Mars Photo
by NASA
Eva Longoria Amazing Photos
Eva Longoria Parker (born March 15, 1975) is a Golden Globe Award-nominated American film and television actress. She plays Gabrielle Solis in the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. She has also become an internationally recognized model after appearing in several high-profile advertising campaigns and numerous men’s magazines. Longoria is also known for her high profile relationship with French NBA guard Tony Parker, whom she married in 2007.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Photos
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car that has been manufactured by Chevrolet since 1953. It is built today at a General Motors assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but in the past it was built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri. It was the first all-American sports car built by an American car manufacturer. The National Corvette Museum and annual National Corvette Homecoming are also located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
This is it. The speculation, rumors and half-truths can now be set aside — this is the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, officially revealed for all the world to see. Powered by a supercharged LS9 6.2L small-block engine, the ZR1 hasn’t even received an official horsepower number from the engineers toiling away at the General. All Harlan Charles, project manager for the Corvette team was able to tell us last week was the new high-powered ‘Vette engine is “capable of producing at least 100 horsepower per liter. That’s at least 620 horsepower, and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque.” Chevrolet wasn’t even able to give us a time on the 0-60. Charles was only willing to say “it’s in the low three seconds.” The small-block engine under the hood is only able to hit those massive numbers due to the addition of the positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design plus an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for increased performance. That’s the “go” end, but the “whoa” end is just as impressive. The ZR1 gets some simply huge carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors. They’re so big and are required to be so powerful they’re using the same 15-inch-diameter discs found on the front of a Ferrari 599. Except on the ZR1, they go on the 20″ tires in the rear. In the front, they’ll be getting even larger 15.5-inch-diameter rotors. Yup, they’re simply breathtaking to see up-close. For the time being everyone else will have to check out the gallery below or the full press release after the jump.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a 2008 adventure film. It is the fourth Indiana Jones film and the twenty-sixth chronologically in the character’s film and television appearances. It is directed by Steven Spielberg, produced by George Lucas and stars Harrison Ford in the title role. It also stars Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, John Hurt and Karen Allen. Set in 1957, the film centers around the mysterious crystal skulls, and pits Indiana Jones against agents of the Soviet Union.
The film was in development hell since the 1989 release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, because Spielberg, Lucas and Ford wanted the best script possible. Screenwriters Jeb Stuart, Jeffrey Boam, M. Night Shyamalan, Frank Darabont and Jeff Nathanson wrote drafts, before a script by David Koepp satisfied all three men in 2006. Shooting finally commenced on June 18, 2007, and took place at locations in New Mexico, New Haven, Connecticut, Hawaii and soundstages in Los Angeles. In order to keep aesthetic continuity with the previous films, there will be minimal use of computer generated imagery and more of a reliance on traditional stuntwork, with Ford performing many of his own stunts. The film is due for release on May 22, 2008.
During the late 1970s, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg made a deal with Paramount Pictures for five films about archaeologist Indiana Jones. Following the theatrical release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989, Lucas let the series end as he felt he could not think of a good plot device to drive the next installment. Lucas stated that he became fascinated with crystal skulls while producing The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles in 1992. He feels that as a plot device, the skulls are as strong as the Ark of the Covenant. Spielberg and Harrison Ford balked as they found the concept of the crystal skulls was too similar to the previous films, and two years were spent reworking it into something more acceptable. Spielberg wanted to make the film because it was a chance to reunite with Lucas and Ford, as well as to please his children and the Indiana Jones fan base.
Writing
In 1992, Jeb Stuart was hired to write a screenplay. In 1995, Lucas called Last Crusade writer Jeffrey Boam back to pen another draft. M. Night Shyamalan was hired as Boam’s replacement for an intended 2002 shoot, but he left because of what Ford described as “the failure of George and Steven to attend to him.” Shyamalan was overwhelmed writing a sequel to a film he loved like Raiders of the Lost Ark, and admitted it was difficult to get Ford, Spielberg, and Lucas to focus. Lucas admitted he would not be able to give the project his full attention until he completed the final Star Wars film in 2005. Afterwards, Stephen Gaghan and Tom Stoppard were approached to write a new screenplay.
With a title already planned, Frank Darabont, who wrote several episodes of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, was hired in May 2002 to write. Darabont’s screenplay was set in the 1950s, after the demise of the Nazi regime, and featured cameos from Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw). It did not have Jones’ son. In December 2002, Spielberg said he planned to shoot two films before filming Indiana Jones 4 in 2004 for a 2005 release. He also dismissed the possibility of shooting it digitally. In February 2004, Lucas rejected the draft for reasons unknown, although Spielberg called this version the best screenplay since Raiders of the Lost Ark.
script was handed over to David Koepp. As 2006 began, Harrison Ford declared that if the film was not made by 2008, then the filmmakers should drop the idea altogether. Spielberg confirmed Indiana Jones 4 as his next film, calling it “the sweet dessert I give those who had to chow down on the bitter herbs that I’ve used in Munich”. Koepp tried not to make his work a “fan script”, in that he hoped to avoid any trivial references to the previous films, saying “That’s tempting, because you’ve seen the movie a hundred times and you know all the dialogue, but no human being remembers exactly what they said 25 years ago word for word, much less make reference to it. So you try to put aside the other movies and yet be in the spirit of them.” He also noted the story would have to acknowledge Ford/Indiana’s age.
Filming
On December 29, 2006, Lucas confirmed that he, Spielberg and Koepp finished the script, and that Indiana Jones 4 would commence filming in 2007. Filming began on June 18, 2007 at Deming, New Mexico, for scenes set in Morocco. An extensive chase scene was filmed between June 28-July 7 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, which doubled as Indiana Jones’ Marshall College. They moved to Hawaii, shooting twenty percent of the film for three weeks on private property, keeping production secretive. Hawaii stands in for a South American rainforest. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is the biggest film shot in Hawaii since Waterworld, and will generate $22 million to $45 million in the local economy. Half the film was scheduled to shoot on soundstages at Los Angeles. These included Downey, California. Filming moved to Chandler Field in Fresno, California, substituting for Mexico City International Airport, on October 11, 2007. After shooting aerial shots of Chandler Airport and a DC-3 on the morning of October 12, 2007, filming wrapped.
Effects
Producer Frank Marshall stated in 2003 that the film would not rely on CGI; it would instead use traditional special effects and stuntwork so as to be consistent with the previous films. He reiterated this in 2006. During filming, Spielberg anticipated “30%” of visual effects would be CGI, for elements such as backdrops. With Ford performing many of his stunts, Spielberg stated he could not tell the difference between Ford during the shoots for Last Crusade and Crystal Skull. While shooting War of the Worlds in late 2004, Spielberg met with stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong, who doubled for Ford in the previous films, to discuss three action sequences he had envisioned. However, Armstrong was filming The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor during shooting of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, so Dan Bradley was hired in his stead. Ben Burtt, who served as sound designer for the previous films and was an editor and director on The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, will not work on this film, as he left Lucasfilm in 2005.
Music
John Williams stated on the 2003 DVD documentary The Music of Indiana Jones that he hoped to return to write the score for the film, as he did for the previous three. In June 2007, Williams’ company, the Gorfaine-Schwartz Agency, confirmed that Williams would be involved with the film. Williams began scoring the film in October 2007.
Release
Lucas intended to unveil the title with the first teaser trailer, originally scheduled for Thanksgiving 2007, but Shia LaBeouf announced it earlier at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards on September 9, 2007. The trailer was later said to be released “just before Christmas” of 2007. According to Paramount Pictures executive Rob Moore, the film will be released on both the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats as part of its eventual home video release.
Marketing
Hasbro and Lego will produce toy lines for the film, and LucasArts will release two new Indiana Jones video games. The working title of one is Indiana Jones, and the other is a Lego edition. Burger King and Hallmark Cards will produce tie-ins. Random House, Scholastic, and DK will publish books, and Del Rey Books will publish the novelization, written by James Rollins. Scholastic will release a children’s novelization, alongside adaptations of the previous films. Dark Horse Comics will publish a comic book adaptation of the film, written by John Jackson Miller and drawn by Luke Ross (Samurai: Heaven and Earth). Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing, attributed the massive marketing push to the fact that “It’s been nineteen years since the last film, and we are sensing a huge pent-up demand for everything Indy.”
Leaked plot details and theft
An extra in the film, Tyler Nelson, violated his nondisclosure agreement and gave an interview to the The Edmond Sun on September 17, 2007, which was then picked up by the mainstream media. In the interview, Nelson revealed several plot details from the film. Spielberg has yet to decide if he will cut Nelson’s scene. At Nelson’s request, The Edmond Sun subsequently pulled the story from its website. On October 2, 2007, a Superior Court order was filed finding that Nelson knowingly violated the agreement. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
On October 2, 2007, it was reported that a number of production photos and sensitive documents pertaining to the film’s production budget were stolen from Steven Spielbergs production office. An official with the Indiana Jones production reported the items missing on September 24 to the Sheriff’s Department. Marvin Levy, Steven Spielberg’s spokesman, said the director was concerned that the thieves would try to sell the materials, and on October 2, the people believed to be involved in the burglary sent out e-mails to several entertainment gossip websites offering to sell the images. According to IESB, TMZ.com obtained some of the stolen property and was on the verge of running the story on its TV division until Paramount lawyers stepped in. After Paramount was notified about the emails, they contacted sheriff’s investigators. A member of the online press helped the detectives by posing as a potential buyer and setting up a meeting in West Hollywood. When the seller arrived, he was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property. On October 4, Roderick Eric Davis, age 37, was charged with one felony count of receiving stolen property. He later pleaded guilty to two felony accounts and will serve two years and four months in jail.
Jennifer Love Hewitt
When she was 4 she disappeared in a restaurant-dance hall, she was later found on the stage singing “Help Me make It Through The Night”. By 5, she was taking tap, jazz, and ballet lessons, which led her to joining the Texas Show Team, which toured the Soviet Union and Europe. The talent scouts advised her that even at age 10 moving to LA would help her career and it did. Love quickly found commercial work and a role on Disney’s “Kids Incorporated” where she met future co-star Scott Wolf. While doing Party of Five she took correspondence classes from Laurel Springs High School for Young Actors and graduated in 1998.
You may know her for her acting (which she was quite successful), but she has three solo albums as well. One of her goals after acting is to be a child psychiatrist. She founded and runs Love Spell Entertainment (her own production company!). Love sent 3 dozen pink roses along with a 2-page letter to Gwyneth Paltrow the night before Paltrow won the Oscar in 1999. Paltrow sent a reply a week later, and Love framed it “it’s my favorite thing”. When the 2 actresses met for the first time at the 2000 Golden Globes, “she came up to me and gave me a hug for the flowers. I thought I was going to pass out. I was absolutely going to have a heart attack,” Love said.
We hear she likes strawberries with whipped cream and chocolate. Her best friend’s her Mom! Many TV appearances, Movies, loads of interviews, magazine articles, and her music is absolutely beautiful. Young, talented, Jennifer Love Hewitt.
After moving to Los Angeles, Hewitt appeared in more than twenty television commercials. Her first break came as a child actor on the Disney Channel variety show Kids Incorporated (1989–1991). During this time she danced in and sang all the songs for a live action video called “Dance! Workout With Barbie” released by Buena Vista.
In 1992, she played Pierce Brosnan’s daughter in a pilot for NBC called Running Wilde, which featured Brosnan as a reporter for Auto World magazine whose stories cover his own wild auto adventures, but the series wasn’t picked up and the pilot never aired. She later played on television in several short-lived series, such as Fox’s Shaky Ground (1992–1993), ABC’s Byrds of Paradise (1994), and McKenna (1994–1995). Finally, Hewitt became a young star after landing the role of Sarah Reeves on the popular Fox Television show Party of Five (1995–1999), joining the cast during its second season. She continued the same role in the short-lived Party of Five spin-off, Time of Your Life (1999). Hewitt was also one of the producers, but the show was cancelled after only half a season.
She made her film debut in the independent film Munchie (1992). Hewitt became a film star after a lead role in the horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997). The film had great box-office success (125,000,000 U.S. dollars worldwide), and Hewitt became one of the most popular young stars in the USA (together with her co-stars: Freddie Prinze Jr., Ryan Phillippe, and Sarah Michelle Gellar). She also appeared in the sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998), which was not as successful as the first film but brought in more money than the first on its opening weekend. Other notable film roles included the high-school comedy Can’t Hardly Wait (1998) and a starring role with Sigourney Weaver in the romantic comedy Heartbreakers (2001).
In 2000, Hewitt appeared in The Audrey Hepburn Story. That same year, she was the “most popular actress on television” due to her Q-rating (a measurement of a celebrity’s popularity) of thirty-seven. For that reason, Nokia chose her to become its spokesperson, because of her “fresh image”, and her being “a symbol of youthfulness and wholesomeness”.
In 2001, she appeared in the music video for the Enrique Iglesias song, “Hero”, as the singer’s love interest.
Hewitt wrote I’m Gonna Love You for the movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame II because, although she was a well-known singer at the time, her character Madellaine was the only character who didn’t sing in the movie. The song won an award for Best Song on DVD Awards.
Since September 2005, Hewitt has starred in the television series Ghost Whisperer. In Australia, Ghost Whisperer has been popular since its introduction; in the United States, the show averages 9-11 million viewers for each new episode. Hewitt has also auditioned for many roles. She lost the role of “Juliet” in Romeo + Juliet to Claire Danes at the last moment. She also had to give up the role of “Darlene” in Brokedown Palace because of scheduling conflicts. Hewitt also auditioned for the role of “Elektra” in Daredevil.
To date, she has released four albums with some success, most notably in Japan. Her first album was released in Japan, where she is widely considered a pop star. Her explanation for her success in Japan is that the Japanese “love perky music. The poppier the music, the better.”
Hewitt confirmed that she would not pose nude or do nude scenes in movies.
Sexy Halloween
Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting “haunted houses” and carving jack-o-lanterns. The term Halloween (and its alternative rendering Hallowe’en) is shortened from All-hallow-even, as it is the eve of “All Hallows’ Day”,[1] which is now also known as All Saints’ Day. Some modern Halloween traditions developed out of older pagan traditions, especially surrounding the Irish holiday Samhain, a day associated both with the harvest and otherworldly spirits. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century. Halloween is now celebrated in several parts of the Western world, most commonly in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom and occasionally in parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Many European cultural traditions, in particular Celtic cultures, hold that Halloween is one of the liminal times of the year when spirits can make contact with the physical world, and when magic is most potent (according to, for example, Catalan mythology about witches and Scottish and Irish tales of the Sidhe).
History of Halloween, like any other festival’s history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. We follow them mostly as did our dads and grandpas. And as this process goes on, much of their originality get distorted with newer additions and alterations. It happens so gradually, spanning over so many ages, that we hardly come to know about these distortions. At one point of time it leaves us puzzled, with its multicolored faces. Digging into its history helps sieve out the facts from the fantasies which caught us unaware. Yet, doubts still lurk deep in our soul, especially when the reality differs from what has taken a deep seated root into our beliefs. The history of Halloween Day, as culled from the net, is being depicted here in this light. This is to help out those who are interested in washing off the superficial hues to reach the core and know things as they truly are. ‘Trick or treat’ may be an innocent fun to relish on the Halloween Day. But just think about a bunch of frightening fantasies and the scary stories featuring ghosts, witches, monsters, evils, elves and animal sacrifices associated with it. They are no more innocent. Are these stories a myth or there is a blend of some reality? Come and plunge into the halloween history to unfurl yourself the age-old veil of mysticism draped around it.
Behind the name… Halloween, or the Hallow E’en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the ‘All Hallows’, also called ‘All Hallowmas’, or ‘All Saints’, or ‘All Souls’ Day, observed on November 1. In old English the word ‘Hallow’ meant ’sanctify’. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints’ Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1. The Greek Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called “Samhain”, celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Samhain is pronounced “sow-in”, with “sow” rhyming with cow. In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe’en. In Welsh it’s Nos Galen-gaeof (that is, the Night of the Winter Calends. According to the Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society: “Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered. Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From it the half year is reckoned. also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess).(1) The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary defines it as “Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer.”(2) Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity. The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for the British, and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a “lord of death” as such. Thus most of the customs connected with the Day are remnants of the ancient religious beliefs and rituals, first of the Druids and then transcended amongst the Roman Christians who conquered them.
Evangeline Lilly Amazing Photos
Evangeline Lilly has always been interested in social causes. Since age 14, she has been involved in everything from children’s causes to missionary work in the Philippines, but she always dreamed of becoming an actress. When she was approached by the Ford modeling agency in Kelowna, British Columbia, she turned down Ford’s first offer, electing instead to pursue charitable causes.
Evangeline worked as an airline hostess and waitress for a brief time. She eventually agreed to a modeling contract in order to pay for her tuition and receive her international relations degree from the University of British Columbia. Since starting her acting/modeling career, she has appeared in episodes of TV shows like Smallville (2002), Tru Calling (2003) and the miniseries Stephen King’s Kingdom Hospital (2004). Evangeline also appeared as a model in the 2003 film Stealing Sinatra and as a corpse in 2005’s The Long Weekend.
Evangeline is now the star of the sci-fi television drama Lost, which scored a huge hit for ABC, and she was named the second sexiest woman in the world by Maxim magazine in 2005. Evangeline also has many other talents: she speaks French fluently and enjoys outdoor sports such as ice skating, snowboarding, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Lilly was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada to a devoutly Christian family. Her father is a home economics teacher, and her mother is a beauty consultant. Lilly also has a younger sister, whom she has described as “the actor in the family.” During her childhood, the family did not have a television.
Before leaving the city of Fort Saskatchewan at the age of 10, she attended three elementary schools. She briefly attended Fort Elementary, Rudolph Henning and James Mowat Elementary. During a phone interview with the local paper, The Record, Evangeline was quoted saying, “When I was a kid, the Fort was tiny. I could ride my bike at five years old from one end of town to the other … To me Fort Saskatchewan holds a lot of really great memories. I just consider it a little happy hideaway.” She also recalled a favorite memory saying, “I remember that there was a drunk driver who was wheeling through town. I remember literally the men sending the women and children into the homes. Then they gathered themselves and ran after this truck. They actually jumped into the cab and jumped onto the window and forced the guy to pull over and go to the cop shop.”
Lilly served briefly as a foreign missionary and lived in a grass hut in the Philippines at the age of 18. She was offered a missionary post there for two years, an offer she nearly accepted but eventually declined because of her parents’ wishes. She founded and ran a world development and human rights committee while studying international relations at the University of British Columbia. She has been a volunteer for children’s projects since she was 14. Lilly is a former flight attendant of Air Canada, and speaks French fairly well.
John Rambo Attacking Soon. New Rambo Movie Trailer and Rambo Photos.
Rambo is a saga of popular action films starring Sylvester Stallone, based on the characters created by David Morrell in his novel First Blood. The films are: First Blood (1982), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), and Rambo III (1988). A fourth film, titled John Rambo, is expected in February 2008. The films focus on a troubled Vietnam War veteran, John James Rambo, who is greatly skilled in all aspects of survival and guerrilla warfare.
In popular culture, the name has become an eponym for a tactic of military aggression or, alternatively, a person demonstrating heroism through extreme violence.
The fictional character of Rambo (John J. Rambo according to First Blood) was born on July 6, 1947 in Bowie, Arizona of Native American and German descent. He joined the United States Army on August 6 1964, shortly after leaving high school. Rambo was deployed to South Vietnam in September 1966. He returned to the U.S. in 1967 and began training in the Special Forces (Green Berets) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In late 1969, Rambo was re-deployed to Vietnam. In November 1971, Rambo was captured by North Vietnamese forces near the Chinese-Vietnamese border. At the POW camp, Rambo was tortured along with other American POWs. Rambo escaped captivity in May 1972, but was then re-deployed. Rambo was discharged on September 17, 1974. In his return to the U.S., Rambo discovered that many civilians hated returning soldiers from Vietnam. His experiences in Vietnam resulted in an extreme case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
About eight years later, Rambo has difficulty adjusting to civilian life (presumably after losing his job managing motor vehicles) and wanders the country as a drifter. He eventually has a run in with the police in a rural Washington State town (in the novel, the town was located in rural Kentucky), which results in Rambo being the subject of a manhunt which culminates in the destruction of most the town’s main street, and Rambo being taken into custody by his former special forces commander, Colonel Trautman. In the second installment of the series, Rambo is tasked by Col. Trautman to return in Vietnam to search for American POWs remaining in Vietnamese captivity. After another successful mission, Rambo goes to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan and rescue a captured Col. Trautman.
Top 10 Of Worlds Fastest Cars
1. Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron 253mph+, 0-62mph 2.5 seconds
The extended, presented study has numerous technology highlights. Similar to the racing cars for the Formula One and Le Mans, the self-supporting body of the EB 16.4 is manufactured in carbon fiber technology. The car body is made of aluminum which reduces weight to a minimum.
The extraordinary design of the EB 16,4 Veyron also appears in the interior.
The extended, presented study has numerous technology highlights.
The large 20 inch wheels with a front tire size of 245-690 R 520 A and a rear tire size of 335-710 R 540 A show clearly the high sporty requirements of the EB 16,4 Veyron. With the special tires developed by Michelin, the Bugatti can even be driven with all the air lost from the tire up to 200 kilometers at speeds up to 80 km/h and without the handling becoming unsafe.
There, luxury and sporty design elements form a tremendous and comfortable atmosphere in the interior.
The design and arrangement of the operating elements are a resemblance to the historical Bugatti racing cars.
A high-end sound system from the Berlin manufacturer of outstanding hi-fi systems, Dieter Burmester, creates a perfect audio spectrum in the interior.
A large round central instrument is surrounded by four round supplementary instruments, which focus attention on the most essential information.
In close co-operation with the Bugatti design team , the optimal arrangement of the components has already been fixed during the development of the monocoques bodyshell in order to get the best possible of function and design.
The exciting study of the EB 16,4 Veyron impresses by the use of racing technology and a daring design. The identification “Veyron” is to remind of the former Bugatti plant driver Pierre Veyron, who was able to win with a Bugatti the 24 hours of Le Mans in the year 1939.
Default was to reflect the character and the myth of the brand Bugatti. The power of the engine reaches the wheels through a permanent all-wheel drive system, which guarantees a high traction.
The Veyron with a length of now 4.466 millimeters and a height of 1.206 millimeters is a flat super sports car which combines sensory and dynamic elements in the same way.
The aluminum body finished in two colors, namely ” Rouge Ventoux and Noir” has a very tasteful interior.
The car body is made of aluminum which reduces weight to a minimum.
Similar to the racing cars for the Formula One and Le Mans, the self-supporting body of the EB 16.4 is manufactured in carbon fiber technology.
The “super- Bugatti” is powered by a 16 cylinder engine, which is installed as a mid-engine ahead of the rear axle. The 8.0 liter engine in the W 16 design has two exceptionally narrow V8 cylinder blocks. For this reason it is a visual and unique product !
The engine is installed as a mid-engine and develops 1001 HP with its four turbocharges. It accelerates from a standstill to 300 km/h in less than 14.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 400 km/h .
The engine with its 64 valves has 1001 HP; however a futur engine with 1200 HP is planned. Its maximum torque reaches enormous 1.250 newton-meters.
The 16 cylinders are visible and installed directly behind the two seats. They are conspicous because of the two silver colored intakes.
2. Koenigsegg CCX 245mph+, 0-62mph 3.2 seconds
February 24th, 2006 - To meet international regulations and take advantage of the market potential in America, Koenigsegg have revamped and retooled their CCR supercar into the CCX. Named to commemorate 10 years since the first prototype saw the light of day, the CCX now meets the strict California emissions limits as well as other tough US safety laws. Fortunately, this process let Koenigsegg improve the CC, and as a result the CCX is larger and more refined.
So much so, the Koenigsegg won Top Gear’s coveted test track challenge, but not without infamy. First time the around, the Koenigsegg went off the track, swallowing a tire, and was ridiculed for not having enough downforce. Fortunately, Koenigsegg weren’t turned off by the mishap when they repaired and returned the car with a new downforce lip to suit Top Gear’s presenters. The effort became worthwhile when 1:17.6 was achived, beating the Zonda F, Maserati MC12 and Ferrari Enzo.
For certification, one of the major issues Koenigsegg faced was conforming to bumper tests and safety issues while retaining the same basic shape that claimed the title of world’s fastest 2005 production car. To do so they drafted a new set of body panels that lengthened the CC and made many more performance revisions possible. Changes now include a new front end with scoop for cockpit cooling, wheel extractors behind the front arches and new side rocker panels that enhance the under tray aerodynamics. At the back, more room is made for the exhaust, and better ducting helps the engine bay stay cooler. And just for that added flair, the supercharged V8 engine can now be seen through a clear covering.
Koenigsegg also spent a lot of development time to cast their own V8 that could drink US-grade, 91 octane fuel, yet still run at a high compression ratio. In the past, these engines were controversial, as they used a Ford Racing block with Koenigsegg manufactured components. However, for the CCX, Koenigsegg have made their own block casting, leaving no connections to Ford or the Mustang.
Despite all the regulatory changes, the CCX is still one of the world’s fastest supercars. Back in early 2005, a CCR supercar had won the fastest production car title when it achieved 241 mph (387.87 kph) on at Italy’s Nardo Track. However, with the introduction of the long awaited Veyron, Bugatti became the king of the hill and made the CCR second.
With the CCX debut slated for an upcoming debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, we can only hope that Koenigsegg might get sweet revenge. Their supercar, engineered and constructed in Sweden, certainly has the hallmarks of modern design: a carbon fibre monocoque, a supercharged V8 located mid-ship and an inboard, double wishbone suspension.
Each CCX is will be specially ordered, and for 2006, Koenigsegg have added a tasty list of new ingredients. Now on menu are carbon fibre wheels and carbon fibre disc brakes which can shed 11 lbs (5 kgs) per corner. Each car comes with a storable hard top and long list of equipment. A ’standard’ car is delivered for $540 000 USD, while a fully laden car, like the one in our spec table comes for $610 910 USD.
(Story by Supercars)
3. Bristol Fighter T 225mph+, 0-62mph 3.5 seconds
Unlikely as it might sound, Bristol Cars is set to unleash a car with more power, more torque and potentially a higher top speed than the Bugatti Veyron.
The 8-litre V10 Fighter supercar is now available with two intercooled turbos, boosting power to a scarcely believable 1012bhp at 5600rpm and, even more stunningly, 1036lb ft at 4500rpm. According to Bristol’s calculations, the new Fighter T, as the car has been named, should be capable of ‘over 270mph’. However, customer cars will be limited to just 225mph.
Priced at ?346,625 – around ?115,000 more than the standard 525bhp Fighter – the first T will be delivered in September 2007. The average Fighter owner (if there is such a thing) covers over 10,000 miles per year in their hand-built, front-engined supercar, and many use them for trackdays.
The most common request the factory receives is for ‘more power’.
Bristol has a good relationship with Chrysler, which supplies its 8-litre V10 to Bristol’s own specifications for the Fighter and (628bhp, normally aspirated) Fighter S models, but had to work on the turbocharger system in its own engineering facility in Florida. The results are startling, and Toby Silverton, owner and engineering force behind Bristol, is adamant that the T is just as docile and tractable around town as the standard car. He also says that it’s ‘incredibly good fun’ and that ‘it gets up to 225mph [at just 4500rpm] very quickly indeed’.
The engine’s internals have been reinforced to cope with the turbos blowing at 10psi, and the six-speed gearbox is thoroughly uprated. Torque is limited up to around 85mph (both for improved traction and for the sake of the ‘box), but Silverton says the car has remarkable traction thanks in large part to its 48/52 weight distribution.
The T’s chassis is 30 per cent more rigid than a regular Fighter’s, allowing the fitment of stiffer springs and dampers, and a thicker front anti-roll bar.
The Fighter has always been a bit of an oddball supercar, and with the T it’s even more intriguing. However, you’ve got to admire the sheer absurdity of a 1012bhp, 225mph supercar from a tiny British engineering company. If the car verifies its 270mph+ potential at Nardo (and Silverton says it will) then the huge expenditure and massive delays suffered by the Veyron will start to look very silly indeed…
(Story by EVO)
4. Gumpert Apollo 224mph, 0-62mph 3.0 seconds
Gumpert are now assembling a range of the most daring supercars built around Audi components. Their first saleable product, which has started its show rounds, is a production version of the Apollo mid-engine supercar seen earlier this year. It’s powered by a twin turbo Audi V8, and if the spec tables are to be believed, new owners can be treated to 60mph in just 3.0 seconds.
The Apollo just might be capable of such a run. Its carbon fibre body sits atop a chrome molybdenum alloy and steel frame that supports an RS6 engine cranked out to 650 bhp. With this setup the Gumpert has a better power to weight ratio than the big ‘Mac’Laren F1. Although, some customers might opt out of the carbon for a GRP body and a have the superchared 440 bhp option to save a few dollars, or maybe a little sanity.
Other niceties include a sequential 6-speed transmission, a twin clutch system attached to that, an inboard suspension setup and as much down force as a DTM car. All of this down force is created by the under tray which means the Apollo has no fussy wings and instead, two massive venturis extending the length of the car that increase the drag to 0.43 Cd.
Sensibly, the Apollo has huge brakes hiding behind its 19 inch center-lock wheels. To keep speed in check, 8-piston calipers grab 15 inch discs on all four wheels and an ABS system is included.
Gumpert say they are production ready and can make cars ranging from 150 to 220 thousand euros. They are suggesting that a full-on race version might be feasible, but until then we patiently wait for The Nurburgring lap time.
(Story by Supercars)
5. Pagani Zonda C12 F 214mph, 0-62mph 3.5 seconds
Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, The Zonda F is one of the fastest supercars ever made. Built using Pagani’s extensive experience in carbon fibre construction, the Zonda is leader with regard to fit and finish. With this car, Pagani Automobili is among a small group of independent supercar manufacturers that challenge more established competition such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.
During the outset of the Zonda project, Juan Manuel Fangio consulted and influenced Horacio Pagani on every aspect of the Zonda. Horacio says Fangio had great ‘technical sensibility’ and was a major source of inspiration for his car. Thus, it should come to no surprise that Pagani’s latest work pays tribute to the late Fangio, a world champion five times over.
Zonda F is a special edition car that will be built alongside the regular production model. It takes the modifications adapted to the C12-S Monza and refines them into a more appealing package. As a result the Zonda F is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor.
Aerodynamics play large role in shaping Zonda’s new car. More traditional devices include a one-piece fixed wing which now gets undisturbed air thanks to relocated mirrors. To help airflow underneath, a larger front splitter and rear diffuser with twin stabilizing wings create even more downforce. At the front of the Zonda F is a much larger air intake to increase cooling effectiveness of the more potent V12 engine.
To give the Zonda F more power, a new induction system is used which replaces the standard Mercedes-Benz unit. It features larger intake apertures and, when combined with a larger, hydroformed exhaust, the 7.3 liter Mercedes-Benz engine reaches 620 bhp. This is up from 550 achieved with the standard Mercedes intake. A clubsport model is available as an option which increases power to 650 bhp @ 6200 rpm.
The chassis receives several upgrades which lighten both the overall and unspung weight of the Zonda. Newly designed 19 and 20 inch wheels make room for much larger brakes which can now be ordered in a ceramic compound for the first time. Combined with the titanium wheel nuts, and various trimmings of the carbon fiber tub, the Zonda F weighs 1230 kgs without liquids.
After all these changes it should come to no surprise that Pagani has made a much superior Zonda. With 650 bhp on tap, the clubsport model should easily rival cars including the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo.
(Story by Richard Owen)
6. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 211mph, 0-62mph 3.4 seconds
The new Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 features considerable innovations in terms of body design and mechanics. And also with a new name: Murcielago LP640, which refers to its engine position - longitudinale posteriore - and to its power 640 bhp. Designers and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but also the interior and exterior design; improvements that make the Murcielago LP 640 the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class, placing it at the very top.
The first vehicles will be available in spring 2006. Since the original Murcielago’s debut at the 2001 International Car Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, around 2,000 vehicles have left the car plant in Sant’ Agata Bolognese.
Unmistakable Lamborghini Design
In their reinterpretation of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, the designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre have remained true to the traditional Lamborghini principles of purism, sport and function. The Murcielago LP640 now appears even more aggressive, with the new front and rear bumpers contributing significantly to its appearance. The exhaust system terminal has been incorporated in the diffuser on the rear bumper. Other innovations include the rear lights, which enhance the distinguishing features of the Murcielago LP640, making it unmistakable even at night. The design of the sides is also worth mentioning: while the area behind the air intake on the right side is practically closed, the left side features a vast aperture for cooling the oil radiator. Together with the aerodynamically defined front and rear, this proves yet again that the shape of a Lamborghini is dictated by function.
More Powerful Engine
The engine of the new Murcielago LP640 has undergone outstanding and radical modification. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 liters to 6.5 liters. Thus the already extraordinary 580 bhp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 487 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
The new Murcielago LP640 features a modified sixratio gearbox as well as a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts. On request, the e-gear automatic gearbox is also available equipped with the new dedicated “Thrust” (acceleration program) mode.
Frame and Chassis: Perfect Harmony
The body of the Murcielago LP640 with its characteristic scissor doors is created from the prized union of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fiber, glued and riveted together.
Driving, handling and stability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilizers, as well as by a redesigned electronically controlled damper. The “antidive” and “anti-squat” features on the axles, which efficiently prevent so-called “brake diving” and “squatting”, have not been changed. The two springs on every rear wheel, the single spring on every front wheel and the damper are placed coaxially.
Optional CeramicCarbon Brakes
The dual hydraulic circuit brake system equipped with a vacuum brake booster ensures considerable deceleration values. The self-ventilating front and rear brake disks measure 380 mm x 34 mm and 355 mm x 32 mm respectively. The control circuit of the four-channel anti-blocking system (ABS) with electronic brake control (DRP) and traction control (TCS) features a new characteristic curve. The system consists in an electro-hydraulic control unit and four speed sensors.
When particularly high braking performance is required, it is possible to equip the vehicle with 380 mm x 36 mm ceramic carbon brakes featuring six-piston brake calipers.
Even More Exclusive Interior
The seats in the cockpit have undergone the most radical changes; more spacious and equipped with redesigned head restraints, the seats now ensure better comfort. The leather upholstery features lozenge-shaped stitching called “Q-citura”. The same design is recaptured on the upholstery on the door panels, the panel between the seats and the engine compartment, and on the roof panel.
A new instrument panel has been developed with lights featuring a new graphic design, flanked by a new Kenwood car radio with a 6.5” widescreen monitor and DVD, MP3 and WMA player. An optional navigation system is also available (standard in Japan).
(Story by Rsportscars)
7. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition 209mph, 0-62mph 3.6 seconds
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car. Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior. Sale of the SLR 722 Edition in the U.S. has not been confirmed.
Continuing the Tradition
The new model variant SLR 722 Edition is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 650 bhp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.
The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 650 bhp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds, and 124 mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The top speed (209 mph) is above the 207 mph previously achieved by the SLR.
Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.
Discreet visual modifications mark the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing. At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolizes the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.
Exclusive “SLR. Club” for SLR owners
Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR 722 Edition. This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide “SLR. Club” at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the “SLR Club” provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits. Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars. David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.
(Story by Rsportscars)
8. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano 205mph+, 0-62mph 3.7 seconds
1st March 2006-One of the more exciting releases of 2006 is the 599 GTB Fiorano. It replaces the 550/575 Maranello and offers more interior space and power than its predecessors. It also leaves behind the 575 as the last Ferrari to use a steel chassis and completes Ferrari’s overhaul of their entire range which is now all-aluminum.
As with all Ferrari introductions, the 599’s initial screening was completed over dinner with trusted dealers and friends, this time at the Palazzo Re Enzo in the Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna. By diner time, so many photos of the car had surfaced, that the Geneva Motor Show release was almost old news. However, the accompanying ladies at Pininfarina’s and Ferrari’s Geneva stands ensured excitement, even if the cars didn’t.
But how can the 599 not impress? Underneath its purposeful skin, the 599 retains the same front engine V12 layout which the 550/575 Maranello line successfully reintroduced, and to make up for its longer chassis, the 599 uses a 6.0-liter engine engineered from the same one found in the Enzo supercar that can reach 612 bhp and 8400 rpm! With it, the 599 is the most powerful front engine Ferrari!
Attached to this engine and sitting in the rear, is a considerably upgraded flappy paddle transmission called the ‘F1-Superfast’ that changes gears in just 100ms. This is a huge improvement compared to 250 ms in the older roadcar systems, but lags behind the 80ms FXX and 30ms Formula One unit it’s named after.
Unfortunately, Ferrari’s fully electronic E-Differential, first seen in the F430, is absent. It is intstead replaced with intelligent mototronics called Manettino that adjust the brakes and engine to control power delivery. Ferrari says this type of system is more suitable for the front engine design. When the Manettino switch is turned onto Race or Sport mode a system called F1-Trac montors the difference between the front and rear wheels for optimum traction.
Providing a base for the the 599 are three extruded aluminum sections on which the body is rivited and welded to. This lightweight design makes the 599’s chassis 100 kg lighter than the 575 desipte being 250 mm longer. And since the V12 engine is 8 percent lighter and more compact than previous versions, it can sit further back in the engine bay. This means almost 85 percent of weight is contained bewteen the wheels.
At first glance the GTB’s styling seems to mimic its larger 4-seat brother, the 612 Scgalietti. Both were designed at the same time and share the common interior bits, as well as similar front end designs which Pininfarina now sets as the enduring face of Ferrari. But unlike the 612, the 599 has an entirely new roof line and much tidier rear end treatment with two sexy rear buttresses that create 25 percent of the 599’s downforce. Specifically it produceses 160 kg at 300 kph.
One aspect that gets constant debate are the Delphi-sourced magnetorheological dampers that actively stabilize the car and are totally adjustable. They use special fluid in the dampers that can change viscosity almost instantly with a magnetic field. What this means is that 599 reduces about 30 % more bumps than the 599, and the damping can adjust to what ever suits the driver. The exact same system is used on GM cars such as the Corvette but Ferrari are adamite that their own controlling software is unique.
Like all Ferraris, the 599 comes with a range of options, and for the spirited customers the ‘Racing and Track’ options include CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brakes, 20 inch Challenge one-piece rims with run-flat tyres, four-point harnesses and a cockpit roll-bar.
With the 599, Ferrari seem well on their way. Each year they are selling more cars, and offer increased levels of uncompromising luxury and power. The next chapter for the 599 will hopefully start on the track and end at LeMans.
(Story by Supercars)
9. Aston Martin Vanquish S 200mph+, 0-62mph 4.8 seconds
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but only the seriously visually impaired, or criminally insane will fail to appreciate the supermodel looks of the Aston Martin Vanquish S.
It’s an achingly beautiful machine, never before has a car, any car, attracted quite so many camera phone-toting neighbours and relatives pressed against the window and stroked the seats. It would have been embarrassing, had I not done the same thing myself.
There’s none of the race hate that goes with a Ferrari, Porsche or BMW either, only admiring glances, smiles and respect. Drive one and all manner of doors will open.
Aston Martin is an institution in England and everyone loves them, in part due to the haphazard way the perennially poverty-stricken marque would, ever so rarely, spring a stunning yet painfully flawed car that everyone knew wouldn’t work but wanted anyway. Each car takes 400 man hours and is still built at Newport Pagnell, the original factory, and the panels are made by men with hammers, not robots.
And then there was the James Bond factor, which has ‘inspired’ 1000 near comatose articles from journalists in rented dinner jackets.
The sense of occasion is undeniable, and it’s easy to get sucked into a fantasy. The Vanquish S is big, imposing and visually stunning, with the sleek, animal lines erupting forward from those muscular haunches towards the open, aggressive mouth at the front end.
Other luxury marques, including the last bastions of good taste, Bentley and Ferrari, have now produced imposing rather than beautiful GTs, in the same way as a female shotputter. But Aston Martin’s chief, Dr Ulrich Bez, can talk for hours about sensual car design. The Vanquish S is the peak of his craft and makes both Ferrari’s 575 and 612 look ungainly and, from some angles, plain ugly.
And behind the meaty steering wheel emblazoned with those gorgeous wings, snuggled in to the handstitched sports seats with the custom-built Linn stereo system singing loud, the tale goes on. A quilted roof lining and a dash shrink-wrapped in even more leather clearly prove that a lot of animals died for this car. Judging by the switchgear, so did a Ford Focus, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
But this car comes to life when you push that jewel of a starter button and give the six-litre V12 its head.
The Vanquish S produces 520bhp and 425lb-ft of torque in this guise. But it’s the deep, guttural roar that kicks in as soon as an indecent amount of right foot is deployed, with the traction control struggling to keep the 19” rear wheels spinning out of control, that leaves the lasting impression.
Yes the V12 started out as two Mondeo V6s strapped together, but the sum is far greater than the parts and this engine provides arguably the sexiest sounds in motoring.
The big beast charges past 100kph in 4.2 seconds and accelerates from 80-110kph two seconds faster than the Vanquish. That’s good for overtaking, and it’s also a lot of fun. Put the pedal down in almost any gear and the Aston effortlessly punches down the road.
New cylinder heads with fully machined inlet ports and a variety of other engine and exhaust mods have increased the power output from the Vanquish’s 460 bhp. Torque is also up by 25 lb-ft. In fact the figures have now just crept past those posted by the Ferrari 575M, which is obviously no coincidence.
Its officially the fastest ever Aston Martin with a speed in excess of 200mph, but at 1875kg it takes a while to get there. The average Aston Martin owner is unlikely to test the top speed in any case, and it’s still nice to know it can get there.
The car certainly scythes into bends willingly for such a big car and with that much power on tap it would be a simple matter to send the tail out of line and balance this 1875kg car on the throttle out of hairpins, should you have the nerve to disengage the electronics, while in high speed bends it feels calm, assured and planted to the floor.
The ride is much harder than the DB9, thanks to a more sporting set-up. It will still soak up the bumps at town speeds, but at speed takes on a keener edge and the chassis seems to stiffen up to match the bristling roar of the engine. The car skips off bumps, rather than absorbing them, and the suspension gets tougher the more you lean on it. It’s no Ferrari F430, but it’s not that kind of car,
It’s hugely comfortable inside the Vanquish S, too, with luggage space and all the usual accoutrements for the rich to enjoy a cruise down the boulevard or a long distance journey down to the coast, whichever coast that may be, in absolute style.
But nothing’s perfect. Live with a supermodel and you will find they pass wind in bed, pick their nose or start stupid fights after snorting copious amounts of Cocaine, allegedly. Even fantasies have problems and the Aston is no different.
The paddle-shift gearbox is a massive improvement on the recalcitrant DB9, but it’s still no match for Ferrari’s F1 tuned system and the lack of a manual option is a sheer frustration here. If this car came with a six-speed manual box and a meaty clutch it would have become an instant classic and one British tuning company is working on it now. It’s a shame that you don’t get the choice when you’re spending ?174,000.
Like a supermodel, too, I couldn’t leave it alone anywhere and ended up recruiting guards when I was forced to park it overnight in the most secure place I could find, the local underground car park.
And the Aston has another problem: its own family. The DB9 and especially the AMV8 are such fantastic cars in their own right, will both snap knicker elastic at 100 paces and are so much cheaper that the maths just doesn’t add up.
Any Aston has the same effect and the AMV8 is perhaps slightly less ostentatious. It lacks the V12 noise, but it’s a more enthusiastic sportscar and gives far more bang per buck.
So if the supermodel had a younger, equally beautiful sister that was more fun, was happy going for a steak rather than overpriced sushi and was, ahem, a more enthusiastic ride, which one would you take?
For some it’s all about the prestige, they date models, they wear a Rolex and they drive a Vanquish S, that’s the point of this car. Like a girl charging ?10,000 a day to prance down a catwalk you can’t justify it in pure terms, but the Vanquish S is the best of its breed and an attention-grabbing supermodel. And for plenty of people in this world, that will always be enough.
(Story by Worldcarfans)
10. Your Choice in comments…
