, look at the thing. It just looks like it belongs in the supercar club.

Garden tiller plus utility pole equals awe-inspiring ride for ten

Some 116 years ago today, Henry Ford chopped down the door of his Detroit workshop to take his first car for a 2 a.m. drive. More than a century later, people in the farthest corners of Earth rely on a similar sense of ingenuity to solve their personal transport challenges -- like this group of 10 workers in China who manage to move a utility pole and themselves with nothing more than a trailer, a few hitches and apparently a large garden tiller. It's like a Successories poster come to life.

Fiat 500 Abarth all but sold out thanks to Catrinel Menghia

If you were still considering whether to buy a Fiat 500 Abarth, brought to our attention by Catrinel Menghia and a few viral videos,
your window of opportunity is closing quick: Fiat says it's sold out of Abarths for this model year, and won't be shipping more until late this year.
Fiat says that dealer orders for the Abarth have exceeded the planned production run, and The Detroit News reports that after boosting output to 3,000 units, the Mexican plant that builds the Abarth simply can't handle more. (The issue's likely one of parts suppliers, who can't easily boost output without several months' notice.) Based on a nationwide search of Cars.com inventory, there's only about 125 Abarths left on dealership lots -- and that doesn't reflect any that may already be spoken for.

The most obvious question might be to wonder why Fiat would lavish a Super Bowl amount of buzz -- including an ad with Charlie Sheen -- for a vehicle with such a short run. The most obvious answer is that Fiat's not just spending on the Abarth, but reintroducing its name to a generation of Americans who've never heard of it. Even if they don't find the Abarth at the dealership, Fiat hopes a few will settle for the regular 500, sales of which have grown steadily. Not everyone's cut out for life with a supermodel.

Toyota unwraps Tesla-powered RAV4 EV

Toyota showed off its RAV4 EV, the electric version of the RAV4 compact SUV, as a concept about a year and half ago at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The wraps came off the production version of this new electric car this week, showing some speedy automobile development indeed.
More impressive is that the deal between Toyota and Tesla to develop the electric RAV4, on the heels of Toyota's decision to sell Tesla its NUMMI auto manufacturing plant, came less than two years ago. This is a car with a completely different drivetrain than that of the car on which it is based. Most model updates take longer to put into production.

The RAV4 EV would be the first electric SUV among the current generation of electric vehicles from major manufacturers. Toyota previously produced a RAV4 EV from 1997 to 2003, making the new version the second generation.

Tesla developed the battery pack and power control electronics for Toyota, a demonstration of its ability to be a tier-one supplier of electric drivetrains. Unlike the relatively long ranges Tesla vehicles have been able to boast, the RAV4 EV will only go about 100 miles on a full charge, according to Toyota. That is in keeping with the range of the Nissan Leaf and upcoming Ford Focus EV.

Toyota gave the RAV4 a sport mode, with higher acceleration and top speed than its standard drive mode. In its standard mode, the RAV4 EV will get to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 85 mph. Sport mode lifts the top speed to 100 mph and lowers the 60-mph time to 7 seconds.

The RAV4 EV will charge from empty to full in 6 hours from a 240-volt source.
Toyota chose Leviton as the supplier of its preferred electric charger, which can be installed in an owner's garage. The car will also include a 110-volt charging cable, but Toyota does not specify the charging time from a 110-volt source.
The RAV4 EV goes on sale in four California metropolitan areas later this summer, at a price of $49,800, before Federal and state tax incentives. Toyota expects to produce 2,600 of the cars over the next three years.

Detroit Auto Show 2012: Acura NSX reborn in America as a hybrid

Announcing the rebirth of the Honda NSX: one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1990s will return in 2015 as an American-built Acura with all-wheel-drive and an electric-enhanced rear engine. Here's a hybrid to get excited for.

The NSX represented the pinnacle of Honda's sports heyday of the 1980s and '90s. Launched with input from Formula One great Ayrton Senna, the NSX set a brace of technological firsts -- from its aluminum monocoque frame to the variable valve timing that would become a standard on engines worldwide. The NSX wasn't the fastest or most-powerful supercar, but reflected Honda's balance between power, weight and handling -- a sweet spot that few cars have ever achieved.

Honda mulled replacing the NSX for years with a V-10 powered successor, but the company soon embraced smaller engines and a tight focus on fuel efficiency. Somewhere along the way, it also lost a piece of the racing spirit that birthed the NSX, unleashing a string of unsuccessful to ungainly models that offered little over their competitors.

After last year's update of the Honda Civic -- a freshening that did little to improve the car's weakening position against tough competition -- Honda's executives vowed to revive the company's soul. The new NSX, to be sold under the Acura brand, shows they're serious enough to design the most attractive Acura ever.
The concept retains the mid-engine V-6 layout of the original NSX, but adds in a new Honda all-wheel-drive system that relies on electric motors to power the front wheels. As with its predecessor, Honda vows the NSX won't rely on brute force, but combine lightweight materials with high technology for supercar performance and respectable fuel economy.

If there's a disappointment here, it's that Honda has held back several key details about the NSX concept, including the power its engines and electric motors will generate. But the U.S.-based team developing the NSX for production in Ohio has three years to get it right.

$35 million 1962 Ferrari GTO becomes world’s most expensive car

The title of "world's most expensive car" lives in the shadows of private transactions; people who can spend tens of millions of dollars on a vehicle often want to keep their purchases out of the limelight. That's not happening with the new record set last month with this car, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO meant for race driver Sir Stirling Moss that's been sold for a new record -- $35 million.

According to Bloomberg, the transaction between long-time owner Eric Heerema and American telecommunications magnate Craig McCaw closed last month, based on confirmations from three dealers. It's part of a boon in demand for Ferrari race cars, with several changing hands in recent months, with at least one other Ferrari GTO of the same era selling for at least $30 million.

What makes this green-apple Ferrari worth more than any other car on the planet? It hails from the pinnacle of Ferrari's early 1960s racing days, when Enzo Ferrari would build anyone he approved of a world-class, V12-powered car for $18,000 to race in the Grand Touring class. Only 39 were built, and this particular model was meant for Moss, at the time perhaps the world's greatest racer. But Moss injured himself just before his first race in the car, and never got behind the wheel. And while many of the GTOs were wrecked or thrashed over the decades, with engines and even bodies swapped or rebuilt, this one has remained in nearly original condition.

The previous record for most expensive car belonged to the 1937 Bugatti Atlantic Type 57SC,

Touring the world’s most exclusive collector car show, the Concorso d’Eleganza

The Concorso d'Eleganza ranks as the world's most exclusive showing of collectable cars, held for about 60 lucky owners at the Villa d'Este hotel on the shores of Italy's Lake Como. It's a celebration of automotive history on the playground of the world's wealthiest people — and yet many of the treasured cars were once someone else's trash.

Take the ceremonial star of the show, a 1925 Rolls-Royce Round Door coupe, which hasn't left the grounds of the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles in several years. Famed for its Belgian-built body that stretches into the horizon, and lovingly restored at least twice, the car would fetch an eight-figure sum at any auction.

Buddy Pepp, the museum's executive director, says some of his most frightening moments involve the few hundred feet he's driven the car. Yet a few decades ago, the Rolls-Royce was rusting in a New Jersey junkyard, where it was discovered by an entrepreneur in the 1950s who slapped a coat of gold paint on it and charged $1 to see it. Only after a massive rebuilding by Bob Petersen did the car's true value emerge.

Wrecked, abandoned, forgotten — it's a story told by many owners at the Concorso, from the 1939 BMW 335 Cabriolet pulled from an Italian barn after a few decades of neglect to the 1962 Maserati 5000 GT discovered by a diamond merchant in Venezuela as its then-owner's street-parked, dusty jalopy. (The restoration took 10 years.)

Ferrari donates $1.6 million 599XX Evo to benefit auction for earthquake victims: Motoramic Dash

In the aftermath of earthquakes in northern Italy that killed 17 people, injured 350 and damaged dozens of small villages, several Italian automakers halted production. Ferrari went a step further, announcing it would hold an online auction to benefit survivors with several donated goods, including this rare Ferrari 599XX Evo -- a car valued at $1.6 million that its owners never take home.

The 599XX Evo offers a rolling test bed for new Ferrari technology, including some tricks from its Formula 1 program, making them the fastest Ferraris available to everyday billionaires. Instead of leaving the car with owners, Ferrari keeps them at its headquarters and schlepps them to special track events around the world.

In addition to the 599XX Evo, Ferrari says it will donate a plethora of F1 merchandise, from momentos signed by drivers Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso to an entire F1 V8 engine. The online auction will start in a few days at the Ferrari Store website.

Other news from around the industry this morning:

Car battery startups fizzle: I noted battery maker A123 Systems' troubles earlier this week; Mike Ramsey of the Wall Street Journal stitches the big picture together of an overbuilt industry fed by Obama administration money that's run into the hard reality that electric cars are just too expensive for mass market buyers today. Expect this to come up in a political ad near you soon. (Wall Street Journal)

Chrysler sales rise 30 percent in May: The first in what's expected to be mostly strong sales across the U.S. auto industry for May, led by a comeback among Japanese firms. Chrysler has a lot to tout in this report, but a near-doubling of Dodge Avenger sales does raise some questions about how many of those new cars went to rental fleets. (Chrysler)

Porsche 911 Club Coupe will cost 12 buyers $177,000 in bragging rights: Motoramic Dash

This is the Motoramic Dash, a daily roundup of the most interesting news in the automotive world.

No automaker makes more out of a single model than Porsche. Yes, there's far more ways to combine options on an F-Series pickup, but those are just permutations on a factory line. Porsche aims to make every new mix of features a unique model, helping would-be Porsche owners embrace the sizable markups that accompany them. This represents the pinnacle of Porsche's efforts so far, the Porsche 911 Club Coupe, of which only 13 copies will be built and 12 sold -- and just because you have $175,580 doesn't mean you'll be allowed to own one.

Porsche says the 911 Club Coupe was built for the true fans to mark the 60th anniversary of the first club for Porsche drivers. Their special model comes with several upgrades, including engraved plates, a unique mini-whaletail and an engine upgrade to 430 hp. Of the 13 built, Porsche will hold onto one and let 12 Porsche Club members from around the word win a chance to buy one in a raffle. Everyone else will just have to make do with slightly less special 911s.

Other news this morning:

California Highway Patrol favors Ford Explorer as new ride: Why should police be immune from the same desires for more room that's driven everyone else into SUVs? (Detroit Free Press)

A123 raises "going concern," "strategic options" red flags: America's biggest start-up battery maker has nothing but trouble on the horizon. (Reuters)

2013 Ford Shelby GT500, a gentler stampeding Mustang: Motoramic Drives

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 arrives late this year fresh from its third major makeover in the last four years, Ford's master chief in its battle for pony car dominance. Thanks to an influx of beefier hardware and clever software, the Shelby GT500's performance amazes in every dimension -- almost too much so.

There's no more fitting tribute in the wake of Carroll Shelby's passing last week than to note when Ford engineers vowed that the 2013 version of the street-rocket Mustang bearing his name would hit 200 mph, Shelby accused them of "bulls**ting" him. They told the truth.

The changes wrought on the 2013 Shelby aren't just the monstrous increase in horsepower from 550 hp to 662 hp with 631 ft-lbs of torque, making the 'Stang capable of a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. The braking system scrubs excess speed with larger, 6-piston Brembo calipers. To shed weight gained from the bored-out 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine, Ford installed a carbon-fiber driveshaft and a plastic fuel tank. The engineers worked tirelessly on multiple cooling systems and with Bilstein on an optional performance package, bringing the suspension and handling in line with the hefty increase in power.

The front end sports a more aggressive design and a grille-free opening that contains endless fairings and flaps, increasing front down force by 66% -- crucial in getting the car over 200 mph without reviving the Mustang as an airborne object. The rear end has the new for 2013 taillights and a not-so-subtle quad exhaust producing the bellow of a waking giant.

With my car fitted with the optional "Track Pack" that increases cooling even further -- and bumps the sticker price to $65,120 from the $54,200 base number -- I took to the Road Atlanta racetrack. I braced for a punishing ride that would make me earn my lap time, and instead found a companion as calm and eager to reward as a day-care teacher. There was no understeer to speak of, and the rear was planted on power down. The gear ratios from the beefed-up Tremec six-speed manual were so long that the car tricks you into thinking you're going slower than you actual velocity. The car will do 60 mph in just 1st gear, and I was still in 3rd at 140 mph. It felt, dare I say it, tame.

And I didn't want it to.

I wanted to manhandle the car, holding my breath every turn, praying I would emerge from the other side without bending metal or myself. I worried that in their drive to wrangle this herd of wild horses, the Ford engineers had actually done their jobs too well.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: Faster to 60 mph than you can read this headline

Last week's sneak peek at Ferrari's replacement for the 599 GTO didn't spoil all the surprises. Here are the first official pics of what Ferrari will call the F12 Berlinetta, a V-12 powered coupe that can hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and ranks as the fastest road-going

Ferrari built to date. Using tricks learned from its Formula 1 cars, Ferrari claims the F12 burns less fuel and goes faster than its predecessors thanks to combination of high-tech machinery, wickedly complex weight loss schemes and a bit of black magic aerodynamics. The 6.3-liter V-12 shared with the Ferrari FF has been boosted to 730 hp and 509 ft-lbs of torque,

yet can get nearly 19 mpg under Euro testing with an optional stop-start system. That power goes through a seven-speed gearbox and electric differential, both resized to shrink the car's footprint. That gap you see at the top of the hood is what Ferrari calls an "aero bridge" -- a tunnel that shunts air out the vents behind the front wheel arches, helping reduce the car's drag.

With just 3,362 lbs. to haul around -- thanks to a chassis with 20 different alloys of aluminum -- Ferrari says the F12's top speed lies north of 211 mph, and that its lapped Ferrari's Fiorano test track in 1 minute, 23 seconds, a record for any car Ferrari puts on public roads. The company will start taking orders in Geneva, and at first glance, Ferrari won't lack for shoppers.

2013 SRT Viper reborn as a 640-hp Detroit-built supercar

The original Dodge Viper was the definition of irresistible force in a movable object -- a V-10 powered roadster that couldn't be beat in a straight line but punished those who couldn't master it around a curve. After a two-year hiatus driven by Chrysler's bankruptcy, the only V-10 American-built supercar has been reborn as the 2013 SRT Viper, and gifted with Ferrari-fighting levels of power and refinement. The fangs have grown sharper.

To a packed crowd at the New York Auto Show preview, SRT chief Ralph Gilles drove not just a production Viper on stage but a race version that will compete in the GT class of the American LeMans series. Gilles, wearing a "Detroit" t-shirt, made clear that the Viper wouldn't sell in huge numbers nor really matter to the company's finances. "The Viper shows we still have a soul here at Chrysler," Gilles says, adding that one colleague announced when the Viper plan's won approval that "today, we are a car company again.

" While the company considered using pieces of the Fiat-Ferrari parts bin, Gilles and team chose instead to rework the internals of the previous Viper, which has soldiered on for several years as a track killer that was barely suitable for everyday driving. Engineers redesigned the frame to raise its stiffness and lightness, the restyled body uses mostly carbon-fiber panels, and the 8.4-liter V-10 was given a brace of updates that not only raised its power by 40 hp to 640 hp and 600 ft.-lbs. of torque, but made the power more usable. The combination of all such measures, Gilles says, creates a car that has a better power-to-weight ratio than a Lamborghini Aventador and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. (Fuel economy ratings are to be determined, but if you have to ask...)

But it's inside where the Viper breaks with tradition most. Admitting that the previous Viper's interior was considered a "joke" by competitors, Gilles said the new one was designed to match them. The seats are built by the same supplier who sells them to Ferrari; the dash includes two video screens. And for a car whose owners reveled in the lack of electronic driving aids, the new Viper not only comes with cruise control and stability control, but a launch system to snap off consistent drag strip times.

Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline

Dodge is a brand that has reinvigorated itself over the last few years, and the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is a perfect example of why that has happened. With a truly satisfying blend of style, performance, and a storied brand history, this Challenger will delight the enthusiastic driver.

Performance

The Rallye Redline features a Pentastar V6 engine displacing 3.6 liters, whose dual exhausts and finely tuned induction system produce a mighty 305 horsepower. The engine is constructed from lightweight aluminum, in order to minimize the vehicle's weight, and the car also offers tweaked weight distribution in order to enhance driving pleasure. Special care has been applied to the engine's responsiveness, too, with its torque output reaching 90 percent or more of its maximum 268 lb ft for almost the entire rpm range.

Responsive

The Rallye Redline is all about feedback, and giving the driver the confidence to undertake precision maneuvers whenever they are required. The transmission is a five-speed Auto Stick paddle shift affair, with obvious nods to the race track. These are teamed with a three-spoke wheel that allows the driver's hands both long-ride comfort and accurate control. The car's tuned suspension enhances the sporty feel, as does the inclusion of larger brake discs than on the standard model.  

GTA Spano

The 2012 GTA Spano is a high-performance sports car with a rear-mounted, 8.3-liter, V10 engine that can produce 820 horsepower and 708 lbs-ft of torque and gives it a top speed of over 217 mph. The car is built on a chassis for which GTA filed several new patents. Structurally, the car is built using a combination of carbon fiber, Kevlar and titanium, giving the car super strength but keeping it very light. The combination of the lightweight construction and powerful engine means this car is one of the fastest accelerators in the world, reaching 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds from a standing start.

 Interior

The interior design is aimed at combining a luxury appearance with sporting appeal. Extensive use of leather and carbon fiber finishes demonstrate classic luxury features combined with ultra-modern components. The leather-covered seats are electrically adjustable and have built-in hot and cold temperature control. The steering wheel, which is also leather-covered, is constructed from carbon fiber. Lights, wipers and turn signals are controlled from a single stick mounted behind the steering wheel.

Console 

There is a 7" LCD screen mounted in the dashboard that functions as the control center for many of the features supplied with the car, including the navigation system, entertainment and connectivity. There is no rear-view mirror on the Spano. Instead, images from a rear-mounted camera are projected on to the LCD screen.

Infiniti LE Concept

The 2012 Infiniti LE Concept will be making its world debut in 2012, at the New York International Auto Show.

Its dramatic style, technology, and advanced concepts from Infiniti will feature an aerodynamic body, elegant interior, and superb driving performance.

Infiniti has proven that it is possible to provide a luxury sedan with zero emission, and does not compromise room for the benefits of an electric vehicle.

Although the Infiniti LE is a concept car, the production version of the 2012 Infiniti LE Concept is expected to be in showrooms within the next two years.

Design

The Infiniti LE is shaped to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, but definitely does not fit the “cookie-cutter”) exterior of most electric vehicles. With its batteries located under the passenger floor, it not only provides a low center of gravity, but also maximizes interior space, trunk space, and front and rear seat legroom and comfort.

The charge port is hidden under the center Infiniti emblem, which is illuminated on the grille.

The concept car has a torque of 240 lb-ft for accelerating, and re-accelerating, making smooth transitions. The battery system is a laminated lithium-ion battery, with a quick charger. It is capable of using an integrated charging port, a DC Fast Charge option, and advance Wireless Charging System without any connecting charging cables.

Chassis

A smoother ride is provided by a higher body and rigidly mounted battery frame, duo-piston shock absorbers, and independently suspended strut and rear torsion beam. The powertrain technology results in low noise and low vibration for the driver and passengers.

The Infiniti LE resembles the same Infiniti luxury car, without the tailpipe. The crescent-cut rear pillar, and double-arch grill, adds to this concept car's aero efficiency. It also sports side-fin spoilers, a rear aero diffuser, and a high rear deck with LED illumination.

Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R

The 2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R, is designed exclusively to race in the American Le Mans Series.

The design of the GTS-R is from a collaboration of Riley Technologies and SRT Motorsports. This car has been built for three reasons: reliability, speed and durability.

Exterior

This car comes covered in an aggressive design. The new style is evident on the entire car from the lightweight roof which is made of carbon fiber to its road scorching wheels. Three inches has been added to the wheelbase, and 2 inches to the track.

This makes the already sizeable car into a big beast. The doors have also been stretched out. The front and back suspension systems are designed to work with Michelin racing tires.

The sizes of the wheels are 18 x 10.5 inches in the front, and 19 x 13 inches in the rear. Other notable features included in this racing car are: dual function, LED turn signals, and bi-xenon projector lamps.

Interior

The beautiful exterior design has been complemented with a gorgeous interior design, to make the car more comfortable and desirable. Notable interior features include climate-controlled cockpit, electronic stability control and traction control systems.

The electronic stability control is a 4 mode setup which can sense speed at all wheels alongside with steering wheel angle sensor, yaw sensor, and lateral G.

Innovative Technology

The Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R comes with launch control as standard equipment, to aid in optimizing in a straight line performance in track conditions. To add to that, for the very first time, the Viper has incorporated cruise control into the GTS.

Dodge SRT Viper

The 2013 Dodge SRT Viper was premiered at the New York International Auto Show in April 2012.

The car, which comes in two models, the SRT Viper and the SRT Viper GTS, comes with a massive 8.4-liter, V10 engine capable of generating 640 horsepower.

Its torque rating is 600 pounds-feet, which is the highest torque rating in the world for a normally aspirated engine in the sports car class.

Torsion stiffness has been increased by half in the redesigned chassis, and significant weight reduction has been achieved by using lightweight materials for engine and body components. Internally, the Viper has been completely revamped.

Interior Seating

Sabelt racing seats are fitted as standard equipment. The seat frames are constructed from a mixture of Kevlar and fiberglass, making them less bulky while improving durability. To give extra headroom, the new seats are .75 inches lower.

The bulkhead has been moved further to the rear, giving an extra 3.5 inches legroom and allowing extra seat travel. Additionally, the seats are now height-adjustable. Height adjustment is manual in the base model and electrically controlled in the Viper GTS.

Exterior

The door panels are built from aluminum, while the hood, deck lid and roof are made from carbon-fiber, contributing to greater stability, greatly reduced weight, and much lower drag; the headroom has been increased without compromising the front, making it more comfortable for those who wear crash helmet.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a two-seater, open-top hybrid designed to appeal to sports car enthusiasts.

Its innovative, lightweight construction, coupled with a powerful hybrid engine, that delivers a striking performance and impressive fuel efficiency.

In fact, the combined power output of the electric and gas engines are capable of generating 354 horsepower and 306 pounds-feet of torque.

Performance

The electric motor is fed by lithium-ion battery cells, and can be fully charged from a standard domestic power supply in under two hours. This motor is used to drive the front axle, while the gas powered motor drives the rear axle.

The car can travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone, ideal for city driving. An optional alternator can be linked to the gas engine to provide continuous charging to the electric motor, making the car an extended range hybrid.

Powerful Combination

The electric motor provides 131 horsepower, and the gas-powered engine can produce 223 horsepower. Between them, they are capable of bringing the Concept Spyder from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. While clearly not lacking in power, the combined motors deliver remarkable fuel efficiency. The Spyder is capable of an amazing 113 mpg.

Because the two engines separately power the two axles, the car has the ability to deliver drive power through the front wheels, the rear wheels or through all four at the same time. The onboard computer manages optimum drive power automatically.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse

For the driver who is absolutely not willing to compromise, the Bugatti Veyron has retained its place at the top for several years.

However, the 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse takes it a step further, and must surely be classed as one of the most desirable sports cars ever produced.

Performance

A Bugatti would not be a Bugatti if it was anything but supremely fast, and the Vitesse boasts some truly astounding performance.

The ferocious 7.9-liter, W16 engine puts out no less than 1200 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, and not a great deal less than this at other engine speeds. From a standing start, this Veyron can hit 62 mph in a staggering 2.6 seconds, while for those with access to a race track, top speed is 255 mph. That makes this the speediest production roadster ever offered for sale.

Chassis

Unsurprisingly, a car this fast absolutely needs to be built with uncompromising quality, and the Vitesse makes use of a number of features more often seen on race cars.

Its shock absorbers respond so fast that they will always keep the Bugatti absolutely poised and balanced, while the combination of the car's highly advanced four-wheel drive technology and ultra-light, 20-inch wheels mean that the driver will always have absolute confidence in the Veyron's position on the road.

Interior

CCG Automotive Dodge Wrapped Challenger SRT-8

The 2012 CCG Automotive Dodge Wrapped Challenger SRT-8 is a demonstration vehicle used to promote the work of the German company CCG.

The company specializes in giving cars a complete makeover, both internally and externally.

Exterior Wrapping

CCG modified the exterior appearance of the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 using a technique called 'car wrapping.' This technique allows for a complete transformation of the body by applying an opaque, plastic-based, patterned film to the car.

This process has several advantages over re-spraying the car. Complex color schemes and color blending can be easily produced on the film, achieving an end result that would be extremely difficult using paint.

The wrapping process is also much faster than a repaint job. Additionally, the process is reversible because the film can be easily removed. A stunning visual effect can be created for a fraction of the price it would cost to achieve the same by repainting.

Performance

CCG does not confine itself to just visually changing a car. The company also has a technical division that showed its versatility by installing a totally different engine in the demonstration Dodge.

The engineers replaced the original 6.1-liter, V8 engine of the production SRT-8 with a 7.0-liter Stroker HEMI-V8 engine. The new engine results in an increase in power from 481 horsepower to a spectacular 600 horsepower.

Cartel Speedster Scion FR-S Concept

The 2012 Cartel Speedster Scion FR-S Concept made its debut at the Toyota Grand Prix held at Long Beach, California in April.

Scion cars are effectively Toyota's experimental prototypes of the company's ever-improving high performance cars, and the FR-S Concept is one of them and has several innovative features.

Performance

The Scion FR-S Concept has a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter, Boxer engine that was developed as a joint project between Toyota and Subaru designers.

The leading edge, D-4S injection system developed by Toyota is combined with Subaru's brand new horizontally opposed engine in the new power plant. The new engine generates 151 pounds-feet of torque and a hefty 200 horsepower.

The car can be fitted with either a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission. The manual gearshift lever has very short travel distances, allowing rapid and precise gear changes. The automatic transmission is controlled with paddles mounted on the steering wheel. A limited-slip differential delivers the power to the wheels.

A key goal of the design of the FR-S Concept was to develop an engine that could deliver high power combined with high fuel economy. The advanced aerodynamic design of the body combined with a compact size and lightweight components help this engine achieve that goal.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Brown Carbon Fiber & Aluminum

Everybody knows that the most luxurious and exclusive car manufacturer in the world is Bugatti.

Every time they release a new version of their elegant sports cars, everyone is amazed of what artistry they put into these supercars.

For the first time, a brown finish in visible carbon fiber which allows the sports car to shimmer in a specific light has been polished in the 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Brown Carbon Fiber and Aluminum.

The artistic orientation of this classic was a challenge for the production team since they wanted to produce a bronze-like effect on its car case when certain light falls into it.

A contrast is created by using polished aluminum with a 'Gaucho' colored leather interior to make the roadster more appealing and exquisite.

Performance

This new Bugatti Veyron boasts of its utmost torque of 1106 lbs-ft at 3,000-5,000 rpm, which makes it an extraordinary sports car. The engine's capacity is a 7.9 liter, 1200 HP at 6,400 rpm. It goes from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds, which makes it the fastest sports car available. The normal speed is confined to 375 km/h (233 mph) while the surmount speed is up to 410 km/h (255 mph).

Exterior

Tushek Renovatio T500

The 2012 Tushek Renovatio T500 is based on the K1 attack Roadster which was revealed by Oliver Ashley in 2010.

The exterior design of this vehicle, gives it a look of a supercar, with the scissor doors and removable hardtop, inspired by the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante.

The Renovatio T500 sits on aluminum forged wheels with centre locking measuring 8.5 by 19 inches at the front, and 10 by 19 inches at the back. Moreover, the chassis is made of chrome-moly steel, while the body is made from carbon fiber and composites, which help keep the car's weight to a minimum.

Interior

The Tushek Renovatio T500's interior design is loaded with luxury features which include the leather and Alcantara interior, automatic climate control, navigation system and keyless entry.

Other optional features include: heated seats, track day kit, titanium exhaust system and a rear view camera.

Performance

The Tushek Renovatio T500 (2012) is powered by a V8 Audi RS4 engine. This is complimented with a six speed manual gearbox.

The 4.2 liter FSI engine produces 450 horsepower at 7,900 rpm. At 3,200 rpm, it produces 316 lbs-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reach 124mph in just 11.5 seconds. Amazingly, the entire braking process takes less than 29 meters. The top speed of this vehicle is 193 mph.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

The 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3, comes in time for its debut competitive race in 2012.

The new edition has followed a thorough improvement program in 2011.

This McLaren also debuts in the FIA GT1 world championship race in France, on April 2012 and has been specifically designed for high performance and ease of maintenance.

Exterior

The MP4-12C GT3's exterior design, has been styled for favoring high speed. Some of the key exterior features include: rear wings, a front splitter, aerodynamic designs, door blades and diffuser. To emphasize on the gorgeous exterior look, this car has been rounded with a set of 20 inches forged alloy front wheels and 21 inches set at the rear.

These wheels are designed to give the supercar a muscular look, and also increase its mechanical grip. Other notable exterior features include: carbon fiber composite chassis, aluminum sub-frames and dihedral doors.

Interior

The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (2012) interior design has been based on practicability. It is equipped with adjustable steering and seats.

It has a 7 inch touch screen computer, in addition to the information centre which provides telematic functions which include: navigation, audio and telephone. Other key interior design features include: Active Dynamics panel and climate controls on every door console.

Rolls-Royce Two-Tone Ghost

It is probably fair to say that not many people buy a Rolls-Royce Ghost because they want their car to appear inconspicuous on the road.

However, for those few for whom the standard Ghost is somehow not sufficiently eye-catching, it is, after all, smaller than its Phantom brother - there's a special edition that is guaranteed to stand out wherever it goes: the 2012 Rolls-Royce Two-Tone Ghost.

Luxury & Style

A Rolls-Royce would not be a Rolls-Royce if it were not a very special car to climb into and the Two-Tone Ghost takes this feeling to a new level. The company has described it as "a work of art", and looking at it, it's hard to disagree.

The paintwork is a stunning blend of Infinity Black and Cassiopeia Silver, while little details such as carpets made of the finest lambs wool add to the sense of occasion a lucky owner will experience.

Performance

The all-new turbocharged V12, 6.6-liter engine produces more than 560 horsepower, enough to shift this 2.5-ton leviathan from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited in some markets, but 155 mph is likely to be it, as the company used to say in years gone by, "sufficient."

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible

If you want the best, look no further than the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible.

Connoisseurs of street machines will be enthralled with this convertible. It truly lives up to the name on the package and represents everything that Shelby stood for when building their vehicles.

Ford has redesigned the SVT Cobra to the point that this surpasses all others with the Shelby Performance package offered over the last 20 years. It is difficult to get the feel of this vehicle without seeing all that it offers however you will be left breathless when you see it.

Performance

This twentieth anniversary model has come a long way from the days of 235 HP 5.0L engines as this baby packs a spectacular 650 horsepower, leaving the competition in the dust. Do not let the new Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible scare you away.

This super charged 5.8 liter ragtop is as powerful as the hard top coupe and considering the lighter weight, it exceeds all expectations when it comes to performance and handling.

Handling

Right off the bat you will notice adjustable dampers that allow for exceptional performance in combination by tuning the chassis with different modes available at the touch of a button. Whether the road is smooth or rough, you are assured that it will handle with pure excellence.

More

This model has the most powerful engine in its class as well as 20 years of advances in engineering that have finally led to the perfect SVT Cobra. From its muscle car looks to perfect handling and performance, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible is one to consider and easily the foundation for a new generation of sports cars and a collectible for any muscle car enthusiast.

Audi TT RS Plus

With the up and coming release of the 2013 Audi TT RS Plus, car lovers know by now that their driving experience will never be the same. Early this year, we have had a glimpse of what the new Audi TT RS Plus has to offer: dynamics, power, and speed.

Performance

The new Audi TT RS Plus is a small sports car that comes in Roadster and Coupe versions. Its five-cylinder turbocharged engine that is capable of power boost delivers 360 horsepower, enough power to make the car reach a maximum speed of 174 mph (280 km/h).

The power comes from its 2.5 L TFSI engine, a turbocharged direct injection unit that brings 20 more horsepower than the previous or current model. In line with it, the new unit delivers a torque of 343 ft-lb, 11 ft-lbs more powerful than the previous or current model.

Optimum Acceleration

Prospective owners can choose between a 7-speed S-tronic that makes gear shifting as fast as lightning or the six speed manual transmission. A launch control function is integrated into the dual clutch transmission thus optimizing acceleration from a standing start.

The Coupe and the Roadster can run from 0 to 60 mph in a period of 4 seconds. As for fuel consumption, both the Coupe and Roadster averages 27 mpg. Both statistics are for the Audi TT RS Plus with S-tronic transmission.

Wheelsandmore McLaren MP4-12C Toxique Evil

Wheelsandmore has officially unveiled its tuning kit, specially created for the 2012 WheelsAndMore McLaren model MP4-12C, called Toxique Evil.

A fitting name, considering the output of the vehicle has been increased to a massive 666 BHP and the torque has been increased to 472 ft lb.

If that wasn't enough, Wheelsandmore are also reportedly currently working on a turbo upgrade and intercooler that will allow the McLaren MP4-12C to increase its BHP to 800!

Performance

The newly developed McLaren 3.8 liter Biturbo V8 engine wasn't missing horsepower, as the original factory model boasts 597 BHP. Wheelsandmore were simply following the exclusive sales order to create something that was diabolical (and they certainly delivered when they decided to ramp up the BHP and torque of this supercar!).

Optimized control electronics, a reconfigured computer and handcrafted exhaust systems with valve flaps were also added to the McLaren MP4-12C supercar vehicles.

Chassis Modification

With the increase in engine output and modifications to the exhaust, the McLaren MP4-12C tuning kit also lowers the suspension by an inch and adds forged alloy wheels. New suspension springs are used to lower the entire vehicle's suspension.

Lowering the complex hydraulic and electronic suspension system by just 25mm helps to control body roll and also improves the steering and handling of McLaren's MP4-12C model.

Hamann Hawk Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster

The 2012 Hamann Hawk Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster is an incredibly powerful sports car.

The original Mercedes-Benz car has been given several design changes, the most significant one being the installation of a 6.2-liter Hamann engine.

To help squeeze every last available bit of energy from the engine, the car is fitted with a special sports air filter and a high-performance, stainless steel exhaust system.

Performance

The end result is an engine that can generate an amazing 636 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque. Because the engine is installed in a car built from ultra-modern materials, meaning the weight is greatly reduced, the car has a top speed of 198mph. When set in race mode, the car can go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.

Red & Black

The visual design of the car is based around a red and black theme, both externally and internally. The two black, leather-covered bucket seats have red trim. They are separated by a console made from red carbon and red trim is used on the floor, the dashboard and the instrument panel.

Red colored carbon is also used to decorate the door sill protectors, the door handles and the air inlets.

Interior

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is quite possibly the sports car that most enthusiasts have been clamoring for.

Right off the bat you are looking at 30 percent less fuel consumption than previous models without a loss of performance in this phenomenal roadster.

Performance

The SL 63 AMG delivers 536 HP while an optional performance package increases that figure to a spectacular 564 HP with 590 lb-ft of torque for fast acceleration and response. This plays out to a time of 4.3 seconds for 0 to 100 km per hour.

The transmission is the AMG SpeedShift MCT-7 with several options to adjust performance and fuel consumption through different modes. This is basically designed for any situation that requires different transmission performance and places control in the driver's hands.

Other components are specialized to improve performance and effectiveness such as floating calipers and an electronic parking brake. There are upgrades to increase the performance on the braking components, however the standard package is exceptionally effective.

Exterior

The body of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is true to the Mercedes-Benz style yet has some distinct features that make it stand out from the brand. Incorporated in this model are large air dams that fit perfectly with the customary eloquent style while letting you know this is a speed machine and not a touring vehicle.