This year's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este has its public day tomorrow, which is when the world will presumably get its first look at the new BMW M1 concept, a stunning, modern take on Munich's original supercar that is part of Bimmer's 30th anniversary celebration of the classic machine. The private exhibition took place today, however, and the guys at Asphalte.ch -- they were the first with live shots of the Lamborghini LP560-4 earlier this year -- have once again scored a coup, snapping the new, copper-colored M1 concept in all its glory, both alone and alongside its forebears. We expect to have a lot more on this car tomorrow (assuming a press kit will be released sometime overnight), but for now, head to Asphalte.ch to see more shots of the car under the lights. Hey BMW, just pull the trigger and greenlight a production version already, because this thing is awesome. Sunday, January 31, 2010
BMW M1 Concept at Villa d'Este 2010
This year's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este has its public day tomorrow, which is when the world will presumably get its first look at the new BMW M1 concept, a stunning, modern take on Munich's original supercar that is part of Bimmer's 30th anniversary celebration of the classic machine. The private exhibition took place today, however, and the guys at Asphalte.ch -- they were the first with live shots of the Lamborghini LP560-4 earlier this year -- have once again scored a coup, snapping the new, copper-colored M1 concept in all its glory, both alone and alongside its forebears. We expect to have a lot more on this car tomorrow (assuming a press kit will be released sometime overnight), but for now, head to Asphalte.ch to see more shots of the car under the lights. Hey BMW, just pull the trigger and greenlight a production version already, because this thing is awesome. 
Special Bugatti Veyrons 2010
Watch out MX-5 and Elise - the Bugatti Veyron is well on its way to becoming the most special editioned car yet. After the Pur Sang, Sang Bleu, Centenaire et al comes this rather shiny and expensive trio.
First up is the Nocturne (main pic). It’s based on the Veyron coupe, with a combination of polished aluminium and a black finish on the outside, and an extravagant interior that boasts a nanocoated magnesium dashboard and galvanised platinum centre console. Obviously.
Five Veyron Nocturnes will be made, and they’re all bound for the Middle East, although its 1.65million euro (£1.5m) pricetag is probably more of a stumbling block than the geography of its sales plan.
It's on display at the Dubai motor show alongside two even more limited edition Veyrons. There’s the Sang d’Argent coupe – silver paint and aluminium outside, quilted and personalised seats inside – and the Soleil de Nuit Grand Sport cabrio, which mixes blue/black paint with mirrored finishes on the exterior and has a contrasting burnt orange interior.
Both are one-offs (although that’s perhaps for the best), priced at around 1.5million euros each (£1.35m). As usual, the changes are cosmetic meaning the Veyron’s ‘regular’ 16-cylinder 8-litre engine remains untouched. With 1000bhp on tap and a 253mph top speed, that’s probably no bad thing…
Mazda MX-5, 2010 2011
Mazda MX-5
MX-5 (still called the Miata by purists) is in its third edition as the best-selling sports car in history. Since its debut in 1989, more than 850,000 Miatas have sold, and a lot more will likely sell considering the upgrades — some substantial, some subtle — for the 2010 model.
The new edition is available with a manual-folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window or a power-folding hardtop, and there are 10 trims. It all ups up to a sure-thing to continue the sports car’s legacy.
The Weekly Driver’s Ratings
First Impression: My weekly driver, the grand touring soft top model, arrived a few days before Halloween. Its exterior color, Competition Yellow, was ideal for the week. The tone is more orange than yellow and it’s striking, for good or bad. Lots of onlookers commented on my pumpkin on wheels.
Acceleration (6)
With its low-to-the-ground profile and classic two-seat sports car feel, the MX-5 seems fast. Better described, it’s brisk. The six-speed manual transmission has short throws and gearing is firm, which adds to the fun.
Braking/Steering/Handling (9)
With 17-inch tires, a small, tight turning radius, little lean and “stop-on-a-dime” quality brakes, what’s not to like? It’s a sports car that commands the road and can’t get enough of it.
Cargo Room (4)
It’s a coupe, so how much cargo space should be expected? There’s a small trunk, for sure, and a lockable glovebox. And there are storage boxes “hidden” behind the back of each seat. Not bad for a two-seater. One downside: The position of the cupholders can interfere with shifting.
Controls/Gauges (6)
The controls are well-placed. Gauges are clearly marked and easy to read.
Details (6)
It’s plastic throughout the cockpit, but it looks sharp. The Grand Touring edition (my weekly driver) had leather trim and it added class. The aforementioned hidden storage bins added a savvy touch.
Front Seats (6)
I’m 6-feet, 185 pounds and I fit OK in the Mazda MX-5. But anyone taller would likely want for more leg room and definitely more head room when the soft top is up. The Mazda MX-5 isn’t spacious, but how many coupes are?
Fuel Economy (6)
A few major web sites got less than the EPA city and freeway mpg estimates of 21 mpg and 28 mpg. But my averages were within a few tenths of the numbers. Premium fuel is recommended.
Quietness (5)
Is there a quiet sports car? It’s not supposed to be part of the equation, is it? The Mazda is on par with other sports cars. In short, it’s noisy. But sports car owners aren’t looking for a luxury sedan. With the top down, though, the Mazda MX-5 may be quieter than with its top up, and that’s an oddity shared by other sports cars.
Rear Seats (0)
There aren’t any.
Ride Quality (6)
The suspension package helps as do the 17-inch tires, but sports cars feel bumps and whatever else the road has to offer. That’s part of the fun of sports cars.
Total (54 out of 100 )
Class — Sports car
Primary competition — Honda S2000, Nissan 370Z.
For standard equipment/option package information, visit: www.mazdausa.com.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price — $26,410.
Price As Driven — $29,310.
Mileage Estimates — 21 mpg (city), 28 mpg (hwy).
Warranty — Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.
What Others Are Saying:
“The 2010 Miata is a dream, especially for sports car enthusiasts on a budget. It’s quick, agile, great on gas and reliable too.”
Toyota MR2 Hybrid Sports Car In the Offing 2010
There's a feeling among car fans that hybrid vehicles are set to kill the driver-oriented sportscar. But many skeptics were silenced when Honda took the wraps off of its CR-Z coup concept recently. After all, anything that could bring back the CRX hatchback with extra power at no extra cost at the fuel pumps has to be pretty good right? Now it seems Toyota wants in on some of that hybrid sports car action.
Recent reports out of Japan are suggesting that Toyota may be working on a reborn hybrid sportscar of its own. The company once known for its sports-coupes recently unveiled the FT-86 concept, and might be ready to follow up with a gasoline-electric resurrection of the cult classic MR2. The budget-friendly mid-engine/rear-drive sportscar had a big following right up until the third-generation model was discontinued two years ago. But if the latest reports are to be believed the old MR2 is set for a hybrid comeback.
Mazda MX-5, 2010 2011
Mazda MX-5
MX-5 (still called the Miata by purists) is in its third edition as the best-selling sports car in history. Since its debut in 1989, more than 850,000 Miatas have sold, and a lot more will likely sell considering the upgrades — some substantial, some subtle — for the 2010 model.
The new edition is available with a manual-folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window or a power-folding hardtop, and there are 10 trims. It all ups up to a sure-thing to continue the sports car’s legacy.
The Weekly Driver’s Ratings
First Impression: My weekly driver, the grand touring soft top model, arrived a few days before Halloween. Its exterior color, Competition Yellow, was ideal for the week. The tone is more orange than yellow and it’s striking, for good or bad. Lots of onlookers commented on my pumpkin on wheels.
Acceleration (6)
With its low-to-the-ground profile and classic two-seat sports car feel, the MX-5 seems fast. Better described, it’s brisk. The six-speed manual transmission has short throws and gearing is firm, which adds to the fun.
Braking/Steering/Handling (9)
With 17-inch tires, a small, tight turning radius, little lean and “stop-on-a-dime” quality brakes, what’s not to like? It’s a sports car that commands the road and can’t get enough of it.
Cargo Room (4)
It’s a coupe, so how much cargo space should be expected? There’s a small trunk, for sure, and a lockable glovebox. And there are storage boxes “hidden” behind the back of each seat. Not bad for a two-seater. One downside: The position of the cupholders can interfere with shifting.
Controls/Gauges (6)
The controls are well-placed. Gauges are clearly marked and easy to read.
Details (6)
It’s plastic throughout the cockpit, but it looks sharp. The Grand Touring edition (my weekly driver) had leather trim and it added class. The aforementioned hidden storage bins added a savvy touch.
Front Seats (6)
I’m 6-feet, 185 pounds and I fit OK in the Mazda MX-5. But anyone taller would likely want for more leg room and definitely more head room when the soft top is up. The Mazda MX-5 isn’t spacious, but how many coupes are?
Fuel Economy (6)
A few major web sites got less than the EPA city and freeway mpg estimates of 21 mpg and 28 mpg. But my averages were within a few tenths of the numbers. Premium fuel is recommended.
Quietness (5)
Is there a quiet sports car? It’s not supposed to be part of the equation, is it? The Mazda is on par with other sports cars. In short, it’s noisy. But sports car owners aren’t looking for a luxury sedan. With the top down, though, the Mazda MX-5 may be quieter than with its top up, and that’s an oddity shared by other sports cars.
Rear Seats (0)
There aren’t any.
Ride Quality (6)
The suspension package helps as do the 17-inch tires, but sports cars feel bumps and whatever else the road has to offer. That’s part of the fun of sports cars.
Total (54 out of 100 )
Class — Sports car
Primary competition — Honda S2000, Nissan 370Z.
For standard equipment/option package information, visit: www.mazdausa.com.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price — $26,410.
Price As Driven — $29,310.
Mileage Estimates — 21 mpg (city), 28 mpg (hwy).
Warranty — Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.
What Others Are Saying:
“The 2010 Miata is a dream, especially for sports car enthusiasts on a budget. It’s quick, agile, great on gas and reliable too.”
Toyota MR2 Hybrid Sports Car In the Offing 2010
There's a feeling among car fans that hybrid vehicles are set to kill the driver-oriented sportscar. But many skeptics were silenced when Honda took the wraps off of its CR-Z coup concept recently. After all, anything that could bring back the CRX hatchback with extra power at no extra cost at the fuel pumps has to be pretty good right? Now it seems Toyota wants in on some of that hybrid sports car action.
Recent reports out of Japan are suggesting that Toyota may be working on a reborn hybrid sportscar of its own. The company once known for its sports-coupes recently unveiled the FT-86 concept, and might be ready to follow up with a gasoline-electric resurrection of the cult classic MR2. The budget-friendly mid-engine/rear-drive sportscar had a big following right up until the third-generation model was discontinued two years ago. But if the latest reports are to be believed the old MR2 is set for a hybrid comeback.
TESLA sports car in action 2010
It's not often you get told to put your foot down on a test drive but that's what happened last week when I test drove a Tesla electric sports car.
Electric cars seemed like an engineer's pipe dream only a few years ago, now they're becoming a reality.
Only yesterday Nissan announced its Leaf hatchback which could be built at the Sunderland plant and is expected to go on sale in 2011.
The 120 mph Tesla is already on the roads and selling well for a £94,000 sports car.
It has been deliberatley designed to be eco cool and "could only have come out of Silkicon Valley" Not surprisingly, the first owners are London eco pioneers.
The newly opened London showroom is selling four a month.
But back to the test drive. Like all electric cars it's very simple to drive. Accelerator, break and just neutral forward and back.
It's when you put your foot down you get the full thrill of the instant acceleration. All torque and lots of action, as you might say.
It's got a range of 200 miles, re-charge centres are springing up and if you do get stuck there's a rescue service.
My only regret was the 30 mph and 40 mph speed signs within range of Canary Wharf which stopped me putting my foot on the floor.
TESLA sports car in action 2010
It's not often you get told to put your foot down on a test drive but that's what happened last week when I test drove a Tesla electric sports car.
Electric cars seemed like an engineer's pipe dream only a few years ago, now they're becoming a reality.
Only yesterday Nissan announced its Leaf hatchback which could be built at the Sunderland plant and is expected to go on sale in 2011.
The 120 mph Tesla is already on the roads and selling well for a £94,000 sports car.
It has been deliberatley designed to be eco cool and "could only have come out of Silkicon Valley" Not surprisingly, the first owners are London eco pioneers.
The newly opened London showroom is selling four a month.
But back to the test drive. Like all electric cars it's very simple to drive. Accelerator, break and just neutral forward and back.
It's when you put your foot down you get the full thrill of the instant acceleration. All torque and lots of action, as you might say.
It's got a range of 200 miles, re-charge centres are springing up and if you do get stuck there's a rescue service.
My only regret was the 30 mph and 40 mph speed signs within range of Canary Wharf which stopped me putting my foot on the floor.
World’s Fastest Street Legal Sports Car 2010
Swiss car maker Weber Sportscars is billing its latest creation, the “faster one,” as the world’s fastest street legal sports car. Powered by a 900-horsepower/774 lb-ft twin-supercharged V8, the faster one does 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds, 0-124 in 6.6 seconds, 0-186 in 16.2 seconds, and it hits a top speed over 248 mph (comparable to the Bugatti Veyron).
The car’s design is distinguished by a motorized rear wing, which doubles as an air brake when necessary, similar to the Veyron’s. Yet, unlike the Veyron, the styling resembles more of a suped-up rice rocket than a work of sophisticated European engineering.
For 1.6 million Swiss Francs (U.S. $1.55 million), Weber will build you your own faster one. So, at least you’ll save a little more than $100K as compared with the $1.67 million Veyron. But, for your money, which would you rather park in your garage?
World’s Fastest Street Legal Sports Car 2010
Swiss car maker Weber Sportscars is billing its latest creation, the “faster one,” as the world’s fastest street legal sports car. Powered by a 900-horsepower/774 lb-ft twin-supercharged V8, the faster one does 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds, 0-124 in 6.6 seconds, 0-186 in 16.2 seconds, and it hits a top speed over 248 mph (comparable to the Bugatti Veyron).
The car’s design is distinguished by a motorized rear wing, which doubles as an air brake when necessary, similar to the Veyron’s. Yet, unlike the Veyron, the styling resembles more of a suped-up rice rocket than a work of sophisticated European engineering.
For 1.6 million Swiss Francs (U.S. $1.55 million), Weber will build you your own faster one. So, at least you’ll save a little more than $100K as compared with the $1.67 million Veyron. But, for your money, which would you rather park in your garage?
Porsche adds power to its Cayman S sports car 2010
The company has invested some money in its potent mid-level sports car, the Cayman, which debuted in 2005 as a 2006 model. Four years into the model run, Porsche has freshened the 2009 Cayman with a mild restyling of the front and rear — headlights and taillights mostly — and has added power.
The base Cayman gets a larger, 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine, with 265 horsepower. And the uplevel Cayman S now has a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, with horsepower boosted from 295 to 320. The Cayman S still isn't playing in the same league as the flagship 911, but it's closer than ever.
On the Cayman S test car, that new engine is matched with a new seven-speed "Doppelkupplung" transmission — that translates to "double clutch," meaning that while this transmission operates as an automatic, it can be shifted manually, thanks to internal clutches. It's an effective update of the Tiptronic transmission, but whether you think it's worth the $3,420 option price over the six-speed manual is up to you.
There is no denying, though, that this new transmission maximizes the engine's muscle, and it feels like more than 320 horsepower, pulling strongly from a standing start, up through and well past legal limits. And fuel mileage is surprisingly good: An EPA-rated 20 mpg city, 29 mpg on the highway, thanks in part to that seventh speed that lets the engine lope along at freeway speeds.
The handling is excellent and the ride is surprisingly good. Steering is quick but not twitchy. Brakes are superb.
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