Exotic Cars

    

An old garage isn't the place to find treasures, at least not multi-million dollar treasures. Occasionally a rare piece or art or jewelry gets discovered in an attic or basement somewhere but what good ever came form a garage? Apparently a car was just discovered in an old garage, typical but this time it wasn't just any car. A very rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante was found in the old garage of Dr. Harold Carr. There were only 17 Bugatti Atalantes ever made, and a quarter of them are now housed in a museum in France. This specific Bugatti Atalante vanished about a half century ago, only to turn up now in the garage of recluse Dr. Harold Carr. This 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante will be auctioned off in Paris on February 7 as part of the Bonhams Retromobile sale. If you're a classic car junkie then we suggest you get to the auction and put your bid in. The classic car has been garaged for so long that it is still in running condition, it may need some minor cosmetic restoration but the odometer only reads 26,284 miles. The estimated value for this Bugatti Atalante has been listed at about $8.8 million. Very nice find!

The tuning company Edo Competition has pulled out all the stops to produce the fastest Lamborghini ever made. Edo Competition has transformed the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 into a limited edition Edo LP 710 Audigier.  The reconstructed Lamborghini has new aerodynamics, wheels, tires and a new exhaust. Based on the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, the LP 710 features a stainless steel high performance exhaust system and 19-inch light alloy wheels. The revamped 6.5L V12 engine brings 710hp of power and 700Nm of torque. Thrusting the Edo LP 710 Audigier from zero to 62mph in 3.2 seconds and reaching 124mph in under 10 seconds.Furthurmore a top clocked speed of 223.7mph. The four-wheel drive system was taken out to save 88lbs and new new cylinder heads and an adjustable rear wing added.

What we can't understand for the life of us is why Edo teamed up with Christian Audigier. Christian Audigier is over and it's time to move on, period. Edo Competition basically took a gorgeous Lamborghini Murcielago after market, made it fierce and then let Christian Audigier deface it. Audigier airbrushed skulls and wings all over the outside, then embroidered the same crap on the inside. Turning the Edo LP 710 into a tasteless eyesore. Seriously please don't let Christian Audigier touch anything else upmarket because he will destroy it with glitter and skulls. His clothing was hot for a second but after seeing the same nauseating skulls over and over and over again, it's enough. Come up with something new already or peace out guy. 

In 1999, McLaren agreed to design and manufacture a sports car along with Mercedes-Benz. Thus, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was born, an Anglo-German sports car that rolled into the upper echelon of the automotive world.  We remember like it were yesterday and, yet, the partnership is just about up. The two will part ways but not before they introduce their grand finale. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss will debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

The speedster edition was, of course, inspired by the iconic 300 SLR raced by Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio in the late 1950s. Don't think this SLR is more of what you've already seen. In 2007 came the SLR convertible and this isn't that but, rather, a driving experience that brings you closer to the road. The windshield, windows and windscreens have been taken away for a pure driving experience. The 650-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8 speedster pays tribute to the end of the modern SLR in its own simple ways.

All of the limited 75 production units to be produced will feature a full carbon fiber chassis, gullwing doors and remarkable technology. The Stirling Moss SLR will run zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds and top out at 217 miles per hour. Only diehard SLR customers will be able to get close to the Stirling Moss SLR. Please don't think that since there's no roof or glass that the price will be cheap. That would not be Mercedes-Benz and McLaren fitting, no, no price break for you. The SLR Stirling Moss will cost you just over a million dollars. And the bittersweet story ends on that note.

 

New Year's Eve in Miami is kind of a big deal. We want to help you ring in the new year with the hottest party but right now we want to tell you about what January 1, 2009 holds. Start this new year with Kruse International at the Boca Raton South Florida Collector Car Auction, held at the Royal Palm Polo Club. On January 1 through the 4th, Kruse International will be auctioning off 1,000 killer cars. Up for collection will be a 1972 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Landault for $2 million, only five were ever built. A totally new 2009 Bugatti Veyron for an estimated $1.7 million. Plus, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo at $1.3 million; a 1973 Ferrari Daytona Spyder at $600,000 and formerly Rod Stewart's ride; and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing at $450,000. Ok, so besides the tropical weather, drop-dead gorgeous girls and outrageous parties, you can add to your luxurious car collection. Take out a few birds with one stone, if you know what we mean.  Start the year off in proper fashion, be in South Florida come New Year's Eve. The end.

The Italian automaker Lamborghini seems to be aiming for Bugatti with its $1.4 million Reventon supercar. Extreme cars are a Lamborghini legacy and the legacy continues. The 2008 Lamborghini Reventon is named after the bull that killed the great matador Felix Guzman in 1948. The ferocious two-seater pulls design cues from fighter planes, like its arrow-shaped nose, and is closely based off of Lamborghini's current Murcielago LP640.

Besides a very similar but more radical profile to the Murcielago LP640, the Reventón's chassis is also made from composite carbon fiber.  will have the same 12-cylinder engine, tuned to deliver at least 650 horsepower at 8,000 rpms. Like the Murcielago LP640, this translates into 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and top speeds well over 200 miles per hour. Flat panels underneath the car and a rear diffuser help minimize turbulence and stabalize the Reventón at high speeds. A glass cover shows off the rear-mounted engine and the rear taillight LED's have been heat-proofed so as not to melt from the engine at high speeds.

Inside, a futuristic, all aluminum instrument panel holds three LCD screens. One of which is a g-force meter that uses a 3D grid to illustrate the forces of physics on the car as it accelerates, brakes and goes around curves. Old people needn't worry, if computers still scare you then that's pathetic but, at least, Lamborghini has taken you into consideration. At the touch of a special button, the digital graphs morph into a faux-analog display with classic circular instruments.

The Reventón is about the same price as a Bugatti Veyron, yet based on other numbers is down 350 horsepower and is notably slower in terms of both top speed and 0-60 mph acceleration. Plus, it seems that to many eyes, the Reventón has also placed second in terms of looks. However, at this point none of "bull-crap" really matters because only 20 Lamborghini Reventón's will be produced and, of course, all have already been spoken for. We are pretty sure that if you are one of the Reventon 20, you're first and foremost a Lamborghini freak. Plus, at this point everyone around you is probably afraid to utter the word Bugatti.

Shaken not stirred, drop-dead gorgeous women and, of course, Aston Martins are just a few of our favorite James Bond things.  Bond and Martin have been kindred spirits since Goldfinger hit the big screen. They are both British, good looking and have a high performance classification.  

Following tradition, James Bond should get the newest Aston Martin next go around. We did say new, Aston Martin has a new luxury supercar in the works and she is called One-77.  This will be the first all-new sports car from Aston Martin since the brand was sold away by Ford, and will fittingly become Aston Martin's new flagship line. The One-77 will retail for $1.5 million, plus, but unless you pre-ordered you're not getting one. The Aston Martin One-77 is a special edition limited run, and only 77 units will be made. Rumor has it that Aston Martin has already sold out, the brand received at least 100 pre-orders so they are gone ya'll.

This is what you won't be sitting behind, a 7.3 liter V12 engine, 700 horsepower knockout. The Aston Martin One-77 will feature signature rear mounted six-speed auto manual transition, an active aerodynamic system, hand crafted aluminum body panels, and a carbon fiber body. The body design will guarantee as low of a curb weight as possible and the car will be available in both right and left hand drive. Righty or lefty will do zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds and exceed the speed limit at 200 plus miles per hour.  Wait there's more, the moneyed 77 will each go through an exclusive and extensive customization program with Aston Martin. This means that each owner will get to pick out every detail on their new luxury One-77. Thus, each owner will have a truly one-of-a-kind Aston Martin, in short, there will be no duplicates. All interior trim facets will be singular from the gearbox down to the custom fit driver seat. The driver seat will be one hundred percent tailored to the owner's body, the One-77 will fit you like a really au courant glove. Furthermore, keeping obnoxious people out of "your" driver's seat.
You're most likely not a 007 agent but if you were quick on the up-take and managed to finagle an Aston Martin One-77, then go ahead and pretend to be whatever you want. You just afforded yourself space to do whatever you want because you have a really sick car!

If you want a 08' Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, then make sure you buy the best of the best. It seems that aftermarket firms are doing pretty well for themselves. Building onto the likes of Maserati, Mercedes and Ferrari seems like a pretty sweet gig, somebody else builds the exotic car then aftermarket companies just beautify and add some kick. Novitec Rosso is a Dutch tuning company that has just supercharged the Ferrari GTB Fiorno.

Novitec Rosso kicked up the Ferrari Fiorano to get an 808 horsepower and 607 lb-ft torque out. The original V12 engine only delivered only 620 hp. The booster gets the already superfast car to 62 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds and tops out at 211 miles per hour. The engine roar is louder thanks to a new sport exhaust system with a tailpipe diameter of 90 millimeters.  

The exterior got a front lip spoiler, an optional rear spoiler, and black taillights, also available with LED auxiliary brake light and reversing light. The enhancement then adds 20 inch Novitec Rosso NF3 light-alloy wheels on front and 21 inch wheels on back. A Brembo brake system that features steel discs with diameters of 405 millimeters and six-piston brake calipers has replaced market brakes. Plus, for better stability at high speeds a new suspension kit was added, which is activated by pushing a button on the dashboard. The advanced suspension system can raise the car up 40 millimeters to avoid speed bumps and parking ramps.  Then, once you hit 50 mph the suspension automatically reverts to its original position.

Ferrari offers a leather/carbon-fiber sport steering wheel with flattened bottom, carbon-fiber accessories and aluminium pedals but for special clients the interior can be customized in any color and material. Think of the possibilities... All enhancements by Novitec Rosso, plus the Bi-Kompressor engine conversion can be yours for an extra $59,640. Don't cheap out. Come on, if you're going to spend $312,395 on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano then take it all the way and don't look back!

There will be a new addition to the Bugatti Veyron family this spring and she will be topless. The new carbon fiber colored Bugatti will be an open-top Veyron Grand Sport Sang Noir. In French Sang Noir means black blood, kind of fitting for a wicked fast exotic car. Sans top, she's quick and can hit 250 miles per hour.

Production will, of course, be ultra exclusive, expect 15 convertibles
or less in total.  As Bugatti only built 15 Sang Noir models in coupe
form, the first of which was auctioned off for $3.19 million. No price
has been set for the Bugatti Veyron, Grand Sport Sang Noir convertible
but a safe bet would be upwards of $3 mill. We are fans of the sexy
two-seater, she makes a statement.

Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves is down to make an electric Phantom. For the internal combustion engine (ICE) people dependent upon gasoline, an electric car is an alternative fuel car that utilizes an electric motor. An electric motor is usually run on a rechargeable battery pack. Electric is just one of the waives of the future and it is environmentally friendly which we always applaud.

The thing is that the first round of electric cars, although the effort was applaudable most were downright ugly. It's almost hard to look at a hybrid Prius. Recently many higher end car companies have been pushing to get hybrid and electric vehicles to market, there's the new Cadillac Escalade and now the BMW Mini E. This brings us to BMW's subsidiary company Rolls-Royce, CEO Tom Purves, and the Phantom.

In an interview with Car Magazine, Purves said that an electric Rolls-Royce would fit perfectly with the Rolls brand, and expects the car to appeal to city dwellers who are Phantom customers. "Many of our customers do small mileages exclusively in the city," said Purves, who is now the driving force behind BMW-owned Rolls-Royce since July. "For these customers, an electric Rolls-Royce would be ideal."

Purves just drove the new electric Mini, which will premiere next month at the Los Angeles auto show. The CEO said," It is superb: quiet, fast and fantastically fun." The Mini E uses lithium ion batteries and has distance range of about 150 miles. The Mini E’s top speed is 95 miles per hour and it does 0-60 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds. Purves believes that by using the experience from the electric mini project, the electric urban version of the Phantom is a very reachable goal.

Tom Purves also believes that an electric Phantom would be the perfect addition to the Rolls-Royce marque. A properly engineered electric motor is quieter, less cumbersome and would keep in line with the unmatched refinement that we all know as Rolls-Royce. Plus, an electric engine delivers maximum torque instantly.   

Cities with hugh CO2 levels better stay up to date on hybrid and electric projects especially. There may come a time in the not too far off future when legislation is passed to limit Carbon Dioxide pollution and your cars might be first to go. A battery-powered Rolls-Royce would come into good use then. Obviously, the petrol V12 Phantom would still be made available. Honestly, though, who doesn't want to splurge on a Rolls-Royce Phantom and then be able to keep feeling good about it, the more you are chauffeured around town. 

Some good advice if you want to be a cop, move to South Italy. See, instead of driving some lame Victoria Crown, an old Mustang or Camero, you could be in a Lamboghini Gallardo LP560-4. Lamborghini recently donated a third Gallardo exotic to the Italian State Police force. Decked with police decals, gun racks, lights and state-of-the-art video equipment the brand new Lambo is stupid fast. The newest police member has 560 horsepower, a 5.2 liter V10 engine and does 62 miles per hour in, oh, 3.7 seconds. Take that bad guys.

The first generation Gallardo clocked in nearly 87,000 miles for the Italian Police, since debuting in 2004. Plus, old faithful rarely missed a day of work. Basically 30 very lucky Italian officers will be driving the blue Lamborghini Gallardo Polizia, that is, after some intense driving lessons.  The cool quarter million exotic car is more then most cops see in a lifetime, maybe it's time America upgrades too. Mayeb motivate our men in uniform. It would be nice to join the force and get keys to a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, right, keep dreaming. Only Italian Police can keep the peace in high style.