Concept Carz

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder: Light, Powerful, Purist Roadster to be Introduced at Los Angeles Auto Show

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:45:43 EST

Weighing in at just 2,811 lbs., the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available ? from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car ? agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.

The newest member of the Boxster family stands out from the other versions of Porsche's mid-engined roadster. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top ? when closed ? extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. This top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower (hp), 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.

BMW M3 GTS

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:33:02 EST

BMW M GmbH now offers a truly outstanding performer based on the BMW M3 Coup? also ideal for Clubsport events ? exactly the right car for the truly discerning customer demanding the very utmost in terms of power and performance. The BMW M3 GTS is largely hand-built by the most skilled craftsmen at BMW M GmbH as a perfectly harmonised package of outstanding modifications, with production exclusively to the customer's personal order. Focused on motorsport, the modifications comprise both the drivetrain, the suspension and the body of the car, as well as its interior. Market launch of the BMW M3 GTS will be in spring 2010.

Offering this truly exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW M GmbH is continuing a great tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW M3. Once again, the outstanding sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from the Company's wide range of know-how in the development and production of racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he will use for racing.

Abarth 850 TC

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:12 EST

The Fiat 600 was a very suitable car for modifications, and Abarth made a world-famous name on doing just that. Karl Abarth, born in Vienna, Austria, in 1908, was a mechanical mastermind. He started production with the Abarth 750 Berlina, based upon the Fiat 600. Fiat and Abarth reached an agreement whereby Fiat supplied Abarth with partially constructed cars, and Abarth would finish them as Abarths. There were versions with 41.5 to 50 horsepower, and maximum speed was 135 to 150 km/hr. Next, at the end of 1960, came the new version of the 750, the 750TC (Tourismo Competizione) Berlina. This car remained in production until 1966. Further modifications led to an increase in engine size and the Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina was born. These platforms utterly dominated the under-1000cc racing classes and helped build the Abarth racing legend.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:13:20 EST

At a glance, it's clear the Silverado ZR2 concept wasn't designed to haul flowers back from the nursery. With its widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine, it is ready to hit the berms, dry washes and gullies of the Baja Peninsula.

The Silverado ZR2 is based on an extended cab/short box body. The custom bodywork includes carbon fiber fender flares that stretch outward to cover the 35-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and widened stance. Much of the truck's body is made of carbon fiber, including the front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the past.

The pickup box, which is protected with a spray-on liner, features a unique locking storage system mounted to the extruded aluminum Cargo Management System rails from Chevy Accessories.

The Muntz Jet

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:22:31 EST

Earl 'Madman' Muntz was an extremely successful used car salesman in California. The Jet was Muntz's answer to the sports cars that were coming onto the scene in the early 1950s-cars like the Kaiser Darrin, the Hudson Italia, the Chevrolet Corvette and the Nash Healey, Muntz met with famous race car builder Frank Kurtis and purchased the rights to produce a Kurtis road car. Muntz stretched the chassis and created a 4-seat sports car. This car is a custom version built by Joe Bailon for bandleader Freddy Martin. Many body modifications were made, changing nearly every panel, and a new Corvette V8 engine was installed. The changes, which were completed in 1955, make this particular Muntz Jet unique.

Wanderer W25

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:09:18 EST

The Wanderer W25K sports car not only looks extremely attractive, but was also an unusually good performer. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the 2-litre six-cylinder engine developed 85 hp thanks to the use of a supercharger. The modern, American-influenced styling was derived from the Wanderer W51, the modern lines of which were to act as a starting point for the entire Auto Union model range. Around 250 Wanderer W25s were built between 1936 and 1939.

KIA MOTORS AMERICA UNVEILS U.S. MOTORSPORTS PROGRAM

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:49:08 EST

The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup's motto ? 'One Hot Ride' ? took on a new meaning today as Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled its U.S. motorsports program at the 2009 SEMA Show. KMA has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

'The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,' said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. 'The Forte Koup's performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a natural fit for road racing, and competing in GRAND-AM's KONI Challenge Series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base of automotive enthusiasts.'

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class utilizes production-based race cars and has a wide variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

The Jay Leno Camaro

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:04:17 EST

Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno's Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425. That's about 40 percent greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren't making boost), there's virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L engine.

'Jay's Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way,' said Dewar. 'It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6.'

Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.

50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:46:03 EST

Chevrolet delivers a futuristic vision of technology and design with the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. A version of the model was first shown at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and stars as 'Sideswipe' in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The Corvette Stingray Concept represents both the iconic legacy and an exciting future for Corvette.

The Corvette Stingray Concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with surprisingly high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. The car is well-appointed with a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high performance hybrid drive. Interactive touch controls allow the driver to customize the power and efficiency of his or her ride and share it with friends via the in-car camera system and advanced telemetrics.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:13:51 EST

The Phantom III was the first Rolls-Royce to be fitted with a V12 engine, which was probably an inevitable development as the company was already manufacturing aero engines in this configuration.

When the Phantom III was unveiled at the 1935 Olympia Motor Show it was the most technically advanced car in the world and many believe the best car ever made. The 7340 cc. V12 overhead valve engine had a one-piece aluminum alloy crankcase and cylinder blocks and cast-iron wet cylinder liners and aluminum head.

Maserati Mexico

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:49:52 EST

This 1967 Maserati Mexico wears a unique one-off body by Frua and is commonly known as the 'V8 Mistral' due to its appearance. Under the bonnet is a 4.2-liter Maserati V8 engine mated to a five-speed transmission.

This car was built specifically at the request of a Maserati client named Franco Rol. It was built on a short wheelbase that measures a mere 101-inches, and is equipped with the latest alloy knockoff wheels. The lightweight body is distinguished visually by its slightly longer spacing between the door and rear-wheel well. Other visual elements of Frua's design included the deletion of the Mistral coupes' reversed air vent trim on the front fenders.

Maserati Bora

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:49:45 EST

The Bora was introduced in 1971 and was produced until 1978. During its production lifespan, over 570 examples were produced. The vehicle was built in 2-door coupe form with the engine placed in the middle and powering the rear wheels. Ferrari had been in the process of creating a mid-engined sports car while Lamborghini and DeTomaso had their Countach, Miura and Mangusta. The mid-engined Ford GT40 had even made a few appearances at LeMans. After seeing this trend, Guy Malleret, the administrator of Maserati, gave Giulio Alfieri permission to begin design and production of a mid-engined sports car. Alfieri began work on the technical aspects of the vehicle.

The Shelby Cobra

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:33:41 EST

Carroll Shelby made 435 AC Cobras with the 289 cubic-inch Ford high performance engine.

The A.C Cobra cars are among the most memorable and recognizable cars in history. Their original designs can be traced back to the Touring bodied Barchetta's that clothed Ferrari's 166 and 225 Spyders. That bodystyle would become highly duplicated throughout the years, with the first being the one-off Cooper-MG raced by automobile dealer Cliff David. John Tojiero had conceived the ladder frame with independent leaf-spring suspension and Eric Hall and Bill Rich had clothed the car in the Barchetta-style body.

The one-off was successful in racing, and Davis urged Tojiero to mass-produce the cars. Instead, Tojiero licensed the design to the Hurlock family of A.C. in Thames Dutton. Soon, the two-liter, six-cylinder versions bearing A.C. badges were in production. Dubbed the A.C. Ace, they were an immediate success. A few years later, a Bristol engine became available which improved the vehicles performance.

In the early 1960s, Bristol announced it would discontinue its engine. A Chevrolet V8 unit served as a replacement, and later a 2.6-liter Ford six provided ample power to excite drivers and on-lookers. A long-term solution was found when Texan-based Carroll Shelby dropped a lightweight Ford V8 engine into the engine bay and took it racing. The 260 cid, then 289 cid, and finally the 427 version made the Cobra legendary.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 LeMans

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:30:13 EST

Only eight of these magnificent cars were made on a long chassis to conform with Le Mans race regulations. They competed in Le Mans and were winners in 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934. They again prove that the 8C 2300 supercharged engine was well ahead of it's time.

1929 Marmon Speedster

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:57 EST

The Marmon marque had a history that dated back to the very early 1900s. Howard Marmon, at the age of 23, became chief engineer at his family's Indianapolis, Indian, firm. Initially, the Marmon Company manufactured flour milling machinery; under the determination of Howard Marmon, the company soon began the production of automobiles.

This 1929 Marmon Speedster Race Car is finished in green with black upholstery. It is powered by an original Marmon eight-cylinder engine and fitted with a modern two-barrel twin Holly carburetor. The drivetrain appears to be correct to the era. The suspension, differential, and front drivetrain are also believed to be original. The bodywork is aluminum with hand-set rivets. All external brightwork is either nickel plated or stainless. The seat is made of leather and there is a quick release steering wheel.

Lamborghini Jalpa P350 GTS

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:02:08 EST

The Lamborghini Jalpa was the spiritual predecessor of the newer Lamborghini Gallardo. Both cars offered mammoth performance levels compared to their contemporary competitors, yet both were overshadowed by their larger, more potent, and wholly uncompromising siblings. In the Jalpa's case, that big brother was the Countach. Stunningly styled by the radical Marcello Gandini, the Countach's fantastic bodywork held one of the most exotic engines in the world at the time, a longitudinally-mounted V12 with high levels of power and higher levels of hostility. The Jalpa was no match.

What the Jalpa lost in sensationalistic press coverage and celebrity glitz, though, it gained back in drivability and exclusivity. The Jalpa's 3.5 liter V8, which produced 255hp at 7,000rpm, was a phenomenal athlete who's much smaller size when compared to the Countach allowed the Jalpa to be a more tractable commuter car. Of course most don't buy a Lamborghini as their city commute daily driver, but the Jalpa had another, less tangible advantage over its Countach counterpart. Only 416 Jalpas were sold. This means that you'll likely see a couple of Countachs rolling around before you notice a single Jalpa. Bigger exclusivity doesn't always equate to bigger price.

Ferrari 166MM

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:52 EST

This is the last 166 MM Barchetta built (serial 0068M). It is also the first to have the rear 'moustaches' and brake lights moved to the tips of the rear fenders. It was completed in June 1950 and sent to Le Mans as a backup by the Ferrari time but was not used. Nothing further is known about its activates until April 1951 when it was sold to the Italian racing team Scuderia Guastalla and passed on to Lucian Farnaud. He raced it in France, Belgium, Monte Carlo and Germany, including endurance races at Le Mans and Nurburgring over the next two years, winning two second place finishes, a third and five first-in-class positions. In 1953 it raced at Monza and then was sold to a new owner who raced it in one Swiss hill climb.

Ferrari 340 MM Competition LeMans

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:46:43 EST

Chassis number 0324 AM has a body by Vignale and finished in Spyder configuration. Its first owner was William Spears who raced it extensively. The car is currently finished in two tone colors and has the trakemark Vignale large grille and oval portholes in the feneders.

The Ferrari 340 cars were raced in endurance races as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of LeMans.

New World Auction Record Set For An Aston Martin DB2

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:30:02 EST

Preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, concluded its 2009 auction season on a high note in London last night, posting ?10.9 million in total sales with a strong 87% of all lots sold at the third-annual ?Automobiles of London' event.

Held in association with Sotheby's, the single-day auction presented some 84 motor cars, consigned from 11 countries around the world, and 40 lots of automobilia, attracting strong international interest from bidders in the room, on the phone and over the internet.

A 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car ?VMF 64' with Le Mans and Mille Miglia provenance, offered for the first time in 52 years, set a new auction world record for an Aston Martin DB2, achieving ?550,000, whilst 13 lots exceeded their original high estimates. Most notably, an original 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet surpassed its pre-sale high estimate of ?60,000 to achieve the remarkable sum of ?308,000.

Autobianchi Bianchina

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:25:51 EST

In 1885, 20-year-old Eduardo Bianchi set up a bicycle-making business in Milan, and before long was making motorized three-wheelers and then, before the turn of the century, four-wheelers. In the 1920s, Bianchi was third behind only Fiat and Lancia in Italian car production. Industrialist Ferrucio Quintavalle reorganized in partnership with Pirelli and Fiat in 1955 as Autobianchi, which in 1957 began making the Bianchina, a two seat coupe based on the Fiat 500.

Lamborghini Diablo SV

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:45:37 EST

In 1998 a special edition Diablo SV was created for the United States market, the Diablo SV Monterey. This very special limited SV edition was only 20 times made, so they were sold out almost at once, and prices went up. If you could obtain one through some dealer you would have to pay big. The redesigned air intake in front of the rear wheels, like the ones used on the SE30 and the Diablo Roadster. The horsepower rating was over 550 BHP. All of the 20 cars were individually finished in rather strange colors like Lime Green, Pearl Yellow, Rosso Vik, Verde Scandal and Le Mans Blue, while the very last one, number 20 was finished in Lightning Blue over cream and was sold through Prestige Imports in Florida.

This Red Diablo rides on O.Z. Racing Aluminum wheels with polished lips was 1 of 50 others Lamborghini cars in 'The run of the Bulls.' This Diablo SV is in fact Monterey Edition #5 and is finished in Rosso Vik, a special metallic paint that changes shades from candy red to copper to win according to the surrounding light, with a Champaign leather upholstery. This specific car also included the carbon fiber gear shifter, leather luggage set and an engine pumping out over 550 BHP, a Brembo 15-inch drilled disc brake set and to finish the list a custom made Quick Silver exhaust system.

The Diablo SV Monterey cost about $298,900.

The Pontiac Tempest GTO

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:45:33 EST

The larger body Tempest was introduced in 1964. Ad man, Jim Wangers, came up with the idea of offering a package option consisting of a floor shift, 389 big V8, quick steering, stiffer suspension, dual exhaust, premium tires, GTO badge, chrome accents, and the GTO was launched. The engineers of the GTO were John DeLorean and Pete Estes. The GTO was the first midsize production car to use a big V8 motor; some say it was the 'godfather of the Muscle Car'. This GTO has a 360 hp, 400 cubic-inch engine, 4-speed, and factory headers.

The 1969 Pontiac Trans Am

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:21:20 EST

1969 was the first year the Trans Am performance package was offered on the Pontiac Firebird. Production of the Trans Am continued until 2002. For $725 in 1969, the buyer could add the 'Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package' handling package to their Firebird. This package included a rear spoiler, as well as 'Trans Am' emblems and performance upgrades. In total, for 1969, 689 Trans Am Packages were ordered in hardtop configuration, while only eight were convertibles.

This 1969 Pontiac includes the Trans Am performance package.

The Oldsmobile Limited

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:52:44 EST

This amazing car is the only completely unrestored example of the Oldsmobile Limited in existence. Oldsmobile built just 159 of these 7-Passenger Touring cars in 1911. The model was named after an Oldsmobile that beat the 20th Century Limited train from Albany to New York. Somewhat difficult to drive, this car was once owned initially by William Mosser, and then it was sold and was soon put away by its second owner sometime before 1920. The car was eventually discovered and purchased by collector William Swigart in 1943. Thankfully he resisted the urge to restore it, and it remained untouched in his museum until 2000. The car has since been carefully cleaned and is back in running order. In July 2009 it was started for the first time in decades.

The Mercedes-Benz SSK

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:38:37 EST

In 1928 the Mercedes SSK was introduced and commonly referred to as 'The Mighty Mercedes' and 'The Fastest Sports Car in the World'. The name SSK stands for Super Sport Kurz, German meaning short.

Only 40 Mercedes-Benz SSKs were ever built, all based on a shortened S chassis, with the SSK standing for Super Sport Kurz. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, it has a supercharged, 6-cylinder, 7-liter engine producing between 200 and 300 hp. In 1929 the SSK was the fastest road car in the world, capable of over 130 mph.

Mercedes-Benz Model S

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:13:53 EST

The Model S was the ultimate supercar of the late 1920s; with its powerful 6.8-liter engine it was both a race car and a fast road car, winning at the Nurburgring in 1927.

This 1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S was first delivered to Mercedes Benz, New York in 1928. It was sent to be shown at the Los Angeles Motor Show as a rolling chassis with the hopes to lure wealthy Hollywood socialites. From this showing some famous personalities purchased Model S cars like The Rowe Sister's, Al Jolson, who bought two one for himself and one for his wife, actress Ruby Keeler. After the Motor Show Chassis 35964 was sent to Saoutchik Carrosserie in Paris to have a Cabriolet body built for its first owner Count de la Bastille of Monaco. There are only 7 Saoutchik bodies on left hand drive 'Model S' chassis', each being slightly different from the others.

Pegaso Z102B

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:49:07 EST

Named after Pegasus, the mythical winged horse, the striking Spanish-built Pegaso sports car emerged at the 1951 Paris Salon, powered by a four-cam V8 engine. The Pegaso Company was created by the Spanish government after the Second World War. Production took place in the former Hispano Suiza factory. The innovative design was by Wilfredo Ricart who had worked for Alfa Romeo building high performance engines. Production started with a 2.5-liter engine, which grew to 4.7-liters. For a while Pegaso qualified as the world's fastest production car, capable of reaching 150 mph. Production ceased in 1958 by which time around 125 or so cars had left the factory. This sporting berlinetta carries coachwork from the famous Parisian Carrossier Saoutchik.

Cunningham C3 Competition Continental

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:11:27 EST

One of 18 Vignale coupes built by wealthy internationally known sportsman, Briggs Cunningham, who not only won Sebring but placed 3rd at LeMans. The body was designed by Giovanni Michelotti and hand built by Italian coachbuilder Vignale. It is equipped with the original 331 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi V8 with optional Cunningham design and built dual quad intake manifold.

The cars were built by hand in Cunningham's race shop in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This example has had just 3 owners since new and has documented original miles. it retains all original parts and had no rust or damage prior to its restoration.

Lancia Appia GTE Series 3 Zagato Coupe

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:50:09 EST

This 1960 Lancia Appia GTE Series 3 Zagato Coupe is one of approximately 350 built. It is powered by a narrow-angle V-4 engine capable of producing 60 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes. The Zagato bodied cars were lightweight coupe GTs and proved to be very capable machines in competition, including the Mille Miglia.

The Series 3 cars had covered headlights and a smooth roof. This car has been the subject of a recent restoration. It is finished in red paint with a tan and dark-brown vinyl interior.

Aston Martin Ulster Team Car

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:11:23 EST

The Aston Martin Ulster stands as one of the most respected of all pre-war racecars. After the success of the factory team cars in the 1934 Ulster T.T. Race, Aston Martin made replicas available to the public to purchase. These cars were largely based on the previous MKII model, and were powered by a SOHC 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 85 bhp. Less than 25 Ulsters were ever made and they all still exist. This car is still actively campaigned in VSCCA events.

Aston Martin DB4 GT

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:50:24 EST

Only one of 19 Zagato bodied examples of the classic AM DB4 GT race car that was designed to compete against the Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta Coupes in international competition. It was delivered new to an Australian racer who competed in regional races for many years. Today it is considered to be one of the most desirable of all collectable cars for its rarity, beauty, and its speed.

A DB4 GT chassis was sent to Zagato, and Ercole Spada designed one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Zagato, based in Turin, was well-known for constructing lightweight aluminum bodies for Alfa Romeo and others, including various LeMans winners. Aston Martin sent the DB4 to Zagato for weight reduction to help it compete with Ferrari's 250 GT on the track. It emerged 100 lbs lighter and clothed in a sleek, new body. The car had a 3.7-liter, DOHC inline six under the hood, producing more than 300 bhp. Approximately 24 Zagatos were built with perhaps 75 'conventional' DB4GTs.

Aston Martin DBS Volante

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:45:53 EST

Completing the DBS line-up, the new Volante affords customers the combination of the DBS's already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring.

Broadening the DBS's character, the DBS Volante appeals to drivers who wish to combine the excitement of driving a finely-tuned sports car with the invigorating feeling of being open to the elements. This juxtaposition of ultimate performance and openness stirs the senses on any drive whether a exhilarating jaunt on favoured roads or cruising on lengthy journeys. ?Volante', meaning: ?moving with light rapidity', perfectly defines the performance potential and the dynamic characteristics of the DBS Volante.

Featuring a motorised retractable fabric roof, the DBS's beautiful profile is preserved whether up or down. When the roof is closed, it provides a warm comfortable ambience and when open, it neatly disappears behind the new tonneau cover at the touch of a button.

Suzusho Supasse V

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:03:57 EST

This is the second car show of extremely high performance closed sports car Supasse V. Director Toshio Suzuki was a Racing driver. He and his two sons and his professional staff has been to designing and manufacturing sports car using 3D CAD systems for many years. The monocoque chassis and the suspension is designed by Suzusho. The rear sub frame is bolt on and is easily replaceable. The Suppasse-V is the closest thing on the road that is equal to a competitive racing car which, can be seen at Le-mans and many other circuits. The Body is shaped and designed by the famous Kenji Mimura, who is well known for Dome Zero and Le-mans cars in Japan. We are very pleased to present to you with satisfaction the Supasse V.

Tokyo Motor Show Debut : Lexus LFA

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:34:00 EST

Lexus announces today the official launch of the LFA, a two-seat supercar scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010 as the pinnacle of the Lexus 'F' premium sports car series. Pre-sales start today.

Ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge, the LFA creates a sense of reassurance that opens up a new world of driving emotion, exhilarating the senses to move the driver in more ways than one.

The LFA combines high output, superb chassis design and meticulous aerodynamics to achieve instantaneous total-vehicle response characterized by high-rev, seamless acceleration echoed by a self-defining resonance from its 4.8-liter V10.

Only 500 units of the LFA are to be produced and sold worldwide.

A prototype of the LFA is now on display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which is open to the general public from October 24 to November 4 at Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

Pioneer of Canada's largest collector car auction back in the driver's seat....

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:16:10 EST

Auction industry veteran, mechanic and former off-road racer, Dan Spendick returns to the helm as sole owner of Canada's most popular collector car auction events. The upcoming fall Classic Car Auction of Toronto, developed by Spendick in the early 1990's along with former partner RM Auctions, will be held on October 23-25 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario and will offer hundreds of rare and desirable vehicles for bids.

The Classic Car Auction of Toronto has grown under Spendick's direction to become the largest event of its kind in the country, attracting thousands of automotive enthusiasts from across North America as well as telephone bids from international clients.

The Veritas RS III. A dream sports car goes into production

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:13:47 EST

The Veritas RS III Roadster super sports car, which has been presented to the public as a prototype over the past year and which immediately won the public award of 'Best Super Car 2009' at London's Salon Priv?, is now going into series production. However, the words 'series production' are not entirely true. Firstly, the series comprises a strictly limited batch of only 30 vehicles and secondly, every single vehicle will undergo sophisticated hand production by manufacturer Vermot AG in Gelsdorf.

Even before the actual start of production, five of the 30 luxury cars have already been sold ? to Monaco, Australia, Great Britain, Spain and Switzerland. Eight more are reserved and over 100 enquiries have been received. In Gelsdorf, it is therefore expected that the entire edition will have sold out even before the end of the year.

Lotus Cars unveils its latest special edition - the Exige Scura

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:45:46 EST

Lotus Cars unveils its latest special edition - the Exige Scura, so called due to its dramatic matt black and carbon fibre theme, at the Tokyo International Motorshow on 21st of October 2009.

Translated as ?dark' from Italian, the name ?Scura' reflects the stealth character of this already fierce looking Lotus and its stunning soft-feel matt black paint finish. Limited to just 35 cars globally, this Exige evokes a desire to ?indulge your dark side'. This is a serious looking car and enhancements to performance and a reduction in weight from the production level Exige S means that the Exige Scura demands to be driven by a serious driver.

Contrasting high gloss ?Phantom Black' triple stripes run the length of the car and a carbon fibre front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side airscoops and rear spoiler enhance the stunning distinction between the different textures and exaggerate the tactile quality of the velvety touch to the matt black paint finish.

Toyota Sienna - A Reputation for Family Comfort and Utility

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:45:58 EST

The Toyota Sienna continues to be one of the most comfortable and utility-oriented family vans in its segment, and it offers the only all-wheel drive (AWD) option among family vans on the market. A wide array of model and option choices make Sienna appealing for a broad range of customers. All Sienna models are equipped with a standard versatile 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd Row? bench seat that folds flat into the floor.

The Sienna's standard DOHC 3.5-liter V6 is the most powerful in the segment, producing 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 245 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. A Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system operates on both the intake and exhaust valves to ensure optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Impressive acceleration gives Sienna the power to merge with confidence. The Sienna returns EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 17/23 MPG for front-wheel-drive models and 16/21 MPG for AWD models.

American Bantam Station Wagon Woodie

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:04:13 EST

Only 322 Station Wagons were produced, this is one of 21 known survivors.

It is the world's smallest 'woodie', only 10 feet in length and weighs 1,200 lbs. The body wood consists entirely of Pennsylvania maple and was hand crafted by the Mifflenburg Body Company, in Mufflenburg, PA. The FOB pricing from the plant was 4581.95 in 1939. The car is powered by a Bantam 20 horsepower four-cylinder flathead engine and a three-speed transmission. The car employs mechanical brakes, thermo-syphon cooling and gravity gas flow (no fuel pump).

Stanley Steamer Model E2

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:22:28 EST

Estimated to sell for as much as $80,000, this unrestored E2 Runabout sold for an impressive $176,000.

The Stanley Steamers are among the best-known steamers ever produced, having stayed in production for three decades. They were the first car to climb Mt. Washington, New England's highest peak, and for setting the worlds land speed record in 1906.

This 10 hp Model E-2 rides on a 100-inch wheelbase and has a 70.5-cubic inch, 2-cylinder engine. It was built in Newton, MA, and sold new for $850. It burns kerosene to make steam, but starts on white gas. This car is unrestored and mostly original.