New Porsche Boxster Spyder to shake off car's 'Chick Car' image

The all-new Porsche Boxster Spyder is set to hit the market in February with a price tag starting about $60k US. With 320 horsepower and lowered suspension adding to its already impressive performance, the new model will likely appeal to a broader aficionado and performance crowd and shake some people’s perception of it as a ‘chick car’. Enjoy this video from duPont Registry, and let us know if you want to get an early spot on a list.

Spyker C8 Aileron a delight for all the senses

Though not exactly a speed demon, the forthcoming 2011 Spyker C8 Aileron, is definitely poised to take its place as one of the most beautiful exotic cars ever produced. The company describes its buyers picking the Aileron as an ‘and’ car, rather than an ‘or’ car – meaning that they will have a Ferrari, Bentley, or Lamborghini AND the Aileron. While the others easily surpass the Aileron in performance, the Spyker is tops when it comes to design, beauty, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.

The latest Spyker model continues the airplane design motif, now with a focus on turbine jet engines, rather than the propeller queues on the smaller C8 Spyder and Laviolette coupe. It also continues its absolutely stunning interior, complete with diamond-tufted hides, aviation-style switchgear and exposed stainless steel shift linkage. It has 400 horsepower on tap from an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 that drives the rear wheels through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

I was able to drive a pre-production model thanks to Spyker of Tampa Bay and their Manager, Chris Warren. The ride and handling are definitely in the grand-touring category, which is exactly what Spyker is looking for. While my drive in the million-dollar prototype was only on city streets, the car seemed very responsive and absorbed bumps and pavement undulations with confidence. It’s not quite as responsive as a Ferrari 599 GTB, but more spry through the twisties than the much-heavier Bentley Continental GT.Pricing is likely $225k and up, and annual Aileron production could be in the 100 to 200 range, so the car will always have exclusivity. And the novelty of the stunning design will ensure it is the center of attention in any valet line. First deliveries are targeted for summer 2010, so call us now for help getting to the top of the list. (Photos © Tom LaPointe)

RM Auctions' Ferrari sale blasts price record

According to a release from RM:

RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, made history this past weekend at Maranello, as the sale of a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa set a new world record for the highest price achieved by a motor car at auction. One of just 22 pontoon-fendered Testa Rossas produced, this wonderful example of one of the most significant racing cars in history attracted global media attention and spirited bidding. When the gavel fell, 0714 TR sold for €9,020,000 or approximately USD $12.2 million, surpassing the previous world record set by RM in 2008 for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder.

Latest Murciélago one fast Bull - LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

Lamborghini recently announced the latest generation of it's Murciélago, the LP 670-4, an all-wheel-drive beast with 670 horsepower (Euro-spec) driving all four wheels on a chassis 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

More than just a lightweight version with more power, the new car features several design changes, including more aggressive front and rear fascias, and a choice of two wings. The aerodynamic package was enhanced to enhance downforce, limiting top speed to 212 miles-per-hour.

The interior can be had with extensive carbon fiber and Alcantara, and the signature scissor doors continue.

“The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company's technological expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”

Bugatti going topless, expanding model range?

Bugatti recently released photos and showed the forthcoming Veyron targa version, called Grand Sport, with a removable top and the same ground-pounding drivetrain. Word is this open-top version will hustle to more than 200 mph with the top off and still retain it's 250-mph top speed capability with the top in place. Pricing is expected to be in the $2.5 million with a very limited number of units scheduled for production.

In addition, Autocar in Europe speculates that a high-performance 'GT' version of the Veyron may be replacing the current model at the end of production, though no word from the factory. The publication across the pond also speculates that a sedan model may be joining the lineup, but again, the factory and it's Audi/Volkswagen parents are mum on the subject thus far.
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