Cars

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]

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)

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)