The New Year’s Coolest New Cars

Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible

There isn’t much Ferrari can do to improve upon the incredible looks and performance of the458 Italia. However, the addition of a convertible version seems a good place to start. With the top folded, you’ll be able to hear even more of the mechanical symphony being played by the 570-bhp 4.5-liter V-8 engine, mounted behind the cockpit. Punch the gas pedal and be prepared for an acoustic masterpiece, as this high-strung Italian engine wails its way to a 9000-rpm redline. Ferrari quotes the 458 Italia as being able to sprint from 0-60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. Convertibles are almost always slightly heavier (slower) than coupes, though we doubt anyone will be complaining about a fraction of a second in the undoubtedly stellar performance of the 458 Italia convertible.

Chevy Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet is finally bringing the convertible version of its iconic muscle car to market, and we couldn’t be happier. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible arrives this spring, just in time for perfect top-down weather. The Camaro has always been a great-looking car, with the only major fault being its limited rear visibility—a sacrifice you make for the aggressive styling. With a convertible top stowed away, this bowtie-wearing sports machine suddenly offers an unimpeded 360-degree view of the world. Pricing starts at approximately $30,000 for the Camaro Convertible equipped with the potent V-6 engine. Though we’d be tempted to pay extra for the growling 426-bhp 6.2-liter V-8, which comes with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Buick Regal GS

How did a Buick sedan find its way onto a list that includes wild supercars and gorgeous convertibles? The answer is the Regal GS, a sports sedan that proves Buick is committed to targeting a younger, more driving-focused audience. The 2012 Buick Regal GS has a sport-tuned suspension, along with a turbocharged 255-bhp 4-cylinder engine that offers plenty of performance without the penalty of high fuel consumption. Buick says the Regal GS should reach 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. There is even a 6-speed manual transmission for drivers who prefer to shift for themselves. The cabin of every 2012 Regal GS will be black, with satin-finish trim on the steering wheel, console and instrument panel. The car comes loaded with standard features, such as satellite radio, park assist, pushbutton start and premium sound system. Arriving in the latter half of 2011, the Regal GS should be priced somewhere around$30,000.

BMW 650i Convertible

Gone are the awkward lumps and bumps that detracted from the looks of the last generation of 6 Series convertible. The handsomely revised new 650i Convertible arrives this spring (as a 2012 model), and the big BMW finally has the suave exterior to match the swagger of its potent powertrain. A 400-bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 is under the hood, coupled to either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, along with a top speed that is electronically limited to 155 mph. Even more impressive is the rapid reaction time of the folding roof. Opening the top takes only 19 seconds, and closing it requires 24. Both can be done on the move, at speeds up to 25 mph.

Ford Boss Mustang

Ford is bringing back a legend with the revival of the Boss Mustang. Originally conceived in the late-1960s—in the heat of Trans-Am competition and during the height of the muscle-car era—the Boss came to be revered by Mustang fans. Ford looks set to inspire a new generation with the 2012 edition of the Boss Mustang. The car’s rumbling 440-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 engine and wild bodywork seem as though they came straight from a racetrack (circa 1969). Adding to the retro theme are items like adjustable dampers that require a screwdriver to adjust—like on the original Boss—along with an optional red-colored “track key.” This dealer-installed option changes 200 engine parameters, improving torque and throttle response while also enabling a configurable launch control ideal for drag racing. The suspension has also been upgraded to match the performance potential of the rest of this potent ’Stang.

McLaren MP4-12C

The McLaren F1 is still considered by many to be the ultimate supercar. Built from 1992 to 1998, the 3-passenger F1 (the driver sits in the middle) could hit a top speed of 231 mph. So when a new McLaren sports car comes to market, well, you can bet we’re going to take notice. The new McLaren MP4-12C is targeting rivals like the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo, armed with a lightweight carbon-fiber tub that cradles a twin-turbocharged 592-bhp 3.8-liter V-8 engine behind the cockpit. A 7-speed twin-clutch sequential-shift transmission is the only gearbox on offer—there is no clutch pedal, or traditional manual shifter. Also gone from the original F1 is the unique 3-passenger layout, though the suave cabin of the MP4-12C is a perfect blend of Formula 1 technology and business-class luxury.

Mercedes SLS AMG Convertible

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG convertible presents a serious decision, at least for anyone able to afford the $185,000 base price of the regular SLS AMG coupe. Expected to start at roughly $200,000, the SLS AMG convertible gains a droptop, but loses the dramatic gullwing doors of the coupe. It’s the type of car-buying dilemma most of us only dream about having to make. Like its hardtop cousin, the SLS AMG convertible is powered by a 571-bhp 6.2-liter V-8, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A set of huge ceramic brakes (15.4-in. front/ 14.2-in. rear) provides serious stopping power for those emergency paparazzi-avoidance maneuvers that many SLS owners will face. The SLS AMG convertible arrives (fashionably) late this year, most likely during the Frankfurt Auto Show.

VW Golf R

Volkswagen is finally bringing its critically acclaimed Golf R to the U.S. With all-wheel drive and a snarling turbocharged 270-bhp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, this is definitely not your everyday Golf hatchback. The exterior is toughened up, thanks to bigger air intakes in the front fascia, a subtle roof spoiler and chunkier alloy wheels. VW says the Golf R is capable of hitting 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds. Better still, you shouldn’t lose time in the corners, or during inclement weather, thanks to the all-wheel-drive hardware putting power to the pavement. To help keep you in control—and in place—when the road gets twisty, the cabin features heavily bolstered sport seats and a thick-rim steering wheel.

Source: [Dark Neo Blog]

The first look at 2011 Dodge Charger

Dodge has released the first photos of the 2011 sedan on Tuesday
. No push bar, lights or heavy-duty brakes here, but we think the slightly reworked sheet metal gives the 2011 model a more modern look without losing the aggressive, old-school look that defined it to begin with. An array of 164 LED lights to form the “racetrack” graphic in back doesn’t hurt the modern impression, either. Under the hood, Dodge will cut out its ho-hum 2.7- and 3.5-liter V6 engines out in favor of a single 3.6-liter V6 for all the base models, which delivers 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

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Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS Widestar

Fans of Brabus know that Widestar badge is usually reserved for their SUVs, but they also have such treatment for the Mercedes SLS AMG. Unveiled at this year's Essen Motor Show, this unique Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS Widestar
is widened and lowered and features lots of carbon fiber parts on its body kit, which to be honest we don't really dig.

The new Brabus Widestar wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom Brabus interiors.

To give the SLS an even more muscular appearance the Brabus designers have developed custom-tailored Brabus Widestar components for the rear axle. Like all other body components they are made from extremely light yet very strong carbon fibers identical to the ones used in Formula 1 racing. The add-on parts for the rear fenders and the rear fascia create an even more spectacular look and make room for special wheels that widen the rear track by 20 millimeters for even further improved driving dynamics.

The suspension engineers developed custom-tailored versions of the ultralight Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels in sizes 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle for the wide version of the SLS. These wheels are available with a brushed-design or ceramics-polished surface and can also be painted in any desired color. The staggered wheels with 20- and 21-inch diameters on front and rear axles further emphasize the wedge-shaped look of the sports car.

Despite the wheels' bigger size they deliver a weight reduction of up to 12 percent compared to the SLS production wheels. The reduced unsprung weight further results in even more agile handling. Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama supply the optimal high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.

The wide version is rounded out by aerodynamic-enhancement components developed in the wind tunnel. All Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from carbon fibers and are available with a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for a true racing look. Optionally these components can be painted in body or contrasting color.

To further reduce lift on front and rear axle Brabus equips the SLS with a front spoiler for the production front fascia, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Together these components create an even better aerodynamic balance. Two Brabus covers for the upper air dams of the bumper and side air outlets for the rear fascia are further visual details of the Brabus Widestar version.

The work of the Brabus designers also gives the sides of the gullwing more profile and further improved aerodynamic efficiency. The rocker panels were sculpted to optimize the airflow between front and rear axle and to create a perfect transition to the Widestar components on the rear axle. Integrated entrance lights ensure safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The Brabus air outlets for the front fenders add more of sporty touches. At night they draw attention with their integrated blue-illuminated Brabus logos that are activated via the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle.

The ride-height lowering by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) also plays an important role in the striking appearance of the Brabus-modified SLS. The Brabus suspension is height-adjustable and was developed in cooperation with technology partner Bilstein. At the push of a button its integrated Ride Control function also offers a smoother ride than the production car. From the cockpit the driver can at any time – even while driving – switch between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or a sportier ride than the production car.

For sporty-minded SLS owners Brabus offers stiffer sway bars for front and rear axle that reduce body roll for even more precise handling.

The Brabus high-performance exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips with diameters of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) is somewhat atypical for traditional tuning. Its sound management, controlled by the driver and activated by a pneumatic flap, includes a 'coming home' setting that is quieter than the production exhaust. In 'sport' mode the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine produces an even more powerful exhaust note than with the production exhaust. The Brabus exhaust system is manufactured from extremely lightweight titanium and weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust. Another welcome by-product of this exhaust is an increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.

Brabus offers a multitude of exclusive custom interior options for the two-seater car as well. Carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and matte anodized aluminum pedals and foot rest add sporty highlights.

The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is made from a combination of leather and Alcantara and provides especially good grip for further improved road feedback. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car's future performance with Brabus engine tuning.

The Brabus upholstery shop offers a sheer endless multitude of colors and designs for the masterfully crafted SLS interiors made from the finest leathers and Alcantara. These interiors can be custom-tailored to suit each SLS owner's personal taste down to the last detail. [Source: eMercedesBenz]

Ruf Porsche 911 Roadster

 

The Porsche 911 is one of those iconic cars that seems to just get better and better with time. In 1967,

Porsche launched its first Targa variant of the 911. This incredible and oh-so-stylish vehicle had a removable fabric roof panel above the front seats and a convertible-like folding rear window. In a matter of seconds it could be transformed from a pseudo-hardtop into a convertible with built-in rollbar.

RUF Automobile, a well-known Germany company that focuses on the Porsche 911, has just released their newest creation, a 911 Porsche Roadster. Called the Ruf Roadster, it features two removable roof panels made of carbon fibre and a folding rear window. It even has the stainless steel-effect rollbar of the original Targa.

The Ruf Roadster will be available with either a non-turbo 400 h) or a turbo 450 hp six-cylinder boxer engine and a six speed manual gearbox. A dual clutch ‘box and four-wheel drive are also available as an option, Ruf is also planning a limited run of eRuf Roadsters, which will be electric powered.

Bentley GT Supersports

Anderson Germany is introducing a modification kit for the  Bentley Continental Supersports (we’ll remind you that Bentley has unveiled the 2011 Con
tinental GT at the Paris Auto Show). The tuning package brings engine, exterior and interior tweaks.

Thanks to a ECU remap, the valve controlled sports exhaust system (lowering the weight by 38lb) with racing cats and sports air filter an improvement of the serial power from 630hp up to 695hp is achieved. Bentley GT Supersports is dressed in a special body kit that includes a new front bumper, fresh side skirts with air intakes, a modified rear bumper and a rear spoiler.

Bentley GT Supersports has also received a set of 22 inch black alloys wrapped in high performance tires, while carbon interior packet consists of garnish mouldings, center consoles in front and rear and carbon fiber made interior light bordings. All this is topped by an Alcantara equipment in combination with black leather and piping in car color.

Audi e-tron Spyder

Audi keeps on growing its e-tron family. The automaker pulled a fast one by unveiling yet another electrified monster at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, only this time, the low-slung hybrid came sans-top. The concept is powered by two electric motors and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 that comes to the fight with 479 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that despite the hefty 9.1 kilowatt-hour battery mounted up front, it managed to keep the weight low and distribute the pounds evenly across the chassis. As a result, this e-tron should be plenty flingable if it ever makes it off of the stage and onto a public road.

 Audi says the e-tron Spyder hits the scales at 3,196 pounds and that the drivetrain can be driver-controlled to operate on electric power only at speeds up to 37 mph for a total of 31 miles. The manufacturer says that in city driving, the capability is more than enough to hang with traffic. If not, there's always that juicy diesel V6 to play with.

Ferrari California with HELE System

 

One theme we have seen so far at this years Paris Motor Show, is automakers showing off vehicles whichdon't seem to flow with past company history. Ferrari just added a vehicle to the growing list. Have a look at the Ferrari Calfornia fitted with the HELE System. HELE stands for High Emotion Low Emissions and is a system designed to reduce C02 emissions without taking away from the joy of driving a Ferrari.

The HELE System works by utilizing a variety of technical measures including a start/stop function that can restart the car in 230 milliseconds, intelligent engine fan and fuel pump control, electronically controlled variable displacement air-conditioning technology and adaptive gear shifts. The result is a 23 percent reduction in C02 emissions.

 We joke about automakers moving away from their traditional vehicles, but it's these types of cars that allow them to continue to build the ones we love. There probably would be no Porsche GT2 RS without the Cayenne, for example. The Ferrari California fitted with the HELE System shows that the purveyor of the Prancing Horse understands the world is constantly changing – and Ferrari is doing its best to continue to build the cars it's known for while staying in tune with the current climate of the world.

First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

Staying true to its concept form, the factory-built Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that hit the stage at the Paris Motor Show retains the concept's massive 22-inch wheels (Fisker says it'll be the first production car equipped with standard 22s), sensuous styling, 403-plus horsepower rating and the company's promise of achieving 100-plus miles per gallon in regular use. So, what's exactly different about the factory-built version? Well, the most notable exterior modification is the addition of a (blacked-out) B-pillar, which was apparently required to increase the vehicle's structural rigidity.

Aside from the added pillar, we can't really pick out any differences between the gorgeous concept that we laid eyes on a few years ago and this production-ready version that hit the stage in Paris. Fisker still lists a base price of $88,000 and anticipates that deliveries will begin early next year, or so it says. We hope to get up close and personal with the Karma at the upcoming LA Auto Show .

 

2011 Audi R8 GT

In terms of supercar hotness, the Audi R8 is indeed something special. And though we have our disagreements about Audi's R-Tronic manu-matic transmission, the R8 never ceases to impress us with its purely awesome style and dynamics.

 For this year's Paris Motor Show, Audi brought out its limited-production R8 GT. Held to only 333 units retailing for €193,000 (about $256,000 USD), the R8 GT features a more powerful version of the automaker's 5.2-liter V10. In addition to the boost in horsepower (560, up from 525), this hotter R8 uses carbon fiber in place of aluminum on some of the body panels. This, in addition to thinner windshield glass and polycarbonate rear windows, drops the R8 V10's weight by 220 pounds. Slim and slender, fast and furious.