Mercedes Equips Apple iPhone Cradle In Its Vehicles

As if Apple hasn’t totally dominated our way of life thanks to its development and release of the Macbook, the iPod and more recently the iPhone, it now has slowly infiltrated the automotive industry starting with Mercedes, whose vehicles will start to carry an Apple iPhone cradle to hold your beloved iPhone while you’re driving.

The new Apple iPhone cradle is more than just a dock that’s able to fit seamlessly into the interior of a Mercedes vehicle. Located at the center console, it’s able to switch from audio to telephone functions. Aside from serving as a dock for the iPhone, the Apple iPhone cradle also acts a charger so every time it’s placed on the cradle and its battery charge is low, the cradle automatically charges the iPhone. The new cradle is also easy to use, with its function keys placed at the steering wheel. A display screen is also integrated into the dashboard just above the air conditioning vents, allowing car owners to see the current playlist.

For now, the new Apple iPhone cradle is only available for the following vehicles: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and R-Class. The new Mercedes GLK-Class will follow suit once it’s released in October. The cradle will be carrying a price tag of € 249 with the adapter leads for the Media or iPod interface costing an additional € 39.

Source: TopSpeed

Maserati’s 2009 Grand Tourismo S Starting To Make Some Noise

If you can’t get enough of Maserati’s 2009 Grand Tourismo S, which was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show last March, well you’re in luck. Maserati just released a new photo of the 2009 Grand Tourismo S in both red and white. These two now join its black sibling, which was first used for the Geneva Motor Show.

For those unaware, the 2009 Grand Tourismo S is Maserati’s way of once again entering the two-door sports car market. The 2009 model lives on a 4.7-liter V8 engine that’s capable of giving its owner 433 hp at 7,000 rpm. It’s equipped with a MC-Shift dual-clutch transmission allowing it to reach the maximum speed of 183 mph. It also makes use of a Brembo braking system that makes use of two front brake discs with dual-cast technology, giving its brakes a higher resistance.

As for the exterior of the 2009 Grand Tourismo S, Maserati installed a set of side skirts and an integrated spoiler. Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara for its seats is what completes the interior of the vehicle.

So if you’re on the lookout for an elegant and stylish sports car, then this two-door beauty could be just what the doctor ordered to satisfy your need.

Source: TopSpeed, Left Lane News

Alfa Romeo 159 J4 2.2 C To Be Launched On July 1

If you’re one of the few who’s been waiting in anticipation for the release of the Alfa Romeo 159 J4 2.2 C, developed by Autodelta, well start jumping for joy as Alfa Romeo just revealed that the car will be made available for order on July 1.

The new Alfa Romeo 159 J4 2.2 C will be sporting a C30-74 supercharger engine that’s capable of producing 245 hp and 290 Nm of torque. While no specifications were given as to how fast this baby can go, it’s being speculated that it will be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds and give you a top speed of 155 mph. It will also be given a set of upgraded brake discs for added stopping power.

As for its exterior, the new Alfa Romeo 159 J4 2.2 C will carry a new front lip spoiler and a rear spoiler that has its own air diffuser which will be integrated with the car’s exhaust system. A set of 19” OZ Alloy wheels with a Dunlop Sp Sport Maxx GT tires will complete the car’s overall look.

So if you’ve got the hots for this luxury ride, start closing your bank account. While no price has been announced yet, by the looks of it, this car isn’t going to come cheap.

Source: TopSpeed

Lamborghini Gives Its Reventon A State-Of-The-Art Coating

As if the look of the Lamborghini Reventon wasn’t enough to entice sports car enthusiasts to get a hold of this car, Lamborghini decided to up the ante a bit by teaming up with car coating specialist Zirotec in giving the Reventon a one-of-a-kind Diamond Black plasma-sprayed coating.

While the Diamond Black plasma-sprayed coating sounds cool to listen to, it actually does more than just coat the Reventon and give it a nice sleek finish. The new coating, which is also applied to the exhaust of the car, prevents the transfer of heat from the tailpipe and protects the heat sensitive parts around it. When it’s applied to the exhaust, the coating keeps the heat it generates inside and prevents it from spreading. Aside from limiting heat transfer, the Diamond Black plasma-sprayed coating is tough enough to withstand mechanical damage, thermal shock and is resistant to vibration.

So if the look and power of the Lamborghini Reventon aren’t convincing enough for you to take a closer look into getting one of these bad boys, then maybe its new Diamond Black plasma-sprayed coating might make you think twice. Not only does it enhance the car’s appearance, it also helps in keeping your other car components protected from the heat generated by your other car parts.

Source: TopSpeed

Thanks to the success of Michael Bay’s Transformers and Bumblebee’s endearing charm, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has become one of the iconic cars of this generation. So it’s no surprise that Chevrolet has jumped on the chance of capitalizing on its popularity by releasing a new convertible trim for this model.

At a glance, there’s really not that much difference between the appearance of the new Camaro convertible and its coupe sibling. The new Chevrolet Camaro convertible still carries the same design structure as that of the original coupe, although the image of it with its top down and its new black finish makes it look more luxurious and regal compared to the yellow and black stripes finish used by its coupe counterpart in Transformers. The new convertible will also sport the same engine as that of its coupe sibling which is either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 6.2-liter LS3 engine. The convertible will also be given the option of carrying a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.

Chevrolet is set to release the new Camaro convertible in the summer of next year. That would probably a good plan for them especially since next year marks the release of the new Transformer’s sequel. Talk about timing, huh?

Source: TopSpeed, MotorTrend

Suspected Russian Mafia Nabbed By Authorities Along With His Twenty-Three Luxury Cars

Ok, this subject isn’t what you would normally see in this blog but given the fact that a) a Russian mob boss was arrested and b) all his assets were taken, including 23 luxury vehicles, I say this news warrants a posting in this blog.

Gennadios Petrov, who resides in Calvi, one of Majorca’s exclusive villages in Spain, was arrested when authorities raided his home. Petrov is said to be the head of one of Russia’s gang, the Tambovskaya-Malyshevkaya. The gang is considered one of Russia’s most brutal crime syndicate that specializes in setting up web companies in Spain that’s used to launder money through illegal property deals. Along with Petrov, 20 other members were also arrested in an operation which was codenamed Troika, an operation that began in 2005 and is responsible for investigating the Russian Mafia in Spain.

Among the items taken from Petrov’s neo-classical mansion were a 1949 painting signed by renowned artist Salvador Dali, €200,000 in cash and 23 of the mafia boss’ luxury cars, which included a number of Ferraris and Bentleys.

The raid, which is in the latest stage of operation, involved 300 police officers. German, U.S. and Russian police were also involved in what is currently considered Europe’s biggest attack against organized crime.

Source: The Guardian, Media Fax Foto, thomasroche.livejournal.com

The Continental Flying Spur Speed – Bentley’s Answer To Absolute Power

It is said that power corrupts while absolute power corrupts absolutely. If it was such an evil thing, then how come everybody wants to have it, right? Well, if you happen to be just one of those who’s aiming to be all-powerful, then maybe you can start with what Bentley claims to be its most powerful four-door vehicle: the 600bhp Continental Flying Spur Speed.

So what makes this luxury sedan the most powerful to come out of Bentley’s production house? Well for starters, this baby is equipped with a supped up 6-liter V12 engine that’s been given a 9 percent increase in terms of power and a 15 percent increase in terms of torque. In a nutshell, this sedan is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph. That’s a sports car for you right there in a sedan’s body. Aside from the powerful engine, the 600bhp Continental Flying Spur Speed has also been given a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, an equally powerful 1100-watt Naim audio system, an ESP system and a lower set of springs.

So what would be the price to pay for this type of power? Well, there hasn’t been any official announcement yet but it’s rumored to hit the amount of £140,000. Still want one? Better start busting your booty, then.

Source: TopGear

ASI Adds “Flower” To The Bentley Continental GTR

If you were able to watch the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, you’ll know that the Japanese have a taste for designing their cars outrageously (don’t believe me? Check out Bow Wow’s Incredible Hulk ride). But most, if not all, of the cars that were used were sports cars. But when you combine Japan’s outrageous design skills with, let’s say a Bentley, this is what you’ll get. A car that’s trying to pretend to be someone – or something – it’s not. Take this Bentley GT designed by Asi.

Dubbed the ASI Tetsu GTR, this customized Bentley Continental GT carries a gold finish, a new trunk, spoiler and a black carbon fiber hood painted with flowers designed by Nakamura Tetsui. While the gold finish, spoiler plus its slick chrome finish rims gives the ASI Tetsu GTR an upbeat look, ASI could have really omitted the use of flowers. I mean, you have to wonder what this car is trying to say. Is it saying that I’m rich and gay or is it trying to say I’m daddy’s little girl’s pimped-up ride. Or worse, is it daddy’s attempt to be hip and cool?

But even though its appearance seems to take gaudiness to the extreme, it’s no slouch in terms of performance. The ASI Tetsu GTR has been able to increase the horsepower of its 6-liter twin-turbo V-12, increasing it’s horsepower up to 800bhp.

Now if you’re into cars that carry a unique and outlandish design, then this car’s just for you. If not, well, just turn the other way and pretend you never laid eyes on it.

Sources: Baller Ride, TopGear

This Just In: Aston Martin Not For Sale

This just in: Aston Martin isn’t for sale. You heard that right. Forget what you heard from your so-called sources and forget whatever article you read on the Internet. Despite rumors stating that Mercedes Benz would be buying the company, it appears that the only thing they’ll be doing is to provide Aston Martin with new engines to be used by the company’s future models.

This was confirmed by none other than Dave Richards, the company’s top investor who happens to own Prodrive. According to Richards, the talk with Mercedes is simply a negotiation about engines, particularly Mercedes’ V6 and V8 engines, nothing more. He cited that the engine deal they were negotiating for with Mercedes Benz is the same deal Aston Martin has with Ford , which is to supply them with engines until 2012. However, once the company’s deal with Ford has expired, it’s still up in the air whether they’ll be looking into other companies interested in providing them with engines or if they’ll be sticking it out with Ford.

Rumors about the sale and interest of Mercedes in the company started as early February and lasted until the time Richards confirmed that Aston Martin will not be sold to Mercedes Benz. Aston Martin was previously owned by Ford Motor Co. New investors led by Dave Richards and two Middle East investment firms bought out Ford last year to get full control and ownership of the company.

Sources: TopSpeed, Motor Authority, Auto Week, Left Lane News

Schumacher’s Choice: The Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Being preferred by one of racing’s great is definitely going to, not only boost your ego, but probably your sales as well. That’s what Ferrari is enjoying right now as Michael Schumacher has showed his support for the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Here’s what he’s been doing.

As part of the partnership between Schumacher and Ferrari, the racing legend has been seen driving around in the Ferrari 430 Scuderia in the Fiorano test track in front of a number of Ferrari customers and giving them tips on driving. Aside from teaching customers how to drive the Schumacher Way, the racing legend is also involved in the production of an extreme version of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

For those unaware, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia is one of the models derived from the F430 series. This two-door lightweight (it weighs in at 1,250 kg) sports car carries a V-8 engine that’s capable of providing 510 hp at 8,500 rpm. It’s packed with the latest F1 software called Superfast, which helps decrease the time it takes to shift gears by 60 milliseconds. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia also has a new traction control system which combines the E-Diff electronic differential, the F1-Trac traction and the stability control into just one system.

So it’s no surprise why Michael Schumacher decided to go all out for the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Based on the specifications above, it has the potential of becoming one of the all-time greats, just like Mr. Schumacher.

Sources: TopSpeed, EuroCarBlog