Saturday, February 20, 2010

Porsche opens the world of racecar action for amateurs

If you have ever dreamt of a racecar, we are sure you must have dreamt of a racetrack as well. For many of us that dream might be over and for some of us the world of Formula One racing is miles apart from our ambitions, but if you still strive toward a day to show your flair on the racetrack, then my friend you have to be in Abu Dhabi. The launch of a new racing concept at the home of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, opens up a thrilling new world of race action for people, whose daily routines from office to home limits their passion for motor sports. he concept based on the “arrive and drive” nature is introduced by Porsche to identify top Arab and local-based talent in the region and become a platform for entry into the world of international GT and sports car racing. While we all understand that it won’t come cheap, it’s priceless to follow your dream. So, to take part in this series you have to invest in a brand new Porsche GT3 Cup car to begin with and follow your dream in the international circuits in Bahrain and Reem outside Riyadh next year, and let life be great!

Via: Automobil Sport
READ MORE - Porsche opens the world of racecar action for amateurs

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The world's 10 most expensive cars

While our focus remains the luxury and price in making the list, however, these priciest cars in the world are more specimens of automotive engineering than just blinged up machines of luxury. So, to give a slight idea of what it costs to get a lot of extras that makes your prestigious car convey an aura of elegance and gentility, here is our list of the world’s 10 most expensive cars.




1. Koenigsegg Trevita

Price: $2.21 million

Innovations are not always improvements but at times, they really are. This is especially true as Koenigsegg gives yet another shot to a complete carbon fiber bodywork in the CCXR Trevita, but with a diamond finish. Koenigsegg has developed a diamond weave where the fibers are coated with a diamond finish. The fiber is treated carefully in small quantities, prior to further processing the Pre-preg material. Apart from the diamond finished, silvered carbon fiber, CCXR Trevita features a double carbon fiber wing, paddle-shift transmission, Inconell exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulic lift system, a custom navigation and of course, an entertainment system.

2. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Price: $2 million ($1.67 million for the coupe version)

It is one car that you would get into and would never feel like getting out of. Unveiled in a strange yet suitable manner at the Concours d’ Elegance, the Grand Sport brings to the table sheer brilliance that makes the world of automobiles a great place. Embarking on the 100th year of motoring, the Grand Sport is one creation that complements the mammoth achievement. Make no mistake here, people, that 16.4 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport comes with a removable roof (polycarbonate material), not a retractable one, but it still manages to register itself as the fastest roadster in the world. Talk about stand-out features of this outstanding car, for me the pick of things is the reversing camera, which comes with a 2.7-inch monitor on the rearview mirror.

3. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

Price: $1.8 million

Only five units of the Pagani Zonda Cinque were put into production, and all of them were sold out. Now, Pagani has unveiled the roadster version of the famous coupe and once again, only five examples will be made. The roofless Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster features a specially redesigned carbon-titanium chassis and has its roof stored in the front bonnet. The luxury coupe gets its power from the 678-hp Mercedes AMG V12 engine that allows it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph. Weighing in at 2,667 lbs, the Zonda Cinque comes with full carbon fibered bodywork, Cima six-speed sequential gearbox and a titanium and magnesium adjustable suspension.

4. Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

Price: $1.56 million

Like its coupe counterpart, the roadster is based on the Murciélago LP640 (but has a completely new exterior aesthetic), with a V12, 650 horsepower engine that has a top speed of 340 km per hour. The “aerodynamically optimized” exterior is made of CFC, an extremely lightweight composite carbon fiber material. A G-force-meter is also new: it shows dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration for speeding and braking, and transversal acceleration around corners.

5. Lamborghini Reventón

Price: $1.42 million

We are not sure if the roadster is still in stock but nonetheless, features are still to look at. Named after a prized fighting bull that fought in the early 1940s, the Reventón inhabits everything Lamborghini. It is made exclusively in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and its sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces are inspired by fighter jets. You’ll know it by its glass engine hood, solid aluminum fuel tank lid and opaque carbon fins screwed onto the black aluminum spokes on the wheels. A total of 20 will be produced.

6. Maybach Landaulet

Price: $1.4 million


The German company added sophisticated feel to their luxury saloon with the Maybach Landaulet. With 604 horsepower and a top speed of 155 miles per hour, this chauffeur-driven sedan can hold its own against race cars half its size (it’ll get to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. It comes with a V12 twin-turbo engine. The roof can be opened fully at the rear while the chauffeur compartment remains closed. Each armchair is encased in white leather. A partition screen with clear glass and curtains, reclining rear seats with leg and footrests and a Dunhill umbrella are included.

7. Koenigsegg CCXR

Price: $1.3 million


The special edition Koenigsegg CCX-R from the Swedish hasn’t just been picked by us for its price tag, but for traits which make it outstanding for reasons one many. It is the first car which isn’t just a pure road scorcher running on gas but a devil which surprisingly is eco-friendly as it can run on biofuel, that too, without compromising on the performance. It can go 0 to 62 mile-per-hour in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250 mph, and our eco-friendly riches won’t mind having this one at the back of their garages.

8. Koenigsegg CCX

Price: $1.1 million

While the Swedish automobile manufacturer have long been known as safe and steady, not fast and furious however, the CCX was developed to deliver superior performance - both on the track and on the road. The sCCX has carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulic lift system, a navigation system and a rear-view camera. CD and DVD systems, satellite radio, climate control, leather carpets, a roof stowage bag and car-cover come standard. Horsepower in the V8 engine is 806 units, for a 0-62 mile-per-hour time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 245 mph. It has a specially developed transversal six-speed gearbox, with optional paddle-shift. A chrono instrument cluster, carbon wheels, forged aluminum wheels, fitted luggage, special leather and color requests and Inconell exhaust system are also optional.

9. Leblanc Mirabeau

Price: $765,000


It is one of the most remarkable cars ever built in automotive history and fact that it’s street legal is almost unbelievable. The Mirabeau was specially designed to feature at the 24 Hours Le Mans race, but it is street-legal. It has a 4.7-liter Koenigsegg-made V8 engine that delivers 700 horsepower and a top speed of 230 miles per hour. Each car can be customized to owners’ expectations, including an optional semi-automatic transmission.

10. SSC Ultimate Aero

Price: $740,000


The car that snatched the fastest production car tag from Buggati Veyron in 2008, but still that won’t make you go for it. Consider the amount of carbon fiber this car uses, making it special even in the way it looks. The newest model will reach a top speed of 270 miles per hour. Carbon fiber rear spoilers respond to the amount of pressure on the brake pedal. Inside, a carbon fiber dashboard and center console incorporate a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor for optimum driving conditions.

Via: Forbes




READ MORE - The world's 10 most expensive cars
 
Lifestyle Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory