Porsche Cayman R1 by Delavilla (Special Cars)

Porsche Cayman R1 by Delavilla

Delavilla was established in 2007 and focuses exclusively on Porsche models currently offering complete programs for the Cayman and the 911 coupes. The company says that it is also working on tunes for the Speedster, the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera saloon, with more details to be released at a later date.

Back to the Cayman-based R1, the coupe model was revealed at the 2011 Lyon International Motor Show last month and it proposes a comprehensive exterior makeover along with a choice of power upgrades.
The obvious exterior changes start with a wide bodykit that includes front and rear bumpers and fenders along with side panels, which add 120mm (4.7-inches) to the Cayman's overall width up front and 180mm (7.1-inches) on the rear.

The car also gets a bespoke set of quad tail pipes, LED daytime running lights and larger multispoke alloy wheels in the same color as the body.
Delavilla notes that it offers a great number of options ranging from scissor-style doors with a fingerprint recognition system to a transparent engine cover.
Inside, the French tuning house adds a pair of bucket seats along with Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Buyers can choose from three different power kits that lift output to 340HP, 385HP and 420HP, though the most powerful option is only for those than plan to use the car on the track for racing.

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Brabus unveils a 611HP Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster at the Essen Motor Show

611HP Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz tuning house, Brabus, has chosen the Essen Motor Show, to reveal its customized Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

A performance kit that consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special mapping for ignition and injection, and a high-performance, titanium exhaust system with four tail pipes that's 40 percent lighter than the factory unit, bumps maximum output from 571HP (563 bhp) to 611HP (600 bhp).

Additional hardware modifications include an adjustable sport suspension from Bilstein that lowers the ride height by up to 40 mm (1.6-inches) at the touch of a button while the driver can also choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car.

As an option, Brabus offers a Front Lift System that can raise the front end of the SLS AMG roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0-inches) by pushing a button on the center console in order to navigate over speed bumps or parking garage ramps. The system works at speeds of up to 30km/h (19mph), at which point it reverts to its original position.
The car also rides on more aggressive rubber - 275/30 ZR 20 at the front and 295/25 ZR 21 at the rear - mounted on 21 inch wheels on the front axle and 22 inch in the rear.
In appearance, the SLS AMG Roadster gains a modified version of the carbon-fibre aero-kit that Brabus has previously developed for the gullwing-door coupe. It includes a front spoiler, covers for the upper air-ducts, side skirts with illuminated Brabus logos, side air-vent trim, gas tank cap, a new rear bumper with side air vents and a diffuser, plus a discreet boot lid spoiler.

Brabus offers all the aero components in a high-gloss finish, a matte finish or in any color they want.
The final touch is the reworked interior sporting a different speedometer with a 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, matte-anodized pedals and custom upholstery.

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Caterham-Lola SP/300.R (Special Cars)

Caterham SP/300.R

With a rich history of racing excellence, British automakers Caterham are transplanting their racing pedigree from the track to the streets with the Caterham SP/300.R.

Specialist lightweight sports car manufacturer Caterham is bringing their Caterham SP/300.R stateside.
With a racing pedigree spanning over four decades, the latest from the British automaker would most certainly look more at home on the track than off it, but looks aren’t all the Caterham is packing into the 1,300 pound frame. Powering car will be 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine tweaked to churn out 300 horsepower with estimated 0-60 sprint speeds taking a paltry 2.5 seconds to achieve. The engine will be mounted longitudinally and paired with a Hewland sequential transmission, but if that doesn’t satisfy your need for speed, the chassis has been designed to accommodate a range of powertrains at the buyers request.

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New Volvo C70 Inscription Edition production limited to 2000 Pieces

 Volvo C70

We don't know what plans Volvo has for a successor to the C70 that will be eliminated in 2013 after the company shuts down its Uddevalla plant in Sweden, but for now, the automaker has announced a new special edition version that will debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th.
The new C70 Inscription Edition combines bespoke exterior details such as the painted grille, black 18-inch wheels and LED daytime running lights surrounded by contrasting chrome, with unique interior features, including Sovereign Hide upholstery, a leather-covered dashboard and aluminium trim.

The limited package can be combined with all the engine options available for the C70 including the petrol and diesel units. Buyers can choose from three exterior colors - Black Stone (Solid), Black Sapphire (Metallic) and Ice White (Solid).
Volvo said production of the new C70 Inscription Edition will be limited to 2,000 units worldwide.

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Range Rover Evoque to Debut at Dubai Motor Show

Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque is not only Range Rover’s newest and smallest model but also a uniquely designed crossover that heralds a new philosophy for the British brand.
Startech, a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus, has developed an on-road oriented tuning package for both the three- and five-door versions the Evoque, which will make its debut at this week's 2011 Dubai International Motor Show.

Range Rover Evoque/back view

The package includes newly shaped front and rear bumpers, front grille, spoiler and air inlets that are said to have been fine-tuned in the wind tunnel to reduce lift on the front axle at high speeds.
The Startech-tuned Evoque also features an integrated rear diffuser and new tailpipes that can be fitted to the standard exhausts or Startech’s own stainless steel muffler
The ride height has been lowered by 35 mm (1.4 inches) and the standard wheels have been replaced by 21-inch Monostar R five-spoke forged alloys fitted with high-performance 265/40 tires. Customers may also opt for 20- or 22-inch wheels.

Changes in the interior include custom upholstery made of leather and Alcantara not only in the demonstration car’s black and white livery, but also in any color and design the customer prefers. Wood or carbon fiber trim finish off the Startech treatment.
A performance kit for the SI4 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which has a standard output of 240HP, is in the final stages of development, with details to be released at a late date.
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Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept ready for Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept

Subaru's biggest announcement for next month's Tokyo Motor Show was expected to be the BRZ sports car, but now news has arrived that it will also show an "Advanced Tourer Concept" powered by its trademark horizontally-opposed engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but with turbocharging and direct fuel injection, plus a single-motor hybrid system, all driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Paradoxically Subaru has fitted the car with its EyeSight driver assist system, and a steering wheel which incorporates a "large monitor" for access to "maps, television and internet services." Perhaps news about the carnage resulting from distracted driving hasn't reached Japan yet.

Subaru's Advanced Tourer Concept-ii

Subaru says the direct fuel injection turbo engine is "one of the main technologies that will guide Subaru's future engine strategy", noting its quick, smooth acceleration and environmental friendliness.
The turbocharged 1600cc engine and single electric motor are combined into a hybrid system that offers continuous all-wheel-drive even when it is in electric-only mode and manages to use all four wheels to regenerate electricity during deceleration.
Subaru's proprietary EyeSight™ driver assist system will be showcased on the vehicle, with the system now offering greater range and width. The steering wheel monitor will also be interesting to see. Distracted driving is one of the major trends associated with new technology, and putting it on the steering wheel seems like a recipe for encouraging taking your eyes off the road, but we don't know the full story just yet.

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GMC Sierra All Terrain HD

Not content to let its competitors have all the off-road fun, GM is striking back with the GMC Sierra All Terrain HD ($TBA). This new concept features suspension upgrades, a higher ground clearance, and wider stance than the typical Sierra, along with a 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 pumping out 397 hp and 765 pound-feet of torque, rugged tires, and built-in cargo boxes on the sides of the bed.

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Special Cars/Wiesmann GT MF5 Roadster

Mixing a powerful engine and race-ready components with timeless design, the Wiesmann GT MF5 Roadster ($TBA) is a unique drop-top that's sure to turn heads no matter where you drive it. Built atop an Aluminum monocoque chassis, the MF5 features a fiberglass body shell, front- and rear-double wishbone suspension, a mid-mounted TwinScroll Twin Turbo V8 cranking out 555 hp, a 0-62 mph time of just 3.9 seconds and a 19-inch rear wheels that power it to a top speed of 193 mph.

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Exotic cars /Rizk Auto RA

Space age materials and technology meet mid-century design in the Rizk Auto RA ($180,000). Based loosely on the 1957 Aston Martin DBR2, the RA sports a striking, classic body made from aircraft-spec carbon composites, a full carbon chassis, adapted Aeron chairs for seats, height adjustable steering, reach adjustable Tilton pedals, a choice of 6- or 12-cylinder Jaguar E-Type engines or a LS3 Corvette V8, and NASA Aerogel Insulation — the same stuff used in the Mars Rover Program. So while you might not be able to visit the red planet, your car could.

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Special Cars/BMW 335d Sedan

Get great gas milage and all the performance, refinement, and race-ready handling you expect from a Bimmer with the BMW 335d Sedan ($43,900 and up). Featuring a 3.0L, turbocharged inline six advanced diesel engine, good for 265 hp and 36 mpg on highway, the 335d also features niceties like an onboard navigation system with traffic alerts, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone integration, run-flat tires, and more.

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Luxury Cars/Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition

At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Aston Martin has revealed details of a new special edition called the DBS Carbon Edition. Following on from the success of the DBS Carbon Black, introduced in 2009, the 2011 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition will be available in two new colours including Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey together with the existing Carbon Black.

As the name implies, the car is festooned with carbon fibre touches, with the lightweight material featuring on the side mirrors, the rear lights, the interior facia and the magnesium alloy gear shift paddles. Also, the DBS Carbon Edition features 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish as an option. Complementing the wheels, black brake calipers will be delivered as standard with yellow, orange, red or grey as an option.

Inside, the usual swathes of leather are all present, in either obsidian black or Maranello orange. The coupe also receives a quilted leather headlining. The magnesium alloy paddles that control the Touchtronic II automatic gearbox are tipped with carbon fibre bringing the Carbon Edition direct to the fingertips. Along with the standard DBS, the Carbon Edition receives the vastly improved Aston Martin Garmin satellite navigation system. There are also new beam blade windscreen wipers that are said to reduce wind noise and provide a cleaner wipe even at high speeds. Just in case you forget you are in a Carbon Edition there is a unique carbonfibre special edition sill plaque with laser-etched metal inlay.

Performance remains the same with 6.0-liter V12 that makes 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, and the car has a 0-to-62-mph time of 4.2 seconds.
Given the unique and hand-crafted nature of the cars, they won’t come cheap. Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition prices start at £186,582 (€257,912/$287,576) for the coupe and £196,581 (€272,913/$302,576)

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Rimac Concept_One electric supercar revealed

The all new Concept_One EV we previewed ahead of this month's Frankfurt Motor Show has been revealed. The brainchild of 23-year-old Croatian automotive designer Mate Rimac, the Concept_One backs its sleek design with a cracking spec sheet - 1088 hp, 3,800 Nm of torque, 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.8 seconds, a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and a 370 mile range (600 km). If those figures translate to the limited-edition production model due in 2013, Concept_One will definitely have earned its "electric supercar" tag.

Like the original Audi e-tron concept shown in Frankfurt two years ago, the Concept_One takes advantage of four independent electric motors - one for each wheel. Apart from the massive torque numbers (the e-tron claimed an incredible 4,500 Nm), this enables torque to be precisely distributed to each wheel as required. Rimac says that its All Wheel Torque Vectoring set-up, which features front and rear sub-systems each containing two symmetrical motor-controller-reduction-gearbox units, can control each wheel at a rate of thousands of times each second.

Rimac's design and engineering team includes former Magna Steyr designer Adriano Mudri. Mudri is responsible for the carbon-fiber body while a team of former Pininfarina employees led by Goran Popović designed the "driver-focused" interior which includes serious lashings of leather from Vilner and a head-up-display.

According to the Rimac press release, a limited run of 88 units is in planning with deliveries starting in 2013, but at this stage there's no further details on where the car might be produced or how much it will cost. This is one to watch.
Concept One Key Specs:

Power: 1088 hp|Torque: 3,800 Nm| Battery Capacity: 92 kWh| Range: 600 km| Acceleration 0-100 kph: 2.8 sec| Top Speed: 305 kph| Curb Weight of 1650 kg|

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Special Cars/Hennessey V1000 Twin-Turbo

The Hennessey V1000 Twin-Turbo ($TBA) boasts an insane 1,000 hp thanks to its 427ci LS V8 engine that's paired with twin turbochargers, an air-to-air intercooler, a high-flow K&N air filter, and upgraded fuel systems for maximum performance -- like a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph. Other features include 15.1 inch carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, 20-inch Hennessey Monoblock wheels, a lowered suspension, new carbon fiber bodywork, and limited edition, individually-numbered placards on the dash and engine, indicating your ride's place among the 12 that will be built.

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Special Cars/Maserati Kubang

Sometimes the name really does fit the car. The Maserati Kubang ($TBA) is an updated, production-focused version of the company's prior SUV concept, sporting a fittingly funky front end, parts borrowed from its off-roading stablemate Jeep, new engines designed in Modena by 30-year Ferrari vet Paolo Martinelli, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all the interior trappings you'd expect from the Trident.

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Special Cars/Transformers Special Edition Camaro

You don't need to be a fan of Michael Bay's idiotic, explosion-filled Transformers movies to enjoy racing around in a Transformers Special Edition Camaro ($31,650 and up). Available in LT and SS versions, these Bumblebee-inspired rides feature rally yellow paint with black stripes on the hood, roof, decklid, and model-specific high-wing rear spoiler, Autobot logos on the front quarter panels, front headrests, center console lid, and center wheel caps, 20-inch black-painted wheels, black leather interiors with yellow stitching, and optional 21-inch black-painted wheels and a black ground effects package.

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Ferrari's Revolutionary Breadvan/Review

Ferrari's replacement for the 612 Scaglietti has finally come out of the closet ushering a radical new concept for the famed company from Maranello. The FF, which is an acronym for Ferrari Four, is probably the company's most versatile series production model ever featuring seating and luggage space for four, an all-wheel drive system and a shooting brake body style. It will be revealed at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show with sales to follow later in the year.

Designed by Pininfarina, the FF is a large sports car measuring 4,907 mm in length, 1,953 in width and 1,379 mm in height. The elongated roofline, the styling of the rear quarter and the car's proportions bring to mind a variety of older models, one of which is the BMW Z3 Coupe. 

The Prancing Horse company has not published any photos of the interior yet, but notes that the FF "can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage". Talking about boot capacity, there's 450 liters of space with all four passengers about, or 800 liter with the rear seats folded.

Ferrari added that it has developed a vast array of personalization options and accessories for the FF, including include six model-specific exterior colors and interior trims.

There's a lot going on under the sheetmetal as the FF introduces company’s first ever [production] four-wheel drive system. Called 4RM, it is said to weigh 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, thus helping to maintain an almost perfect weight distribution [47:53].

The Italian company has released few other details about the system, but it claims "it delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels."

The FF is powered by a brand new 6.3-liter V12 engine with direct injection and Ferrari's HELE tech that includes a stop/start system. Sitting up front, the 12-cylinder motor delivers 660-horses at 8,000 rpm and is hooked up to dual-clutch F1 gearbox. Ferrari said the FF completes the 0-100km/h [62mph] sprint in 3.7 seconds and 335 km/h (208 mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 15.4 lt/100km, equal to 15.3 mpg US, with CO2 emissions of 360 g/km.

The GT tips the scales at a hefty 1,790 kg or 3,946 pounds, but thanks to the powerful V12, it boasts a weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/hp.

Other highlights include the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

More details will be released at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but until then, check out the photos and video below, and tell us what you think about Ferrari's latest model in the comments section.

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Special Cars/2014 Jensen Interceptor

Another day, another celebrated automotive classic making a comeback. The 2014 Jensen Interceptor ($TBA) is a modern version of the hand-built British original, with an angular design that recalls the four-seat grand tourer of the late '60s and early '70s. Details are slim, but we do know that it will feature an all-new aluminum chassis, a handcrafted aluminum body, and plenty of power, and we also know that it it looks anything like this mockup, we'll be wanting one in our driveways.

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Brabus Rocket 800 – The World’s Fastest Street Legal Sedan

Over the years, German tuner Brabus has brought us the world’s fastest street legal sedans, like the Brabus Rocket back in 2006 and the Brabus SV12R from 2009. The world debut of the new Brabus Rocket 800 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show now continues this unique success story. Capable of reaching speeds of 230 mph, the Rocket 800, based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS, is an ungodly fastest street-legal sedan in the world.

Based on the CLS sedan, the Rocket 800 uses the standard E V12 from the current Merc E-Class and tacks on a twin turbocharger, beefing up the already ample 5.5 liter displacement to a gorging 6.3 liters. Here’s where the Rocket and the 800 terms actually come to mean something. Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo engine produces 800 hp and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), which in the car is limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Backed by a seven-speed automatic, Brabus’ own limited-slip diff and a range of final drive ratios, the Rocket 800 can reach an ultimate speed of more than 230 mph in certain configuaration, but is limited to just 217 mph for on-road excursions. 0-62 mph happens in just 3.7 seconds.

To cope with the added power, the Brabus Rocket 800 received numerous exterior updates that included large air intakes, widened wheel arches, a rear wing and a rear diffuser, in addition to other aerodynamic updates. Inside the Brabus Rocket, drivers are welcomed by an all-leather grey interior combined with high-gloss-polished black piano wood. The car also boasts of an ergonomic driver’s cabin design with a steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, pedals and footrest.

With its lofty status as one of the fastest luxury sedans in the world, the Brabus Rocket 800 will cost you $582,000.

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Special Cars/2012 BMW M5

The king of the luxury supersedans is back. Sporting an all-new twin-turbo V8 good for 560hp, a 0-62 mph time of 4.4 seconds and an optional top speed of 190, the 2012 BMW M5 ($TBA) is ready to get you and up to four passengers to your destination in comfort and style — quickly. Other features include a new body treatment, electronics galore, a seven-speed double clutch transmission, 19-inch light alloy M-exclusive wheels, and — thankfully — astonishingly high 28.5 mpg fuel economy.

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special cars/2011 Ferrari SA Aperta

Another auto show, another awesome Ferrari that hardly anyone will ever get to drive. The 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta ($TBA) is a super-sexy drop-top version of the company's 599 GTB Fiorano, named for legendary designers Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina, and sporting a front-engine V12, virtually no ground clearance, integrated roll-bars, a very light soft top meant for emergency use only, and stiffness and weight similar to that of the hard-top version thanks to some fancy engineering. Unfortunately, only 80 are being made, and all 80 have already been sold.

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