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!

[wordbay]Lamborghini (LP670, , LP650, LP640)[/wordbay]

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.

[wordbay]alfa romeo[/wordbay]