The Maybach 57 is an ultra-luxury high-performance sedan.

The Maybach 57 is a four-door sedan that is rear-wheel drive. It comes with the choice of 543 hp 5.5L biturbo V12 or 612 hp 6-liter biturbo V-12 engine mated to a 5 speed Semi-Automatic transmission. It is available in base and S trims. The S trim is a sportier model with 20-inch spoke wheels, single tone paint in black or silver, modified rear apron, trapezoidal tailpipes and discreet lettering.

For 2007, the Maybach 57 receives the performance S trim.

MSRP: $335,500 - $375,000

http://autos.aol.com/maybach-57-2007:8931-overview

John Sweeney of Franklin, Mass., drives his 1954 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster in Portsmouth. This car and other vintage and classic automobiles will be on display at the 2007 Concourse d’ Elegance being held May 26-28 at the ocean front Belle Mer property in Newport.
The Providence Journal / Steve Szydlowski

Concours d’Elegance is featuring a number of Boattail roadsters, including an unrestored 1915 Crane Simplex Boattail Speedster. Named for the rounded rear in the shape of a boat, the cars provide a nautical echo to Newport’s heritage.

I start getting excited this time of year. It’s time for all of history to start showing out at the Concours d’Elegance. The original idea of the Concours d’Elegance was a display of beautiful cars along with the latest fashions. I really enjoy looking at all the beautiful lines of designs that the automobiles offer. And I believe the above Jaguar is one of the sexiest designs ever to grace the body of cars.

There’s a growing movement in the automobile collecting world to “preserve and conserve” rather than restore, collectors prefer their cars to be in as original shape as possible. Once the originality is gone, there’s no bringing it back. So we’ll start seeing more of the “battle scars” charm gracing the interiors and exteriors of the elegant beauties. The “battle scars” do not necessarily detract from the “visual Pow” of a car. It’s more about visual elegance, beauty of line, execution of design that makes these cars exotic elegance.

The Bugatti Veyron is currently the most expensive and fastest sports car in the world. Hailed by many as the greatest automobile ever made, it features all the most recent automotive advancements in one package.

The exotic Bugatti Veyron is powered by a four-turbocharged, 8-litre, 16-cylinder engine that creates 1001hp. A complicated 7-speed transmission and AWD system allows the Veyron to control the 1001hp. Depending on the circumstances, the AWD system can distribute 100% of the power to either the front or rear tires. Only 300 Veyrons will be produced and each costs over $1 million. Some unique features are a large rear spoiler that tips forward at elevated speeds to act as an air brake and a large interior cabin designed to accommodate six-foot seven-inch drivers.

The Bugatti Veyron is a brand new model for 2006.

MSRP: $1,400,000

http://autos.aol.com/bugatti-veyron-2006:8088-overview

At the tuner/drunk/party fest in Austria aka Worthersee Volkswagen had pulled a fast one (literally) and decided to unveil a W12 powered, rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined GTI. Look at the know info. pretty impressive.

- VW claims a top speed of 202 mph
- 6.0l W12 12-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine mounted in the back seat of the GTI
- 650hp and 553 lb-ft. of torque (!)
- with the flared fenders the car sits over 6 feet wide and only 4.6 feet tall
- 19″ wheels with 295 rear rubber and 235 front rubber
- the fenders are flared 3.15″ at the rear

the loosely translated version of the German press release below:

Wolfsburg, 17 May 2007 - Leaving conventions in its wake has always been at the very heart of the GTI. An icon over three decades, the GTI has lured over 1.67 million drivers with its siren song. To drive the GTI it to make a statement. Since 1982, GTI fans have gathered in Wörthersee, Austria. Thousands come to the five-day carnival at Wörthersee, and it is for them - the people who made the GTI a legend, that the GTI W12-650 show car was conceived.

More powerful than any Golf ever built, wider than any Golf crafted at Wolfsburg, faster than any of its iconic predecessors, the GTI W12-650 is seemingly fresh from the race course. A golf that packs in technology used for the Pace Car of the 24 hours of Le Mans. It is named after its heart: A W12 engine producing 650 horsepower. The GTI W12-650 is a show car, nothing more, nothing less, but it does show the enormous potential offered by the Golf platform.

3.7 seconds, 202 mph, 553 pound-feet

Its 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine is located lengthwise between the front seats, converting the traditional front-drive Golf into a classic mid-engined race car. A six-speed automatic gearbox feeds a maximum output of 553 pound-feet of torque to the rear axle. Such force catapults the GTI to 62mph in a scant 3.7 seconds. Stay on the accelerator, and the biturbo engine will carry the car to over 200 miles per hour, putting the GTI W12-650 in the rarefied air of dedicated exotic cars.

6.2 feet wide, 235-width tires in front, 295-width in rear

Under its 6.2-foot spread and 4.7′ tall body, Volkswagen engineers and designers united technologies across the spectrum of Volkswagen AG for the first, and perhaps only, time. Each mechanical piece was originally conceived and designed by Volkswagen AG, showcasing the unequalled breadth of Volkswagen’s technological prowess.

235-width tires on the front wheels are mounted to 19″ gloss-turned “Detroit” GTI wheels, custom-made to fill out the deeply sculpted fender flares. At the rear, the gigantic 295-width tires extend much farther than standard GTIs to bring the GTI W12-650 a properly aggressive stance.

2.75″ lower, 6.3″ more broad

The wheels are tucked 2.75″ further into the gigantic wheel arches, the shoulders of the fenders becoming coupe-like in their proportions. Says Klaus Bischoff, Director of Volkswagen Design: “In the back, the show car is wider by about 3.15″ on each side. The standard model already has a strong shoulder line and arched flare, but, as with a sports car, we pulled the fenders more strongly outward.”

He continues: “Our goal was clearly defined - despite the dramatic technical changes, the GTI W12-650 should remain clearly a classical GTI. The design of the Golf is like a fingerprint. If it smears, the character of the car is destroyed. We would not allow that to happen.” To that end, as many parts as possible were carried over from production GTIs such as the headlamps, doors, hood and tail lamps.

C-Pillars as part of the engine air intake

“Our largest challenge,” says Klaus Bischoff, “was to supply the six-liter mid-mounted engine enough air without diluting the silhouette of the GTI. Side inlets had to be used and optimized for breathing, and the aerodynamics of the car had to be reworked so that we could achieve sufficient cooling at the rear axle. We did not want to set an enormous tail wing on the car.”

In both cases, a trick helped. Bischoff continues: “The strongest Golf design elements are the C-pillars, and it was exactly there that we needed the inlets for the engine air intakes. The C-pillars were redesigned by hand in such a way that we allowed the rear windows to cant slightly inward. So engine air is sucked in through a gap between the window glass and the C-pillar. Cooling is taken car of by an enormous radiator in front as well as by the ducts located in the flares.” Each part of the revised bodywork appears at first sight to be a production GTI part, however they have been carefully designed to have increased functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

Carbon fiber roof is a diffuser

Innovative and thoughtful construction of the bodies prevented the clean lines of the GTI W12-650 from being ruined by a roof-mounted wing. Says Klaus Bischoff: “This GTI moved the wing inward. The roof is part of an enormous diffuser, which provides sufficient down force on the rear axle. It is made of carbon fiber and forces air over and under the tail spoiler to obtain a perfect amount of pressure on the rear axle.”

The bumpers of the show car show strong lines and clever design, as well. In the back, enormous exhaust openings mark the car as a GTI W12-650. Two chrome-plated dual pipes frame the exhaust opening in the rear. At the front, a red-line grille draws upon the heritage of the very first Golf GTI produced.

Interior with racing ambitions

Today’s GTI drivers would feel at home inside the GTI W12-650. The leather and Alcantara seats are new. Three round gauges mounted in the center stack harkens memories of the Ur-GTI. Transparent “flip up” switch guards are used on the switches for functions such as the ESP override. To prevent mis-activation, the covers must first be flipped open with the index finger. Likewise the racing fire extinguisher integrated in place of the glove box reminds driver and passenger that the GTI W12-650 is a serious race car. For weight reasons, the door panels have been removed and replaces with lattices which allow a compete view of the door mechanics.

     Spy photographers have caught the new Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale on the streets of Maranello. In Ferrari-speak, Challenge Stradale means less weight—about 220 lbs. less—and more power. Much of that weight is shed inside, where carbon fiber is used extensively—notice the shot of the carbon-fiber interior door panel. Magnesium wheels also shed a few pounds. An additional 30 horsepower or so puts the F430 CS around 520, bumping the power-to-weight ratio from 6.9 lbs/hp for a regular F430 to just 6. That places the Challenge Stradale ahead of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Chevrolet Corvette Z06 against which we tested a ”regular” F430 back in September, although the Ferrari won that comparo anyway. We expect to see this newest F430 going (quickly) to customers early in 2007.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is an ultra-luxury exotic large sedan built in England.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom transports 5 passengers in the lap of luxury. It features a handcrafted interior, suicide-style rear doors, and an aluminum spaceframe chassis. It is rear-wheel drive and is powered by a 453 hp 6.75-litre V12 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include front and side airbags, traction control, and stability control. New this year is also a long wheelbase version that extends the car ten additional inches and a Drophead Coupe convertible due out late 2007.

For 2007, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI gains a long wheelbase version and later in the year a convertible.

MSRP: $333,350

http://autos.aol.com/rolls-royce-phantom-vi-2007:8948-overview

I was surfing again and I happened upon a lady who shares the same interest as me. Meet Kaffy Spears from SSIP Exotic Cars. Yes Ladies now we can go and share our views with others who have a passion for exotic cars at her website. I read an article by Kaffy Title “Fantasy Cars for the Ladies”. She picked the top 5 car suited for females. Though the many exotic super cars on the market today seem to be inspired by men can’t women dream, too. So here’s to dreaming. So ladies which car is you? Just click on clip image to get the better look at each of these dreamy cars.
#1 Ferrari P4/5

Although out of the price range for everyone, except maybe a few kings, it is without a doubt one of the most impressive cars ever made.
The engine is a 6 liter V12, that produces 660 bhp. It can reach 60 mph in 3.5 secs.

#2 Porsche 911

A more common sports car, and perhaps even in the price range for a few of us. The Porsche 911 has been around for over 40 years, due to its dateless design it still doesn’t look too much different today.
There are many different 911 models, ranging in different performance and prices. At the top of the range there is the 911 Turbo, which will reach 60 mph in under 4 secs. Whereas the Carrera is the entry model achieving 0-60 in under 5 secs.

#3 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

The typical trophy wife car. The Mercedes SL has been around since the mid 50s and has become a common icon for the affluent. These days they can pack quite a bit of performance. However, it is also a high end luxury vehicle, and is loaded with lots of features and functions to play with.
It packs a potent 5.5 liter V8 with supercharger that makes it capable of reach 60 mph in only 4.7secs.

#4 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Aston has to be one of the most beautiful looking cars ever made. It is a personal favorite of mine. The car offers performance and luxury combined into a somewhat practical super car.
A 4.3 liter V8 capable of producing 380hp and achieving 60 mph just under 5 secs.

#5 Lamborghini Gallardo

The Gallardo is probably one of the more cliché dream cars. It is displayed on a lot of music videos these days. The car itself does achieve outstanding performance with its 500hp engine from a 5 liter v12. The Gallardo will also handle itself well around a track due partly to its 4WD system, increasing cornering performance.

Kudos to Kaffy’s picks. May she keep inspiring the ladies to keep dreaming and maybe one day owning. And then there is renting if you can’t make up your mind on which better suits you. Have fun choosing.

The roadster version of Audi’s new TT comes as no surprise, considering that the old TT also came in hard- and soft-top variants. But the TT roadster still has a few good tricks rolled up its sleeve that are worth mentioning. The first is something you can’t see, but you can feel it. On the roadster, the structure that runs underneath the door is made of thicker aluminum, with more internal reinforcement than the coupe, but the outside shape is identical to that of the coupe. Reinforcing the side-sill structure in this way to compensate for the loss of the roof – instead of using heavy cross-bracing – makes the new TT roadster lighter than the outgoing 2006 model (there will be no 2007 in the U.S.) but Audi claims a 120-percent increase in structural stiffness. We won’t know exactly how many pounds the open TT saves until the car arrives here in late 2007, but extensive use of aluminum throughout the front structure could shave as much as 300 pounds. Pricing is unknown at this point as well, but it should be close to the outgoing model – base price should start around $36,000 and fully-loaded model will get close to 50 grand.

Common ground

Conceptually, the TT roadster shares a lot with the previous version, even though the structure and styling are all-new. As before, Audi fit the TT with a soft top with a glass rear window, and the top stows where the tiny rear seats are located in the coupe. Base models on the European-spec cars come with a manually-operated top but the power-operated top, which automatically unlatches and folds the roof in 12 seconds, should be standard on all U.S. models.

Powertrain choices are the same as for the TT coupe: a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four or a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6. The four cylinder comes with a either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed known as S-tronic (it was called DSG on the outgoing TT). The S-tronic automatic is actually a dual-clutch sequential manual that can be paddle shifted or left to its own devices in automatic or sport-program automatic mode. The V-6 can only be had with S-tronic. At first, the 2.0-liter will be front-wheel-drive only; customers looking for Quattro all-wheel drive will have to step up to the V-6. Of the three configurations, we prefer the 2.0T with the S-tronic automatic. The front wheels occasionally struggle with grip when the turbo hits full boost, but the lighter weight, louder burbling exhaust, and lower price more than compensate for the lack of all-wheel-drive. The V-6 is about a half a second quicker in the run from 0 to 60 mph, and with 236 pound-feet of torque available from 2,500 rpm, midrange response is instantaneous. It’s also smoother and quieter than the four-cylinder, but really it’s almost too quiet. If the rest of the TT convertible wasn’t so hushed, the V-6 would be barely audible.

With the top up, barely any wind noise intrudes on the cabin. Some road noise comes through behind the driver’s head, where the soft top offers less noise protection than the glass window, but overall the TT is very quiet. A power-operated mesh wind blocker cuts down on noise when the top is down.

Wobbly no more

On our preview drive outside of Nice, France, the TT roadster seems wider than it actually is due to the narrow, cramped roads that run along the Mediterranean Sea, but the TT will fit fine on American roads, and American drivers will appreciate the roomy cabin. The steering is light but precise, as is the case with the Audi A3, which shares a lot of its underpinnings with the TT. We drove cars fitted with Audi’s magnetic ride dampers (also known in GM vehicles as MagnaRide). It’s an option that should be included on any purchase order, as it keeps chassis motions well controlled. The Volkswagen GTI and Audi A3, which share a similar platform and the same powertrain options, still manage a good ride without the advanced shock absorbers, but that’s probably due to a stiffer chassis since both cars have a full roof. On the TT, setting the dampers in “sport” mode tightens us the ride and sharpens turn-in so much that the “normal” mode makes the car feel sloppy, but the ride was still smooth over slightly rough roads. The electronically power-assisted steering is light but precise, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel (similar to the one found on the R8) has bumps and indentations in all the right places. From an overall driving standpoint, the old TT convertible doesn’t compare: the new model feels like a complete car, while the old one made you constantly question whether the convertible top was worth the excessive understeer and wobbly chassis.

When the TT roadster arrives next year, comparisons to the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, and Mercedes-Benz SLK are inevitable. Although the new Audi is clearly sportier than the car it replaces, it’s still not as focused on performance as some of its rivals. We’ll withhold overall judgment until we can conduct a comparison test, but to design mavens the TT wins on style regardless of how it drives. For those who like to make a fashion statement as much as they enjoy open-air driving, the TT is the perfect car.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $36,000-$45,000

ENGINE TYPES: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline four, 200 hp, 207 lb-ft; 24-valve 3.2-liter V-6, 250 hp, 236 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual or 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.2 in
Length: 164.5 in
Width: 72.5 in
Height: 53.5 in
Curb weight: 2900-3500 lb

PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.9-6.5 sec
Top speed (drag/governor limited): 147-155 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city driving: 21-25 mpg
EPA highway driving: 26-32 mpg

Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12155/first-drive-2008-audi-tt-roadster.html

The Avenger is back, sans its super-hero attributes. In a previous life the Dodge Avenger was a 2-door Stratus. Now, the all-new 2008 Avenger is a sedan; one that’s roughly the same size as the Stratus it replaces, but with an extra 4 in. of height. It is based on the platform of the Chrysler Sebring.

Its styling falls in line with other Dodge models, meaning it has substance and character that won’t wilt in the sun. The cross-hair grille, hooded headlamps, rear fender arches and other details call to mind the Charger.

To be initially offered in 2007 are the SE, SXT and R/T models, while later in 2007 an all-wheel-drive R/T will make its debut.

The interior quality is much like the Sebring’s. The gauges are hard to see in daylight, because they are recessed. Upright seating is higher than one might expect in a sedan, but there is ample head room. Hard plastics are still in abundance, but mostly in places that passengers don’t touch. The rear seating is ample for a sedan in this price range.

A welcome feature is the Chill Zone, an air-conditioned storage box capable of holding four soda cans. A rear-seat video system is available — a worthy feature at this price level and in this segment. If you order the Premium Convenience Group, one of the Avenger’s two front center cupholders can heat a beverage to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or chill it to 35 degrees — perfect for your coffee or your Coke.

The base SE starts at $18,895. It features the slightly-too-noisy 2.4-liter inline-4 World Engine that produces a healthy 173 bhp and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. Power routed through the 4-speed automatic transmission gives adequate performance. At its respectably low price, the SE is more than acceptable transportation that offers the owner front, side and curtain airbags, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an MP3-capable CD player, keyless entry and 16-in. steel wheels. Noticeably absent are ABS and rear disc brakes.

Next up is the SXT at $19,795. It includes ABS, but doesn’t do away with the rear drum brakes. For the extra grand, the seats are covered with YES Essentials fabric — a nice material in its own right, with the added benefit of being stain-resistant. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, and the SXT rolls on 17-in. alloy wheels.

Optional upgrades include the flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 that puts out 189 bhp and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. Stability control, navigation and MyGIG become available. MyGIG is an $1895 option, featuring navigation with an internal 20-gigabyte hard-disc drive that is capable of storing over 100 hours of music. There is also an auxiliary input for any audio source. The SXT is positioned to be the big seller and there are three optional packages: Convenience, Sport Appearance and Premium Convenience.

Once the punch line to a joke about subpar products, Kia has done much to overhaul its image over the past few years. Nowhere is this reinvention more apparent than in the Kia Sorento. Named after a picturesque village on Italy’s Amalfi coast, this midsize SUV boasts distinctive lines inside and out. The exterior styling is crisp, and its cabin is a pleasure both to look at and experience (thanks to first-rate interior materials). Its traditional, trucklike body-on-frame design provides a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs, and it gives the Kia Sorento above-average off-roading and towing abilities. As with other Kia vehicles, an extensive warranty package assuages any lingering fears you may have about durability. The frosting on this cupcake is the Sorento’s price. Though it has the dimensions of a midsize SUV, the Sorento bears the price tag of an affordable compact sport-ute.

There have been two generations of the Kia Sorento. The current model, introduced for the 2007 model year, boasts considerably more power, a higher quality cabin and additional features. Among new midsize SUVs, it’s one of the better choices available. As a used vehicle, the first-generation model is also a smart pick. Downsides for either model are few. Fuel economy is average at best and on-pavement handling and ride quality aren’t as good as some competitors’. But none of that does much to detract from the Sorento’s appeal. Without a doubt, Kia’s ambitious overachiever is an attractive choice in both the compact and midsize SUV categories.

The new five-passenger Kia Sorento features an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That’s a whopping 36 percent increase in power over the SUV’s previous 3.5-liter V6. There’s also a new electronically controlled five-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual shifts. The new powertrain helps the midsize SUV, which employs a rugged body-on-frame construction, to increase its towing capacity to a stout 5,000 pounds. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is offered.

Available in LX and EX trims with upgrades to LX Sport or EX Luxury packages, the Kia Sorento features redesigned front headlamps with projection lights, a revised front grille insert, new front fascia and bumper, more rounded body-side cladding, redesigned taillamps and a rear fascia with reflector inserts. Larger 17-inch wheels and an option for black cloth or black leather come with the LX Sport.

Standard comfort and convenience features include air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a 10-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, four 12-volt power outlets and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. All models also have side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and stability control. LX Sport Package models feature upgraded interior cloth or leather, special exterior trim and 17-inch wheels and tires. The EX trim line comes with a sunroof, heated power mirrors, foglights, a power driver seat, a trip computer and 16-inch alloy wheels. The top-line EX Luxury Package adds leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.

The original Kia Sorento was introduced for the 2003 model year with a 3.5-liter, 192-horsepower V6. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. Models previous to 2005 had a four-speed automatic instead of the five-cog unit. Both part-time and full-time 4WD were available, depending on the trim. Off-roaders will be glad to know that both systems included low-range gearing.

This model’s cabin was sleek and stylish, and most of the materials used were high-quality and soft to the touch. An abundance of storage space meant that stashing that errant water bottle or garage door openers was a breeze. Front seats were well-shaped and offered comfort even on long trips, thanks in part to a plethora of available seat adjustments. Three could be seated in the rear if need be, though knee and toe room was somewhat tight on this model. Cargo capacity was in the same league as that of other midsize SUVs of the time