Just like Ferrari, McLaren or Toyota, Renault took the time to unveil their new 2009 R29 car for this year’s F1 Championship. Though the financial crisis got them too, the French managed to get a new sponsor – Total, who pumped some money for a new design that only needs to proves itself on the track. At the official presentation, Flavio Briatore got Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet to pull the cover off of the yellow beast and to pose together. Do you think they have a chance for 2009?

Let’s make it clear. The new Nissan GT-R doesn’t need any add-ons to make it even more spectacular than it is, but hell, who are we to argue with guys that think it doesn’t pay homage to sportscars. For that reason, Wald International decided to brew their own body package (nothing on the engine side …) that will make you fall in love with it, if you haven’t yet. It includes more carbon-fibre parts to make it lighter, a custom built a front-lip spoiler and nose cover, a rear wing and is all wrapped in a glossy finish typically used for street cars (wet carbon fibre) or a dull matte grey color (dry carbon fibre). Expect to pay some $11,500 for the first one or $26,410 for the dry version. Worth it? We’ll let you decide …

Just a couple of day after Toyota announced their new F1 car, McLaren unveiled MP4-24, the little monster that will run the track for the 2009 F1 Championship. However, that’s not the only news we’ve heard? Apparently Ron Paul used the occasion to announce the pres that he’ll be stepping down as team principal starting March 1st, and that the new chief will be long time deputy Martin Whitmarsh. Now back to the new car features major aerodynamic changes that include a wider front wing and a more compact rear wing for better distribution, the addition of driver-adjustable front-wing flaps and a heavily revised diffuser. And did we mention that it will use the new KERS (Kinetic Enrgy Recovery System) device which harnesses the energy generated from the braking system and stores it in super-capacitor batteries for an additional 80 bhp. That definitely has to make it faster, don’t you think?

Toyota has balls. They’ve just released the new TF109 car for the 2009 Formula 1 Championship, online. I’m no marketing guru but isn’t it a smaller crowd to show off, rather than doing it offline with a lot of press that would write their articles in web-based magazines, too? With all the bad stuff involved with the financial crisis, rumors have it that unless the Japanese automaker won’t prove themselves (the whole team that is, including Jarno Truli, Timo Glock and Kamui Kobayashi) this could be Toyota’s last year in Formula 1. The car looks sleek, though. Isn’t it?

For some reason, the Brits seem to be great at coming up with amazing supercars. Isn’t it? Check out the new limited edition 2009 Farbio GTS track car, the latest street legal car from the company. Based on the GTS350 Supercharged model with intercooler and upgraded injectors, the car has a carbon fibre body weighing some 956kg, outputs some 350 bhp and packs an uprated gearbox with limited slip differential. I’ll have to agree that it looks very cool, but only 350bhp … that doesn’t sound right. Apparently, there’s also the option to get a 450 bhp engine if you have the cash. Only 25 units will be built, so get in line. [via WCF]

I’ve always been in love with what Alfa Romeo produces because it’s a mix of Italian fashion and amazing power. Their newest model is a special limited edition MiTo, that features an unique black paint with satin-finishings, chrome grille, a set of beautiful 17-inch wheels that allows for the red brake calipers to be seen, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. On the inside, expect an exquisite leather job, sport seats and faux carbon-fiber trim on the dash. As for power, the four cylinder engine has been upgraded and now outputs 170hp. If you want one then you’d better be a RIAR member and hurry. Only 46 units of the €20,000 MiTo special edition will be produced. [via RIAR]

The folks from Racer X Design don’t think the current 6-series doesn’t pay enough homage, so they plan to release their own version. Dubbed RZ-M6, what you see above is an all-muscle shark that features modified body panels, a widen body to better hide the tires, the same lines with the M6 and upgrades for even more power, we’d sure love to this concept materialized because it’s a gorgeous looking BMW. Don’t you think? [via Autoblog]

Hello I am DJ Ready D from Mzanzi Ridez, a self confessed Hip Hop and Motorcar junkie. I am grateful to be in your company, but I do hot wish to be cured.

Planet earth is on the brink of a recession with rising interest hikes, fuel, food and all the other basic necessities that keeps the human race functional. In Mzanzi, Eskom is knocking the masses lights out.

On the flipside we have a breed known as Motorheadz that refuse to be left in the dark. My passion and job led to encounters with builders and drivers the world over. Not so long ago we traveled to L.A and Las Vegas to cover the custom car scene. Our week in L.A. was a good run up for the main event nearly 500km away. Passion for cars was evident on every street, round every corner and most car dealerships. SUV’s on 24inch chrome rollers became a regular sight. Porsches ran the streets on Santa Monica and they where as common as City Golfs in South Africa. We dropped in at places like Platinum Motor sport to witness Bentleys, Benzos and Lambo’s get ripped to the gut and rebuilt for SEMA in Las Vegas. (more…)