TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet
- Peugeot RCZ Asphalt LE
- Audi A1 by ABT Sportsline
- Aston Martin V12 Zagato Racer
- Ford Mustang "Blue Angels" Edition
- Hennessey Venom GT readying for Goodwood Festival of Speed
- BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition
- Audi R8 V8 Limited Edtion
- Lamborghini on the fence between building the Estoque or the LM00X SUV
- Audi TT-RS Limited Edition S Tronic
| Posted: 29 Jun 2011 09:00 AM PDT
The Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet is one of the most exclusive models Aston Martin has ever built. Out of the 565 units built between October 1953 and October 1955, only 12 were built in rolling chassis form for independent coachbuilders. If that isn’t exclusive enough, only eight of those 12 units were sent over to Carrozzoria Bertone where the Italian luxury coachbuilder smoothed on the body. The vehicle seen in this image is the fifth (Chassis number LML506) of the original eight and will be auctioned off at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 1, 2011. Its original owner was high society elite, Edith C. Field, who succeeded in winning third place at the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours. Since the mid 1950s, this particular Aston Martin has been through the hands of four owners, including its current owner. As of late, the Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been fully restored to its Concours state with over £200,000 - or $288,000 at the current rates - invested in its complete restoration. Bonhams expects the ultra exclusive sports car to sell for £500,000 - 700,000, or $721,000 - $1,000,000 at the current rates. Hit the jump for full details on the 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe. Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 16:00 EST.
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| Posted: 29 Jun 2011 08:00 AM PDT
Following last year’s Peugeot RCZ Asphalt, the company has now opened its ordering books for the 2011 RCZ Asphalt LE. What’s the difference? This new model is limited to just 75 right-hand-drive units for the UK as opposed to the 500 units offered last year. Each model will be priced at £29,995 - or around $48,000 at the current exchange rates. The new Asphalt LE edition will be distinguished by a special matte Telluric - that’s fancy for gray - body and can be ordered only with the top-of-the-range GT trim version. The Asphalt package also includes a black roof, "Asphalt' badging, and 19" Solstice black alloy wheels complimented by matching black brake calipers. For the interior, the package adds bespoke "Asphalt" branded and stitched Nappa leather trim, an Alcantara / leather steering wheel and gear stick, and bespoke "Asphalt" sill covers and floor mats. The list of standard equipment includes front and rear parking aids, auto lighting (with approach and follow me home modes), Peugeot Connect Media Navigation, and a top-of-the-range JBL sound system. The RCZ Asphalt LE will be powered by the standard 1.6-liter THP petrol engine producing 200 HP and 188 lb-ft of torque. This power is good for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 7.6 seconds. Peugeot RCZ Asphalt LE originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 15:00 EST.
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| Posted: 29 Jun 2011 07:00 AM PDT
ABT Sportsline has made tuning projects of the Audi A1 in the past, but their latest program for the German automaker’s sports hatch figures to be one of the most powerful A1’s this side of Audi’s out of this world, 500-horsepower A1 Clubsport Quattro. Dressed in three unique color schemes - the Aloha, Klecks, and High Voltage - the 2011 iteration of their A1 package also comes with a prominent engine upgrade. Incidentally, these three color schemes also came with the 2010 ABT program, but that’s not the important thing. What’s new and different about the 2011 version is the powerful engine upgrade the A1 received that saw its output increase past the 200-horsepower mark. All that was possible when ABT Sportsline gave the A1’s 1.4-liter TFSI engine an ECU remap, while also adding a dual-pipe exhaust system and a new sports muffler. All these modifications and changes bumped up the A1’s output all the way to 210 horsepower - a rarity for an A1 - while also giving it performance numbers that include a 0-62 mph time of just 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. Other aerodynamic components added to the Audi A1 include a new aluminum brushed front lip, side skirts, rear wing insets, rear skirt inset, a new rear spoiler, and a set of 17" or 18" ABT ZTitan wheels. Audi A1 by ABT Sportsline originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 14:00 EST.
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2011 04:00 AM PDT
We haven’t even gotten around to digesting the full breadth of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato and we’re already getting a close look at the race-spec version of the new Aston supercar. Or at least something like it. In preparation for the car’s racing debut at the Nurburgring later this week, Aston Martin gave the eager public a first-hand look at the race-spec version of the V12 Zagato. It might only be a rendering of the car, but at the very least, it gives us an idea on what to expect when the car officially makes its track debut on May 28, 2011 at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race. Judging from the rendering, the race-spec V12 Zagato looks pretty much like the street-version with a couple of notable additions, including the prominent rear wing, the table-top front lip, and the black wheels. That’s as much as Aston is willing to share for now. But at least the wait won’t be that long before we see the race-spec version in the flesh. Good timing too, considering that the 24 Hours of Nurburgring is scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2011 and Aston Martin will be fielding two V12 Zagatos in the annual endurance race. UPDATE 05/31/2011: This past weekend the V12 Zagato Racer completed its first run under race conditions in the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the Nürburgring. Naturally, the car experienced some minor issues, but the data obtained in the race will be used to tweak the vehicle just before the 24-hour race next month where two V12 Zagatos will be competing. Check out David King’s comments on the racer, as well as a video of the Zagato racer as it takes off on the track after the jump. UPDATE 06/22/2011: Aston Martin will enter this weekend’s Nürburgring 24 hours race with two V12 Zagato Racers. The first is race car number 3, nicknamed 'Zag' (red) which will be piloted by Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez. The second racer is a green V12 Zagato (nicknamed 'Zig') - car number 5 for the race - which was prepared by the small team based at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The ’Zig’ will be driven by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt. Check out the image gallery for the first images of the red ’Zag’. Enjoy! Aston Martin V12 Zagato Racer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 22 June 2011 11:00 EST.
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| Ford Mustang "Blue Angels" Edition Posted: 29 Jun 2011 06:00 AM PDT
Every year, Ford rolls out a special edition one-piece Mustang for the very purpose of auctioning it off at the EAA AirVenture in July for the benefit of the EAA Young Eagles program. These babies - as with all one-off edition cars - are exceedingly rare for the very simple reason that there’s only one of them being made. This year, the one-off, aviation-themed Mustang GT was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of naval aviation. It comes with a specific blue-and-yellow color scheme that takes itself from the colors of the ’Blue Angels’ fighter group with a yellow "Blue Angels" script and crest on the doors. Likewise, the crest can also be found on the interior of the car, where they are stitched into the leather Recaro seats. On top of that, Ford also upgraded the Mustang’s powertrain, improving the output of the car’s 5.0-liter V8 engine from 412 horsepower to 500 horsepower. There’s also a Ford Racing handling package, a new performance exhaust, and race-track capable brakes. Last year, Ford was able to auction off the Mustang SR-71 "Blackbird" for $375,000. Judging by the enthusiastic turn out for these events, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Mustang GT "Blue Angels" Edition hits that mark again, maybe even exceeding it. If you’re interested in bidding for this one-off bad boy, you need to pre-qualify by calling Matt Miller at the EAA Development Office at 1-800-236-1025 before July 25, 2011. In the meantime, hit the jump to check out a short preview of the one-off Mustang. Ford Mustang "Blue Angels" Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 13:00 EST.
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| Hennessey Venom GT readying for Goodwood Festival of Speed Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:00 AM PDT
The Hennessey Venom GT may not look the part of a Veyron-slayer, but we’ve always come to realize not to judge cars by their outward appearance. This little monster is the perfect example of what we’re talking about. The Lotus-derived, American-tuned supercar packs plenty of punch with its 6.2-liter LS9 V8 engine that produces an insane 800 horsepower. And if you just happen to be spending your time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, you can get a chance to see the Venom in all its glory. As a preview of the Hennessey madness that will befall all of us come Goodwood, the American tuning company has released a video featuring the Venom GT partaking some test runs to stretch its proverbial legs leading up to the Goodwood Hill Climb in just a few days. In this video, the Venom GT is being driven by John Heinricy as he tries to corral a traction control-disabled 800-horsepower bullet on a wet track doing some cursory track time ahead of its Goodwood appearance. Enjoy the reel and make sure to mark your calendars for this weekend’s event! Hennessey Venom GT readying for Goodwood Festival of Speed originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 12:00 EST.
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| BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition Posted: 29 Jun 2011 04:00 AM PDT
BMW is readying yet another X1 variant for this year’s Fall lineup with the new X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition. This new model will be powered by a four cylinder engine that delivers a total of 163 HP and delivers an average fuel consumption of 4.5 liters/100 km with a CO2 emission of only 119 grams per kilometer. With these numbers, the new model will become the most fuel efficient X model yet. The engine for the new X1 has been optimized with a centrifugal force pendulum in the dual-mass flywheel, which compensates vibration experienced at low engine speeds, thus providing more riding comfort when the vehicle is driven within the economic low engine speed range. The gear-shift point indicator fitted as standard has been adapted to suit the new engine characteristics. The new engine will also be combined with brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function, electromechanical power steering, a disengageable air-conditioning compressor, and tires with reduced rolling resistance. All told, the BMW X1 lineup will include three petrol and four diesel power units with power ranging from 143 to 245 HP. BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 11:00 EST.
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| Posted: 29 Jun 2011 03:00 AM PDT
Automakers are constantly looking for a sales edge wherever they can get one and with a big tenth victory in this month’s grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans now sitting in their fruitful laps, Audi is prepared to cash in. In celebration of their marathon win, Audi UK has prepared the R8 V8 Limited Edition with only 100 units being offered to UK customers. Each model will be priced at £93,935 - or around $150,000 at the current exchange rates - and the first deliveries will be made in October 2011. The R8 V8 Limited may be seeing a £7,000 (about $10,000 at the current rates) increase in price, but it benefits from an array of features worthy of the hike. The sports car will have an exclusive titanium effect paint finish and R8 GT-inspired titanium-look alloy wheels with red brake calipers, as well as carbon fiber options. The interior is dressed up with Black Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered seats and headrests and highlighted by crimson red accents on just about everything. From the flat bottomed, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel to the instrument cowl, leather finish monoposto, knee pads, and passenger door handle, red streams throughout the interior like blood coursing through its veins. Other additions include stainless steel pedals and illuminated door sills with bright aluminum inserts carrying the R8 logo. Power will come from the standard 4.2 liter 424 HP V8 FSI engine and can be mated to either a manual or R-tronic transmission. The limited edition R8 also comes with equipment that isn’t standard for the regular R8, but gets thrown in the mix at no extra charge for the special edition. This equipment consists of the Audi magnetic ride, satellite navigation, the Audi Music Interface (AMI), interior light package, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with integrated seat-belt microphones. Audi R8 V8 Limited Edtion originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 10:00 EST.
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| Lamborghini on the fence between building the Estoque or the LM00X SUV Posted: 29 Jun 2011 02:00 AM PDT
A few days ago, a report came out that Lamborghini is teaming up with Porsche to build its very own SUV that will be based on the latter’s latest GT architecture. While this news poses a shift in philosophy for the Raging Bull and could potentially undermine its tradition, the latest word - at least according to Car and Driver - is that Lamborghini is on the fence on which model will join the Gallardo and the Aventador in the lineup. Apart from this long-rumored SUV - it’s been codenamed as the ’LM00X’ - the other choice is the production of the Estoque. The Italian automaker is considering both vehicles, but has made it known that only one is going to be green-lighted for production. While no decisions have been made yet, the company is looking at October as the time to decide. As it stands the SUV has a slight edge over the Estoque because the car will be on a class of its own as far as high-end SUVs are concerned whereas the Estoque will have its hands full going up against competitors like the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, the Aston Martin Rapide, and the recently launched Ferrari FF. The final decision is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to put your two cents in. For us, we prefer seeing the Estoque finally come alive after years of drooling over it. Besides, just like Ferrari, the words ’Lamborghini’ and ’SUV’ don’t belong in the same sentence. Let us know which model you prefer in the comments section below. Lamborghini on the fence between building the Estoque or the LM00X SUV originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 09:00 EST.
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| Audi TT-RS Limited Edition S Tronic Posted: 28 Jun 2011 02:00 PM PDT
Audi has just unveiled the special edition TT-RS S-Tronic on the Australian market. This model is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which is usually priced at $8,460, but is being offered at no extra charge for the limited edition. So, basically, if you were thinking of buying the upgrade and you live in Australia, better make that purchase fast and save yourself the money because there will only be 45 units produced. For some extra bang to your buck, Audi is also offering the TT-RS S-Tronic with a variety of add-ons, including a black exterior styling package, metallic paint, and 19-inch 5-arm Rotor design wheels in titanium finish. Other additions include a sports exhaust system, adaptive headlights, a BOSE sound system, an extended leather interior package, and an LED interior lighting package. Under the hood, Audi has placed the usual 2.5-liter five-cylinder equipped with turbocharging and FSI direct injection. This engine will dish out 335 HP between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 331 lbs-ft between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. The engine will be combined with Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis. The S-Tronic transmission will also allow the driver to choose between two fully automatic shift modes, and a manual mode in which gears are changed using either the shift paddles on the steering wheel or with the selector lever. Audi TT-RS Limited Edition S Tronic originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 28 June 2011 21:00 EST.
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