Ferrari Press Release: 
Maranello, May 13th 2008 – The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse’s 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position.In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.In addition to sporting the marque’s classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari’s own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published. 

Its the best 911 ever, even faster then a Carrera GT. Check out Fastwallpapers hot new Porsche 997 GT2 Gallery.

This Italian beauty is coming to America so watch out.

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Aston Martin unveiled the DBS for the first time along with two new special editions – the Aston Martin DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company’s recent achievements at Le Mans and the Nurburgring 24-hour races. The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin’s achievements at the Nurburgring, where the company enjoyed success in the grueling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production racecar. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight-minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.

The 2008 Vantage N400 includes a number of performance improvements as well as enhancements to the car’s styling and standard features. The limited-edition model receives a needed boost in power to Aston’s 4.3 liter V8 engine, peak power rises from 380 to 400bhp, torque is up to 414lb ft. The handling has been improved as well, thanks to a Sports Package, which includes lighter-weight, graphite-finished alloy wheels and up-rated springs and dampers and a larger rear anti-roll bar.

The Vantage N400’s most noticeable exterior design improvement is the clear rear taillights. Side skirts have also received a more sculpted look. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colors; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange.

Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy interior trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. Transmission choice is between Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.

All in all the V8 Vantage has been a very good bargain form Aston and now it just got even better thanks to the upgrades in the M400 special edition.

The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 – a racecar derived from the DB9.

This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique ‘Tertre Rouge’ interior trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, including the lighter-weight wheels seen on the Vantage N400.

Check out the Gallery’s of all three cars DBS, N400, and DB9 LM

Alpine white with standard 18in wheels

Alpine white Rear view

The most anticipated new BMW heads state side in early 2008. The M3 has been BMW’s most sought after model since its original debut over two decades ago. The newest version, the fourth generation named the E92, is the best yet and deserving of the M title. With its technology, this M3 has managed to become closer to its racing pedigree while maintain the highest level of comfort and usability.

The most notable improvement from the last M3 is the 4.0L V8, which produces the most beautiful sound. This engine is worth a second look. Compared to the 5.0L V-8 in the previous M5 generation, this new 4.0L engine is nearly 100 lbs lighter and produces 20 additional horsepower. The current engine is 30 pounds lighter than the previous E46 M3’s I-6.

Thanks to individual throttle butterflies and Double-VANOS technology, the engine is more responsive and more fuel efficient throughout the rev range, which does not stop until 8,400 RPM. The M3’s engine is essentially a chopped version of the 5.0L V-10 found in the current M5 (E60) and M6 (E63). The M3’s V-8 produces 420 hp compared to the M5 and M6’s V-10’s 500 hp.

4.0L V-8 Engine

Aluminum hood with powerdome in Melbourne red

According to BMW, average fuel consumption of this powerhouse V-8 is said to be a respectable 22.8 mpg, proving the engineering skill of the BMW engine designers. Other journalists have found less then 15 mpg when flogging the M3 around mountain roads. The lightweight cylinder block is made with the same aluminum/silicon alloy that is used for BMW’s Formula 1 team engine blocks. These materials are proper supercar stuff.

BMW’s exceptional 6-speed manual transmission will be standard as usual and will incorporate temperature related oil cooling and a mass inertia optimized double plate clutch. Those who want an automatic (SMG) gearbox will have to wait till 2009. The M3’s body developed from the 3 Series Coupe only shares the doors and trunk. All the other components have been painstakingly developed with overall performance in mind. The hood swells to hint at the power below, two intake openings frame the hood. The fenders are flared to hide wider rubber. Front fenders incorporate typical M style grills with turn signal indicators. 18in wheels are still standard while optional 19in’s are much better looking and fill the wheel wells much better. The roof is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic to reduce weight where it is needed most, on the top of the car. 11 pounds was shaved from the roof thanks to this hi-tech material.

Silverstone silver with optional 19in wheels

Melbourne red with 18in wheels and side grill

One of the new features of the M3 is Brake Energy Regeneration. A new technology BMW has implemented to cut on fuel consumption and ensure that as much power as possible is going to the road. During application of the brakes, this energy being created is harnessed and charges the battery. The battery provides much of the power to the car’s electronics, eliminating the resources of the engine power.

Electronically adjustable suspension, which is taking the supercar world by storm is finally in the M3, which BMW calls Electronic Damper Control (EDC), this great option lets the driver choose between three distinct ride profiles: Normal, Comfort and Sports. Engine response can be changed as well.

Melbourne red side mirror

Interior with Novillo leather in Palladium silver

The exterior mirror design does not strike me as good looking.
They may be more aerodynamic, and the double arm design is very reminiscent of the E36 M3’s mirror design, but I find the standard 3 series equipment to be much more attractive.

One option that should not be over looked by any track enthusiasts, driver and passenger seats with adjustable backrest width. The standard seats are well bolstered but the ability to tighten the seat around ones self during spirited driving and the ability to relax the seats and be conferrable on long journeys is valuable feature.

This M3 is the most desirable model BMW has produced. The engine is quite possible the best of the year and driving experience would put a smile on the toughest of critiques, while at the touch of a button it becomes docile enough to be enjoyed as a daily driver. BMW has succeeded in making a multi purpose racecar.

Check out what these others have to say about the M3:

Top Gear

Auto Car Magazine

Edmunds

More pictures:

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#1 Greenest Sports Car: Tesla Roadster

Built from the same chassis as the Lotus Exige 265E is a next green sports car, the Tesla Roadster. Tesla has taken the most radical approach to being green; they removed the internal combustion engine and substituted a small 70-pound electric motor. Powered by a 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor producing 248 horsepower, which is good for 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. Despite the 70-pound motor, the battery adds enough weight to bring the total weight up to 2690, which is 600 pounds more than the Exige and Elise. The one thing you don’t hear from the bio-fueled cars is gas mileage. The Tesla can proudly say it gets 135 miles per gallon equivalent.

Download Tesla Roadster desktops in the FastWallpapers.com Tesla gallery

#2 Greenest Sports Car: Toyota FT HS

The Toyota FT-HS finishes out the line up of environmentally friendly sports cars. The FT HS is the only prototype in the line up because it will be the first hybrid sports car. The FT HS promises to be a real performer with help from an electric motor and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The combination electric motor and V6 are said to produce around 400 bhp and accelerate to 60 mph in under 4 seconds all while producing ultra low emissions.

See more pics of this sweet concept car by Toyota here.

#3 Greenest Sports Car: Lotus Exige 265E

Another offering from the British is the Lotus Exige 265E. The thing that sets this Exige apart from any other Lotus is its ability to run E85 ethanol and 95-octane unleaded fuel. Thanks to the 109-octane rating of ethanol, the boosted 1.8-liter Toyota 4-cylinder inline engine makes 46 more horsepower than its non-ethanol counter part, the Exige S. Its low weight of only 2061 pounds does not hurt either. The 0-60 mph acceleration drops from 4.1 to 3.8 seconds. Lotus has accomplished building the fastest car ever to leave their stables and the first Lotus to promote the use of renewable energy sources at the same time.

Click here to see more desktop background pictures of the Lotus Exige 265E.

#4 Greenest Sports Car: Trident Iceni

A small British company called Trident has produced a two-seater sports car called the Iceni. The Trident Iceni is the only Diesel fueled car that made it into the line up. Powered by none other than a GM sourced 6.6-liter V8 turbo diesel engine. The V8 produces 520 lb/ft torque at only 1800 rpm. That is enough power to propel the Iceni to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph. Most impressively, the Iceni can do all this with 60 mpg and 1,000 miles on one tank and it runs on pure vegetable oil. The Iceni is also the only car in the line up that will unfortunately never make it stateside.

Go to the Trident Iceni desktop gallery here.

#5 Greenest Sports Car: Porsche Cayman

Porsche has proved that sport cars can be just as fuel efficient as the common car, if not more so with the Cayman. The Cayman is Porsche’s greenest car ever with a 2.7-liter, 241 horsepower, and boxer-engine. The Cayman starts at $49,400, which is cheap for a Porsche. For under $50,000, you cannot have both the speed and style if you want a Porsche. Performance is good with Porsche’s 0-62-mph claim of 6.1 seconds. The Cayman’s fuel economy is a respectable 23 city/32 highway compared to the more powerful Cayman S’s 20/27 mpg. It’s no Toyota Prius, but it gets the job done, and in style.

See more desktop pictures of the Porsche Cayman here.

#6 Greenest Sports Car: Koenigsegg CCXR

Like Lotus, Koenigsegg has found the use of bio-fuels like E85 ethanol can add substantial performance to their already powerful engine. The CCXR bio-ethanol version of their CCX sports car is the fastest, most powerful sports car that can call itself environmentally minded. With 1,018 bhp, the CCXR will hit 60mph in 3.0 seconds. Its top speed is over 250 mph. This is a car that uses Green technology to increase performance.

See more sweet desktop pictures of the Koenigsegg CCXR here.

Summary

The Tesla Roadster highlights technology that all sports car manufactures should take a look at. The Toyota FT-HS sounds great but it could be so much better and greener if they made it fully electric and dumped the V6. The battery technology is good enough that the internal combustion engine is a waste. The only reason to put in an engine into any battery-powered car is for charging the limited range batteries. Making them capable of greater distances due to the fact that charging still takes at least 3 hours compared to 5 minutes to fuel up. Currently the Tesla has a 250-mile cruising range on a single charge. The Tesla’s charging time is better then most, from dead to fully charged in 3.5 hours.

If you have any suggestions of sexy sports cars that should be on this list, please leave a comment.

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