2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z

Taking Performance One Step Further With the NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.

"The NISMO 350Z is geared towards enthusiasts who want the ultimate 350Z straight from the factory performance experts,” said Bosley. “They also want a Z that makes a statement and is a testament to their love of driving."

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is another dream car that has joined the AMG model range. The powerful AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine familiar from the S65 AMG and SL65 AMG twelve-cylinder models delivers a truly impressive driving experience in the exclusive high-performance coupe. Its maximum output of 612 bhp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft are reflected in its outstanding performance data: the CL65 AMG attains 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches the 124-mph mark in 13.3 seconds. Its maximum speed is 155 mph (electronically limited).

V12 Biturbo Engine: Dynamic Performance at the Highest Level

The highest level of performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine with its displacement of 5,980 cc: its maximum output of 612 bhp is maintained between 4800 and 5100 rpm while the maximum torque of 738 lb-ft (electronically limited) is available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. These impressive engine data are the key to exceptional performance and superbly assured driving dynamics. But the powerful AMG twelve-cylinder unit is also in its element when cruising effortlessly in high gear. Its superbly responsive character is as impressive as its smooth, low-vibration running qualities which guarantee the high level of touring comfort typically associated with Mercedes.

The advanced technology of the CL65 AMG is complemented perfectly by the vehicle's powerful, elegant and dynamic design idiom. The AMG body styling and the self-assured lines of the large Mercedes coupe make a superbly cohesive formal statement.

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Infiniti Debuts a Stylish, Performance and Luxury G37 Coupe

The all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe, making its world debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, combines the exhilarating performance, stunning styling and modern, sporty interior of the original Infiniti G Coupe and accelerates each to new levels. Among the key enhancements to the new second-generation G Coupe are a larger, more powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, available advanced 4-Wheel Active Steer system, a dramatic new exterior design and a refined interior with intuitive, integrated technology. The G37 Coupe joins the recently introduced, all-new 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan in Infiniti showrooms nationwide in August.

Rated at an estimated 330 horsepower, the new engine is not only considerably more powerful than the previous generation G Coupe (rated at 275 hp with 5AT, 293 hp with 6MT), but is expected to offer increased fuel mileage and reduced emissions levels.

Available on the new G37 Coupe is Infiniti’s exclusive 4-Wheel Active Steer system (4WAS), with unique chassis configuration that features automatically variable front steering ratios and rear suspension geometry that adjusts to steering input and vehicle speed via motor-driven controls.

Legendary Ron Fellows Celebrated with a Special Corvette Z06

Marking his championship tenure with Corvette Racing’s GT1-class domination in the ALMS, Corvette racing living legend Ron Fellows is celebrated with a specially prepared 2007 Corvette Z06 production model. All are distinguished by Arctic White paint (including the door handles) that is accented with a racing-style fender stripe and Ron Fellows’ autograph.

This special Corvette Z06 is the first signed special edition in Corvette’s 54-year history, and is the first Arctic White Z06 ever offered. Only 399 are planned for production: approximately 300 for the United States, 33 for Canada and 66 for other export markets.

Exterior cues include a full-width racing spoiler and a unique windshield banner. Additional standard equipment includes the well-equipped 2LZ package and chrome wheels. Special interior appointments include:
- Red seats, center console, door panels and instrument panel
- Red, leather-covered armrest with a Corvette-signature “cross flags” logo that is hand-signed and numbered by Ron Fellows
- Tech pattern interior trim

The Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 will be available this spring. It carries an MSRP of $77,500, including destination. OnStar and the navigation system are the only options; and when equipped with them, the price is $79,945.

2007 Audi R8

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular sports car.

The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminum body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.

Even at first glance, the caliber of the Audi R8 is plain to see. The car sits broad and squat on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off.

The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

In the high-revving 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI petrol direct injection technology has reached a new high. This technology has also enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.

The figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 420 bhp of power output. Peak torque is 317 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving situation.

The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 mph.

227 mph: New Record for Street-Legal Sedans

Brabus has been building the world's fastest street-legal sedans for several years running. This 'tradition' started in 1996 with the 205-mph Brabus E V12 and reached the next level in 2003 in the guise of the 217-mph E V12 Biturbo. In 2006 the Brabus Rocket, built in small-series production and based on the Mercedes CLS series, improved the world record to 225 mph.

But the Brabus R&D team wouldn't be the top-notch engineers they are if they were satisfied with that achievement. That's why in mid-October of 2006 they once more made the trek to the world-famous high-speed circular track in Nardo, Southern Italy. Under the keen eyes of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV Süd) the $435,000 ultra-performance automobile improved the world record for street-legal sedans to 227.4 mph (365.7 km/h).

The Brabus Rocket is powered by a twin-turbo Brabus SV12 S engine, fitted into the tight confines of the four-door's engine bay with almost surgical precision. It produces a maximum power output of 730 bhp at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 973 lb-ft, limited electronically to 812 lb-ft, available from a low 2,100 rpm.

A special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and larger forged pistons increase displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads is optimized and sport camshafts are installed.

The engine peripherals also underwent numerous modifications: Larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low back-pressure metal catalysts are all part of the Brabus Rocket engine concept. Newly programmed engine electronics orchestrate the perfect interaction of all new components and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting the latest EURO IV emission limits.

2007 Porsche TechArt 911 Turbo

TechArt turns the new Porsche 911 Turbo into one of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars. 580 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 3.46 seconds and a maximum speed of 211 mph are the most important performance figures of this car.
The 3.6-liter boxer engine was modified by TechArt in many details. Two bigger turbochargers contribute to the TechArt engine tuning just as the sports air filter and the stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds and integrated high performance catalysts. All modifications are finely tuned by the recalibrated ECU.

After the conversion the engine delivers 580 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 517 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. Power transmission to all four wheels is made via a modified six-speed manual gearbox with TechArt gearshift travel shortage and additional gearbox-oil cooling. Of course the TechArt engine conversion is also available for cars with Tiptronic transmission. The coupe tuned by TechArt is one of the world's fastest super sports cars. The two-seater coupe catapults from 0 - 62 mph in 3.46 seconds. Top speed is 211 mph.

Especially for the new Porsche 911 Turbo they developed the striking TechArt Formula five-spoke wheels in size 8.5Jx20 in front and in size 12Jx20 on the rear axle. TechArt recommends ContiSportContact 3 tires in sizes 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR20 for mounting on these wheels.

As a world-renowned specialist for exclusive interior creations TechArt Automobildesign also offers individual interiors for the latest 911 top-of-the-line version in all colors and designs.

The 580-horsepower Turbo was upgraded with an exclusive TechArt CarboBlack leather trim, white cockpit panels matching the car's outside color and further sporty accessories. They include an ergonomically shaped airbag sport steering wheel, foot pedals, foot rest and shift knob all made from aluminum as well as stainless-steel sill plates with TechArt logo.

2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Design

The design of the Vantage Roadster is elegant and uncompromising, a single fluid form with characteristic attention to detail, both inside and out, representing the open sports car in its purest form.

The Vantage Roadster represents the latest evolution of Aston Martin's synthesis of craft and technology. From the beautifully hand stitched leather seats to the hand-finished bodies, to the ultra-modern Aston Martin V8 engine, hand-assembled at a dedicated, high-technology facility in Cologne, Germany, the Vantage Roadster is an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

Performance

Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars – providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.

The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-60 mph achieved in 4.9 seconds and a potential maximum speed of 175 mph.

Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin's new Sportshift automated manual transmission – an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.

2006 Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept

The History of the 392 HEMI

The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chryslers and Imperials. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.

Compared with the 354, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft, and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often referred to simply as the “92,” was perfect for drag racing.

More than a few racers bolted on six or eight carburetors, slipped in a hotter cam, tipped some nitro into the tank and went racing. Racing legend Don Garlits ran a 392 in his Swamp Rat I at record speeds of over 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J. in 1964.

Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept with 392 HEMI by Mopar

To further commemorate the legacy of the 392, Chrysler Group and Mopar are unveiling a SEMA first: a concept vehicle tricked out just for SEMA. From Detroit’s 2006 North American International Auto Show and a year before its production debut, the stunning Dodge Challenger Super Stock with 392 HEMI by Mopar.

“There was really only one vehicle choice to showcase our new crate motor — the bold, powerful and capable, Dodge Challenger,” said Chris Cortez, senior vice president – Global Service & Parts, Chrysler Group.

One of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1970s, it debuted in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. Although it was only produced from 1970 to 1974 (188,600 sold), the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original “pony cars,” with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

The Challenger went racing in its first year and HEMI-powered Challengers tore up the drag strips across the country in the SCCA Trans-am series and NHRA Pro Stock classes. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500.

“The HEMI legacy lives on,” said Cortez. “But this Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept will no doubt bring that legacy to a whole new generation.”

The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008.

New 1012-Horsepower Bristol Figher T Released

During the short time the Bristol Fighter has been on the market owners tend to use them as everyday transport instead of a conventional car. They also love to use them for recreational or track day purposes. In spite of the Fighter and Fighter S’s very high performance, certain customers have asked Bristol Cars for more. Responding to their needs, they have created a very special Fighter variant which, as ever, remains a compact and enjoyable car to drive around town or as an exhilarating track car. Yet it takes two people and their luggage in great luxury and ease for trans continental travel.

The Fighter T (which will be an addition to the range) answers all these requirements without losing one iota of street level credentials. Its twin turbocharged and intercooled 8-liter V10 engine pumps out 1012 bhp (127 bhp per liter) at 5600 rpm and 1036 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. All this power would be enough for a top speed of more than 270 mph, but Bristol Cars have decided to electronically limit the car to a more than sufficient 225 mph. 0 to 60 mph time is less than 3.5 seconds.

The Bristol Fighter T comes with a 6 speed manual gearbox with increased torque capacity and revised gear ratios.

Functional exterior styling additions and mechanical alterations were made to suit the extra performance. Drag factor has been reduced to 0.27 by a new rear wake diffuser. The structure is 30% stiffer in torsion. The engineers have also installed firmer springs and dampers and a stiffer front anti-roll bar.

The first deliveries of the Fighter T are expected in September 2007.

Anteros Reveals Exotic 550-Horsepower Supercar

After an exciting sneak preview at the Monterey Classic Car Show, Anteros Marketing announces the Golden Age of Coach-building is here to stay. Anteros XTM is a limited production 2-seat convertible sports car featuring 400 to 600 horsepower, a carbon fiber composite body with a fine leather and wood interior, and state-of-the-art technology throughout.

Anteros takes its name from the ancient god of Passion. It is a passionate expression of Automotive Fine Art. Anteros Founders, John Rothman, and son, David Rothman, commissioned a team of talented designers and fabricators to create a brutally elegant car that seamlessly blends both contemporary and classic sports car DNA into a stunning artistic sculptural statement. Anteros uses the base engineering of the C6 platform as a foundation to create this 550 horsepower rolling sculpture in carbon fiber and luxury leather.

“We had a fantastic reaction to the Anteros at the Monterey Classic Car Show, exotic car dealers around the United States are anxiously waiting production slots“, said Mr. David Rothman, President of Anteros Marketing. With pricing between $125,000 and $135,000, the Anteros XTM will be manufactured on a semi-custom build-to-order basis.

Anteros Marketing, a California based coachbuilder, also has under development the Anteros XTS Targa featuring a removable hardtop. Their future plans are to release the Anteros XTR Hardtop based on the Z06 platform that will feature horsepower of 505 to 655 bhp.

2008 Volvo C30 by Heico

In cooperation with Volvo Cars North America, Heico Sportiv has created a versatile version of Volvo's new compact C30 model before the model hits the streets in North America.

The Volvo C30 T5 by Heico Sportiv was designed to appeal to urban driving enthusiasts who are just as passionate about their cars as they are about their time outdoors. With project partner Burton Snowboards in mind, Heico created a C30 concept that is at home in the city, as well as the switchbacks on the backcountry roads to the slopes.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine was upgraded to 300 bhp to achieve a refined, sporty feel on road. Equipped with all-wheel-drive, the C30 also promises excellent traction off-road. Adapting the electronic Haldex AWD system to the C30's electronic system was a strong challenge for Heico Sportiv engineers, but the system was fitted with perfect results. This goal was reached after weeks of detailed work.

The interior is well thought out and hand-crafted to a world class standard. The two-tone leather in "Alpha Gray" and "Sapphire Black" dominates the cabin. The silver stitching in particular makes a very special detail that accents the carefully crafted hides. Specially contoured front and rear seating, along with specially designed two-tone door panels highlight the full-leather dashboard and headliner in rich "lugano leather", a real treat for the senses.

2006 Honda Sports 4 Concept

The Honda Sports 4 Concept points the way to future Honda sports sedans, featuring a sleek, bold exterior with a low-center of gravity and low inertia body.

On the inside is a sports cockpit with futuristic controls laid out for instant “at a glance” recognition and intuitive information displays. The interior is sculpted as a “one form” design from metal, wood and leather.

The Sports 4 features Honda’s renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system coupled with a five-speed sequential shift automatic transmission for outstanding driving pleasure.

The four wheel double-wishbone suspension continues the best traditions of Honda’s sports cars to deliver exceptional road-holding ability.

The four occupants have individual bucket seats and personal “skyroofs” operated from controls on their seats.