Cars

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63

When a 4-door sedan has an optional “performance Package” you know it means business. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 is the mid-level rocket-ship performance sedan in the Mercedes portfolio slotting slightly above the C63 entry-level sedan and slightly below S63 top-of-the-line sedan. All share the same door count, sub-4.5 second 0-60 acceleration time, similar AMG refreshes and the same AMG 6.2L V8. When installed in an E63 the 6.2L’s specific output is pegged at 518 HP or a 10 HP increase over the outgoing 2009 model.

AMG breathes new life into each E63 with an emphasis on improving the overall driving dynamics, and it shows. Each sedan retains the air suspension but only in the rear while replacing the front bags with steel springs in increasing the track to improve overall handling. The transmission is still a slush-box 7-speed but features a wet-disc clutch in lieu of a torque converter and a mighty switch on the center console with options for Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport+ and Manual, very un-Mercedes-like words.

Even more unbecoming of a Mercedes is the Performance Package which raises the speed-limiter to 186 MPH (up from 155) as well as the ceramic brakes option (cleaning your wallet of another $8800) but they’re squeal and fade free. Reviewers find this car to be the “end of horsepower wars” since its so powerful and enjoy the spectacular chassis dynamics. Read on to find out how the E63 compares to the rest of the 4-door uber-sedans.

• Automobile (First Drive)
• Car and Driver (First Drive)
• Motor Trend (First Drive)
• MBWorld.org (Review)
• AutoGuide.com (First Drive)
• Jalopnik (blog, First Drive)
• Inside Line (Full Test)

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

Have you had your eye on one of those brand-new and shiny (does matte-gray paint shine?) Lamborghini Reventón? Can’t bring yourself to trade a kidney, sell your kids, or spend $1.25-2.5 million for one of the 20 coupes produced? Well good news! You can get same puckered-up bung-hole seat-of-the-pants rocketship feelings, that same “look at me” announcement at every traffic light, same Joie de vivre feelings and even more thrust for less than half the cost (no organ transplants required).

Whereas the 2009 Reventón was based on the 2006 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 with a measly 640 HP, today’s eBay find has the same chassis with even more oomph, pushing out 670 HP. The 2010 LP670-4 SuperVeloce is what they call it 0-60 in 3.2 seconds is what it does. All. Day. Long. This Murciélago can reach 213 MPH, it has a lighter exhaust system, improved brakes, modified intake and valve timings and several interior parts have been modified for either lightness or to resemble the Reventón. This Murciélago is the swan-song for the Murciélago line (tears from the peanut gallery) the LP670-4′s production run is limited to only 350 cars rather than the Reventón’s 20.

Today’s eBay find is an LP67-4 SuperVeloce in Bianco Isis with a claimed 299 miles on the clock and its list of features include the cabon fiber interior package, carbon ceremic brakes, and an optional large rear wing for stability. Bidding hasn’t met a reserve but the Buy-It-Now price of $484,045 sounds like a bargain compared to what Reventón’s are fetching these days. Take a look here and happy bidding!

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

A brand new dual clutch 7-speed automated-manual transmission, triple exhaust outlets, body by Pininfarina, F1-spec traction control system, and 9000 RPM’s pulled from a mid-ship mounted 4.5L direct injected Ferrari V8. This list of standard specifications of the Ferrari 458 Italia offer an exitic brainstorm of what the new entry-level mid-engined Ferrari is like. Built to replace the long-running F430, the newest member to the Ferrari lineup seperates itself from the entry-level California.

Offering one of (if not the) most powerful naturally aspirated production V8′s and pushes an astonishing 562 HP at redline or 9000 RPM. And whether you like it or not, its attached to an automated-manual F1-style 7-speed transmission. Interestingly, according to Ferrari (and many other luxury/sports marques) purists complaints don’t represent the actual buying public so a proper manual won’t be offered. Owners will, however, be satisfied knowing body panels are crafted using aerospace technology allowing impossibly thin paneling.

Being a modern Ferrari, reviewers seem to be mostly impressed by the 458′s technological aspects rather than styling or performance. Read on to some of the reviews to see how the chassis aerodynamics are a particular area of interest.

• Automobile Mag (Review)
• Car and Driver (First Drive)
• Motor Trend (First Drive)
• Popular Mechanics (Test Drive)
• Autocar (YouTube)
• evo Magazine (YouTube)
• Fifth Gear (YouTube)

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Convertible

The name really says it all, Alfa’s eight-cylinder competition convertible with parts cobbled together from all over the Fiat group. Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competetizione Convertible is derived from the previous generation Maserati GranTurismo and covered in unique Alfa inspired carbon fiber bodywork. Powered by a Ferrari engine pushing 444 HP @ 7000 RPM from the 4.7L front-mounted V8 (also found in the Ferrari Califonia and several Maserati’s) propels this svelte beauty to 60 in a respectable 4.2 secs on to a top speed of 181 MPH.

Although the 8C was always produced in low sums, today’s car is quite special because its a convertible. The limited production run included only 500 coupes of which 90 cars (the most slated for a single market) were earmarked for America. However, this red-on-white convertible is one of only 35 8C convertible’s coming to the colonies. With an abused 96 miles on the clock this rare beauty can be yours for a trip to Miami, FL and an offer somewhere south of $359,000.

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

Everyone’s doing it these days: creating track-day cars to fill a new market. Track day cars aren’t quite full blown race cars but they’re a hard sell as a grocery-getter model either. Once touted as the “least expensive 200 MPH car,” the Bentley Continental . Bentley’s Continental line has been around for quite some time (released in 2003) and has offered no less than five variants including the original GT, the convertible GTC, the slightly upmarket GT Speed, its drop-top sibling the GTC Speed, and most recently the Supersports. As keen readers will be able to note after any model introduction comes a convertible variant so following this springs release of the Continental Supersports comes the Supersports Convertible.

Bentley’s Continental Supersports Convertible sports 621 HP and 519 LB/FT of twisties available beginning at 1650 RPM from the W12 motor. Acceleration to 60 happens in just 3.9 seconds (down from 4.3 from the GTC Speed) and to 100 MPH in 8.9 seconds. Interestingly, the Continental Supersports can deliver enough G’s (1.29) of force around a skidpad to rip your face off helped partly from the wheels weighing only a skant 22 LB’s each. MSRP for the convertible starts at $280K but all seems worth it when you consider this is the fastest 4-seat convertible money can buy.

Reviews for the Continental Supersports Convertible are quite positive. Everyone of the test drivers were impressed by how well it handled its “bulk” given the car’s 5400 LB curb weight. “Nicely weighted” steering, “superb brakes,” and comfort that could only be associated with a Bentley are the common superlatives ringing between the reviewers. Catch some of the reviews below including some of the Supersports coupe.

Supersports Convertible

• Autoblog (blog, First Drive)
• Yahoo! Cars (UK, First Drive)
• Car and Driver (Review)
• Left Lane News (Review)

Supersports Coupe

• Popular Mechanics (Test Drive)
• Telegraph.co.uk (Review)
• CNet Cartech  (blog, First Take, YouTube)
• Motor Trend (Review)
• Top Gear (UK, Road Test, YouTube segment)

2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The legendary Porsche Cayenne Turbo returns for the 2011 model year; everyone’s favorite “love it or hate it” SUV has come back for an encore. After its 2002 unveiling and subsequent 7 year production run, including a mid-cycle mild refresh, the Cayenne has sold like hotcakes allowing Porsche to focus on its core products (i.e. the 911 range). Obviously, acceptance for a Porsche SUV has gained some ground ironically causing Porsche to soften the most utility attributes out of the venerable SUV.

For 2011, the Cayenne Turbo model offers a carry-over engine choice from 2010 matching the 500 HP from the 4.8L V8. However, new for 2011 is a 23% increase in fuel economy thanks largely to the 8-speed transmission built to replace lowest of ranges of a transfer case. Porsche claims the 8-speed slush box offers substantial weight savings and is capable of propelling the 2011 Cayenne Turbo to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds, though Porsche performance figures are usually conservative.

Today’s eBay Find is a 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo finished in silver with sport bucket seats wrapped in black leather throughout. Not much else is known about this Cayenne other than its one of the first, if not _the_ first 2011 Cayenne on eBay. With only 8 miles on the odometer and located in Bend, Oregon bidding for this truck starts at $121,850 but thats a small price to pay to be the first on your block with the shiniest of Cayennes!

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG dazzles with its unparalleled technology collection: an aluminum space-frame bodyshell with gullwing doors; an AMG 6.3-liter, front-mid V8 engine with a top force of 563 hp, 479 lb-ft of torque, and dry sump lubrication; seven-speed dual-clutch in a transaxle design; a sports chassis with aluminum double-wishbone suspension; and a curb weight of 3,573 pounds. It’s a combination that guarantees dominant handling mechanics. The car’s ideal weight arrangement between the fore and aft axles (47 to 53 pct respectively) and its low point of gravity punctuate the striking sports car concept. The Gullwing shaped car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a maximum velocity of 196 mph (electronically restricted).

The identifiable figure of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its lustful sportiness and reinterprets the exciting design of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, one of the brightest arrangements of the Mercedes-Benz marque. With its undiluted organisation, the new SLS AMG reflects the teachings of modern sports car design: The nearly 6-foot-long bonnet, the low glass positioned far backward, and the abbreviated backside with the long rear spoiler represent dynamism, as do the abundant wheelbase, the wide track, and the ample wide wheels. The proportions are set by the stubby overhangs and the design of the super car, with a low-slung, front-mid engine mounted substantially backwards and a dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration. The stylistic detail is without question the gullwing doors, which bestow the SLS AMG with unequaled attractiveness and make an uncomparable statement in this vehicle segment.

Edmunds (Review)
Left Lane (First Drive)
Motor Trend (First Drive)
MSN Autos UK (First Drive)
UK Telegragh (Review)
Jalopnik (First Drive)

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce has had a glorious past, as have many car companies have, including building airplane engines and owned its most serious competitor (Bentley) several times. But when Rolls-Royce itself was bought by BMW, things changed. The 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom was the first “all new” car Rolls-Royce produced. Engines were sourced from the corporate overlords at BMW and that sumpuous 6.75L V12 was the lone part. The leather work, wood work, and finishing is done in a new factory to celebrate the new brand. That was 2003.

New for 2010 is the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the “Rolls to drive” some say. The Ghost is smaller in most dimenions than the Phantom but shares only 20% parts with its corporate cousin, the BMW 7-series. A large part of that percentage is the 6.6 L twin-turbo V12 rated at 563 BHP and mated to an 8-speed automatic. That’s enough power to propel this 5,455 lb luxury estate to 60 in less than 5 seconds on to an electronically limited maximum velocity of 155 MPH.

Today’s car is a Ghost finished in Diamond Black exterior paint and black leather from the same assembly line that does the Phantom. Some features include a panorama sunroof, comfort entry system, front massaging and ventilated seats, picnic tables and a camera system. This particular Rolls-Royce has 600 miles on the clock and is currently located in New Orleans. Click thru the link to contact the seller, schedule a test drive, make an offer or just gander at the over twenty images.

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

The Lamborghini Gallardo has had no shortage of variants over its 8-year production life, it was introduced as the ‘affordable’ Lamborghini for the “new money” types. The Gallardo quickly proved a popular seller and 5 years after its introduction the first Superleggera was introduced as the track-day version of the popular sports car. For the 2007-08 model year, the first Gallardo Superleggera came standard with the base models E-gear automated-manual transmission, was lighter by 150 lbs and offered a 10 hp gain over the base model.

For 2011, the fine folks of Sant’Agata Bolognese have topped their (previously) top-of-the-line LP-560-4 by 10 hp “added lightness” by 158 lbs, besting the original Gallardo Superleggera. Surprisingly, according to those who reviewed it, ride quality has not been sacrificed. For the die-hard enthusiasts or those looking to track the Superleggera 570-4 can opt for the radio to be deleted. However, for comfort’s sake, air-conditioning and power windows remain standard and cannot be removed from the window-sticker.

Car and Driver (First Drive, Second Drive)
Inside Line (First Drive)
Automobile Magazine (Review)
Motor Trend (First Drive)
Popular Mechanics (Test Drive)
Road and Track (Review)