Auto fanatics are aware that the Pagani C9 is slated to go public before this year’s end and it will come with a whopping price tag (€900,000) but what is more of a mystery is the shape it will adorn. There are no certain images available which is why C9 prototype spy images gain a lot of importance. Speaking of spy shots, here’s something happening in South Africa — two C9 prototypes spied in Johannesburg, one inspired by the Zonda F, while the other one featuring a rear belonging to the Zonda R territory. Even the typical Pagani quadpipe has been retained plus there are holes drilled for a dual pipe set-up so we are not quite sure what the end product will embrace. The Pagani C9 is expected to house a 700 PS 6.0L V12 engine which will generate up to 1000Nm of torque. Looks neat, don’t you think? [Images by WCF]

The new Ford GT has just been upgraded by the folks from Matech to be a real racer. Dubbed the 2010 Matech GT1, “the car is completely new. Not a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same as those of the Ford GT1 from 2009. The roll-out was very promising, and we are confident with regard the forthcoming season.” Looks sharp, isn’t it?

The Ray Concept was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show and it is a plug-in-hybrid concept designed for the eco-conscious. The concept features a direct injection 153hp 1.4L engine and a 78kW electric motor where the engine is mated to a CVT set-up. The Ray concept has an overall driving range of 1,200 Km and it can travel 80kms on the electric power alone while it has a fuel economy rating of more than 202mpg. The Ray Concept adjudges the driving conditions and then decides the escalation of power from the two sources i.e. the engine and the electric unit.

The Americans get their first shot at buying the 2011 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition later this month with a price tag of $38,860. The Fairlady Z was expected to cost much more in the US when the commuter was first unveiled but Nissan has managed to keep the pricing affordable. What is more is that the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will be a limited edition model in the US will only 1,000 units available for purchase. Peculiar 40th Anniversary signatures on the exterior include, badges, high-luster smoke wheel finish and red brake calipers. On the inside the car features 40th Anniversary debossed seatback and floormat embroidery, red stitching on the centre stack and a commemorative premium satin car cover making the edition exclusive.

The most technically innovative Volkswagen ever created is here! VW has unveiled the 2011 VW Touareg which promises to deliver improved efficiency and emission numbers. The Touareg has surfaced with a number of new powertrains which include FSI, TDI, TSI, and Hybrid engines however, the V8 petrol, V10 TDi and the W12 engines are no longer being offered. Hybrid is the latest addition to the Touareg line-up and the Hybrid variant features a supercharged V6 TSI petrol engine that is capable of producing 245 kW and an electric motor with 34 kW. Together the unit delivers 279kW with 580Nm of torque which helps the SUV dash to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds while hitting a top-speed of 240km/h. The 2011 model Touareg should arrive in the dealerships this April.

The latest set of spy shots said to be that of the Ferrari 599GTO have surfaced from Italy and now the hardcore speed fanatics are more than certain that a Ferrari 599GTO does exist and it is already in the works in Modena. Speculation is ripe that the 590GTO will be a road going version of the 599XX concept based on the 599 GTB Fiorano.

The 599GTO will ‘probably’ feature a 6.0L V12 beast which is capable of producing 515 kW derived from the Enzo motor. The amazing displacement will help the car clock 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds which is 0.5 seconds quicker than the GTB. The 599 GTO will do a maximum of 350km/h which will make it one of the fastest red devils ever, comparable with the landmark Enzo. The car should be out in the market in a couple of months bearing a whopping price tag of around $464,950.

Renault can now boast of a complete lineage of panel and leisure activity vans outmatching its competitors with the addition of the latest Kangoo Express Maxi. With three Kangoo sizes now available for the buyers, Renault offers a complete range of automobiles set to meet business user needs. The Kangoo Express Maxi is the range topper (given its size) as it is 39cm longer than the Kangoo Express and it is available in both two and five seater options both the business and the family users. Talk about load volume and the Express maxi offers an extra cubic meter compared to the Kangoo Express. Under the lid is a 1.5 dCi 85 engine which averages 5.3 litres/100km and a healthy 6 litres/100km in urban conditions. TomTom’s Carminat system will also feature in the Express Maxi offering users a top-notch sat nav experience.

Honda is ready to delve furthermore on the success of its eco-friendly cars and the next in the line is the CR-Z hybrid which is set for its European unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show. The hybrid which promises 5.0L petrol consumption for every 100 kilometers will be powered by a 1.5L petrol engine clubbed with an IMA parallel hybrid system. As a combination the mechanism churns 122hp of power with 128-lb-ft of torque and the economy numbers are promising when the engine is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. The exact performance details of the CR-Z are not known but a 3-Mode Drive System will allow the owners to alter the throttle, steering and idle stop timing of the commuter. Sales for the CR-Z Hybrid will begin in Europe later this summer.