Ferrari 360 Modena Almost Sliced In Half

There’s a fine line that distinguishes the neighborhood street and the race track. And the one obvious thing is that the neighborhood street is meant for regular driving while the race track is meant for really fast driving. Not the other way around. Unfortunately, the two guys who happened to be in a Ferrari 360 Modena, didn’t know any better and decided to use the neighborhood street as their own personal race track. Well, the image above gives you an idea as to what can happen when you do something crazy like that.

The accident, which looks really fatal, occurred in Walkerville, Australia. According to reports given by witnesses, the vehicle was speeding down at Walkerville Tce at around 11:30am. The sports car then made a right at Landsdowne Road before hitting a pole, which sliced its front end in half. Witnesses say that the driver may have been going at around 150 km/h since all they heard were the sounds of “zing, zing” as the car sped by prior to the collision.

Upon crashing into the pole, one of the residents, Wild at Art manager Lana Errey, immediately rushed to the vehicle to lend a helping hand. She said that upon seeing the men alive and barely unscathed, she placed her hands on the driver’s shoulder and said a prayer for him and his passenger.

Both the driver and passenger of the Ferrari 360 Modena were taken immediately to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after they were extracted from the damaged car. And even though the crash looks disastrous, both of them were able to escape with only minor injuries. As of press time, the authorities are still looking into the possible angles of what may have caused the car to crash. It’s still uncertain whether they will also file charges.

So, in case you happen to own a really fast car, don’t think that just because it can be driven at high speeds, it’s an excuse for you to start speeding down a city street. Because if you do decide to do just that, be warned. Something like this could eventually happen to you.

Sources: TopSpeed,  Adelaide Now

Aston Martin Offers Daniel Craig To Take Any Of Its Cars For A Free Spin

Playing James Bond really does have its benefits. First, you get a truckload of cash to star in a movie. Second, since it’s definitely going to do well in the box-office, you’re bound to be a household name. Third, you get to hang out, and even make out, with a lot beautiful ladies. Fourth – and most important of all – you get to drive really cool and really fast cars. With all of these in the bag, what more can an actor playing the famous 007 get? Well, how about a free spin of, let’s say, any Aston Martin car you want? Really, some people just have all the luck.

The offer to drive any Aston Martin car actually came from the head honchos of Aston Martin themselves. As part of the offer, the company is giving Daniel Craig – who will once again play Bond in this year’s Quantum of Solace – lifetime privileges to take any Aston Martin he wants out of the company’s garage for a drive. So I guess if Mr. Craig feels like living off his Bond image, all he needs to do is swing by an Aston Martin showroom, pick the car he wants, and drive off to where the party’s at.

Although the offer has already been extended, the actor isn’t that tempted to jump on it. According to Craig, one of the things stopping him is the hassle of landing a parking spot in his native London. He even reiterated that he had “nowhere to park it.” Um, Mr. Craig, just a suggestion. Try using it whenever you’re headed to place with a valet parking.

Anyway, if you want to catch more of Mr. Craig and the Aston Martin DBS he’ll be driving, you won’t have to wait that long since the new Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is set for release this November. Oh, and rumor has it that the Aston Martin will get its 15 minutes of fame at the start of the move when Bond uses it during a car chase scene. Hmm, that’s a nice way of marketing the car don’t you think?

Sources: Jalopnik, Motor Authority, ET Online

Aston Martin One-77 Already Sold Out

Remember the One-77 from Aston Martin that we first reported about a month ago? If you’ve been waiting for this luxurious sports car to come out so you can get your hands on it, well, we’ve got some bad news for you. The One-77 is sold out. All 77 of them.

It seems that a lot of people couldn’t wait to get their hands on this coveted sports car. Even though only 77 units will be made available, reports have confirmed that over a hundred people have signed up to get this vehicle. I honestly don’t blame them for scampering off to get one. I mean, if you had the money to by the One-77, why wouldn’t you? You’ll be one of the very few owners of a very limited vehicle.

Packed with a 7.0-liter V-12 engine that’s capable of reaching the top speed of 200 mph, the Aston Martin One-77 is designed to have an all-aluminum body and a carbon fibre chassis. It sports a silver finish and wheels with a set of rims that exudes a luxurious and sporty image.

Recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the Aston Martin One-77 now holds the reputation of being the world’s most expensive car, surpassing the Bugatti Veyron. The Veyron was initially sold for a whopping £800,000.

Even though no specific amount has been mentioned regarding its exact price tag, Aston Martin has given us an idea as to how much the down payment would cost. Aspiring owners will be required to give a deposit of £200,000 before they’re able to get a hold of the exclusive One-77.

Aston Martin has also announced that the first batch of those who ordered its One-77 won’t have to wait that long since the company will be delivering their vehicles to them by autumn of next year.

Sources: Jalopnik, Luxvelocity, Telegraph.co.uk

Audi To Release Two More Versions Of Its R8 Series

The Audi R8 has become quite popular ever since it first came out. It did make an appearance in the movie Iron Man, right? The fact that it was able to do that just solidifies its popularity. Since this is by far Audi’s most popular line right now, does Audi have anything up in its sleeves for this vehicle? Well, apparently it does.

Since the Audi R8 has been sold out in the U.S. – with the people in Europe placed on the waiting list – Audi has decided to increase the options available for this R8 model by releasing two more versions: a V-10 version and a convertible version. All this, in the next two years.

While it’s nice of Audi to come up with two more versions of its popular vehicle line, they do have some sort of problem when it comes to production. According to Audi, it can only produce a maximum of 27 units per day. And there’s no chance for it to be increased. So this means that out of that total, expect three versions of the R8 to come out. This could result in slower production and release.

But despite the problem in production, you can’t help but feel excited about the new Audi R8s that will be coming out in the next two years. The V-10 version of the Audi R8 will be sporting a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that can produce up to 525bhp and can go fro 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds. On the other hand, the convertible version of the R8 – dubbed the Spyder – will have a V-8 engine that’s capable of producing 420 horsepower.

Both versions of the Audi R8 are scheduled for a release during the second half of next year in Europe. Unfortunately, those in the United States will have to wait for two more years before they can set their eyes on the new Audi R8s. But trust us when we say they’re going to be worth the wait.

Source: TopSpeed

Blind Man Grabs Speeding Record

Yes, even blind people can drive. That’s the statement that Luc Costermans wants to make. And what a statement he made indeed by actually driving a Lamborghini Gallardo and beating a speed record in just two runs.

The actual drive occurred at an airstrip in France where this native from Belgium droved in one of Lamborghini’s fastest vehicle (as if everything from Lamborghini isn’t fast). Costermans was able to hit the top speed of 192 mph and was successful in breaking the speed record set by Mike Newman of Britain, which is at 166 mph. Newman was able to make the record with the help of a speedy BMW M5. But what makes this speed record so unique is the fact that Costermans blindness didn’t affect him one bit, a disability he’s had for the last four years.

For those unaware, the Lamborghini Gallardo used by Costermans is considered the company’s most produced model as of this date. It has around 5,000 units in existence in just three years of production. It’s equipped with a 5.0-liter V-10 engine and comes in either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed single clutch semi-automatic transmission.

Costermans has stated that his recent accomplishment is dedicated to former Formula 1 race car driver Philippe Streiff. Streiff has been tetraplegic after suffering an accident in 1989 at the Grand Prix which was held in Brazil.

Although it seems that what Costermans did is a feat on its own, it’s actually not the first time for him to do something as daring as this. About two years ago, Costermans was able to complete a tour of France by flying an airplane. That’s right, aside from driving; he can actually fly a plane. Of course he was accompanied by a navigator and instructor, but nonetheless; the fact that he was able to do it is just pretty amazing.

Sources: TopSpeed, Wikipedia

Gallardo Wins CAR Magazine’s Performance Car of the Year

Lamborghini was already top of the headline news prior to the release of its much anticipated Lamborghini Estoque concept. Now that one of its vehicles was able to win CAR Magazine’s Performance Car of the Year award, the company known for building top-of-the-line super cars is one again making headlines.

And what’s the lucky Lambo model that got to bag the award? Well, it’s none other than the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. In order to win this prestigious award, the Gallardo LP560-4 had to go against a number of top cars and survive the magazine’s annual test, which involved challenges that put it on the road and on the track. The following are the vehicles that the Gallardo LP560-4 had to trounce just to get the award: Porsche 911 GT2, Aston Martin DBS, Mercedes-Benz CLK Black Series, Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Evo 360 and Mini John Cooper Works.

According to CAR editor Phil McNamara, the annual CAR Magazine test doesn’t just focus on how the vehicle handles itself on the road or the track. There’s also the factor of how a car is able to “stir the soul”, adding that it focuses “more on emotion than science.” I’m not surprised that the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was able to do just that.

Released in 2003, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 sports a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that’s capable of producing 560 horsepower upon reaching 8,000 rpm. It’s able to hit the speed of 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and 124 mph in just 11.8 seconds. It’s also equipped with a new four-wheel drive system, improved suspension and better aerodynamic capabilities.

So if you’re excited to learn more about what the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 did to win this award, as well as how its competitors fared, then be on the lookout for the November issue of Car Magazine currently out now in a magazine stand near you.

Sources: TopSpeed, Left Lane News, Zimbio, The Auto Channel

A Look At This Customized Ferrari Enzo

Ferrari cars automatically equate to the words sleek, fast, and can-make-you-eat-dirt-in-just-three-seconds. Okay, so maybe the last one was just made up but it is entirely possible given how powerful their engines are. That’s why no matter what the model may be, getting to drive one can be such a high. Take for example this customized Ferrari Enzo.

This matte-black supercar was seen lingering at the Ferrari Racing Days last week, held in Nürburgring in Germany. While it doesn’t follow the traditional red body finish of its other siblings, it still looks like something you don’t want to mess with. How come? Well, in case you’ve been hibernating in a cave for the past decade or so, here’s a list of reasons why the Ferrari Enzo is one mean machine.

First, the Ferrari Enzo sports a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that’s equipped with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This gives the Enzo its freakish ability to produce 651 horsepower and 485 ft-lb of torque. And because of the power coming out from its engine, the Ferrari Enzo is able to hit the 60 mph barrier in just 3.14 seconds (which pretty much backs up the last statement of my first sentence). It can jump to 100 mph in just 6.6 seconds and reach the top speed of 230.95 mph. When driven in the city, the Enzo is capable of returning 12 mpg. On the highway, this sports car only eats up 18 mpg of your fuel. That’s a monster for you, right there.

Second thing that makes the Ferrari Enzo rock is the semi-automatic transmission or F1 gearbox it’s equipped with. This unique transmission makes use of paddles to give its automated shifting and clutch mechanism better control.

Third, it utilizes a 4-wheel independent suspension. This system has a set of push-rod shock absorbers that can be easily adjusted from the cabin, and comes with anti-roll bars at the front and rear.

So what does its proud owner have to say about its unique four-wheeled baby? Well, quite frankly, we don’t know since we weren’t able to bump into the guy (or gal). But we can definitely tell that he or she enjoys flaunting it around. Just like you would a hot date, I guess.

Sources: TopSpeed, Wikipedia

New Lamborghini Concept Finally Unveiled

Finally, after months of waiting in anticipation and after so many teases (pretty much like what that hot secretary of yours has been doing ever since she got hired), we finally – and officially – get to see the new four-door concept that Lamborghini has secretly been working on. And man, is it a beauty!

Ok, so let’s once again go through the details of this sleek ride, now that we have more accurate information available compared to when Lamborghini was teasing us. While we noted before that the name of the new Lamborghini concept was to be Urus, we now stand corrected. The new concept now carries the name Estoque. Not as mighty sounding as Urus, but still very chic nonetheless. How come? Well, the name Estoque is actually the sword used by matadors when they finish off the bull. Now that’s one way of attracting animal activists to go against you.

Going back, the Lamborghini Estoque officially measures over five meters long and two meters wide. Its wheelbase has a measurement of three meters, with its height measuring only at 1.35 meters. This means that if you ever get to own one in the near future, humps, potholes and all types of road obstruction should be totally avoided or gunned down on sight. Its gunmetal finish as well as its black rims gives it that sleek and stylish look that Lamborghini is known for. And let’s not forget that touch of red used for its taillights. It kind of gives the new Estoque the look that it’s got eyes behind its back.

And now we go to the engine. Prior to its release, we already knew that this new concept would be very fast and very powerful. And Lamborghini just solidified that fact by accompanying the Estoque with a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that’s able to produce 556bhp. But what’s making people go nuts right now is the possibility of having this V-10 engine replaced with a V-12, a V-8 and even a hybrid engine. Now that’s big news.

So do you think the Lamborghini Estoque faired well during its grand unveiling at the Paris Auto Show? We kind of think so. But your ten cents worth is always a welcome.

Sources: TopGear, 0-60 Mag

The Mercedes E-Class Is Coming

Mercedes is getting busy as of late. And what it’s focusing on right now is its new 2010 E-Class series of vehicles. So what’s in store for this new vehicle line from Mercedes? Well, just a couple of appearances at a number of top automotive shows starting next year. Now that’s how you hype up a new series of vehicles.

The 2010 Mercedes E-Class is set to debut at Geneva Motor Show and the Frankfurt Auto Show, which will be held next year. A sedan and a station wagon version will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show while a coupe-convertible version will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto show. What makes this new vehicle series important to Mercedes is that it’s being pegged as the next vehicle to replace its CLS line of vehicles starting on 2011.

So why has Mercedes decided to push for the E-Class line and set aside its CLS series? That’s because the E-Class line will be based on the company’s new ConceptFASCINATION design theme, which is set to debut at the Paris Auto Show this year. This new vehicle design will give the E-Class line a touch of sleekness and luxury. Upfront, expect to see a pair of quad headlights, a rhomboid shape for the vehicle’s body, as well as a V-themed shape for its interior.

Aside from giving this vehicle line a touch of pizzazz, Mercedes is also working on ensuring that it’s 2010 E-Class will be able to dish out the quality performance that the company is known for. Inside the new vehicle will be a direct injection V8 engine that’s capable of producing 550 horsepower. No word on how fast it will go but given the power it’s dishing out, it’s safe to assume that it’s going to be quite fast. Hybrid versions of the vehicle are also expected to be produced.

If this new E-Class line has got you interested, look forward to seeing more of it next year at the Geneva and Frankfurt shows. Don’t be surprised if it makes a splash during these two events.

Source: TopSpeed

All About Luxury Cars – It’s Curtains For Bentley’s Arnage

Every brand has a flagship bearer. But even these flagship bearers know that it’s only a matter of time before someone or something replaces you. Just like change and death, it’s inevitable. With that being said, it’s time for us to give a toast for what will be the last ride of one of Bentley’s well-known vehicle, the Arnage.

So how will Bentley pay its respect to this once proud vehicle line? Well, by creating a final series of vehicles for it. A fitting tribute don’t you think? Aptly dubbed the Final Series, this new Arnage will be making its appearance at next week’s Paris Auto Show. And to add some touch of exclusivity, Bentley has limited the number of units it will produce for this Arnage to only 150. That’s right, it’s going to be that few. So if you’re lucky enough to get one, you won’t be seeing too much of these sitting next to you on the road.

Now what did Bentley package with the new Final Series Arnage? Well for starters, the company equipped its flagship car with its ever reliable 6.75-liter V-8 twin turbo engine. This means that you can expect the car to hit the boundaries of 500bhp and 738 lb.-ft of torque. That’s style and power for you right there.

On top of having its trusty engine in tow, the Final Series Arnage was also given an array of new features that will make you want to have one. It’s been equipped with four Bentley umbrellas, which you can see mounted in the boot of the car. It also has a rear cocktail cabinet, including a bespoke stainless steel flask. This is in case you get the urge to wine and dine while you’re cruising down the street with your hot date. And just to show you how proud Bentley is of its Arnage vehicle, the company littered its insides with badges that show the words Final Series. It’s Bentley’s way of telling you that this is it folks.

Since the Arnage will be retiring after 10 years of service, what vehicle series will take its place once it’s gone? Well, Bentley hasn’t announced that yet, although they did confirm that the next flagship car will be more posh that the departing Arnage.

So stand up, raise your glasses, throw up that salute and let’s all pay tribute to the once mighty and powerful Bentley Arnage.

Source: TopGear, Wikipedia