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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster


Mercedes' wallet-crushing exotic convertible has stunning performance to back up its wild looks.


Stuttgart superstars at Mercedes put the gas pedal to the floor with the limited-edition SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. Sporting a sleek "Crystal Antimony Grey" paint scheme, the 722's long nose boldly announces the car's speedy intentions. That nose also features a menacing "air splitter" that improves aerodynamic down-force.

2009 Audi S5


The seductive S5 charges forward thanks to road-clawing all-wheel drive and a lusty V8 engine.


Information about this vehicle will be added as soon as it is available.

BMW 130I M SPORT


The BMW 1 Series was designed to compete against the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, it is the only car in its class to have rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine. And with performance figures of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) are the tantalising results. These figures better rivals such as the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Audi A3 3.2 V6 Sport Quattro Sportback and the Mercedes C320 SE Sports Coup

BMW 335I COUPE


The BMW 335i Coupe provides elegant design, luxury and value all in one. It also establishes a new standard of performance and driving dynamics with the introduction of the first inline six-cylinder with twin-turbochargers, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase. In addition to the standard six-speed manual, both models will be offered with an available six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission.

BMW 650I


The stunning 6 Series Convertible comes with a choice of three 6-Speed transmissions and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) ensure dynamic performance and level cornering on even the tightest curves. Long, low and lightweight, the 650i with its high-performance power train and lavish equipment levels, boasts innovative technology and class-leading

BMW 760


The BMW 760 hits the United States this fall. The all new 6.0 liter, aluminum V-12 engine will develop more than 408bhp. The BMW 760 is the first BMW ever to feature direct gasoline injection supplementing Valvetronic Technology. The combination of these technologies allows superior horsepower and torque with outstanding fuel economy. The world's first six speed automatic transmission is connected to the engine with shaft-by-wire technology. The driver is able to control all shift functions from the steering wheel. Pneumatic rearsuspension as well as an electronically controlled sunblind for the rear window both come standard. The 760Li offers the very best

BMW M COUPE


The BMW M Coupe made by BMW from 1998 to 2002, nicknamed the "Shoe", "Clown Shoe", "Boot", "Shooting Brake" or "Bread Van" by enthusiasts. The car is based on the BMW M Roadster. The semi-trailing arm rear suspension was not modified from the M Roadster. The coupe is 2.7 times stiffer than its convertible counterpart, resulting in superior handling

BMW M3 CSL


Of the limited-run models of the M3, the M3 CSL (E46) is the most celebrated. BMW made a limited run (less than 1,400 units) of these machines between June and December of 2003. The BMW M3 CSL is not only more powerful than the standard M3, but is also a lot lighter and therefore much more nimble.

BMW X3


The BMW X3 is based on the BMW 3-Series platform. It is a compact luxury crossover SUV (though BMW advertises it as an SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle). Early in the new millennium BMW decided they wanted to compete with the likes of the Freelander, Lexus RX and other small luxury SUV's just as the X5 had previously done so well in its respective classes. The X3 was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003.

BMW M6 E63


The BMW M6 E63 made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is based on the BMW E63/E64 6-Series, introduced in 2004. It shares the same 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5. The M6 combines the presence of a supercar with grand touring potential. Joining an ever growing club, the fourth new M car of the decade sets a new performance benchmark for production cars. The M6 will have the same 'power button' as the M5 which modifies the throttle response.

BMW Z1


The BMW Z1 produced from July 1988 to June 1991. It was developed by BMW Technik GmbH and The Z1 featured unusual doors which, instead of opening outward or upward, dropped down into the door sills. Only 8,000 copies of the Z1 were produced. Initial demand was so fierce that BMW had 5,000 orders before production began. Unfortunately, demand dropped significantly around 1988 and BMW ended production in 1991.

BMW Z4 M COUPE


The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his "flame surfacing" design and aggressive styling choices. Key to the purity of driving dynamics and handling characteristics of the Z4 Coupe is its exceptionally stiff body structure. Initially, the Z4 was available only as a roadster, but in 2006 the coup? version was officially launched.

BMW Z8


The BMW Z8 was made from 2000 to 2003. The Z8 is the production variant of the 1997 Z07 concept car, which was designed by Henrik Fisker at BMW's Designworks in Southern California. In order to promote the Z8 to collectors and reinforce media speculation about the Z8's "instant classic" potential, BMW made the promise- unprecedented in the auto industry- that a 50 year stockpile of spare parts would be maintained in order to support the Z8 fleet.

ALFA ROMEO BRERA V6 Q4 SV


The Alfa Romeo Brera first appeared as a concept car at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign Giugiaro, and was a large luxury sports car with V8 power. Before it was released, the Alfa Brera concept car was voted "Best of Show" by Autoweek magazine at the Geneva Motor Show, "Best of Show" in the prototype category at the Villa d?Este Concorso D?Eleganze, it picked up two prizes at Challenge Bibendum 2002, and "the Most Fascinating Car" award at the Super Car Rally 2002 form Paris to Monte Carlo.

ALFA ROMEO GT COUPE


The Alfa Romeo GT is a coupe produced by Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2004. The GT is based on the larger 156 sedan, with the coup? body styled by Bertone. Most mechanicals are taken directly from the 156, with some influence from the slightly more modern 147. The 240bhp 3.2-litre V6 offers good all-round performance but is prone to torque steer.

ALPINA ROADSTER V8


Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH is an automobile tuning company based in Buchloe, in the Ostallg?u district of Bavaria, Germany specialising in BMW cars. To celebrate the tremendous success of the Z8 Roadster, BMW has partnered with Alpina to create an exclusive and unique rendition of this contemporary classic. Production of the Alpina Z8 will be limited to 555 units worldwide.

ALPINA B7


BMW with Alpina have created a special high performance version of the 7 Series luxury sedan. The 2006 BMW Alpina B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan. The heart of the B7 is a 4.4 litre V8 engine that is charged through the use of a radial (Nautilus-type) compressor. The combination of Valvetronic and charging is world first.

ASTON MARTIN DB9 VOLANTE


The DB9 Volante is the 13th convertible from the company - joining a prestigious line-up of other Aston Martin convertibles that stretches back to the DB2 of 1950 and includes the DB4, DB5, DB6, V8 and DB7. Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: 'From the outset of the DB9 programme we knew we wanted a convertible model. So the Volante has been designed, engineered and built from the outset as a convertible ' it's not a Coupe with just the top taken off.

ASTON MARTIN DB9


The Aston Martin DB9 is a sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement. Its design philosophy is uncompromising and brings together everything that makes a sports car great with that unique Aston Martin character. It has a fully equipped cabin trimmed in the finest quality materials; DB9?s 6.0-litre V12 and shift-by-wire fully automatic transmission.

ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE


The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the closest to a pure sports car of any in the current Aston Martin range. Aston Martin has used the name "Vantage" on high performance variants of their existing GT models. ''The V8 Vantage is a significant car for us,'' explained Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. ''It is now the third model in our range and is the culmination of the first phase of reinvigorating the Aston Martin brand around the world that began in the year 2000.''

ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH


The Aston Martin Vanquish is the flagship model in Aston Martin's current product range. It is constructed from the latest materials and employs leading automotive technology with breathtaking performance. The V-12 prodeces exceptional peak power to give the Aston Martin Vanquish a potential top speed of 190mph. The transmission is a state of the art six speed with auto and select shift manual electro-hydraulic control system. New as standard equipment for 2003 is a 1200-watt, 13-speaker Linn audio system. Tungsten silver replaces Skye Silver and Berwick Bronze replaces Glangarry Gold. Worldwide production is expected to be 300 cars with 100 for the United States.

AUDI S8


the Audi S8, powered by a V10 engine derived from the 5.0 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo. This is the first ever V10 from Audi and is effectively harnessed by a chassis combining adaptive air suspension with the latest generation quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, featuring a standard torque split of 40:60 (front / rear) that helps to optimise axle load distribution for even greater agility and steering precision. The previous S8 came to popular prominence after the movie Ronin, starring Robert De Niro

AUDI TT


The Audi TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and went into production in 1998. The design is credited to J Mays and Freeman Thomas of Volkswagen's California design studio. The name is an abbreviation of "Tourist Trophy", an annual road race on the Isle of Man.

CORVETTE 50TH ANNIVERSARY


For 2003 Corvette unveils the Corvette 50th Anniversary edition, a tribute to half a century of automotive leadership. It is available as a coupe or convertible and includes special anniversary edition paint. In addition to many aesthetic improvements such as special emblems and color-coordinated gauges and console, the new Corvette features the industry's fastest and most powerful real-time suspension; Magnetic Selective Ride Control. MSRC uses a revolutionary damper design that controls the wheel and body motion with Magneto-Rheological fluid in the shocks. By controlling the current to an electromagnetic coil inside the piston of the damper, the MR fluid's consistency can be changed, resulting in continuously variable real time damping. The system in integrated with the traction control and ABS systems.

DE LOREAN DMC 12


The De Lorean DMC-12 was manufactured from 1981 through 1983 by the De Lorean Motor Company in Northern Ireland. Known as the De Lorean, the DMC-12 featured gull-wing doors with a brushed stainless steel body. The DMC-12s were primarily intended for the American market. Therefore, all of the production models were left-hand drive

HENNESSEY VIPER VENOM 1000


The Hennessey Venom 1000 Twin Tubro is a normal SRT-10 Viper tuned by Hennessey. It is the fastest limited edition street car in the world. In the September 2005 issue of Road & Track magazine, 14 of the world's fastest vehicles including the Hennessey Venom 1000 Twin Turbo were tested. The vehicles were subjected to a number of performance tests including a standing mile test of speed on the 13,000 ft. runway at Lemoore Naval Air Station. The Hennessey Venom Twin Turbo posted the highest speed of the day running the standing mile in 25.6 seconds. The Hennessey Venom also posted the quickest 0-200 mph run with a time of 21.3 seconds

FERRARI 348


The 348 was introduced with the car in 1989. The engine produced 300 hp (233 kW) and sits longitudinally with a transverse gearbox, like the Mondial t with which the 348 shares many components. This was a major shift for Ferrari, with all previous small Ferraris using a transverse mounted engine.

FERRARI 360 CHALLENGE STRADALE


Ferrari 360 is the name given to three models of Ferrari cars: the Ferrari 360 Modena, an enclosed two-door coupe; the Ferrari 360 Spider, a two-door convertible; and the Ferrari Challenge Stradale, the bare-bones version of the 360 Modena. Outwardly, only subtle differences differentiate the Challenge Stradale from other 360s. Don't let aesthetics fool anyone, the Challenge Stradale is comprehensively upgraded to include only proven performance enhancements.

FERRARI 550 MARANELLO


The Ferrari 550 Maranello was introduced in 1996. The 550 was an upmarket front-engined V12 coupe of the kind not seen since the Daytona. The 550 featured a luxurious and roomy interior. The trunk was tall and wide, though not very deep, you can fit a full set of golf clubs or standard overnight bags. It also had performance to look up at, with a top speed at 323 km/h (199 mph) and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds.

FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO

The 599 GTB made it's debut at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. The styling of the 599 GTB was done by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It was named for its engine displacement and the Fiorano test track used by Ferrari. 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.

FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI


The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti first produced by Ferrari in 2004. The 612 is a Gran Turismo two door fastback coupe with a 2+2 seating arrangement. The 612 Scaglietti combines the sporty thoroughbred Ferrari berlinetta performance and excellent onboard comfort for four occupants. The cars design, especially the large side scallops and the headlights, pays homage to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM.

ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S


The Vanquish S V12 is the flagship model of Aston Martin. To build such an extraordinary car, the company has used British expertise in aerospace and race-car engineering. The Vanquish S is unmistakably an Aston Martin. It is elegant, powerful and dynamic. But there is also a hint of menace in this classic Aston Martin design

BUGATTI EB110 GT


The Bugatti EB110 from Bugatti is one of the most celebrated cars in automotive history. It was unveiled on September 15, 1991 in both Versailles and in front of the Grande Arche at La D?fense in Paris, France exactly 110 years after Ettore Bugatti's birth. The powerplant is one of the most advanced and complex engines ever created while the chassis and design is just as superb.

AUDI R8


The Audi R8 is the first mid-engined sports car and was released by Audi in 2006. Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans, which was a concept car at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. The R8 combines Audi's experience gained from numerous

BUGATTI VEYRON


The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has a very impressive top speed of over 400 km/h (407.5 km/h or 253.2 mph) and an equally impressive price tag of over 1 million u.s dollars. It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the Bugatti name. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.

CADILLAC ESCALADE


The Escalade was introduced in 1999, it is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (or SUV) sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade line has proven very popular with after-market tuners, who personalize vehicles for usually affluent customers. The Escalade has quickly become an easily recognizable presence in pop culture. It has been featured in many hip hop music videos, and it may have been the reason for Cadillac's recent popularity among the urban demographic.

FERRARI 360 MODENA


The Ferrari 360 Modena, an enclosed two-door coupe; the Ferrari 360 Spider, a two-door convertible; and the Ferrari Challenge Stradale, the bare-bones version of the 360 Modena are three models of Ferrari 360. The 360 was generally well-received. However, some reviewers criticized its handling at the limit as twitchy, similar to its predecessors (the 348 & F355).

FERRARI 456


The Ferrari 456 is a true four seat coupe with classic Pininfarina styling. The current model was first introduced in 1992 and was updated in 1998 with a larger radiator grille and brake intakes to improve cooling. The rear bumper incorporates a lower fixed wing to enhance the down force produced by the flat rear underbodyand diffuser. The Ferrari 456 is equipped with a 5.5 liter V-12, producing 442bhp@6250rpm.
ASCARI KZ1


Only 50 Ascari KZ1 cars were ever produced making it a very exclusive supercar. Hence its price of close to half a million dollars. Each car was handcrafted which took 340 hours per car.
Posted by Lavish at 5:34 AM 0 comments
FERRARI 456


The Ferrari 456 is a true four seat coupe with classic Pininfarina styling. The current model was first introduced in 1992 and was updated in 1998 with a larger radiator grille and brake intakes to improve cooling. The rear bumper incorporates a lower fixed wing to enhance the down force produced by the flat rear underbodyand diffuser. The Ferrari 456 is equipped with a 5.5 liter V-12, producing 442bhp@6250rpm.
Posted by Lavish at 5:27 AM 0 comments
FERRARI 360 MODENA


The Ferrari 360 Modena, an enclosed two-door coupe; the Ferrari 360 Spider, a two-door convertible; and the Ferrari Challenge Stradale, the bare-bones version of the 360 Modena are three models of Ferrari 360. The 360 was generally well-received. However, some reviewers criticized its handling at the limit as twitchy, similar to its predecessors (the 348 & F355).
Posted by Lavish at 5:26 AM 0 comments
CADILLAC ESCALADE


The Escalade was introduced in 1999, it is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (or SUV) sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade line has proven very popular with after-market tuners, who personalize vehicles for usually affluent customers. The Escalade has quickly become an easily recognizable presence in pop culture. It has been featured in many hip hop music videos, and it may have been the reason for Cadillac's recent popularity among the urban demographic.
Posted by Lavish at 5:25 AM 0 comments
BUGATTI VEYRON


The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has a very impressive top speed of over 400 km/h (407.5 km/h or 253.2 mph) and an equally impressive price tag of over 1 million u.s dollars. It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the Bugatti name. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.
Posted by Lavish at 5:24 AM 0 comments
BUGATTI EB110 GT


The Bugatti EB110 from Bugatti is one of the most celebrated cars in automotive history. It was unveiled on September 15, 1991 in both Versailles and in front of the Grande Arche at La D?fense in Paris, France exactly 110 years after Ettore Bugatti's birth. The powerplant is one of the most advanced and complex engines ever created while the chassis and design is just as superb.
Posted by Lavish at 5:22 AM 0 comments
AUDI R8


The Audi R8 is the first mid-engined sports car and was released by Audi in 2006. Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans, which was a concept car at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. The R8 combines Audi's experience gained from numerous motorsport victories.
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Electric vehicles not cool enough for GenY

New Delhi (IANS): Sanjiv Sharma, a city-based hospitality consultant, plans to buy a car. His first. And like most of his peers he is certainly concerned about the rising cost of fuel. Yet he has ruled out electric vehicles: He doesn't find them cool enough.

"I am planning to buy a car but don't think it will be an electric model like Reva. It's not very stylish. And how will I charge it if the battery runs out?" asks 26-year-old Sharma.

The concept of electric vehicles may have caught the fancy of several Indian corporate houses into developing prototypes, but they are yet to make an impact on the segment that ultimately matters: young buyers.

There is much to do before an electric vehicle-equivalent of "Hamara Bajaj" emerges on the Indian automobile landscape as an answer to urban mobility. Here's why:

The most crucial factors impeding growth is the limited range of these vehicles owing to insufficient battery capacity and absence of charging points in cities, say experts and prospective buyers alike.

That is probably why the number of electric vehicles sold remains low. Bangalore-based electric car manufacturer Reva has managed to sell just over 500 vehicles this fiscal against a target of 1,000.

Hero Electric, on the other hand, has sold about 4,100 electric scooters since its inception (2007).

An electric scooter or car requires six-eight hours of charging to attain full capacity giving a scooter a maximum range of 50-70 km while a four-wheeler can go up to 80 km, on existing lead-acid battery technology.

"The solution to fossil fuels is certainly in electric vehicles. But we have to find ways by which customers can charge batteries with ease," said Naveen Munjal, managing director of the Delhi-based Hero Electric, which sells electric scooters.

"We also need next-generation batteries to extend the mileage of vehicles," Munjal told IANS.

Reva is launching a new model powered by advanced Lithium-ion battery technology.

"This will give the vehicle a 120-km range, ideal for city conditions. The new battery will also allow consumers to recharge in an hour," said Reva deputy chairman and chief technical officer Chetan Kumaar Maini.

Yet, once you zoom out of home on your electric vehicle, you will have to come back to recharge if you want to keep driving. Indian cities still do not have enough charging stations to cater to such vehicles.

"We have 12 charging stations in Delhi and are putting up more. But how many stations can a private company like us put in? We definitely need help from the government and coordination among other players," Munjal added.

The price of electric cars starts at Rs.350,000 - steep given that you could buy a Hyundai Santro, Maruti-Suzuki Zen and Wagon-R, or a Chevrolet Spark at that price.

"Multi-level taxation in different states take away the incentive to bring down prices. What we need is a uniform tax regime for electric vehicles and a cut in import duties," said Maini, adding such vehicles remained the most promising alternative to fossil-fuel powered automobiles.

"How long can one depend on fossil fuels? They are bound to run out in the next 30-40 years. Then what? People will have to fall back on new technology," Munjal said.

But like hospitality consultant Sharma, these arguments are not persuading Prahlad Sarmah, a real estate broker, from buying an EV.

"Sure I want to save money, but I don't want to drive around in a gizmo that looks like a toy," said Sarmah, 29. But he has greater concerns.

"My girlfriend will die giggling every time she sees me in it."