Aston Martin will build a Roadster variant of the V8 Vantage N400, a special limited-edition based on the V8 Vantage shown at the latest Frankfurt auto show and dedicated to the legendary Nürburgringer Nordschleife.

Only 240 units will be produced, but for the Roadster version it will not be possible to order the roll bar that can be had as an optional for the N400 coupè. The N400 pack consists of a new, more powerful version of the 4.3-litre V8 engine of the Vantage, that on the N400 outputs 400 bhp and 420Nm. The suspension set-up is also different from the softer one of the normal Vantage Roadster.

We can imagine how gratifying will be hearing the ferocious sound of the V8 on this en-plein-air supercar…

The Lamborghini Reventon is an astonishing piece of work. Only 20 examples are being built, each one selling for a ridiculous $1,000,000 sum. Powered by the Mucielago LP640 v12 engine, the Reventon is capable of thrusting itself from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds, and will only stop accelerating once the speedometer shows as going 211 miles per hour.

Popular Science car reporter William R. Snyder as he took Reventon for its first test drive by the press.

German tuner Mansory has developed a range of carbon-fiber accessories and performance upgrades designed specifically for the gorgeous Vantage V8. Having already established itself as a specialist in the modification of high-end British cars with previous projects such as the Rolls Royce Phantom Conquistador and Le MANSory Conti GTC, Mansory was now primed to release a new package for one the UK’s favorites. More images after the jump (more…)

A new version of the Mercedes-McLaren has been developed by British motorsports company RML Group for a handful of privateer teams who hope to compete in a new club racing series. The car was solely designed for the track and has no approval for on-road use but that hasn’t stopped 21 individuals paying the estimated €1 million price tag for the privilege of owning one of the hottest race cars on the planet.

The Mercedes McLaren SLR 722 GT has a top speed of 315 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Compared to the series-production version, the SLR 722 GT has been uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered by RML, especially with respect to the suspension, braking system, aerodynamics, interior and exhaust system. More than 400 components were redesigned. The key data of this edition limited to 21 two-seaters – kerb weight 1390 kilograms, maximum output 500 kW/680 ps at 1.75 bar boost,and maximum torque of 830 Newton metres to guarantee maximum racetrack performance.

Ferrari unveiled the new version of the FXX during this past weekend’s Ferrari World Finals at its Mugello race track in Italy. The FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D programme agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years. Thanks to readings taken over the 16,500 kilometres of tests carried out in 2006 and the 18,500 kilometres covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the programme the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.

The FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organising at international circuits for 2008/2009. Six events are planned for each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia). In addition to these, the FXXs will also be participating, as per tradition, in the prestigious end-of-season Ferrari World Finals.

As happened in 2006/2007, the cars will be backed up at each event by a 15-member official team made up of engineers, electronics experts and mechanics capable of providing complete assistance to clients. Needless to say, the latter will still be able to organise their own private individual track sessions in their car as well.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today announced the launch of the new model – GT-R. it is peoclaimed as “an ultimate supercar enjoyable to anyone, anywhere, at anytime”. The car will be available mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers.
New GT-R embodies the new understanding and appreciation of natural forces of gravity, inertia and aerodynamics. The car transforms these forces into an absolutely new design, maximal tire grip and airflow.

To increase the interaction between a driver and a vehicle a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace was designed and became an integral property of a new model. The main principles of a new GT-R are speed and efficiency, high-output with environmental mindfulness and high performance and safety.

So Nissan has designed a completely new model offering advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving free of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The car suits to drive on snow, rain or urban areas owing to its advanced technology and driving dynamics.
The perfect characteristics of a new car were reached also through specialized production process. The components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled in a “clean room” environment and after its completion every car of the present series undergoes several comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

The owners of a new GT-R will be offered total support for the first three years of ownership including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km.

More images after the jump (more…)

Honda has revealed the look of its Japan-spec S2000 Type S ahead of the car’s local launch at tomorrow’s Tokyo Motor Show. The car is essentially the same package as the U.S. delivered S2000 CR but differs by the inclusion of the standard folding roof instead of the aluminum hardtop as well as a new rear wing diffuser.

The factory-tuned roadster also features firmer suspension, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction plus a unique aerodynamic package. The car is described by its developers as the “closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn,” signifying the desire of its target market of weekend club racers.

The Japanese version comes with the same high-revving four cylinder engine as U.S. spec models, including an identical 237hp and 220Nm of torque output. Complimenting the engine’s output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox and a torque-sensing limited slip differential.

Autocar reports that the Bentley Arnage will be replaced with a new model for the 2010 model year. Amid speculation that the Veyron-engined Arnage built recently and described by Bentley as a “prototype” is an indication of the next-generation Arnage’s powerplant – almost 1000 hp – the word is that the 2010 Arnage will have an aluminum spaceframe chassis produced by Audi, an aluminum body, and possibly a hybrid version of the current 6.75 liter V-8 using the transmission developed for the Audi Q7 hybrid or the hybrid transmission currently under development for the next Audi Quattro. (more…)