Dang! Great new sportscar [Archive]

Feanor

10-01-2009, 09:19 AM

Time for a new car thread!??!

Best looking new sportscar in decades ...

McLaren MP4-12C ... gorgeous!

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/09/McLaren_MP4-12C.jpg

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2011-McLaren-MP4-12C-002-625x346.jpg

http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/mclaren-mp4-12c-03-600x332.jpg

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/reviews/car/09q3/2011_mclaren_mp4-12c-auto_shows/gallery/2011_mclaren_mp4-12c_photo_1/2864167-1-eng-US/image_cd_gallery.jpg

http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/25267514/epcp_0909_02_z+2011_mclaren_mp4_12c+left_rear.jpg

http://www.autoincar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/mclaren-mp4-12c-3.jpg

http://www.carthusiast.com/media/2009/09/mclaren-mp4-12c-01-640x354.jpg

http://www.cubedini.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2010_McLaren_MP412C4.jpg

bobsticks

10-01-2009, 09:24 AM

Holy Ripper!! That is frikken beau-ti-ful...massively impressive as far as design goes... aerodynamics...ergonomics....very impressive...

GMichael

10-01-2009, 09:45 AM

Yikes! That's frickin' HOT!

I think I came...

(just a little)

ForeverAutumn

10-01-2009, 09:47 AM

That's so pretty it gave me goosebumps.

Auricauricle

10-01-2009, 11:49 AM

Dern! I messed up mah keyboard agin!!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b_AUYBhV--w&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b_AUYBhV--w&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Thank Gawd fer little gulls!

3LB

10-01-2009, 11:55 AM

Wow. Look how close the driver is to the road with an almost zero profile hood - I'll bet driving this would be like street luge on a skateboard.

nightflier

10-01-2009, 01:50 PM

I don't know, looks a bit like an eclipse.

Just kidding. Very nice car but my drooling is typically reserved for more exotic fare:

http://blog.penaltyofheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/koenigsegg-ccxr-430x186.jpg

or:

http://www.exoticcars.ws/cars/lotec-sirius-rear.jpg

Auricauricle

10-01-2009, 01:52 PM

Rats! Foiled again!

ForeverAutumn

10-01-2009, 02:12 PM

Rats! Foiled again!

Nope, I like your car better Auri.

But I'm a pushover for anything orange.

nightflier

10-01-2009, 02:27 PM

But I'm a pushover for anything orange.

...you should see his face now that you said that.

02audionoob

10-01-2009, 03:22 PM

I don't know, looks a bit like an eclipse.

The more I look at it, the more that seems to go away...but I noticed it, too.

blackraven

10-01-2009, 03:29 PM

I'll still take the McLaren F1, its faster. I love the orange color though. We have a Nissan Murano that color.

http://www.fantasycars.com/McLaren_F1/McLaren_F1_Photos/McLaren_F1_Photo_3/MCLAREN3.JPG

recoveryone

10-01-2009, 03:36 PM

Why not start at the top and work our way back

2008 Bugatti Veyron, if you have 1.5 mil to buy one and a gasoline storage tank to keep it filled. Then the skys the limit.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2008/Bugatti/2008.bugatti.veyron%2016.4.20180875-E.jpg

blackraven

10-01-2009, 03:45 PM

Here's another beauty. Some one in Texas bought this car and got caught doing over 225mph on the highway.

http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Koenigsegg_CCX_43_1600x1200.jpg

nightflier

10-01-2009, 04:25 PM

Yup, that's a Koenigsegg.

225mph? Was that before or after he landed?

ForeverAutumn

10-02-2009, 05:09 AM

Here's another beauty. Some one in Texas bought this car and got caught doing over 225mph on the highway.

http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Koenigsegg_CCX_43_1600x1200.jpg

That looks more like an airplane than a car!

audio amateur

10-02-2009, 08:02 AM

Feanor

10-02-2009, 09:05 AM

The new McLaren looks pretty bland IMO, I prefere the original, which it simply looks a bland update of.

That Lotec however is HOT. I also like the new Mercedes SLS, and I love the noise those AMG engines put out. A little on the heavy side unsurprisingly, which is unfortunate.

How about the new 4 seater Aston, the 'Rapid'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im_SgYXSGVE&feature=popular

Actually I agree -- stort of -- that the McLaren is "bland" if by that you mean lacking a certain "macho" edge. I kind of prefer the smooth, more liquid look however. So chacun à son goût.

But I'm not denying the Lotec C1000 is a looker ...
http://maxpages.com/files/awesomecars/1991_lotec_c1000-1.jpg

And I definitely like the SLS if you're referring to this ...
http://autozoo.ru/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/mercedes-sls-2-big.jpg

But not so much if you're referring to this ...
http://blog.360dgrs.nl/wp-content/uploads/500x_2010-mercedes-sls-amg_522.jpg

nightflier

10-02-2009, 09:34 AM

Feanor

10-02-2009, 10:23 AM

:biggrin5:
The new McLaren looks pretty bland IMO, I prefere the original, which it simply looks a bland update of.

That Lotec however is HOT. I also like the new Mercedes SLS, and I love the noise those AMG engines put out. A little on the heavy side unsurprisingly, which is unfortunate.

How about the new 4 seater Aston, the 'Rapid'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im_SgYXSGVE&feature=popular

Also, I do like the Rapide (for a 4 door) ...
http://www.cartype.com/pics/4061/full/2006-aston-martin-rapide-concept-scn-net-0083.jpg

But then it kind of reminds me of the new Mazda 6, (which I do like the looks), of for a lot less change ...
http://mazdainhouston.com/images/mazda6-5dr.gif

Auricauricle

10-02-2009, 10:47 AM

Gawd, all this talk reminds me of my first trip to Germany, to visit my future in-laws. At Frankfurt, we were picked up by a sib who drove a nice, nondescript Mercedes. The driving on the autobahn was rather sedate: cars glided by easily, reminding me of country roads back home. I asked how fast we were going, and was told, "Oh, about 110-120." I leaned back. Yeah, that's sane, I thought. Then it occured to me: "Is that kph or mph?" I asked. "MPH," was the simple reply.

By the time we arrived, I was nonplussed with the experience. I was hardly exhilarated, but still....In about an hour, we heard a noise that sounded as though a Harrier jump-jet had pulled into the garage downstairs. In a few moments, two more siblings came into the room, grinning. The younger, a surgeon and all round "Cool Guy" (how I hate him) walked forth, arm and arm with happy smiles on their faces. Turns out Doc owns a '79 or so Porsche 911 Turbo. Pretty car! I nonchalantly asked about his trip home and his speed--surely he broke the sound barrier. "Oh, about 210 or so....mph!"

Since then, my stomach remains well outside my body and must be transported by wheelbarrow...

nightflier

10-02-2009, 11:01 AM

Auric, I'm pretty sure they were yanking your chain, or you misunderstood kilometers for miles. The max speed for the GT2, the fastest road-legal model, is 204 mph, and that's on a race track.

BTW, the Porsche Panamera is a new model that's certainly not too shabby-looking for a 4-door sedan. Sure beats the heck out of the Cayenne:

http://chinaluxculturebiz.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/panamera1.jpg

Auricauricle

10-02-2009, 12:11 PM

You're probably right, NF...I'm pretty gullible about these things. Still, when they pulled in, I was sure that the RAF had installed a hangar downstairs!

blackraven

10-02-2009, 03:30 PM

BR, are you sure he was going 225mph? The world record for the Koenigsegg is still 241mph (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbxxG2Kbas0), but that was under ideal conditions on a racetrack. That kind of speed is extremely dangerous. I've driven an Audi on the Autobahn (granted not a rear-wheel drive ass-scraper like the above), but even going 200 Km/h (125Mp/h) is a hair-raising experience. Just imagine hitting a pebble at that speed.

It was 242mph in a 75mph zone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_ticket

http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/548767-fastest-speeding-ticket-ever-242mph-75mph-zone-only-167mph-over.html

nightflier

10-02-2009, 05:05 PM

Well I still find that hard to believe considering the car's top speed is 241mph in ideal conditions (on a track, driven by a pro). But it's within the realm of possibility, I suppose.

In any case, that is extremely fast, unsafe, and hard to manage. The last time I drove exceedingly fast here in the states (Cal Hwy 5, near Bakersfield, driving imported Saab 9-5 turbo in the middle of the night - I won't mention how fast, but it was up there), I hit a pothole or some other road unevenness and I nearly lost control of the car. It scared the crap out of me. Considering there were four of us in the car, that's something I probably won't be doing again. I still love fast cars, and someday maybe I'll buy that Koenigsegg, but then I'll keep that business on the track.

Speaking of nice looking cars, I'm surprised no one even brought up a Lamborghini or Ferrari - they are very nice too. I've driven the Diablo and it's got amazing take-off and handling, even though they're not really known for that. I'd say it was comparable to the Porsche GT3. I guess Lambo & Ferrari are no longer considered exotics?

blackraven

10-02-2009, 07:17 PM

Here's the worlds fastest super car-

http://whatsthecrack.net/SSC-supercar-breaks-Bugatti-Veyrons-fastest-production-car-record

Feanor

10-03-2009, 05:00 AM

Here's the worlds fastest super car-

http://whatsthecrack.net/SSC-supercar-breaks-Bugatti-Veyrons-fastest-production-car-record

Impressive, but as originally conceived this thread was about automotive esthetics, not performance.

Well, OK. I guess for some people, (males?), edgy "macho" designs, growling exhausts, rocket sled acceleration, 275 MPH, etc., are esthetic. Confident male that I am, I can appreciate sleekness and smooth, liquid, feline, almost "feminine" designs like the lates McLaren.

I'm not saying the Bugatti is ugly, but I'm not too impressed with the Mecedes SLS AMG for example; (reference: audio amateur).

blackraven

10-03-2009, 02:56 PM

Here's a practical sedan that has nice lines, too bad its made by VW.

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14875/Volkswagen-Passat-CC.aspx

Worf101

10-05-2009, 04:24 AM

Ahem ah say.. How in the name of all that's holy is a man to go back to work after viewing all this.. this... Automotive Porn!!!!?????

Da Worfster

Feanor

10-05-2009, 05:06 AM

Here's a practical sedan that has nice lines, too bad its made by VW.

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14875/Volkswagen-Passat-CC.aspx

The CC is a very handsome car. It's been mentioned that like the Mercedes CLS, it sacrifices some accomodation for looks. I don't have a huge problem with that. And I really like the CLS.

Pasat CC ...
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Volkswagen/volkswagen_CC_2008_04-800.jpg

Mecedes Benz CLS ...
http://www.weddingcarrental.co.za/mercedes-cls.jpg

audio amateur

10-05-2009, 08:55 AM

The Porsche Panamera posted by NF isn't the real thing. As I can tell it's a prototype photo, and appears to share a lot from Porsche's flagship 'Carrera GT'. Unfortunately it looks a lot better than the real thing. This is what it looks like now that it is in production:
6123
It's also the best looking of the Panamera range as it is the 'turbo' - read twin-turbo V8 which probably puts out around 500 horses.

I do like the SLS, perhaps because it doesn't look like anything Mercedes, and also because it's supposedly based on the Viper's chassis.

The new McLaren is a bit too slick for my liking, I prefere the 'roughness' of the original.

audio amateur

10-05-2009, 09:08 AM

This is the Lotec I was refering to Feanor:
6124
One heck a good looking car, although I don't know much about it.

Coming back to German highways, they are moslty crowded in speed unrestricted areas, and the unrestricted bits are more and more becoming restricted. You do every once and a while see nut cases cruising at 200km/h+ (120mph) in their BMW, which means you really have to watch out when you're on the left lane, passing someone.
An English car mag (Evo) in one issue were challenged to top 200mph on unrestricted German autobahn with very fast cars. At that speed it's like tunnel vision, and things come very fast. Not worth trying IMO...

nightflier

10-05-2009, 10:03 AM

Wow, Yeah, that pust a damper on that Panamera for sure. Why do car companies always do that? You seem something awesome at a show, you wait for years to reach production, and then it ends up being ho-hum when it comes out. Here's another one that looks pretty friggin hot for now but that will probably look like a VW when it's all said & done:

http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/Imagen_2_-099-copy.jpg

More pics:

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/video-and-live-shots-saab-aero-x-concept/3

____________________________

P.S. Here are the specs on the 2001 Lotec:

2001 Lotec Sirius Concept Specifications - Specs

engine Twin Turbo Mercedes-Benz V12
valvetrain 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement 5987 cc / 365.3 cu in
bore 98 mm / 3.86 in
stroke 80.2 mm / 3.16 in
compression 8.5:1
power 994.8 kw / 1334 bhp @ 6300 rpm
hp per litre 222.82 bhp per litre
bhp/weight
torque 1300 nm / 958.8 ft lbs @ 3400 rpm
drive wheels Mid Engine / RWD
front brakes Brembro Discs
front wheels F 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18.0 x 9.5 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 33.0 cm / 18.0 x 13.0 in
front tire size 225/45ZR18
rear tire size 345/35ZR18
weight 1280 kg / 2822 lbs
length 4120 mm / 162.2 in
width 2080 mm / 81.9 in
height 1120 mm / 44.1 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
top speed 400 kph / 248.5 mph
0 - 60 mph 3.7 seconds

The 2009 has similar specs, but adds a little more horsepower under the hood:

"The German supercar Lotec Sirius was introduced earlier in the millennium by the previous Group C2 championship race winner Kurt Lotterschmid. It was propelled by a twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz 6.0-Liter V12 engine and was made available in several performance levels, beginning with about 850 hp (635 kW) up to 1,200 hp (895 kW) in some form.

In spite of a number of obstacles and eventual production setbacks surrounding the initial Sirius, Lotec intends to make available an improved version in 2009 and has released sample illustrations of the new vehicle. No specs have yet been given but our sources says that the new vehicle will probably yield less than the present version, most probably because of the preceding V12 mill no longer being offered. One element that will stay, however, will be the present version’s carbon-fiber over tubular steel-frame design structure. This hi-tech construction method allows the Sirius to tip the scales at less than 1,400 kg in spite being equipped with numerous creature comforts such as air-conditioning and power-steering. Although not established independently, Lotec says that its supercar was able to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, exceed 120 mph in 7.8 seconds and attain maximum speed of 242 mph." (http://www.4wheelsnews.com/2009-lotec-sirius-coming-with-more-power/)

audio amateur

10-05-2009, 10:05 AM

Lol, you guys seem to have something against VW :p
Speaking of which, the Sirocco (don't know if sold in the US), is a hot little car:
6125

audio amateur

10-05-2009, 10:29 AM

Here's the worlds fastest super car-

http://whatsthecrack.net/SSC-supercar-breaks-Bugatti-Veyrons-fastest-production-car-record
Interesting article. Top Gear (english program) tested the Veyron on an oval track and hit 407km/h (254 mph). It's brilliantly filmed just like all the other episodes, you can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da0YhGoyT9w

Feanor

10-05-2009, 11:04 AM

This is the Lotec I was refering to Feanor:
6124
One heck a good looking car, although I don't know much about it.
...

Yep, that's a looker alright, and better looking than the car in the link I found.

It's extremely sleek, so much so that I not seeing how it is less "bland" than the McLaren MP4-12C ...

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/webopt-mp4_12c_011_2.jpg

I love the large but sculpted air scoops ahead of the rear wheels. I really admire the smooth integration of the front grill. Yes, and I really like the color: silver is so banal nowadays.

nightflier

10-05-2009, 12:16 PM

From that angle it looks even more like an eclipse....

Feanor

10-05-2009, 03:06 PM

From that angle it looks even more like an eclipse....

This Eclipse? ...
http://mmna.cachefly.net/MMNA/eclipse/09/images/gallery/exterior/ecl09_pglgprev_ex_6.en-us.jpg

Well, I think the resemblance is less than remarkable but the Eclipse isn't such a bad looking car.

recoveryone

10-05-2009, 03:52 PM

well until I win the lottery, I'll have to stick with my daily driver

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5016/img0866ab1ku9.jpg

blackraven

10-05-2009, 09:48 PM

Lol, you guys seem to have something against VW :p
Speaking of which, the Sirocco (don't know if sold in the US), is a hot little car:
6125

I bought a brand new passat station wagon years ago. And in the first 12months i had to replace the oil pump, power steering pump and water pump all due to leaks. Needless to say, we traded it in before the warranty expired for a Mazda MPV which had no problems what so ever. And all German cars are very expensive to fix here in the U.S.. Insurance is higher because the parts cost so much.

nightflier

10-06-2009, 09:25 AM

I bought a brand new passat station wagon years ago. And in the first 12months i had to replace the oil pump, power steering pump and water pump all due to leaks. Needless to say, we traded it in before the warranty expired for a Mazda MPV which had no problems what so ever. And all German cars are very expensive to fix here in the U.S.. Insurance is higher because the parts cost so much.

Yep, replacing a cup-holder on my Saab will run you $400+. Adding XM radio something like $500. Brakes at least twice as much as any Toyota/Lexus. So if the Japanese can do it for half the price, why can't the Germans and the Swedes?

Speaking of the Japanese, some interesting designs are trickling out from across the Pacific, like the new NSX:

http://www.blog.automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/acura-nsx-spy-photo.jpg

But the most recent news is that Honda/Acura has shelved the project until American shoppers can actually afford it again. I guess for now the Japanese are happy getting the American Consumer to be satisfied with more hello-kitty fare like this monstrosity:

http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/nissan_pivo_2.jpg

Is anyone here really going to buy that?

ForeverAutumn

10-06-2009, 09:58 AM

http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/nissan_pivo_2.jpg

Is anyone here really going to buy that?

Isn't that the car that Bobsticks bought last year?

ForeverAutumn

10-09-2009, 07:22 AM

This seemed like the appropriate thread for this joke...

While she was flying down the road yesterday, a woman passed over a bridge only to find a cop with a radar gun on the other side lying in wait. The cop pulled her over, walked up to the car, with that classic patronizing smirk we all know and love, asked, 'What's your hurry?'

To which she replied, 'I'm late for work.'

'Oh yeah,' said the cop, 'what do you do?'

I'm a rectum stretcher,' she responded.

The cop stammered, 'A what?.............. A rectum stretcher? And just what does a rectum stretcher do?'

'Well,' she said, 'I start by inserting one finger, then work my way up to two fingers, then three, then four, then with my whole hand in I work from side to side until I can get both hands in, and then I slowly but surely stretch it, until it' s about 6 feet wide.'

'And just what the hell do you do with a 6 foot *******?' he asked

'You give him a radar gun and park him behind a bridge...'

nightflier

10-12-2009, 02:24 PM

I ran across this on Yahoo. Enjoy (or weep):

What Your Car Says About You (http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1139/what-your-car-says-about-you/)

jrhymeammo

11-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Looks like the Zonda now comes with the SME 345 tonearm and vacuum tubes.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/PaganiZondaFront.jpg
http://sumerasblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/pagani-zonda-f-roadster.jpg

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/1160/pagani-home-audio-with-zonda-exhaust-ports

http://media.audiojunkies.com/pagaini-home-audio-turntable-speakers-tube-amplifier.jpg

http://media.audiojunkies.com/pagaini-home-audio-turntable-speakers-tube-amplifier-2.jpg

audio amateur

11-09-2009, 04:00 AM

Feanor

11-09-2009, 06:28 AM

Looks like the Zonda now comes with the SME 345 tonearm and vacuum tubes.

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/1160/pagani-home-audio-with-zonda-exhaust-ports

Down-right SCARY hi-fi!! That sort of bling just doesn't appeal to me.

The car isn't much better. Too "Batman" for me. The McLaren is far sleeker and handsomer to my eye.

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mclaren_mp4_12c_side_main_a.jpg

nightflier

11-10-2009, 01:30 PM

Maybe it's that burnt-orange paint job that reminds me so much of the Eclipse....

jrhymeammo

11-10-2009, 01:59 PM

I don't know much about ribbon tweeters for boxed speakers.
Any idea who makes them?
Yeah, I don't care for that kind of bling either.

JRA

Feanor

11-10-2009, 04:38 PM

I don't know much about ribbon tweeters for boxed speakers.
Any idea who makes them?
Yeah, I don't care for that kind of bling either.

JRA
Why yes, yes I do know who makes them.

Presently the most prominent maker of ribbon tweeters are Fountek, HERE (http://www.fountek.net/products.htm), and Aurum Cantus, HERE (http://www.aurumcantus.com/aurumcantus-tweeter/index_tweeter.htm).

Fountek JP2.0 ...
http://www.fountek.net/products/jp20.jpg

audio amateur

12-09-2009, 05:08 AM

I saw that system at the Geneva Motor Show at the Pagani stand earlier this year. They were also exposing a VERY limited edition of the Zonda (only 5 are/will be made).
Don't find the system good looking at all... The car however, is a different matter:D
I happened to be browsing the pictures I took at the show, and realised the Pagani audio system was also in the picture with the Zonda.
The picture was taken with my 3 year old Sony Ericsson K800i phone.
6433

I also got to have a go on a Formula 1 simulator, which was pretty sweet:)
6434

E-Stat

12-09-2009, 02:22 PM

I happened to be browsing the pictures I took at the show, and realised the Pagani audio system was also in the picture with the Zonda.
Lots of carbon fiber I see!

I also got to have a go on a Formula 1 simulator, which was pretty sweet.
Cool. I understand that you get in first, then put on the steering wheel! I really enjoyed watching (and hearing) two of the F1 races at Indy back in 2001 and 2003. Their sound is very different from the seven liter motors at Can-Am races I used to watch at Road Atlanta. :)

rw

audio amateur

12-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Lots of carbon fiber I see!

Carbon fiber seems to be the norm in modern day supercars. It proves to be long lasting and lightweight.

Cool. I understand that you get in first, then put on the steering wheel! I really enjoyed watching (and hearing) two of the F1 races at Indy back in 2001 and 2003. Their sound is very different from the seven liter motors at Can-Am races I used to watch at Road Atlanta. :)

rw
In a real F1 yes you would enter with the steering wheel off, but not in this simulator.
F1s have very high revving engines. In 2005 their V10s were putting out in excess of 900 horses at 18000 rpm. Imagine this with no silencer... They are incredibly fast cars. In fact they have been detuned since, to about 700 BHP with V8s instead of V10s, stating that the V10s were simply too powerful.
Anyway back in summer '06, I heard on the radio about a Ferrari get together on a Sunday after church. This had been taking place for a couple days already, in the town of Montreux (Montreux jazz festival anyone?), which is the other side of the lake from Geneva. So I rang my best buddy who happens to be a car nut just as I am. So we rolled down there (about 45 min drive) and lived one of the best car moments of our lives, despite not being at the wheel.
There were Ferrari of all types, from the classic 288 GTO to the Enzo FXX (which is not even road legal by the way.) A circuit had been traced on the town center roads, with barriers to keep people off the 'track'. They had a couple Ferrari F1s unleashed. It was my first contact with a fired up F1. The first time it passed (I was about 3 meters from it), it downshifted, then miss-fired a few times which took me by surprise and scared me by how ridiculously loud it was. After that they had myriads of Ferraris with their owners driving around, it was amazing.
I would add a couple pictures but the stupid attachement link isn't loading...
In the mean time here is an incredible video that really shows off an F1 car. It's part of Fifth Gear an English car review program which stars Tiff Needell, a driver who had a short spell in Formula 1 racing back in the early '90s. It is part 2 of the video, there is also a part 1 if you want to see it. I was in awe the first time I watched it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkC70iFcJ04&NR=1

E-Stat

12-09-2009, 04:44 PM

This had been taking place for a couple days already, in the town of Montreux (Montreux jazz festival anyone?)
I can hear "Deep Purple's" Smoke on the Water right now.

It was my first contact with a fired up F1. The first time it passed (I was about 3 meters from it), it downshifted, then miss-fired a few times which took me by surprise and scared me by how ridiculously loud it was.
Yeah, earplugs are really a necessity for watching an entire race. Especially when there are five cars in close proximity all accelerating at the same time. The sound is seductive, but I treasure my HF response.

rw

Feanor

12-10-2009, 07:50 AM

Disappointed and rather sad is my reaction to much of the response to this thread.

For me it was first-and-formost the esthetic of the McLaren designed that appealed to me and motivate my posting. Instead, at least coming from seveal people, it has degenerated into techological, or worse still, macho brute machine drooling.

Again, while the technology of the McLaren is impecable, it was the visual design that appealed to me -- surely a level above such dog-ugly-ass vehicles as the Mercedes SLS or Porche Panamera. Oh, you sad, sad, dismal philistines. :ciappa:

http://blog.360dgrs.nl/wp-content/uploads/500x_2010-mercedes-sls-amg_522.jpg http://loadinform.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mercedes-sls-amg-panamericana-2010.jpg
http://www.carenvy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/porsche-panamera.jpg http://www.globalmotors.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/porsche-panamera-2.jpg

audio amateur

12-10-2009, 10:14 AM

Again, the new McLaren is too bland for my taste. I do love the original though.
My favourite supercar is and remains, the Lamborghini Murcielago

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2000-2003/2001-Lamborghini-Murcielago-speed-1280x960.jpg

and its younger sibling, the LP640
http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/magazine/images/2007lamborghinilp640/2007LamborghiniLP640BeautyRightWideDoorsOpen01Fixe dSmall.jpg

nightflier

12-10-2009, 12:10 PM

Well I wanted to know a bit more about the Panamera so I went to the dealer to check it out. They only had one, a black one with automatic transmission and a bunch of other expensive add-ons. Base price is $90K, but you won't walk out of there for less than $100K, and that's before taxes. I did get to drive it (huge surprise since they are real stingy about this). Well I'm not really sold on the looks, but for a 4-door that's one freaking bad-a$$ handling automobile. To get that kind of performance from a 4-door, you'd be looking at the Italian stuff for at least twice the price. Effortless acceleration and handling and, for a Porsche, a surprisingly quite cabin - they did their homework and listened to the all those SoCal suckers who bought into the Cayenne. The Panamera still has that sporty feel, though and while I couldn't really push it, it was a very fine car - I actually like it better than the BMW 6 (which in my book also looks awkward).

The salesman also made it clear that the Panamera is not made to be flashy on the outside, since that's kind of unpopular these days, but follows more the Bentley/Aston model of putting all the good stuff inside and under the hood. That's not really my bag, since I do appreciate a fine looking car and don't care so much for the uber-luxury fluff that is typically slathered inside these cars, but I guess in this economy, that's probably a safe bet. I thought it was cute how he compared the Panamera with Bentley and Aston.

P.S. The salesman also said that finding one of these with a stick will be next to impossible. I had to remind him that we were talking about Porsche, here, but that made little or no impression. So this is definitely for the Cayenne crowd, and thus, not really for me.

audio amateur

12-10-2009, 12:44 PM

You in the market for a car Nightflier?
It's cool that you got to drive one. Do you know what engine it had?

nightflier

12-10-2009, 12:59 PM

Yes, I'm trying to trade in a Saab 9-5, stick. It's stock, but fully loaded with everything the company had to throw into it and has very low miles. I got a great deal because it was a stick. Unfortunately, the company's not looking very good right now. I thought that by buying an American-backed, but foreign-designed and assembled car, I'd have the best of both worlds. That's one purchase I now regret, but who could have known three years ago when everything was pointing up?

Come to think of it, I should have traded-in when the Koenigsegg deal was still valid, but I really thought with them being Sweedish, that they would stick to their agreement. Last time I ever look on yellow-livered Koenigsegg in a positive light. I hope it comes back to bite those turn-coats in the a$$.

The Panamera was the base model, the S. The 4S and Turbo are even more expensive, and I think the law of diminishing returns would apply even more to those models. If I did still want to consider the Panamera, it would be the base model.

audio amateur

12-10-2009, 01:29 PM

That's a lot of money for a car. I guess it depends how much you have, how much your willing to spend and ultimately what you want...
I'm glad some people in the US still prefer stick. Are you looking for any car/type of car in particular?

Just going to add that the Turbo may be more expensive, but a lot faster.

nightflier

12-10-2009, 01:55 PM

Well the Panamera was more a curiosity. I can afford it, but that wouldn't exactly be sensible. I guess I'm looking for a 4-door sports car that has a manual transmission in the same class as the Saab. I have no issues buying used (although with a stick, I'd have my mechanic look it over first - been burned there already), but if I buy new before the end of the year, I pay almost no taxes. Not too comfortable buying American right now, but maybe there's something there. The socially-responsible angel on my right shoulder says buy a hybrid (which will include more tax incentives), but the little devil on my other shoulder reminds me that this will take years to pay for itself and I can pretty much forget about performance.

I really don't want to dump the Saab which still has the best performing 4 cyl engine I've ever driven, but I'm also pretty friggin pissed that no one is picking up the brand and that the stuck-up Sweedes have no issues letting it get torn to pieces by money-grubbing investors. And watching GM's posturing on it's "intellectual property rights" is kind of like complaining about bird sh1t on the windshield as the car's driving off a cliff.

audio amateur

12-10-2009, 03:32 PM

Given you can afford a Panamera, there are so many options you could choose from (even well under that budget). If you want some ideas/suggestions, feel free to PM. I'd be more than happy to shop with your money:-)

Auricauricle

12-10-2009, 03:32 PM

I think Jethro got this 'un right!

Feanor

12-11-2009, 06:15 PM

Again, the new McLaren is too bland for my taste. I do love the original though.
My favourite supercar is and remains, the Lamborghini Murcielago
...
and its younger sibling, the LP640

Those Lamborginis are gorgeous, no debate. To me they are almost as good looking as the McLaren.

I suspect that I know what you mean when you describe the McLaren as "bland". I think you mean lacking a "edge", a more masculine in sensibility than the McLaren. Laborghinis, to my eye, are a compromise between the smoother, almost feminine grace of the McLaren and the purely masculine "grunt" of the Mercedes SLS. The SLS is totally lacking any elegance or grace, but then no doubt many are looking for macho rather than elegance.

jrhymeammo

12-11-2009, 08:55 PM

audio amateur

12-12-2009, 04:15 AM

I'm not sure about the IS-F. I think the BMW M3 or Audi RS4 are better alternatives. But I guess the Lexus is always worth checking out.

audio amateur

02-24-2010, 03:32 AM

For you Feanor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e01YDUbM6UU&feature=player_embedded#

nightflier

02-24-2010, 09:44 AM

aa, I applaud all the research & performance, but I do hope they do something about the ho-hum looks of the new McLaren. Still looks like an Eclipse to me and that can't be good on the showroom floor. From across the street, people can't see the badge and a distinctive look is key, especially at those price points.

P.S. I know I said I was going to sell my Saab, but now that it's a Saab-Spyker, I think I'm going to hold onto it for now. Who knows, maybe I'll save up and buy one of these - I don't think this will be mistaken for an Eclipse, even in the rear-view mirror:

http://www.dieselstation.com/pics/2009-Spyker-C8-Aileron-car-picture.jpg

Actually, I like the convertible even better, and seems to fit in nicely here in SoCal (78 degrees this past weekend - you'd think it was early summer):

http://thespykercars.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/spyker-c8-spyder-01.jpg

audio amateur

02-24-2010, 10:18 AM

NF, i doubt people will mistake the McLaren for Eclipse. The car is uber wide, has all sort of air intakes and is probably half the height of the Eclipse. Cars usually look radically different in person, and by different I mean better. The first time I saw the Audi R8 in photo I wasn't enthrawled, but I saw one on the road the other day and it looked amazing (not that it was the first time I see it on road).

As for your Saab, there's nothing wrong with keeping it longer if you're enjoying it. It will give you time to look up more options and make a better decision in the future.

I don't believe Ive seen any Spykers on the road, but I have at the Geneva Motor Show. I also watched a review of one of them by Top Gear. It was a little too small (physically) for my liking. Here it is, typical Clarkson once again (a little offending in bits I find).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzwXmPuSFNc

Saver your pennies though, a new Honda (Acura) NSX is coming out, seen here lapping the Nurburgring. It sounds absolutely mental!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0OTEZDAb9c

nightflier

02-24-2010, 11:49 AM

Honda/Acura? It better not have that stupid smile on the front grille! Actually, that one in the video looks more like an Accord than it should. These car manufacturers really need to improve on the design side of things. Honda/Acura is at the bottom of my list when it comes to looks.

Yes, I know the Spykers aren't everyone's cup of tea. They don't really claim to be the fastest, best performing cars either, but they make up for that in exclusivity and style. I realize that McLaren looks a bit better than the Eclipse, but not by enough to stand out, IMO. That's my whole point. The Panamera is another one that completely pissed next to the pot - no matter what the dealer said. You can add most of the Japanese makers to that list too. Honda/Acura? Well I'm sure their sales figures (even adjusted for the economy) will make them wise-up. Subaru? Still has a waaayyys to go - they're trying, but considering how conservative the company is, things are not going to change very soon. Mitsubishi? Mitsu-who? Even Toyota/Lexus designs are getting a bit long in the tooth.

The point is, if you're going to spend $75K+ on a car, then it better not look like every other car on your street. If you're going to spend $150K+, it better like look the shizzle in the whole damn town, and once we get to McLaren and up territory, it better look like Halle Berry at a computer programmer's convention. I'm sorry, but I'm seeing none of that.

audio amateur

02-24-2010, 12:28 PM

I Hear what you're saying. Problem is, it's not as easy as drawing a good looking car and then start production. There's quite a bit of technical issues that you have to overcome, such as safety and technical issues (weight ratio, chassis, engine). Then you have the cabin in which you need to make sure there' s adequate head room leg room etc etc. There are so many things to consider when designing a car that limit the freedom of simply creating a work of art on the drawing board and then moving it to the production line.

IMO, the biggest bargain you can currently have are the Corvette ZR1 and the Nissan Skyline GTR. I do like the looks of the Corvette and the GTR's have grown on me. Both are absolute animals on the track.

nightflier

02-24-2010, 02:41 PM

Hence the reason they should cost a little more. No one said this was easy, but that is just the point when you get to the $100+ cars. Surely for that kind of money a car should look like it performs.

nightflier

03-08-2010, 11:52 AM

Move over Tesla, Panamera, R8, and that wilting Lotus. Granted it's just a concept sketch at this point, but check out the lines on this beauty:

9+Concept Car (http://www.saabsunited.com/2010/03/ed-grays-saab-spyker-9-concept-rendering.html)

(Sorry, they're Flash images and I couldn't link directly)

joner77

03-10-2010, 08:19 AM

Lamborghinis with their scissor doors are simple gorgeous. Those swing up doors definitely give that extra stunning look to their sports cars. Nothing beats that!!

nightflier

03-10-2010, 07:21 PM

audio amateur

03-11-2010, 05:45 AM

Lamborghini isn't the only car manufacturer to use scissor doors. Also, in some Lamborghinis it actually makes getting in & out less than ideal. I know we're nitpicking here, but if you're going to spend $200K for a car, they could at least engineer this a little better.
Actually, I can't think of any car manufacturer that uses scissor doors like the ones on Lamborghinis. The actual door keeps parallel with respect to the side of the car, whereas other scissor doors usually end up perpendicular to the side of the car when they are open.
I haven't had the priviledge of testing Lamborghini doors, so I can't comment on ease of getting in/out but at least you don't have to worry about hitting it against another door!

Feanor

03-11-2010, 06:10 AM

For you Feanor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e01YDUbM6UU&feature=player_embedded#
Thanks, a a. I see you posted a few days ago but I guess I wasn't paying attention.

The Mclaren looks good in black, but much prefer the gold-bronze -- or the Eclipse tone as 'Flier would have it.

Feanor

03-11-2010, 06:15 AM

aa, I applaud all the research & performance, but I do hope they do something about the ho-hum looks of the new McLaren. Still looks like an Eclipse to me and that can't be good on the showroom floor. From across the street, people can't see the badge and a distinctive look is key, especially at those price points.

P.S. I know I said I was going to sell my Saab, but now that it's a Saab-Spyker, I think I'm going to hold onto it for now. Who knows, maybe I'll save up and buy one of these - I don't think this will be mistaken for an Eclipse, even in the rear-view mirror:

http://www.dieselstation.com/pics/2009-Spyker-C8-Aileron-car-picture.jpg

Actually, I like the convertible even better, and seems to fit in nicely here in SoCal (78 degrees this past weekend - you'd think it was early summer):
...

You sadden me, 'Flier. The above is a design travesty. Are you implying it's more distinctive than the Mclaren? It's not unless you consider that a bunch of unintegrated bumps & lumbs makes it distinctive. Well maybe, but not in good way.

nightflier

03-11-2010, 01:42 PM

Feanor, I happen to like way the Skyker convertible looks. I'll grant you this: I'm not that crazy about the scoop on the roof of the hardtop, but the convertible works for me. I was a fan of Spyker's long before the Saab spotlight, but also for other design factors. The Spykers march to the beat of their own drum, design-wise. They seem to do the best job of merging the chrome-infused designs of 50 years ago with high performance. This isn't so easy to do and while this may be considered quirky for some, it actually makes for a very distinguished and unique looking car. Lots of people have seen Ferraris, Bentleys, and even McLarens, but how many people have seen a Spyker, much less driven one? It's a head-turner, more than many other cars.

A note about quirkyness: this is something that both Spyker and Saab have been saddled with, for better or for worse. What distinguishes the two philosophies is that the former is performance-driven with a sense of history/tradition, and the latter is Swedish practicality and futurist minimalist driven. That these two companies should merge opens up a world of opportunity for both. The hope is that Saab will gain some much needed performance and that Spyker gains some greater practicality in the process. I can't say that this will happen overnight, but the new designs that are coming out of the brain trust of the merged company are certainly exciting.

Speaking of the Lamborghini scissor doors, Spyker is one company that incorporates them:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Spyker.jpg

As well as some Bugattis, like the EB110. I'm sure there are others. The problem that I've run into on the Lamborghinis is that with such a low car, there's very little to hold onto when you're trying to climb under that thick door. What happens is that the tendency is to grab onto the door when you're getting in.

Speaking of comfort, I've driven a Countach as well as a Diablo, and I've sat inside a Spyker (though never driven it). When you're in the market for a $300K car, you're either a baller or in your 60's, and if I was either, I'd choose the Spyker, I think. This has nothing to do with exclusivity, either, but rather the feeling that your nuts are scraping way too close to the road when you're driving that Lambo. Something about that just doesn't feel right, even if they're already shriveled up from over-use, age, or both (which is quite likely if you're in that select group).

audio amateur

03-11-2010, 02:05 PM

I've driven a Countach as well as a Diablo
I REALLY need to move to California...
Seriously though, how did they drive? Were you able to floor it and extract every last pony from their glorious V12s? I want to know!

nightflier

03-11-2010, 02:47 PM

Never got out of 4th gear in the Diablo. Kind of hard to do more than that with the owner sitting right next to you. It's funny how some people love to ask you to drive their sports cars and then when you get to, they are critical about every little thing you do. Of course, with that kind of car, I suppose you have to be.

The Countach has an interesting story. When I was younger I used to hang out with a different crowd, the kind that lives in places like Hollywood Hills and Newport Coast. I got to go to a lot of parties and every once in a while even got to drive the nicer cars when someone needed a sympathetic driver who was willing to make puke-stops every three lights. Most of the cars were BMWs and Mercs, but one time it was a beautiful Lamborghini.

One night I was asked to drive home a woman who's date had stood her up. She was pretty wasted, was falling out of her dress, and could hardly walk - she was a good friend of the family hosting the party, so they wanted to make sure she got home safe and they asked me to drive her home - I was there with another group, but I wasn't drinking that night and I had a reputation for being the responsible one (kind of funny, really). I figured I'd grap a cab back and return in a half hour. The thought that she might be in a nice car didn't even dawn on me, but when we walked out to the valet, he drove up in a gorgeous white Countach with the reverse front scoop. Sad to say, but I carefully drove her home because I really didn't want anything to happen to it and also because it was a lot harder to drive than I ever expected, actually.

But the story gets better. When I dropped her off, her father was very nice to me because I had brought her home safe. He insisted I drove the car back and leave it at the party - he'd come by to pick it up in the morning as he was too tired to drive that night (it was pretty late). I suppose I could have given it a good workout, but frankly I was way too scared to. Anyhow, a cop tailed me for part of the way back and I had a feeling I had been "noted." So sorry to disappoint, but I didn't punch it, drove it extra carefully, and left the car at the party as requested.

All that being said, Lamborghinis really aren't my kind of car. They are far from comfortable and while the performance is supposed to be hair-raising, I have a hard time getting comfortable in one to experience that. There's something very stiff about the way they drive and they don't seem to work well for me. I'm also a big guy, so that's probably part of it too. Again for that kind of coin, I'd rather drive something more comfortable.

audio amateur

03-12-2010, 05:08 AM

What an awesome story! Good on you for being responsible. If I ever owned an exotic I would happily let you drive it:)

I can understand how they would be a handful to drive, especially the Countach. It probably didn't even have power steering...

Last summer I got to drive a Ferrari F-430 on a track, and although not 'hard' to drive, it wasn't the most comfortable. The ride was very bumpy, and the throttle was ever so responsive no matter what the engine speed, which means it was hard to drive smoothly. That was in a modern Ferrari... so I can imagine driving an F-40 would be more like driving the Countach.
However, I also got 4 laps in a Lamborghini Gallardo, and that I have to say was so much more enjoyable. The ride was smooth, and although the V10 was responding quite nicely to my right foot it wasn't uncomfortable. Generally speaking it was less of a handful to drive than the ferrari, and so was the stick shift Porsche GT3 that i also drove (the other two had the steering mounted paddle shifts).

Feanor

03-12-2010, 06:15 AM

Feanor, I happen to like way the Skyker convertible looks. ...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Spyker.jpg

....
It's pointless to argue with another person's esthetic taste.

I like the McLaren for it's feline, almost feminine grace; it's sleekness and what I might call "integration", i.e. all design features working together. And while the McLaren's performance might be strong, (I never even looked into that), my main motivator was the esthetics. We've see some other, very handsome cars here too; (the Lamborgini being maybe my favorite next to the McLaren). (I will never own, nor is it remotely like that I will ever even drive, any of them; my experience will be limited to looking at them.)

But speaking purely esthetically, my observation is that the majority here are more attracted to "edgy" or (intangibly) "masculine" or tough/rough-looking designs. What else can explain the appearance here of the Mercedes SLS for example? One may like it, but surely it has few of the design attributes I attributed above to the McLaren. As for the Skyker, no doubt it's an "attention grabber" as Nightfier says, but I'm still attracted to a more graceful, integrated esthetic.

nightflier

03-12-2010, 01:35 PM

Maybe this is a silly observation, but there seems to be some common ground between us audio guys and cars. I wonder if there is a correlation between an interest in auto aesthetics and audio gear aesthetics?

audio amateur

03-19-2010, 03:19 AM

Another for Feanor (or whoever else for that matter)
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/18032010/36/mclaren-unveils-details-its-ferrari-beater-0.html

Feanor

03-19-2010, 05:06 AM

Another for Feanor (or whoever else for that matter)
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/18032010/36/mclaren-unveils-details-its-ferrari-beater-0.html
For me it's still very much the looks of the car that matter, though it's nice to know it can drive with the competition.

I still like the orange-gold ...

http://l.yimg.com/i/ng/sh/carenthu/20100318/17/2371231791-mclaren-unveils-details-its-ferrari-beater.jpg?x=566&y=426&q=80&sig=C41qYA_H3_02UEPt2JuDjw--

But orange haters how have options ...

http://l.yimg.com/i/ng/sh/carenthu/20100318/17/2226987216-mclaren-unveils-details-its-ferrari-beater.jpg?x=566&y=425&q=80&sig=ZUAwJX.2mvEkcJnp4164cQ--

Does that above look less like an Eclipse??

nightflier

03-22-2010, 11:03 AM

OK, I'll grant that it looks a little less like an eclipse now that I've seen more pics, but there is still something very Japanese about the design elements. I don't know how to describe it, but maybe it's just the apparent size of it that looses any of the more muscled and dare-I-say, aristocratic appearance that other European car manufactures have. Perhaps it's just the lack of a distinctive grille? I don't know.

Feanor

03-22-2010, 11:52 AM

nightflier

03-22-2010, 03:58 PM

My point exactly. That front grille and other design queues, while not what we see on today's super cars is still reflected on them:

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/bmw_z10_render.jpg

http://www.rpmgo.com/images/ferrari_599_gtb_tuning.jpg

http://fecomi.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/mercedes-slc.jpg

All these cars have design elements that hearken back to their roots. But Japanese cars strive more to break with their traditional past and if it weren't for the logo, you wouldn't know if you were looking at a Toyota, a Honda or a Datsun inherited design. For example:

http://www.automopedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/toyota-ft-hs-concept1.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/HondaNSX_02.jpg

http://www.carblog.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/nissan-front.jpg

audio amateur

03-23-2010, 04:39 AM

What a gorgeous red 599! The SLS Mercedes doesn't have the round headlights (probably another prototype). As for the Bimmer, never seen that and I hope it nevers goes to production!
I see what you're saying about Japanese styling.

This week-end, I had my sister and her husband take me to a Ferrari dealer. There was a gorgeous F430 Scuderia convertible in the showroom, which he decided to sit in:D I did the same afterwards. I think it's the first time I sat in such an expensive car. It's worth £200 grand, so probably a good $250-300 grand. The bucket seats were just amazing and I can imagine they keep you right in place no matter how hard you are cornering. They are definitely not for fatties though, as even I felt quite snug in there!
The Scuderia is actually devoid of any type of carpeting to reduce any superfluous weight. It's a Ferrari stripped to its bones. A true track car. I heard one last summer, the engine note from the high-revving Ferrari V8 is unmistakable. Only in the Scuderia, it's 10 times louder than usual :D:D
I'll post a couple pics later if I have time.

Feanor

03-23-2010, 05:28 AM

What a gorgeous red 599! ....
I've gotta admit I love the Ferarri ...

http://www.cargurus.com/images/2008/03/21/10/24/pic-30258.jpeg

http://www.ethanolplug.com/Portals/0/mythickgallery/carsshots//15b_ferrari-599-gtb-fiorano.jpg

audio amateur

03-23-2010, 09:27 AM

No wonder it looks so good. It was prepared by Novitec Rosso...

E-Stat

03-23-2010, 09:35 AM

There was a gorgeous F430 Scuderia convertible in the showroom...
I remember seeing a 360 Spyder at the Indy F1 years back parked in the infield. What I like most is the clear decklid showing off its pretty parts. :)

http://www.carzi.com/wp-content/uploads/supermodel-ferrari-360-spider-autobahn-6.jpg

Whoops, these parts:

http://www.lamborghinihouston.com/images/Ferrari/360_Spider/971_H749/full/Ferrari_360_Spider_15.jpg

rw

audio amateur

03-23-2010, 09:41 AM

I'll take either:D

audio amateur

03-23-2010, 10:01 AM

The F360 is still one of the best looking Ferrari's ever to me, especially the race bred Challenge Stradale declension (sorry about the pic size):

http://www.exoticcarsite.com/multimedia/wallpapers/ferrari_360_challenge_stradale_wp-3.jpg

And here you can hear it (end of video):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KB2-ZT0u3w

Feanor

03-23-2010, 11:41 AM

My point exactly. That front grille and other design queues, while not what we see on today's super cars is still reflected on them:
...

http://fecomi.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/mercedes-slc.jpg

...
This Mercedes is a Gullwing prototype, I guess. It's more than slightly remenisant of the original. I like it better.

http://collegecars.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/1955_mercedes-benz_300sl_gullwing_coupe_34_right.jpg

E-Stat

03-23-2010, 04:51 PM

The F360 is still one of the best looking Ferrari's ever to me, especially the race bred Challenge Stradale declension.
That was the warm up race at the now defunct USA F1. They sound pretty cool, but just not in the same league as the older V-8 F1 motors.

rw

audio amateur

03-24-2010, 03:19 AM

V8's are back in style in Formula 1. And yes, the sound is very different still to a production Ferrari V8 but that might just be because F1 V8's rev to 18000 rpm:D
They are two very difference sounds and personally I think I prefer that of a normal Ferrari V8.

audio amateur

03-24-2010, 03:22 AM

This Mercedes is a Gullwing prototype, I guess. It's more than slightly remenisant of the original.
You're right, there's definitely a connection, even the doors

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/images/Mercedes/Mercedes-SLS-AMG-4.jpg

nightflier

03-24-2010, 10:00 AM

That ought to become a collectors item. What do new gull-wing puppies cost?

Back here on earth, there's a BMW Z-8 for sale in my neck of the woods for a mere $90K. No it isn't a practical, but dang, that's a nice ride and it's one of those "collector's items" I could see myself owning someday:

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/240/180/images/2010/2/1/274/378/14796927470.274378685.IM1.02.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=274378685&dealer_id=64995131&car_year=2000&rdm=1269453400555&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&model=Z8&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&scarid=260376225&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&position=top&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=92618&advanced=&end_year=2011&transmission=&doors=&max_price=&cardist=9&standard=false

audio amateur

03-24-2010, 12:11 PM

Back here on earth, there's a BMW Z-8 for sale in my neck of the woods for a mere $90K. No it isn't a practical, but dang, that's a nice ride and it's one of those "collector's items" I could see myself owning someday.
I don't recall the Z8 being so expensive when it was new. Has the price gone up?
Its 400 horsepower 5 liter V8 is no doubt the same as the one employed in the E39 ///M5. It's really an awesome engine. Here's a review of the ///M5 by Tiff Needell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbPVyY0cpcQ

http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/9307567/0405_01z+2003_bmw_e39_m5+rear_left_view.jpg

audio amateur

03-24-2010, 12:18 PM

Just going to add... http://jalopnik.com/5233407/garage+parked-bmw-m5-slaughtered-by-suv+drifting-teen

I can feel the pain...

nightflier

03-24-2010, 02:36 PM

Yes, the Z-8 has gone up in price, believe it or not. And that's in a down year economically! By the way, here's a fun clip of a $1M+ drag race, some of the cars we've been talking about are in it:

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audio amateur

03-24-2010, 02:44 PM

The Gran Turismo is overweight and underpowered. I really don't see the point...

Back to the Z8. Do you reckon it might be worth investing in one then?

nightflier

03-24-2010, 03:15 PM

They're selling from $85K up to $150K so yes, if I got it at a good price, babied it, and kept the miles low, it could actually be a "good" investment.

There's not many cars that appreciate like that, especially not at that price-point. BTW, Spykers appreciate too, but they significantly more expensive. I heard that Tesla's sedan should appreciate initially too.

nightflier

04-21-2010, 09:41 AM

For those who are fans of the new McLarens, here's a Winding Road Weekly article about the manufacturing/assembly process with some good pictures:

http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/57/ (http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/57/)
(This is an all-Flash page, so I can't link to the exact article, but it's a link off the middle of the page)

Something else I noticed is that McLaren is also putting a stupid grin on the front of it's car. You'd think they would have learned from the Japanese that this isn't a selling point.

audio amateur

05-27-2010, 12:55 PM

Just one of my dream (hyper) cars and favourite track put together... Hear those down-shifts!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyEtOGTstik&feature=related

I think the driver must have wet himself a bit at 2 mins 52 :)

Here's a pic of the car, in case you're wondering
http://media.nextautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/430_scuderia.jpg

Feanor

02-16-2011, 11:46 AM

Hey! I'm still loving the McLaren MP4-12C. :) Got a nice review from Winding Road, HERE (http://www.windingroad.com/articles/reviews/driven-2012-mclaren-mp4-12c/).

Yes! I do like the color too!

http://media.windingroad.com/autos_db/galleries/McLaren_10____jpg_900x900_q100.jpg
http://media.windingroad.com/autos_db/galleries/McLaren_13____jpg_900x900_q100.jpg
http://media.windingroad.com/autos_db/galleries/McLaren_16____jpg_900x900_q100.jpg
http://media.windingroad.com/autos_db/galleries/McLaren_8____jpg_900x900_q100.jpg