$16.4 Million Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa – Most Expensive Car Sold At Auction

1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa sets a new record as the most expensive car sold at auction, after fetching $16.4 million at  the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance at Monterey Car Week in California. This red Ferrari  has suffered  damage in the Le Mans 24-hour race and been wrecked in a fire, but has since been professionally restored to its former glory.

The car is the first of Testa Rossa built and was used as a prototype for the many others that came during the 1950s and 1960s. The car has 300-horsepower, a 3.0-liter V-12 engine, a four-speed manual transmission and was used in races in both the U.S. and Europe.

The ultra-rich remain ultra-rich, Swiss-based Ferrari historian Marcel Massini told. The very, very best sells easily and incredibly high. The identity of the seller and the buyer is still unknown.

The previous record for a car sold at auction was the $12 million sale of another 1957 Testa Rossa in Maranello, Italy in 2009.

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The New Bentley Continental GTC/Review

• Bold, contemporary, sculpted design employing advanced production technology.

• Sensuous, luxurious, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment.

• Coupe-like refinement with unrivalled comfort and practicality.

• More powerful 6.0-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability, delivering exhilarating performance.

• Uprated chassis for a more dynamic and engaging open-top driving experience.

The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.” Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

Pricing Information

POUNDS STERLING - £149,350

US DOLLAR - $212,800 MSRP

EURO - €170,060

RENMINBI - RMB 3,838,000

YEN - ¥26,400,000

THE NEW CONTINENTAL GTC – AT A GLANCE

Sculpted exterior design

>Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
>Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.
>More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

>New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
>Choice of 17 hide colours, six colour split combinations and seven veneers.
>Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
>A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
>Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability

>6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS
(567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
>FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).
>Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

>ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
>New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
>Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
>Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.

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Porsche Boxster S Black Edition – Power of Attraction

Porsche is now offering the Black Edition treatment for the Boxter S, which will be limited to 987 units across the world, and which will go on sale in around two months. Based on the Boxster S, the new Black Edition model upgrades with a host of otherwise optional equipment, including the Design, convenience and infotainment packages, fitted as standard.

Each car is finished in black and features the same, uprated 320bhp version of the 3.4-litre flat-six engine that powers the Boxster Spyder. That means the Black Edition will sprint from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds with a six-speed manual gearbox, 5.1 seconds if you opt for the seven-speed PDK twin-clutch box and just 4.9 seconds if you stump up for the Sport Chrono Package Plus.

Exterior tweaks include black paint, a black set of the Boxster Spyder’s lightweight 19in alloys, black Boxster S lettering on the rear luggage compartment lid, Black Edition script on the black fabric hood, plus black roll bars, black air intakes, and black exhaust pipes.

Inside, only black leather is offered with minimal aluminum and stainless steel accents, including the door sill plates that feature Black Edition lettering. Even the dash trim and gauges are black. Some extra custom items include Porsche logos on the headrests and the obligatory limited edition badge on the glove box, indicating exactly which of the 987 units your car is.

Keeping up with design standards, it offers options like the black-painted Design package, convenience package (bi-xenon headlamps, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic climate control) and infotainment package (navigation, Bose surround sound and XM satellite radio with NavTraffic). The kit will be retailed at $65,200 when the car goes on sale this spring.

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The World’s Most Powerful and Fastest Luxury Sedan

Brabus Mercedes SV12 R Biturbo 800 – The World’s Most Powerful and Fastest Luxury Sedan

Dubbed as the Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800, this power packed Mercedes S Class is in fact the world’s most powerful and fastest luxury sedan which is able to unleash no less than 800 hp (788 bhp / 588 kW) at 5,500 rpm  and 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) of torque.

The SV12 R Biturbo 800 features a 5.5 liter V12 engine that, thanks to a special crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods, larger-diameter pistons and corresponding larger cylinder bore, has increased to 6.3 liters. Brabus also installed new turbochargers, a sport exhaust, carbon fiber air intake, four intercoolers and a recalibrated ECU. Performance is understandably brisk, with the benchmark 0-62mph sprint taking just 3.9 seconds, 0-124mph comes up in 10.3 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 217mph.

The Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 Mercedes S Class uses a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission to put power to the ground, and a high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent is also availableas an option.

These upgrades naturally also include tires capable of handling the speeds this car is capable of. Pirelli or Yokohama offer the matching rubber, in sizes 265/30 (front) and 295/30 (rear). Wheels come in three sizes, from 19 to 21 inches, and in four flavors: three-piece forged and high-gloss polished Brabus Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, multi-spoke Monoblock E wheels, Monoblock S wheels with double-spoke design and Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels with cross-spoke design.

The upgrade continues in the cabin, where countless combinations of leather or Alcantara and exclusive wood trim sets are available. The iBusiness multimedia system deserves a special note, as it’s for the very first time that variou

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2012 Porsche Cayman S Black/Auto Review

porsche cayman 2012 black edition pic 1

It looks like Porsche is in love with black color and always eager to show the world their latest cars dressed in black. After they launched Boxster S Black Edition and the Carrera Black Edition, Porsche has done it again by launching the third model in the Black Edition series. Known as the Cayman S Black Edition, which will be limited to only 500 units.

The new angel of darkness will go on sale this July and will be priced at $67,500 on the US market. Just like with the other Black Edition models, the new Cayman S Black Edition will be loaded with an extra 10 HP under the hood that will push hard the Cayman in terms of performance. The top speed of Cayman is increased by 1.24 mph to 172 mph with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and the car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds with the PDK. Not a heart-stopping speed, but it still is way better than many rides out there. The new Cayman S Black Edition will be set apart by black exterior paint combined with black 19 inch wheels and black partial leather and dashboard trim on the interior.

porsche cayman 2012 black edition pic 2

The Exterior and Interior:

Porsche upcoming model, the new Cayman S Black Edition as the name suggests will be offered with black exterior paint combined with 19" black wheels. The exterior package will also add Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. Porsche’s black story doesn’t end on the outside, the interior of the Black Edition will be getting black partial leather on the driver and passenger seats, climate control, a Sport Design steering wheel, and cruise control. The dashboard will also be offered in black, while the door entry guards will be emblazoned with "Black Edition" lettering made of stainless steel. The Sound Package Plus will add Porsche Communication Management (PCM), a navigation module, and a universal audio interface (AUX, USB, iPod).

Performance:

Under the hood of this wild beauty, lies a special edition engine that was specially modified for the Cayman S Black edition. It’s a 3.4 liter six-cylinder boxer engine with an increase of 10 HP.

This brings the total output to 330 HP at 7,400 rpm, while peak torque remains unchanged at 272 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. With this type of engine resting inside its belly, the car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with the six-gear manual transmission and to 5.0 seconds with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). Top speed has also been increased by 1.24 mph: 173 mph with the manual transmission and 172 mph with the PDK .

The new Cayman S Black Edition will go on sale July 2011, and will be priced starting at $67,500 on the US market. There will only be 500 units built.

The Competition:

The two likely competitors which we have found that can really come face to face with the Black Edition, is the Audi TTS and the base version of the Chevrolet Corvette.

On the US market, the Audi TTS is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder engine with an output of 265 HP and is priced from $47,000. The Chevrolet Corvette is on sale with prices starting from $49,000 and customers will have the possibility of choosing from several engines delivering between 430 HP up to 638 HP. Both the cars are cheaper than Porsche, but in the end Porsche can still take the lead after all it’s a special edition package.

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Special Edition Cars

When it comes to automobiles, branding a model as a "special edition" implies there is something unique about the vehicle, something that makes it posher, faster, better-handling or even just hotter than the stock piece of hardware from whence it came. More often than not, automaker spin doctors use the phrase as a marketing tool, a bit of sleight of hand to breathe life back into a stale nameplate. However, a few special editions aren't simply "lipstick on a pig" and truly deliver on the promise of offering up an extraordinary ride. Here, we've identified the best of the breed. Each brings something to the table — performance enhancements, comfort upgrades, unique colors and other one-off details — not available to the masses and will elevate your status among the automotive elite.

2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0

Price: $20,905

Scion has been infusing its lineup with Release Series rides since 2004. There have been eight xB-based RS versions, six tC and three xD. All feature RS-only paint schemes, interior treatments and numbered badges. But from there the equipment can vary widely, from Toyota Racing Development go-fast gear to custom body kits to trick wheels and elaborate infotainment electronics. Based on the all-new tC, this one features High Voltage yellow paint, a TRD body kit, blacked-out 18-inch wheels, a color-matched interior, a smart-key push-button start and a high-power Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth. Scion will offer 2,200 tC RS 7.0s beginning this summer.

2011 Kia Soul Hamster Edition

Price: $20,295

This Soul started life as an auto-show project and has graduated to production status, becoming the sixth model in the box-shaped car's line-up. Along with its Molten Red paint scheme and black-matte stripes and graphics, the Hamster features an automatic transmission, power sunroof, fog lights, blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and color-matched spoilers and bumpers. Inside, Hamster-emblazoned floor mats join leather-trimmed seats and an upgraded audio system that packs a 315-watt wallop. The system features speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music, which really allows the Hamster to set a lively tone for the daily commute.

2012 Volkswagen Black Turbo Launch Edition 

Price: $24,950The Beetle is all-new for 2012, and VW is producing 600 of these Black Turbo Launch Edition models as a coming-out party. The Black Turbo Launch Edition is powered by VW's trusty 2.0-liter 200-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine backed by a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Other nifty features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lights, Bluetooth/iPod connectivity, 3-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red callipers, special cloth seats and an 8-speaker audio system. The car is available via preorder only at vw.com.

2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition

Price: $31,720

The Miata has the balance of a gymnast and the heart of a samurai. The highly tossable 2011 Special Edition is a party celebrating a whopping 900,000 in global Miata sales. The Miata Special Edition is based on the MX-5 Grand Touring model and is fitted with a retractable hardtop. This engaging drop-top features sport-tuned Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, HID headlamps, keyless ignition, Bluetooth phone connectivity and two exclusive colors: Sparkling Black Mica and Dolphin Gray Mica. Other special equipment includes black leather seats with gray stitching and polished 17-inch rolling stock. Output is expected to be 750 units.

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition

Price: $33,355Toyota offers FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition packages each model year. The 2011 package is easily spotted by its menacing Army Green exterior color and color-matching roof. Other unique touches include a blacked-out grille, mirrors, door handles and bumpers; 6-spoke alloy wheels; BFGoodrich all-terrain tires; trail-tuned Bilstein shocks; rock rails; and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Inside, green fabric seat inserts and door trim complement the exterior. Water-resistant seats and rubber floor mats make it easy to clean the trail out of the FJ Cruiser after the capable SUV hits the dirt.

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Edition

Price: $55,120Really get your groove on this summer in the alluring special edition from Lexus. Hard-hitting visuals set this ride apart from the stock IS 350C, especially its two exclusive exterior colors — Starfire Pearl and Obsidian — and dark graphite 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Beyond the sheet metal, Bilstein shocks, a special rear sway bar and lowering springs enhance the driving experience. The interior sports black and red leather and heated and cooled seats. Navigation is also part of the Special Edition package. It includes a rearview camera, Lexus Enform and satellite radio. Production will be a mere 175 units.

2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Price: $67,500

If Darth Vader rolled a Porsche, it would be a Black Edition. Anything that will accept paint is blacked-out on this Cayman — the side air-intake grilles, the twin exhaust tailpipes, the badge on the rear decklid, everything. The third Black Edition offering from Porsche, this Cayman features special 19-inch wheels and a long list of standard equipment designed to make the car a value buy. Power is bumped 10 ponies to 330 horsepower. The run of 500 is slated to hit showrooms in late summer.

 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Black Diamond Edition

Price: $69,190

The CTS-V is a real adrenalin pump with its supercharged 6.2-liter 556-horsepower V8 engine tugging at the bit. Adding a $4,850 premium to the bottom line, the Black Diamond Edition provides more "status" and less "quo" to the Cadillac driving experience. A mesmerizing silver-accented black paint job that Cadillac calls a "dark tri-coat paint embedded with SpectraFlair Bright Silver pigment" really catches the eye. Other Black Diamond upgrades include 19-inch Satin Graphite wheels backed by yellow Brembo brake calipers, Recaro bucket seats and Midnight Sapele wood trim in the cabin. The Black Diamond Edition can be ordered on CTS-V coupes, sedans or wagons.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition

Price: $90,960

Tom Cruise had an F14 Tomcat jet fighter in the 1986 blockbuster movie "Top Gun" to satisfy his need for speed. 'Vette fans can satisfy theirs with this souped-up Z06. The star of this show is Chevy's new Z07 Performance Package, which includes GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control, ceramic brakes and big wheels. The Carbon Edition also features a carbon-fiber hood, rocker panels and front splitter, and its Z07-spec 20-inch wheels are blacked-out. Buyers can choose from two new Carbon Edition colors, Inferno Orange Metallic and Supersonic Blue Metallic. Act fast if you want into this "danger zone," because only 500 will be offered.

2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Special Edition

Price: $1.6 million, estimatedWhen you've sold just 400 or so cars in seven years, it's hard to tell a special edition from a run-of-the-mill model, especially when run-of-the-mill encompasses 16 cylinders, four turbos and 1,001 horsepower. Bugattis are made to order, so when the company displays cars at auto shows they become de facto special editions. The 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Special Edition saw action at the 2011 Auto Shanghai. This open-air gem features special blue-shadow chrome alloy wheels and blue carbon-fiber body trim. The cabin matches the body; it's wrapped in blue, featuring brushed aluminum highlights.

Courtesy : Evan Griffey of MSN Autos

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