A Peek At The New Williams 2011 Livery Unveiled at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix

27 March 2011

Williams, the British Grand Prix team, have come up with a brand spanking new design for the FW33 which will be unveiled at the Australian Grand Prix this year. The regulations have changed for the 2011 Grand Prix in Australia meaning that many teams in Formula One have had to redesign their cars, but Williams in particular have made hot news with theirs.

The new car has been undergoing testing and has been showing itself as a very competitive new design. Although with the Grand Prix just a month away, the Williams team will have to finish their developments quickly in order to be ready in time.

The new 2011 regulations have included the Kinetic Energy Recovery to be reintroduced, as well as Pierlli tyres, a rear wing that is moveable and the F-duct and double diffuser being taken off. These regulations have forced the design teams to come up with new and innovative ways to get down-force on the cars as well as aerodynamics. Williams have paid a lot of attention to the back end of the new car and a smaller gearbox with new rear driveshafts.

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Classic Cars 1955 Mercedes 300sl

05 October 2010

In today’s world of high-priced luxury automobiles, Mercedes is one of the most well-known and sought after brands around. This isn’t anything new for Mercedes, though; this auto brand has been developing and releasing luxury automobiles for decades. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gull-wing is one of the manufacturer’s best examples and one of their most loved models.

Long before this unique two-seater coupe was a collector’s item worth a small fortune, the Benz 300SL was introduced in 1954 as more of a racecar-like automobile for high-speed motor enthusiasts and those already familiar with the brand of luxury Mercedes released. It wasn’t an automobile put out there for mass appeal, to say the least.

At the time of its release, this unique gull-wing (think similar to today’s Lamborghini doors) was the fastest production car on the road. It was basically a fuel-injected replica of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL competition sports car released in 1952.

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Classic Cars 1991 Lamborghini Diablo

29 September 2010

For decades now Lamborghini has been one of the hottest, fastest and most sought after cars on the road. Usually, when a person thinks of a classic car, they think of a 1950s or 60s model. Rarely does a car built in the 1990s register. With the 1991 Lamborghini Diablo, however, conventional wisdom flies out of the window for this instant classic.

The first-generation Diablo was produced by Lamborghini in 1990 and was released as the 1990/91 model. It was extremely impressive right off the shelf, boating features that other Lamborghinis did not.

The Diablo is Lamborghini’s follow-up to the Countach. Not that the Countach was outdated, but when the Lamborghini Diablo smoked the speedometer by reaching a top speed of 202 miles per hour, Countach’s 180 seemed like a slow, outdated pace car.

It was the sheer speed of Diablo that first made it pop. When Lamborghini presented this car at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo in January of 1990, every sports car enthusiasts went nuts over this supercar with a price tag of $240,000.

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Classic Cars Review 1967 Ford GT40 MK III

15 September 2010

When you start to closely examine the many classic car models to surface over the years, you’ll notice one auto manufacturer’s name popping up a lot more than most - Ford. Henry Ford’s lines of cars and trucks have become some of the most popular on the planet, and none are more popular than the sports cars. 1967’s GT40 MK III is atop the list of Ford classics.

The reason for Ford’s GT40 popularity is a little difficult to understand for basic Mustang fans. After all, the GT40 wasn’t technically a street car - although a few street models were released (and are being released now with a redesign effort of the classic model). The Ford GT40 was built to strictly be a racecar.

Dealing with overseas competition from the likes of Ferrari and other giants in the racing world at the time, Ford was the proverbial America’s pride in its efforts to produce a Ferrari-defeating automobile. The result was the 1966 Ford GT40 - a sleek, fast and powerful sports car with a massive V8 engine and a body-style reminiscent of the Sting Ray.

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Classic Car Review 1966 Ford Mustang GT-350

10 September 2010

Although the European sports cars, like Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche, are some of the most expensive you’ll find, it’s ironically one of the more affordable - at the time, of course - produced by the master of blue collar automobiles, Ford, that stands out above all when you speak about classic. The 1966 Mustang GT350 has one of the biggest fan bases on the planet.

Why is this model Mustang so popular among car enthusiasts? Well, perhaps you’ve heard of this car before and just weren’t aware of it. Can anyone say “Shelby”?

When Ford first released its muscle-slash-pony-style Mustang sports car, the crowds loved it but longed for something a bit more powerful. In 1965, Ford began working on a Mustang variant that to this day is one of the most popular automobiles of all time. The Shelby Mustang has appeared in books, movies, songs and, of course, on nearly every road across the globe.

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Classic Car Review - 1957 Jaguar XKSS

05 September 2010

You might not initially think of conceptual supercars when waxing nostalgic about the 1950s, but a few high-end auto manufacturers of the day were attempting to push the proverbial envelope with futuristic sports cars that not only performed better than anything previous, but that would also help carry the brand through the years to come.

One of the biggest projects happening in the 1950s was headed up by Jaguar. The end result was a stunning sports car that became an instant classic and is widely sought after by classic car lovers today - the 1957 Jaguar XKSS.

In actuality, the XKSS wasn’t that far removed from previous Jaguar D-Types in function; but in terms of personality and conceptual originality, the XKSS was created to be the equivalent of a the fighter jet to a sky full of single-engine crop-dusters.

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Classic Cars 1961 TVR Grantura MK2

02 September 2010

The TVR line of automobiles was perhaps one of the most unique types of vehicle ever assembled. The line began officially in 1957 when Ray Saidel first displayed his TVR concept at the New York Auto Show that year. His initial design, along with some practical improvements, led to the Grantura line becoming a big player in the auto industry for decades.

One of the most appealing aspects of the TVR Grantura is that not a lot were produced. Although there were many different types of TVR made, only a few hundred would be released every year. The most sought after model today - though ironically not the rarest - is the 1961 TVR Grantura MKII, the first release of the second series of TVR.

There was a lot about the Grantura that made it stand out from its competition. This two-door coupe wasn’t exactly a sports car, wasn’t exactly a roadster, wasn’t a luxury automobile, and certainly wasn’t intended for family use. It was odd, unique and in demand with car enthusiasts.

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Ultimate Experiences: Bentley Ice Driving in Finland

31 August 2010

With the world’s love for luxury, it’s long been a dream of many people to drive a top-of-the-line automobile like a Bentley. For adventure seekers of the world, many of them want to drive on tough, unpredictable terrain, like ice and snow. With the Bentley Ice Driving Experience, both of these worlds collide and produce a unique experience that’s sure to satisfy.

From ’flying’ underwater to floating weightlessly above the clouds, there’s an ultimate adventure out there for everyone. However, few in the world are able to combine two completely separate experiences in one ultimate package. For the starting price of €8,990 per person, you can take the wheel of a Bentley and hit the icy roads at blazing speeds.

This is something Bentley has been working on in recent years. So many people wish to own their cars because of the power and prowess, Bentley decided that they’d begin allowing people to drive them on insane ice courses over frozen lakes while under the eye of professional driving instructors.

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Classic Car Review: 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster

28 August 2010

One of the untold stories of the early sports car era is that most of the world’s high-end models were coming straight out of a Europe but selling only in America. Not that the Europeans didn’t love their sports cars as much as anyone else, but America was the better market for these expensive toys, and the Porsche 356 line was absolutely huge in the states for a few years.

The Porsche 356 was in production from 1948 until 1965 and remains one of the Porsche’s most popular models. The most popular from the 356 era was the 1956 model - the Type 1 (T1) 356A Speedster roadster.

Realistically, there weren’t that many changes in the 1956 model from previous years - just a few nips, tucks and improvements. However, it was the culmination of the entire genre built into one car that really made a lasting impression on any and everyone who owned a 1956 Porsche Speedster.

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Classic Cars: 1964 Ford Mustang 289

19 August 2010

Ford was the first big-time automaker in America and one of the first popular mass produced lines around the globe. Henry Ford single-handedly ushered in a new era of automobiles with his early releases, but none would go on to identify an era like the release of the Ford Mustang in the 1960s. American muscle was already a genre thanks to Chevy, but Ford took it to a new level.

The Mustang is still one of Ford’s most popular models, with millions sold every year, but the first release in 1964 was something well ahead of its time.

Based on the Ford Falcon, the Mustang was designed to be a “pony car” - a two-door coupe sporty car with a short rear deck and long hood. It has been described using many terms, such as a sports car and roadster, but most Mustang enthusiasts know the brand as simply Ford muscle.

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Classic Cars: 1993 Jaguar XJ220 Review

15 August 2010

Jaguar has been a top-of-the-line auto manufacturer for many decades, mostly producing high-end models of coupes and sports cars. In 1992, Jaguar released what would become one of the first mainstream “supercars” on the planet, the XJ200 - a mid-engine sports car with amazing speed capabilities of over 217 miles per hour.

Although the car was officially released to the public in 1993, the concept started over a decade earlier. Members of an unofficial Jaguar team called “The Saturday Club” used to meet on the weekends during the 1980s and discuss various design concepts of automobiles. Jim Randle, chief engineer of Jaguar, had the vision of what would become the XJ model.

After the initial design was unleashed, the company was impressed and decided to build the car for the 1988 British Motor Show. That version was very similar to what would eventually become public, but it would take another few years before Jaguar finally got around to producing the XJ220.

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Classic Cars: 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type

11 August 2010

It’s extremely rare that you’ll ever hear the name Bentley unless it’s in the context of absolute luxury, and this is certainly no exception. Bentley is a lavish British automobile brand that personifies luxury, and the R-Type Bentley, the second series of postwar automobiles released by the company, was the quintessential picture of opulence and excess.

For those who could afford the steep price of a Bentley, the R-Type was the must-have car of its day; and although the Continental R-Type was produced until 1955, any enthusiast will tell you that nothing beats the original - the 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type.

The R-Type was in line to replace the popular Mark VI model. Originally, designers referred to the new concept as the Mark VII, as much of the structure of the car was the same, including the chassis and other internal components. Much of the Bentley R-Type was shaping up to be a more modern version of the VI, in fact.

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Classic Sports Cars - The 1956 Ford Thunderbird

05 August 2010

Ford’s Thunderbird is often one of the more underappreciated models ever released. However, it’s due to the “T-Bird” that other manufacturers started producing personal luxury cars for their customers. The Thunderbird was ahead of its time in many aspects, and it still stands strong today as one of the most impressive builds by Ford - especially the 1956 model.

Ford began working on their Thunderbird concept in 1953. They were in direct competition with Chevrolet, and when Chevy released their 1953 Corvette, the market completely shifted and left Ford playing catch-up. Ford Motors was never the type to tinker around with a powerful sports car, but the desperate times called for desperate measures, and the T-Bird was created.

The Thunderbird was under rapid development. From the first prototype plans released about the model, it only took a year to unveil the first model at the Detroit Auto Show in February of 1954. This was Ford’s version of the Corvette - a two-seat coupe/convertible with a powerful engine and sleek design.

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Classic Sports Cars of The World - The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette

30 July 2010

Chevy’s Corvette is known worldwide for being one of the most powerful sports cars on the road. With a sleek body design and powerful motor, this American-made classic finds a perfect niche in the blue collar, working man’s world as the more affordable alternative to road muscle. 1953’s model is regarded as America’s first sports car, and its popularity helped launch the line.

Chevrolet unveiled the Corvette in January of 1953 at the General Motors Motorama as one of a few concept cars planned to launch. Back then, concept cars weren’t anything like we see today. Instead of hybrid water/land models and concepts that oddly resemble spaceships, the far reaching concepts of the 50s were more in line with the type of sports cars released in the 80s.

Chevrolet’s Corvette model was instantly admired by the audience. Instead of waiting until the following year to put in production, Chevy immediately started producing the 1953 model Corvette. At the time, America’s grit and determination was at an all-time high. In only six months, more than 300 cars were built.

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World's Fastest Sports Cars - 1967 Sting Ray Corvette

26 July 2010

The first Chevrolet Corvette was introduced to the world in 1953. Chevy had made a name for itself by producing reliable and affordable automobiles, and their Corvette model was an attempt to give car lovers a faster, sleeker, more attractive sports car for the road. In 1963, Chevy really went all out with their Sting Ray model, and 1967’s Sting Ray Corvette is considered the best of the lot.

There’s some confusion about Chevy’s Corvette line. Some sports car enthusiasts still can’t figure out what qualifies as a Sting Ray, or a Stingray, which is a slightly later vintage.

Furthermore, there is debate whether or not all Corvettes could carry either name. Simply put, the Sting Ray was a model of Corvette available from 1963 until 1967, and the Stingray Corvette was in production from 1969 until 1976. The Sting Ray and Stingray are different generation cars (C2 and C3). Popular consensus says that every other Corvette is just that - a Corvette.

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World's Fastest Sports Cars - Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Review

09 July 2010

Mercedes has long produced some of the most lavish and undoubtedly head-turning cars on the road. In recent years, the Mercedes SLR McLaren was known as one of the finest sports cars on the planet. Not a company to rest on their laurels, Mercedes quickly went to work again to produce the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to replace their award-winning model.

Sales are almost ready to begin for the SLS AMG in Europe, with the US market getting their taste in 2011. The price for this Benz is expected to be in excess of $200,000 USD, making it one of the more expensive sports cars on the road, although still behind other big names like Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Mercedes immediately picked up a lot of recognition for this model when it was first unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. Although it’s not technically out on the road yet, it is already the safety car for the Formula One Championship series, and it is also already featured in the PlayStation 3 videogame Gran Turismo 5.

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A Review Of The Classic Sports Car, The 1949 Jaguar XK120

02 July 2010

Jaguar has long been one of the best car manufactures on the globe. They started up from humble beginnings in 1922 and eventually worked their way into the mainstream. Sir William Lyons and William Walmsley founded the company in England, and today it’s located in Coventry. Worldwide, Jaguar employs over 10,000 people and is a top player in their field.

The car manufacturer was turning heads soon after opening in the 1920s. Their SS 100 was a one-of-a-kind car that, unlike many others of the era, didn’t require an onboard mechanic due to constant failures. Jaguars were well put-together pieces of machinery, and after the war, they began working on their XK120 model in 1948.

Originally, the XK120 wasn’t even supposed to be a car. William Lyons had planned on the Jaguar’s body acting as more of a vessel to showcase the new Jaguar XK engine. This inline 6-cylinder engine with a dual overhead camshaft was a beast for its day. The high-torque, low-stress design of the engine made it popular in the automotive world in general.

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Biography of Alfieri Maserati

28 June 2010

Alfieri Maserati is part of the famous Maserati Brothers. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Maserati’s were involved with automobiles and automotive parts. They would eventually revolutionize the Italian sports car through their collective efforts. The brothers, all seven of them, were born to Rodolfo and Carolina Maserati in Voghera, Lombardy, Italy.

Alfieri was named after his brother who died at the early age of one. Along with the oldest brother Carlo, as well as other brothers Bindo, Mario, Ettore and Ernesto, six of the Maserati boys lent their particular expertise to the now famous line of Italian luxury cars.

The younger Alfieri was born in 1903 and dreamed mostly of following his older brothers’ footsteps as an automotive enthusiast. While he was still a teenager, Alfieri began working with his older brother Bindo in Milan. The two worked for Isotta-Fraschini, a large Italian manufacturing company dealing with marine engines, luxury goods and luxury cars.

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World's Fastest Cars - Audi R8

20 June 2010

Audi, as part of the Volkswagen Group, wasn’t always known for their sports cars. Most Audis are sleek, stylish and fast, but they never really stacked up against legitimate sports cars like models from Ferrari and Porsche. All of this changed in 2006 with Audi’s introduction of the R8 V10 road car.
 
The R8 V10 road car wasn’t exactly a new design idea by Audi. In fact, the R8 was nearly a decade old by the time Audi decided it should be produced for basic road ownership. There were two models of Audi R8 built in 1999 for the 24-hour Le Mans, the R8R and R8C. There was also the Audi R8 racecar built in 2000, and there’s an Audi R8 Le Mans Concept 12-cylinder diesel in the works.

Audi announced its plans to transform the R8 into a V10 road car in 2005 and had planned on it being available by 2007. The idea was to create something unique and original while not completely abandoning the R8 concept that made Audi’s racecars so successful. The production went to one of Audi’s subsidiaries, quattro GmbH.

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1985 Ferrari Testarossa Review

18 June 2010

Ferrari has a formidable presence in the international motoring scene and there isn’t a car enthusiast in the world who can’t automatically paint a mental picture of the Ferrari Testarossa when called to task.

The cherry-red finish with the silver rims and cream-colored interior is the combination that made Ferrari famous and that made the Testarossa the most admired car of the 1980s, leagues above Chevrolet’s Stingray Corvette.

Ferrari started production of the Testarossa in 1984, with the first model to hit the streets being the 1985. For the 11 years it was in production, there were a few minor tweaks to improve the overall appeal and functionality of the sports car, but the basic model stayed the same, and the original was always considered to be the best of the bunch.

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Luxurious Cars - The Ferrari 458 Italia

16 May 2010

The Italian-made Ferrari has been one of the biggest-selling sports cars of all time. Not only do the cars look sleek and stylish and like something you’d see in the sky as opposed to on the ground, but they’re also extremely well built, lightning fast and rugged enough to hold up to the rigors of prolonged high performance. One of the newest Ferrari’s is the 458 Italia.

The 458 Italia came along to replace the Ferrari F430. Not that the F430 was obsolete or a lesser car by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just common practice with a lot of automakers to bring in the new to get out with the old.

Unlike Ferrari models of the past, this new design wasn’t really based on any old design of street model car, per se. Instead, Ferrari used their experience with Formula 1 racing and new technologies and designs to piece together the 458. The results speak for themselves.

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Overview of The Dubai International Motor Show

02 February 2010

Fast, expensive cars have long been among the favorite items of the rich from all over the world and, in these days of diminishing oil reserves, theres perhaps no richer region than the Middle East. The heart and soul of Middle Eastern excess is Dubai, and for a decade now, theyve been hosting one of the worlds premier auto shows.

This year the 10th Annual Dubai International Motor Show kicked off on December 16th and wrapped up on the 20th. Held at the lavish Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, this motor show gave the UAE region a much needed profile boost after the recession took hold.

Also known as the Middle East International Motor Show, this event is easily the largest of its kind in the region and is held once every two years. 2007s show brought in well over 100,000 people to witness various concept cars, hybrids and other models.

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Bio of Ferdinand Porsche - icon of automobile history

19 January 2010

No matter how you pronounce Porsche, Porsh or Por-sha, the overwhelming consensus is that it’s one of the greatest sports cars to ever surface on the planet. Of course, the car is only considered so great due to the man behind it all, Ferdinand Porsche.

The Austrian automotive genius was born September 3, 1875 in Vratislavice, Austria-Hungary and is responsible for the Volkswagen. Ferdinand’s son Ferry would be the Porsche to create the sports car, but one could have never happened without the other. The origins of Porsche are intertwined with the history of Volkswagen, the design of the former being based on that of the latter, and both car companies have a storied history.

From a young age, Ferdinand made it a point to work on various mechanical components, and at 18 years of age, his aptitude for mechanical engineering landing him a job at Bela Egger in Vienna. After five years with the company, Porsche decided to go his own way, entering into the automobile industry by way of Jakob Lohner & Co. Ferdinand joined the company in 1896, and by 1898, his name was already attached to a concept vehicle, the System Lohner-Porsche.

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Luxurious Cars - Ferrari Enzo - a road car that emulates the technology of Formula 1

22 October 2009

Very few automobiles in history can match the pure performance power and sleek intensity of a Ferrari. This Italian sports car has long been a favorite of car connoisseurs all over the globe.

Ferrari have produced many classics; however, none rival the brand’s most awe-inspiring project, the Enzo. Named after Enzo Ferrari, the car’s founder, this mid-engine wonder - put out in 2002 and halted in 04 - is still one of today’s most powerful production automobiles.

Everything about the Enzo is sleek, stylish and oh-so powerful. To make this car a rival for some of the competitors out there, Ferrari decided to emulate Formula One’s technology and build the Enzo using a state-of-the-art carbon-fiber body. This creates strength without adding drag - and the end result is a stronger, faster, better-handling car.

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World's Luxurious Sports Cars - Porsche Carrera GT

05 August 2009

It’s common practice for a well-known sports car manufacturer to take the leap and attempt to release the ultimate supercar. All the big names have done it: Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes, and in 2004, Porsche did it too with their Carrera GT. Porsche’s version of a supercar is a long time in the making.

They went completely outside of their comfort zone and delivered an automobile that has the body style of a Ferrari but offers the reliable performance that clearly screams Porsche. Through two years until 2006, the company produced 1,270 of these cars. Its predecessor was the GT1 - a supercar in it’s own right, although built strictly for racing.

Porsche’s supercar is a bit contradictory. For starters, they used some serious state-of-the-art technology in a lot of aspects of the automobile; however, in other aspects, the Carrera GT operates much like a standard Porsche.

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World's Most Luxurious Cars - Maybach 62

24 July 2009

With the reemergence of Maybach, the line proves that a supercar doesn’t have to be solely about muscle; it can be about supreme luxury, too. In 1909, Maybach started out as a manufacturer of luxury German automobiles. The brand eventually faded away in the mid 1900s.

Today however, Daimler AG has taken the reigns and Maybach is back on the map with their impressive 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 62 is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan concept car, and in 2008, the Luxury Brand Status Index awarded 1st place to Maybach ahead of both Bentley and Rolls-Royce in an unprecedented upset.

The outside of the car has a classic sedan look, only extended. But inside of the car is where the term luxury is taken to an entirely new level. Of course, you can already assume that the soft leather seats and a spacious interior score big points for the 62, but an incredibly long list of amenities also includes automatic door closers, fully reclining rear seats, a built-in refrigerator, window curtains, massaging seats, and 10 airbags.

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World's Leading Sports Cars - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

15 July 2009

Videogame lovers got their first taste of Mercedes’ sporty venture in the late 1990s with the then mere concept McLaren in the game Need for Speed. It wasn’t long until McLaren Automotive, working with Mercedes, released the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren in 2003.

From the start, this supercar turned heads with its impressive outer design and inner powerhouse components. The SLR (Sport, Light, Racing) was built at a rate of 500 per year for the 6 years it was in production. No matter if it’s the newest model off the lines or one of the oldest, this supercar can fly past the competition with ease.

The outside of the McLaren is incredibly futuristic, to say the least. On the inside, with the help of an onboard computer, the car is basically alive - with the ability to adjust its own spoiler height and angle of elevation.

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World's Leading Sports Cars - Lamborghini Murcielago

07 July 2009

Although the brand has some tough competition in the new millennium, Lamborghini is still the name to aspire to for both wannabe sports car owners and manufacturers alike. With only 3,000 Murcielago’s built from 2001 to 2007, Lamborghini’s newest model - replacing the Diablo - become the most sought-after sports car in recent history.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Murcielago, like most from the Lamborghini line, immediately turned heads. Even though the brand is certainly Italian, the name Murcielago means "bat" (as in the animal) in Spanish. Language lessons aside, to the common person, Murcielago simply means "wow."

Lamborghini hasn’t really dropped off the map in terms of trendsetting power in recent years; it’s just that other manufacturers, like Bugatti, have caught up. Of course, the Murcielago’s 6.5-liter V12 632 horsepower engine is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s not the most powerful out.

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The Aston Martin Vanquish S

22 June 2009

Aston Martin has a history of producing and releasing spectacular sports cars. A defining difference of the Aston Martin line, compared to other manufacturers, is the non-imposing, driver-friendly design of their high-end models. The cars are sleek and stylish, without looking like something out of a science fiction movie. The simplistic elegance mixed with pure power is a perfect marriage of ingenuity that has helped Aston Martin become one of the world’s foremost makers of powerful sports cars. The best model of the AM line, the Vanquish S, is in a class all its own.

Vanquish is the fastest production model ever designed and released by Aston Martin. It’s packed full of not only the charm and charisma the world has come to respect from the brand, but also a powerhouse engine that’s built for one thing: Speed. The Vanquish S made its debut in September of 2004 at the Paris Motor Show. Show-goers were amazed by AM’s addition to the show with their powerful model. Although it’s not breaking any land speed records, the Vanquish still has a top speed of 200 mph, and is powered by a 520 horsepower 6.0-liter V12.

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The Bugatti Veyron, super fast, super car

01 May 2009

In the world of fast sports cars, there’s fast, and there’s ridiculously, crazy fast. The Bugatti Veyron is the latter. This exotic sports car is one of the smallest around, even smaller than the Porsche 911. But what this car lacks in size, it makes up for in shear power.

The Veyron has a top-end speed of 252-mph, making it the fastest production car in the world. Its W16 engine puts out an amazing 1,001 horsepower, which also makes it the most powerful. With a carbon fiber and aluminum body and frame to help reduce the car’s weight, it checks in at 4,500 pounds - which is still surprisingly heavy for its size.

W16 refers to the Veyron 16.4 cylinder and turbocharger engine. This quad-turbo 8-liter monster is one of the most powerful engines ever constructed for an automobile. The "W" refers to the two narrow-angled Volkswagen V8s that are joined together. The Bugatti Veyron literally has two Corvette engines.

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One of the more desirable sports cars in the world, the Zonda Pagani

23 September 2008

In 1999, Pagani introduced their sports car Zonda. It is a mid-engined sports car that comes in 2-seat coupe and convertible versions. The body construction is mainly carbon fiber, making these cars lightweight and durable.

Some of the early Zonda models were developed by Formula One champion, Juan Manuel Fangio. The car was originally set to be named after Fangio (the Fangio F1), but after his death, it was named after an air current above Argentina. Zonda’s C12 debuted at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show.

It was powered by a Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine, capable of reaching speeds of 210mph. Since then, Zonda has introduced new models, including the 2000 Zonda C12 S; 2002 Zonda C12 S 7.3; 2003 Zonda GR; C12 S Monza; 2005 Zonda F; Zonda Roadster; Zonda R Clubsport; and Zonda Cinque.

Pagani has always produced luxurious, fast, and well-built automobiles. Since the Italian company was founded in 1992 by Horacio Pagani, the manufacturer has turned out some of the best sports cars in Europe. Pagani, an Argentinean-born Italian, was Lamborghini’s former composite department manager.

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The origins of Porsche

29 August 2008

In the world of sports cars, everyone has a favorite. For many, the Porsche is the undisputed king. And like any great car, Porsche has a long and storied history. Professor Ferdinand Porsche originally started a company called "Dr. ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH" in 1931, with its main office stationed in Stuttgart. The company initially offered vehicle development work and consulting, and did not build any cars under its own name.

Among the company’s earliest assignments was to design a car for the German people. The resulting automobile was the Volkswagen Beetle, which is one of the most recognizable cars of all time. The first Porsche that the company produced was the Porsche 64. It was developed in 1939, using many components of the Beetle.

The Volkswagen factory fell to the British in 1945, and Ferdinand lost his position as company chairman when he was jailed for 20 months. During that time, Ferdinand’s son, Ferry Porsche, decided to build his own car after he was unable to find one on the market worth buying. He worked in Gmund, Austria and came up with the 356. This prototype was shown to German auto dealer, and production began after the pre-orders started rolling in. After hiring Reutter Carosseri to build the body of the 356, Porsche built an assembly plant across the street. In 1948, the 356 became road certified.

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