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2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport
The Bugatti Veyron is (still) the world’s fastest production car, having just wrested the crown from itself in a successful world-record attempt. The new Veyron 16.4 Super Sport comes with four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers that have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine to a total of 1200 HP, the chassis has been extensively redesigned to maintain safety at extreme speeds. This gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 G and improved interaction between the tires and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration of 1,500 NM on corner exits.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport set the speed record as the fastest production car in the world going 431 km/h (268 mph), with former race driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel behind the wheel. Production versions of the Super Sport will have their top speed electronically limited to 258 mph, in order to protect the tires from certain, expedient death. To achieve that higher velocity, the car has undergone a pretty significant aerodynamic rework, with the most obvious change being the removal of the steamship-esque silver air intakes.
The new Veyron is large for a two-seater, measuring 175.7 in. from bumper to bumper, and riding on a 106.7-in. wheelbase. It’s wide and low at 78.7 in. and 46.8 in., respectively. The car looks similar to the base Veyron, but there are subtle differences. On its roof are two NACA ducts that feed air into the engine, and the front of the car has been reshaped to house larger air vents (the lower one extending around the sides to the wheel arch).
The normal Veyron has a 16 cylinder engine that is fitted with 4 turbos, and makes 1,001hp, a figure immune to the word, “inadequate.” But when we hear “turbo” we think boost. And when an engine comes from a factory with any amount of boost, our brain immediately wonders what fun can be had with more boost.
This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the extraordinarily precise driving performance in bends and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.
The car now has four fuel pumps, compared with the Veyron’s two, feeding the larger quad turbochargers. A less restrictive (and louder) exhaust system was developed. That and some engine-management programming increases torque to a hilarious 1,500 Newton-meters (1,103 pound-feet), and peak torque is higher in the rev band. Suspension-wise, the ride height was raised slightly (to accommodate greater high-speed downforce); and the air suspension, half-shafts, links and wheels were lightened, reinforced and laced tighter.
The fastest production car and one that’s holding on to the record in style is the Bugatti Veyron. It even has been successful in creating a world record for itself in this field and ironically has beaten its own record for creating the new record. The test driver who sat behind wheels of the new Veyron 16.4 Super Sport car made good an average speed of 268 mph. the driver and the car achieved this fete at the Ehra-Lessien test track which is located just outside of Wolfsburg. The previous record which was held by the Veyron 16.4 coupe was 15 mph lesser than this present new record. Not only is the car, by performance faster than its previous version, even the conditions of the day helped the car in achieving its feat. The Bugatti themselves had predicted a speed of 264 mph.
The body of the car has been made of carbon-fiber monocoque. This assists in increase of torsion rigidity as well as reduction in weight. The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety – at reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is available in 100 per-cent clear-lacquered exposed carbon on request. Bugatti team has promised to give the production car with a clear coated paint for all its rear panels. This would give a view of the wave.
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car – First Drive Review
The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo represents the essence of exotic ultra-luxury. Unlike other Lamborghinis, the Gallardo is intended to perform well as an everyday driver as well as a racing machine. After extensive exterior and mechanical upgrades for 2009, the Gallardo adds a new limited-edition Valentino Balboni version for 2010.
The 2010 Gallardo — dubbed LP 560-4 — is available as a coupe or Spyder convertible. The Balboni edition is dubbed LP 550-2. The Gallardo competes with the Ferrari F430 and Audi R8.
With the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini has created a driving experience like absolutely no other – fascinating design, breathtaking performance and extreme handling characteristics come together with all the sensual intensity and open-air pleasure that only a soft top super sports car can deliver.
Exterior
The 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4’s exterior was refreshed last year with changes that left reviewers mostly impressed. The new car’s styling is at once more aggressive and more elegant than before. Unlike the Murcielago’s scissors-style doors, the Gallardo has conventional front-hinged doors. The body sits low to the ground and has big side scoops and sharp edges and curves. The cab-forward cockpit is integrated into the body, giving it a wedge-shaped profile.
- Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps
- Rear spoiler automatically deploys at high speeds
- Power soft-top on Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder operates in about 20 seconds
- 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires
- Balboni edition has unique paint, custom suspension
Interior
Though the Gallardo is a performance-oriented car, it isn’t without its luxuries. The cabin seats two, and an Ad Personam program allows customers to choose any interior color and trim combination.
- Standard leather upholstery; optional Alcantara upholstery and headliner
- Standard dual-zone climate control
- Optional heated seats, navigation system
- Optional carbon fiber trim
- Trunk located under the hood, with 3.9 cubic feet of cargo space
Under the Hood
Built with an aluminum body and space frame, all Gallardos but the Valentino Balboni have all-wheel drive.
- 5.2-liter V-10 withdirect-injection
- 552 horsepower, 398 pounds-feet of torque
- All-wheel-drive system distributes 30 percent of power to the front wheels; system can be adjusted as needed
- Rear-wheel-drive Valentino Balboni edition has 543 hp, 398 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual
- Optional ceramic brakes
- Zero to 60 mph in under 4 seconds
Engine
The engine of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is a completely new development. All that remains is the number of cylinders, – that magical ten – which provides a perfect synthesis of high-revs, pulling power, athletic agility, compact dimensions and low weight that is unique within this performance class.
According to Lamborghini, the 2010 Gallardo LP560-4 coupe has a top speed of 202 mph and can blast from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It handles well in twists and turns too.
An even more powerful engine, permanent all-wheel drive and an all-new chassis mean that the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers yet another significant increase in performance against its predecessor. With its innovative design, the new LP 560-4 Spyder takes the unique Lamborghini styling ethic to the next level; the Spyder displays this powerful and elegant design language with even greater distinctiveness, making it all the more unmistakable. The bodyshell also incorporates the highest levels of passive safety. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder even fulfills European directives for pedestrian protection that are not yet mandatory. Furthermore, the geometry of the entire front end of the car has been optimized, with a special combination of materials behind the front bumper that serve to absorb impact forces.
Unlike most Lamborghinis from the past, the Gallardo is pretty driver-friendly, with a civilized and comfortable cabin, top-notch materials and tasteful design. By comparison, many precious Lamborghinis were saddled with hot and stifling cockpits, poor visibility and questionable ergonomics.
Whichever Gallardo tickles your fancy, there’s no doubt that this futuristic wedgelike supercar will attract attention and deliver jaw-dropping performance. At its stratospherically high price, there are a few other exotics that compete against the Gallardo.
Such extreme power must be delivered to the road safely. The driver of a Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder can thus rely on the viscous traction permanent all-wheel drive system – the number 4 in the model name serves as a reminder of this. Located in the driveline is a central viscous coupling, which requires no electronic control. In this Lamborghini-specific configuration, driving power is distributed between front and rear at a standard ratio of 30:70, adapting to variations in road conditions within a matter of milliseconds. A mechanical differential on the rear axle providing up to 45% limited slip, and an electronic differential lock at the front complete the all-wheel drive system.
The new brake system comes with brutal stopping power. At the front, eight-cylinder Brembo calipers grip 14.37 in (365 mm) diameter discs, while four-cylinder callipers and 14 in (356 mm) discs take up the rear. The new disc ventilation also improves brake fade under extreme load conditions.
Highly stable carbon fibre ceramic discs are available as an option. At the front the CCB (Carbon Ceramic Brake) discs measure 15 in (380mm) diameter and at the rear 14 in (356mm). They deliver improved performance with reduced weight. The CCB system significantly reduces weight, which improves dynamics and comfort.
It’s a fantasy, but only to people who don’t have gobs of hedge-fund money. Those with the cash will be satisfied with the reality.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore revealed
The new Bicolore will have a color scheme similar to that of the earlier-generation Gallardo Special Edition, with roof, engine cover and rear spoiler painted in “Noctis Black.” The rest of the vehicle can be sprayed in one of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum.
Satellite navigation, rearview camera, carbon-ceramic disc brakes and heated seats are some of the many options customers can add to their special-edition Gallardos.
“With the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, Lamborghini demonstrates once again the extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian nature of our brand,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The super sports cars from Lamborghini combine volcanic energy with design that is as unique as it is stylish.”
The Bicolore is the latest in a long line of variations for the Gallardo LP, preceded by the LP 560-4, the LP 560-4 Spyder, the LP 550-2 Balboni Edition, the LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition, the LP 570-4 Superleggera and the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante.
More than 10,000 Gallardos have rolled out of the Italian production facility, which makes it the most-produced vehicle from Lamborghini in the company’s history.
While the Bicolore Edition is at the Qatar show, it might join the company display at the Geneva motor show in March, where Lamborghini plans to unveil to the public its new flagship, the LP 700.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Virtual Photo Shoot Web Special Launched
Mercedes yesterday tipped us off to a new web special they launched recently highlighting the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It’s called the “Virtual Photo Shoot,” and it features an impressive array of beautiful women gathered around the new model. Mercedes-Benz had a bumper month globally in June, with sales up 13.2 percent to 113,300 units.
The company has put the record growth down to strong demand for luxury cars in the two leading markets for cars, China and the US. The company said it had also seen strong growth in other emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia and India, where the sales went up by over 70 percent in June in each market.
According to Daimler management, the main growth drivers were the E and S Class Mercedes.
In addition to the photo feature, there’s a backstage look at various photo shoots for the 2010 E-Class Coupe – one that shows both the models and the E behind-the-scenes on the set.
Chrysler 300 Stylish Car 2010
The Chrysler 300 is one of the last of the big, powerful, rear-wheel-drive American four-door sedans, a car for the open road and a long highway. It has great styling, impressive handling and, with the available Hemi V8 of 360 horsepower, pavement-eating performance. It’s smooth, luxurious, quiet, comfortable, and everything a top-end American four-door sedan should be.
The 2010 Chrysler 300 ranks 3 out of 7 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 85 published reviews and test drives of the Chrysler 300, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The Chrysler 300 delivers impressive value, but emphasizing the cost/benefit ratio may minimize its other strengths. The 300 is a highly appealing car, and it has set a benchmark for the industry.
The exterior of the sedan remains largely unchanged. For the new model year, the 300 will be available in five different trim levels. All 300′s are available with rear-wheel drive, though the Touring, the Limited and the 300C are available in all-wheel drive formats.
The interior is stylish and luxury. The interior of the Chrysler 300 was updated for 2008 in response to some criticisms from consumers and the press. It now features a new instrument panel and center console design, highlighted with silver bezels. Soft-touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels, and a newly designed and relocated cruise control stalk, have been added to improve comfort.
Now for customers who wanted additional features, Chrysler offers two luxury packages. The first one consists of sun roof, 276-watt DSP Amp speaker system, California Walnut wood accent on steering wheel, door pulls and interior trim, SmartBeam headlamp control system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Additional options include adaptive cruise control, passenger side auto-dimming mirror, heated rear seats, and mirrors with turn signals and puddle lamps.
Long-wheelbase models are also available. Aimed primarily at the chauffeur-driven executive class, the long-wheelbase version offers a cavernous back seat with impressive leg room. It’s great for tall folks or anyone who likes space and convenience, and it can be equipped with custom features such as writing tables and foot rests.
With a smooth ride, ample power, 21st century connectivity and cutting-edge technology, the 2010 Chrysler 300 is an affordable luxury sedan that turns heads wherever it goes.