I was highlighting some time ago how the 2009 Nissan GT-R outran many high-dollar exotics at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, with a time of 7:38 minutes, better than the Porsche 911 Turbo and the overhyped Audi R8. However, the pricier Porsche 911 GT2 is even faster, at 7:32 minutes. But another upcoming Japanese car is already running circles around it. The prototype Lexus LF-A posted a time of 7:24 minutes, in full camouflage no less.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK has been facelifted for the 2009 model year (or 2008, as they say in European markets). The tweaks include a front end in the style of an F1 car, while the rear gets edged tailpipes and a new bumper. The 2009 model also gets an updated interior with a new instrument panel design. Two new engines also join the line-up.
BMW has announced that they will publicly debut their new X6 “sport activity coupe” at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2008. They have, however, released details on this confused vehicle, which will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-I6 and a 4.4-litre turbo-V8.
At the official opening of Aston Martin’s new dedicated design centre in Britain, there was a surprise unveiling of a new 600 hp performance concept car, dubbed the V12 Vantage RS.
Land Rover is now 60 years old. To celebrate, the Ford-owned company is offering a limited edition version of the Defender in special SVX trim. But they are limited to British and Australian markets apparently.
Koenigsegg has released the production CCXR supercar, which will eventually aim for the “world’s fastest car” title. The biofuel-powered car has a twin supercharged 4.8-litre V8, and will put out 1018 hp at 7200 rpm, and 1060 Nm of torque at 6100 rpm.
Volvo has developed a system where the car will brake by itself if it realises that the driver will not stop in time to avoid hitting the car in front. Interesting system, but it is scary to think what tailgaters will use something like this for.
A world-record speed of 330.6 kph was set on the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy with a Maybach 57 powered by a 720 hp Brabus-tuned SV12 S Biturbo engine, making it the world’s fastest ultra-luxury large sedan. The Brabus engineers and test drivers bested their own record set in 2005 when a Maybach 57 powered by a Brabus SV 12 Biturbo engine with 631 hp was clocked at 314 kph.
We were invited to the launch of four new Ford models yesterday. These included the Ford Mondeo and the Lincoln MKZ, with a relaunch of the Mercury Milan. Also launched were the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego twins, but these cars were not displayed at the dinner event.
Volvo has created a new entity in India to sell their top-spec cars in the country. Volvo Car India is opening its sales programme with the Volvo S80 luxury sedan and the Volvo XC90 Sports Utility Vehicle. Both models will be offered with three different engine alternatives: the 4.4 litre petrol V8, the 3.2 litre petrol in-line six-cylinder and the 2.4 litre turbocharged diesel in-line five-cylinder, the D5.