13 safest cars for 2013

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its list of 13 safest cars for 2013. 117 cars were given the Top Safety Pick award.  13 cars were given the even higher Tops Safety Pick+ award.

Honda Accord 2 Door


Honda Accord 4 Door


Chrysler 200 4-Door



Dodge Avenger




Ford Fusion (built after Dec 2012)


Kia Optima


Nissan Altima 4-Door (built after Nov 2012)



Suzuki Kizashi



Subaru Legacy (built after Aug 2012)


Subaru Outback (built after Aug 2012)


Acura TL


Volvo S60


Volkswagen Passat (Built after Oct 2012)


Japanese manufacturers bagged most places out of the top 13 (7 in total) , with US following (3 in total) along with Germany, Sweden and Korea with 1 each.

Source: IIHS

World's fastest 4 seater convertibl by Bentley , at NAIAS 2013

 
On January 14, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible makes its international debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Boasting a six-liter twin-turbocharged 48-valve W12 engine, improved suspension, all-wheel drive and a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h), Bentley claims it is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

Getting performance out of a convertible is always tricky. Cars rely on the roof for structural integrity and chopping it off means adding a lot of reinforcement to make up for the loss. The Continental GT Speed Convertible weighs in at 2,900 kilograms (6,393 lb) as opposed to the Speed coupé’s 2,750 kilograms (6,063 lb), yet despite the extra weight it manages to lag behind the coupé by only 5 km/h (3 mph).
From the outside, the Continental GT Speed Convertible is definitely a Bentley with its subdued lines and the boxy profile of its exceptionally rigid body shell. It tries to be a bit more sporty than its fellow Bentleys with its 21-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint matrix grilles, “rifled” elliptical exhaust tailpipes, and front wings in superformed aluminum, but you get the feeling that it’s fighting with itself about what sort of car it wants to be. Is it “creating an impression of tension and muscularity” as Bentley claims, or is it still the car your bank manager drives?
Inside, the Speed Convertible has the same powertrain as the GT Speed coupé. The six-liter twin-turbocharged 48-valve W12 punches out 616 bhp (460 kW, 625 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque – all held in check by the ME17 engine management system. This crunches 180 million calculations per second as it enhances the turbocharger control and torque management. As with other W12-engined models, there is an energy recuperation system. Fuel consumption is 14.9 liters/100km (19.0 mpg) – 15 percent better than the Speed coupé.

Backing up the engine is a flappy-paddle ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox with Quickshift, Block Shifting and permanent all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear bias that Bentley claims provides optimum traction and power in all road conditions. According to Bentley, the upshot of all this is sharper throttle response, gear-shifting at higher engine speeds and faster “block shifting.”
Bentley has re-tuned the rack and pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic steering for the Speed Convertible and uprated and lowered the suspension. The front suspension consists of four link aluminum double-wishbones, computer controlled self-leveling air suspension with anti-roll bar, while the rear boasts trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-leveling air suspension. These have Continuous Damping Control tuned for dynamic performance. Standard brakes are 405 mm ventilated discs in front and in the back are 335 mm ventilated discs. Cross-drilled Carbon silicon carbide versions are available as an option.

The Speed Convertible’s top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph) is matched by a respectable bit of acceleration that sees it going from 0-96.5 km/h (60 mph) in 4.1 seconds, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and 0-160 km/h (100 mph) in 9.7 seconds. Despite this burst of speed, Bentley says that spoilers are unnecessary because the lip on the bootlid generates enough downforce to keep the Speed Convertible on the tarmac even when going flat out.
One interesting touch that Bentley is keen to point out is that “the enhanced performance is accentuated by a glorious baritone snarl from the free-breathing exhaust.” It’s not exactly what you expect from a Bentley. No doubt it’s very cool, but given Bentley’s stately reputation, it’s also a bit like finding out your aunt Agatha has taken up free-base jumping.

Things quiet down a bit in the Speed Convertible’s interior with diamond-quilted hide upholstery and a finish inspired by the Le Mans-winning Bentleys of the 1920s. On a more modern note, there’s an infotainment system with 15 GB of available storage space which can be expanded via an SD card, connectivity for an iPod or MP3 player, and a built-in six-disc CD changer. For those worried about the weather, Bentley says that the hood can take on a monsoon (presumably when up) and when it’s down, there’s a neck warmer to keep the chill off.
No price has been set, but with the coupé enjoying a starting price of US$217,725, this one is not in the econocar bracket.
Source; Bentley, Gizmag

Top 10 concept vehicles of 2012

Techno World's pick of the sexiest, most advanced and most noteworthy concept cars of 2012

Doomsday has passed without a gasp, so it looks like humanity still has a future. If the concept cars we saw during the past year are any indication, that future looks very bright. As we prepare to roll the calendars over to 2013, it's time to celebrate the finest concepts that 2012 bestowed upon the world. From voluptuous supercars, to green fuel misers, to the downright abstract and outlandish, it was a big year for concepts and design studies.

Sexiest Roadster: Lamborghini Aventador J

If there was one concept car that simply exuded four-wheeled sex appeal from every vent and crevice, it was the Lamborghini Aventador J. Lamborghini took the already gorgeous Aventador, cut the roof and windshield clean off, and created a one-piece sculpture effect by seamlessly blending the body with the cockpit. It's no surprise that the Geneva-debuted one-off concept fetched more than $2.75 million from its lucky buyer.

Coolest Off-Roader: Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

The Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force and its "hydro-tech converter" (even Mercedes put quotations around that piece of non-existent componentry) won't be showing up to dirt roads anytime soon, but in an age when every real SUV is getting watered down into a bloated station wagon – we're looking at you Nissan Pathfinder – it was nice to see an automaker thinking about a future for one of the few real off-roaders left. Like the G-Class, the hydrogen-fueled Ener-G-Force was designed to tackle any muddy road, rock garden or slick hill thrown under its tires. The vision also included some helpful equipment like a pull-out toolbox and terrain scanner.

Most Radical Supercar Design: Peugeot Onyx

Given the sheer number of cars purporting to be "super" these days, it's not easy to design a car that truly is. Many supercar concepts look like old, tired designs dressed up with new badges and vents. So it was quite exciting when Peugeot gave the Paris Motor Show crowd a concept supercar that resembled no other. It started with a distinct face and body and brought the concept to superlative levels with copper wings and doors and matte-black carbon fiber bodywork. The functional artistry on the body was almost enough to make folks forget about the 600-hp V8 hybrid powertrain waiting to spin the wheels. As if the Onyx car needed any help, Peugeot designed a matching three-wheel scooter and a bicycle to go with it.

Coolest Concept That Will Never See Production: Volkswagen Hover Car

As much as the idea of a hover car brings out the little kid in us, we don't see the Volkswagen Hover Car hitting production in the near (or distant) future. The two-person flotation pod was the result of Volkswagen's People's Car crowd-sourcing project. The Hover Car may not be part of Volkswagen's 2014 line, but we commend the public for not just getting outside the box, but for shredding all evidence that such a box exists.

Coolest Concept Likely to See Production: Lexus LF-LC

Lexus debuted the LF-LC at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show with the strictest conceptual intentions. A positive reaction from Detroit visitors led the company to begin considering production. Reports about production plans have persisted since last winter, and a car based on the LF-LC could potentially transition into the role of a flashy sports flagship now that the last LFA has rolled off the assembly lines. Behind its sharp styling, the LF-LC concept housed a 500-hp Advanced Hybrid Drive System.

Best Conceptual Revival: Jeep Mighty FC

Jeep has been flirting with the idea of a bringing back a pick-up model for years, and the Mighty FC may have been the baddest conceptualization yet. Channeling Jeep's Willys heritage, the Mighty FC concept combined a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon cab with a full-sized cargo box. It may look less maneuverable than the average Wrangler, but Jeep showed video evidence that it was nimble enough to master some of the scorched-slickrock rambles of Moab, Utah.

EV We Most Want to be Seen in: Morgan Plus E

Modern day auto shows are filled with fanciful electric and green concepts, many of which are designed to appear futuristic. Sometimes they pull it off, and sometimes they fail. The Morgan Motor Company didn't take that chance. As it likes to do, Morgan went the opposite direction in terms of styling, sliding an electric powertrain into a retro-styled car that Dick Tracy could have emerged from. In addition to can't-miss looks, the Plus E had a rare combination of electric motor and five-speed manual transmission. Morgan showed it at the Geneva Motor Show to gauge public reaction.

EV We Most Want to Drive: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive claimed an early stake as king of electric supercars this year. The car's four motors put out 740 hp, which led Mercedes to declare it the "world's most powerful electric super sports car" (though the Rimac would certainly take issue with that point). Mercedes says those bolting ponies are enough to power the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and onward to a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. The AMG will hit the market late next year €416,500 (about US$550,000).

Best Production Car Turned Racer: Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer

Bentley left motorsport racing back in 2003, when the Continental GT was but an infant. Now that the car is all grown up, Bentley is returning to racing with the Continental GT3. Based on the Continental GT Speed, the GT3 will make its racing debut next year. Bentley is still developing the race car and has yet to announce the specs.

Hottest Concept We'll See Next Year: McLaren P1

It's almost not fair to put the McLaren P1 on a list like this. We've waited for the return of a flagship McLaren for so long, we would have been impressed with just about anything it rolled out. But, despite the difficulty of recapturing legend, the F1's successor managed to exceed all expectations. A truly unique and stunning design, the P1 looked like nothing we've ever seen. Every component and aerodynamic feature threw down a gauntlet at the world's most elite supercars, saying, "Think you can take me? 2013: Let's do it." McLaren has yet to reveal what "it" the P1 can do, but we know it will rattle track-side stands when it launches next year.

Honorable mentions

BMW Zagato

With so many incredible concepts to choose from, we ran out of spaces before we got to the BMW Zagato. Plus, we thought that including a "Best Combination of German Engineering and Italian Styling" category might have tipped the scales too far in favor of this car. First revealed as a coupe at Lake Como, the Zagato showed up to Pebble Beach without its roof.

Odorico Pordenone

Our focus was on vehicles that drive (at least theoretically), but if we included vehicles that get towed behind others, the Odorico Pordenonewould have made the cut. One of the most stylish mobile living quarters we saw in 2012, the concept camper used two hard-sided wings to commute nimbly in traffic and expand into a large, stable living space.

Magna Steyr MILA Coupic

The MILA Coupic concept, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, was far from the prettiest concept we saw this year, and it seems unlikely it will show up to market in its specific form. However, we like the flexibility and utility of the 3-in-1 concept and see it as a useful solution for drivers that want the efficiency and fun of a small convertible with the space of a larger car or truck.

Infiniti Emerg-E

We stacked our list with green supercars like the Peugeot Onyx and Mercedes E-Drive, so the slot where the Emerg-E would have gone was already filled. Still, this 402-hp range-extender developed with the help of Lotus gets a nod for its combination of style, performance and hybrid power. It's also been the subject of production rumors, so maybe we'll see it again in 2013.

Have we missed something? Choosing from the array of concept cars we've encountered over the past 12 months has been no easy task and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Have your say in the comments section below.

SOurce : Gizmag

Dogs hit the road in a specially modified MINI

A cute canine is something that shouldn't need much marketing – it pretty much sells itself. Or so you'd think. According to the ASPCA, around two million dogs are euthanized each year after finding their way into shelters. People simply don't adopt these abandoned and lost dogs at the same rate they find their way into shelters. For this reason, the SPCA in Auckland, New Zealand, which estimates it alone has anywhere from 50 to 100 dogs eagerly awaiting new owners each week, decided it was time to advertise with the launch of an advertising campaign that put the dogs back on the streets ... behind the wheel of a specially modified car.

Anyone that's ever owned a dog (at least an obedient one) knows that they're smart animals open to training. But most probably didn't think they could be trained to operate a vehicle.

To show it's possible, SPCA Auckland outfitted a MINI Countryman specially for canine drivers. It moved the accelerator and brake pedals up where the dog could reach them, added paw-friendly handles to the steering wheel, and made the ignition start button easier to activate.

Three dogs – Ginny, Monty and Porter – worked with four trainers over the course of two months to develop their driving skills. Similar to how some first-time human drivers learn on a simulator, the dogs learned the basics of the controls on a training set-up. Recently, Porter got behind the real wheel and became the world's first driving dog.

MINI wasn't simply chosen because of its small cars; the automaker made it happen. Simonne Mearns, MINI's New Zealand brand manager, asked its advertising agency DraftFCB to develop a campaign for the SPCA. DraftFCB responded in a big way, coming up with something that has turned the world's attention toward the topic of animal adoption – the YouTube video "Meet Porter. The World's First Driving Dog" received more than three million views in less than a week.

Seeing-eye dogs aren't likely to be replaced by driving-eye dogs anytime soon, but it sure is interesting to know that dogs can be trained to drive an automobile. It's also fun to watch – check out the videos below for some driving footage of the three dogs along with a video showing the modifications that were made to the vehicle to make it dog-friendly.

Source: MINI New Zealand , Gizmag

DMC unleashes tuned Lamborghini Aventador

900 hp and a radical body kit

The Lamborghini Aventador is a car that needs no upgrading. But that won't stop European tuners from adding horsepower and aerodynamic parts in an attempt to make the latest bull even better. After a lengthy teaser campaign, DMC Tuning has revealed its second Aventador package, the LP900 SV.

The LP900 package builds upon the Molto Veloce package that DMC revealed a couple of months back. It is the official "Stage Two" of DMC's Aventador tuning plans. The German tuner translated inspiration from the Aventador J concept into an aerodynamics and performance package that only 10 people will ever have the pleasure of owning.

DMC got things started by bolting a pair of vicious carbon fiber bumpers onto the supercar, which give the car an even sterner demeanor, particularly from the front. A set of side skirts with diffuser panels help visually connect the new bumpers. The sharper front nose and creased bumper was inspired by the J concept, and the Formula 1-style canards on either side of the front-end help to siphon air off to the sides.

If the bold rear bumper with its unique tunnel system isn't enough to tell you the LP900 SV means business, the towering rear wing should finish the job. The centered exhaust tips are the tail-end of DMC's titanium exhaust system.

When it came to the 6.5-liter V12 engine driving the rear wheels, DMC replaced the combined overhead throttle valves with 12 unique single throttle plates – one for each cylinder. It also reworked the electronics and replaced a few other components to crank output up to the namesake 900-hp.

DMC doesn't provide an estimate of just how quick or fast its package will make the Aventador, but when the stock, 700-hp version packs numbers like 2.9 seconds (0-62 mph/100 km/h) and 217 mph (350 km/h), an extra 200 horses are sure to look impressive on the track.

DMC is only offering 10 LP900 SV examples, and it's being quite selective in its customer base.

"Money is not the issue for our clients," said Thorsten Grebers, marketing manager at DMC Germany, in a statement. "This is a kit that you can't get by using your credit card."

The 10 people will have to first buy in with the Stage One Molto Veloce kit, which, while not as extreme as the SV, includes a variety of carbon fiber body components and other new equipment. Then, they'll have to apply separately and be approved based upon DMC's special criteria. Adding up all of the individual Stage One and Two component prices that DMC lists in its SV press release, buyers will quickly be shelling out 75,000 + euros (approximately US$98,000) over top the price of their Aventadors. Each SV model will be painted in a unique color, so that no two will be exactly alike.

And DMC isn't done yet; a Stage Three appears to be on the way.

"But there is one more thing, STAGE 1, STAGE 2, ............ Stay tuned," its press release concludes.

Source: DMC Tuning , Gizmag

Vygor presents world's first "Racing Utility Vehicle"

Last fall, a new Italian sports car manufacturer made itself known. Its first concept car was definitely not reminiscent of the Ferraris or Lamborghinis of the world, and one could argue that it was sheer awkwardness from bumper to bumper. That sheer awkwardness is officially headed toward production, and manufacturer Vygor is providing a sneak peek.

Vygor calls the Opera the first RUV – that's racing utility vehicle – in the world. The company fancies that term to equate to a vehicle with the comfort of an SUV and the driving characteristics of a GT. Vygor even goes so far as to allude to the car as a "supercar," but its performance figures and chunky looks argue proficiently against that designation.

The Opera is built upon a tubular steel chassis and uses a composite and steel body. It weighs around 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg). The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder doesn't sound like much, but it puts out 414 horsepower and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm), which Vygor tells us is enough to send the car prancing to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is listed at 162 mph (260 km/h).

In addition to the top-end 414-hp version, the Opera is also available in 345-hp and 295-hp tunes.

We assume that "the comfort of an SUV" is the reason that the Opera takes on such a bulky shape, because that shape certainly isn't helping its GT side. Also feeding the SUV claim is a permanent all-wheel-drive system with Torsen front differential and rear limited slip differential with electronic adjustment.

The 2011 Opera concept

In anticipation of a 2013 launch, Vygor released a series of teaser photos this month. When compared to the original rendering, the production model has a new set of V-shaped taillights headlining a new rear fascia. As near as we can tell, the rest of the car remains the same, including the odd, curvy split grille.

Vygor plans to build 150 Opera models by hand starting next year. Reservations are available now.

Source: Vygor via World Car Fans , Gizmag

Jaguar introduces its fastest, most powerful sedan ever

After pulling the cloth off the Jaguar F-Type for the first time on North American turf, Jaguar turned stage left and rolled the second member of its R-S ultra high-performance model line out of a makeshift garage door at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The "S" version of the XFR borrows features from the XKR-S and F-TYPE in Jaguar's attempt to take the sporty sedan to the next level.

As any "ultra high-performance" model should be, the XFR-S is based around serious mechanical enhancements. Jaguar tuned the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine up to 550 hp – 40 ponies above and beyond the XFR. That bump is enough to give the XFR-S the designation of fastest, most powerful Jag sports sedan ever. The car hits 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and 62 mph (100 km/h) two ticks later. The XFR-S joins the XKR-S in the 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed (electronically limited) club.

Jaguar claims the increased performance doesn't have any impact on fuel consumption or emissions. The V8 engine is mated to an eight-speed Quickshift transmission.

In addition to being faster and more powerful than any other Jaguar sedan, Jaguar claims that the XFR-S is also more agile. It paved the way for a tighter connection between driver and asphalt by tuning the spring rates and adaptive damper settings. Lateral suspension stiffness increases by 30 percent, creating more responsive steering. To ensure the suspension settings meet discerning customers' demands, Jaguar spent time testing them on some of the world's most demanding pavement – from the Nürburgring, to the high-speed bowl at Nardo in Italy, to the roads surrounding Jaguar's Gaydon Research and Development center.

The wide Pirelli tires that wrap the 20-inch forged alloy Varuna wheels are designed to provide enhanced grip and stability. Jaguar re-calibrated the active electronic differential to work more smoothly with the uprated engine, stiffened suspension and wider tires. Jaguar also modified the Dynamic Stability Control settings for further driving enhancement, while exhaust system tuning results in a more powerful exhaust note.

In terms of the XFR-S body, Jaguar attacked the air ahead with aerodynamic enhancements that simultaneously increase performance and add an aggressive, no-nonsense demeanor. Jaguar claims that lift has been decreased by 68 percent thanks to the changes, which include a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, larger front bumper intakes, a trunk lid spoiler, and "aero-blades" on the sides.

The XFR-S will be available in five colors: French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. Subtle exterior cosmetic touches include the gloss black grille and trim.

Inside, "carbon fiber effect" leather and Warm Charcoal leather highlighted with contrast micro-piping and stitching mold a sporty cabin. R-S badging can be found on the seats and dashboard. Internal audio comes courtesy of a 380-watt 12-speaker Meridian surround sound system, and an 825-watt 18-speaker system is available as an option.

Only 100 will be available in the U.S., with prices starting at US$99,000, not including destination and delivery costs. The car will be available from early in the 2013 Northern Hemisphere summer.

Source: Jaguar , GIzmag

Brutal Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Black Series revealed

Due for its public debut at the upcoming Los Angeles motor show, Mercedes-Benz AMG has finally revealed images and details of the SLS Black Series. Ever since the gull-winged wonder was first released in 2010, enthusiasts and schoolboys have been anticipating the inevitable ultimate (road-going) version. It'll come as no surprise that the beast in question is wider, harder, faster, and completely awesome.

"The new SLS AMG Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to road," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG. "We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fascinating dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated 'Driving Performance.' The SLS AMG Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and a highly emotional driving experience."

Fair enough Ola. The uprated AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates a power output of 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque making the SLS AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine. Only the planned SLS AMG Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740 hp has more power.

The vehicle accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and onward to a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h). The additional 39 hp of power compared to the 583 hp delivered by the SLS AMG GT is courtesy of the following enhancements:

• Increase in maximum engine speed from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm
• Fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimized bucket tappets featuring a special coating that is typically used on race vehicles
• Modification of the intake air ducting: de-throttling and adaptation to match the new maximum engine speed
• Adaptation of the engine mapping and increase in peak pressure

The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Black Series also has an additional specialized mounting system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine against the body, effectively eliminating undesired load shifts during highly-dynamic race-track driving (i.e. behaving like a loony).

With a curb weight of 3,417 pounds (1550 kg), the Black Series is not only 154 pounds lighter than the regular SLS, but unsurprisingly also attains the best power/weight ratio by far of all AMG Black Series vehicles to date. Numerous body parts, such as the hood, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody and the torque tube between engine and transmission are made entirely from carbon-fiber. In contrast to its 58.6-pound counterpart with a sand-cast aluminum housing, the carbon-fiber torque tube weighs just 29.3 pounds. Carbon fiber components also replace a number of parts of the aluminum spaceframe, while a lithium-ion battery takes on the role of the conventional starter battery, saving an amazing 17.6 pounds – why don’t all cars have them?

The regular 7-speed transmission has of course been breathed on to provide faster shifts and a more pronounced "blip" on downchanges – which should sound hilarious through the the new, even louder, exhaust. The gearbox has actually been mounted slightly lower and, like the engine, is held in place with gas struts to help contain the violence.

Naturally the suspension has been modified for greater rigidity and a new lighter wheel design saves another 8.8 pounds of unsprung weight per corner.

Of course none of this engineering is of any use if the machine doesn’t look the part. The aforementioned wheels now carry 10.8 inch (front) and 12.8 inch (rear) wide sports tires that fill the widened arches. Front, rear and side skirts and a rear diffuser, all in a signature Black Series design style signal the vehicles intent. The package features extensive use of carbon fiber on the front splitter, side sills and rear skirt. The enlarged air intakes with carbon fiber “flics” also ensure optimum airflow into the cooling modules at the front. The rear wheel arches feature massive air-flow oulets.

As on the SLS AMG GT3 racer, the carbon-fiber hood features a central air outlet. Aside from effectively dissipating engine heat, this outlet also increases downforce at the front axle. The wing-like cross-fin and the star recessed into the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black to match the exterior mirrors and the fins on the hood. The carbon-fiber insert on the sides with air outlet and a black fin is also reminiscent of the GT3; this feature helps reduce the temperature in the engine compartment.

If all of this isn’t quite extreme enough for you then you can option a massive carbon rear wing plus additional carbon flics at the front fro increased downforce, as the cars in the photos are wearing. Just the thing for the weekly shop.

It’s clear that a huge amount of real engineering development has been carried out over the past year to create what will be AMG’s flagship vehicle. It’s quite likely that many of these cars will be purchased simply as toys for posing, but its nice to know that you really are purchasing the closest thing to a GT3 racer for the road that will undoubtedly be a complete hoot on a track.

Available Mid-2013, the price is likely to be north of US$400,000

Source: Mercedes Benz , Gizmag

Lamborghini throws the top off new Aventador LP700-4 Roadster

Teenage boys the world over have another drool-worthy Lamborghini to plaster on their bedroom walls with the unveiling of the Aventador LP700-4 Roadster. Powered by the same 700 horsepower 6.5-liter aspirated V12 as its coupe sibling, the convertible Roadster boasts the same 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds flat, which is only 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe.
The Aventador Roadster’s removable carbon-fiber roof is a two-piece affair. Each piece weighs under 6 kg (13.2 lb), which is a plus considering the switch to or from open-top driving is a manual process. The roof, which can be stored in the vehicle's front luggage compartment when not in use, is supported by a redesigned rear pillar that also accommodates an automatic passenger protection system.

To cool (and show off) the engine and allow water to drain off, the Roadster’s engine hood also departs from the coupe’s, featuring a central “spinal column” with two pairs of hexagonal windows connected at the sides. The car also sports new Dione 20”/21” rims crafted from light forged aluminum that are 10 kg (22 lb) lighter than the standard rims.
Other differences include a powered rear windshield that varies the flow of air and engine noise inside the vehicle when the top is off, along with a wind deflector that fits onto the front windshield frame and can also be stowed in the luggage compartment during open top drives.

To give the impression of a completely open vehicle, Lamborghini has given the Roadster a two-tone finish with the windshield pillar, two roof sections and rear window area up to the fins painted in gloss black. In addition to the usual color options, the remainder of the vehicle can also be painted in a light metallic blue, called Azzuro Thetis, that changes with the angle of the light.
The centrally-located V12 is mated to an ISR 7-speed gearbox and includes a cylinder deactivation system that turns the engine into a V6 at slower speeds – slower speeds being under 135 km/h (84 mph). In what Lamborghini claims is a first for a vehicle in the super sports car segment, the Roadster’s Stop & Start system uses high-performance capacitors known as “supercaps” to instantly restart the engine.
Those with deep pockets will be able to order the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster for €300,000 (US$380,500) plus tax.
Source: Lamborghini  ,Gizmag