Four-Wheel Drive Ferrari Caught Testing In Argentina

A mysterious four-wheel drive Ferrari camouflaged with the body of a 612 Scaglietti was caught testing this weekend in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. We're gonna call this the 612 replacement — now with four-wheel drive power! [Autoblog.com.ar]

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2012 Camaro To Get "LFX" V6 Engine

The new 2012 Camaro may get a brand-new V6. Coded the "LFX", we're told it'll provide "significant improvement" on the LLT V6 found in the LS and LT Camaros. CadillacForums even claims it may hit 325-330HP. (H/t to Jason!) [Camaro5]

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Blow-up Sex Doll Causes Car Accident

A Pennsylvania driver caused a collision when he braked to avoid what appeared to be a body in the road. It was a blow-up sex doll. All were unhurt.

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Koenigsegg Agera The World's Most Expensive Cars

MSRP: $1.5 million (estimated)
Specs: Agera means "to act" in Swedish, and is also short for the Greek word Ageratos, which in ancient Greek means "ageless." The body of the car is made from carbon fiber and aluminum, with the shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC created 15 years ago. It has a 910-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine that goes 0-100 in under 3.1 seconds, and its wheels generate a vortex to suck hot air away from the brakes. Fewer than 20 will be made each year.

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2011 Lexus LFA - 202 mph

Lexus doesn't exactly spring to mind when thinking about incredible performance and jaw-dropping looks. We all know the Japanese brand can build high quality luxury vehicles of all shapes and sizes. But can Lexus actually take the fight to exotic cars? The Lexus LFA is the answer; and the result is a 202-mph supercar that looks like it jumped directly out of a video game. There is nothing subtle about the LFA, and not many soft edges to be found anywhere on the hyper-aggressive 2-door body. To keep weight down, the car is made out of three different types of lightweight carbon fiber. Not that the 560-bhp 4.8-liter V-10 engine mounted up front needs any extra help hurling the LFA down the road. Priced at $375,000, you could buy 11 Lexus IS sedans for the price of one LFA - and still have some cash left. Yet with only 500 scheduled to be built, the rarity and performance of the LFA ensure it legendary status amongst the sports car elite.

And for those who really don't like to wait...

The status that comes with owning one of the world's fastest cars isn't limited to only brand-new models. Just because you're lucky enough to afford one of the world's fastest exotic cars doesn't necessarily mean you'll manage to put one in your garage. Most of the cars on this list were sold out as soon as they were announced, usually in hushed tones, to well-heeled buyers. However, recently discontinued supercars, like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and Lamborghini LP670 SV, might no longer be brand new, but still look phenomenal and easily exceed the 200-mph mark. The SLR McLaren can hit 207 mph, while the Lamborghini touches 209 mph.

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2011 Bentley Continental Supersports - 204mph

The Bentley Continental Supersports is four-wheeled proof that refinement and luxury can go hand-in-hand with crushing performance. Despite weighing more than 5,000 pounds, and having a cabin that looks like it belongs in a Gulfstream business jet, the Continental Supersports can reach 204 mph. Credit the 621-hp turbocharged W-12 engine, which shares some of its mechanical lineage to the monster motor found in the Bugatti Veyron (both Bentley and Bugatti are owned by Volkswagen). The Bentley Continental Supersports is, you guessed it, the most powerful Bentley ever produced. Driven sedately, the Continental wafts along in unsurpassed quiet and comfort. Push the gas pedal, and the acceleration knocks you back and deep into the car's hand-stitched leather seats. Permanent four-wheel-drive helps keep all this power under control, as does agile steering and a suspension that can be tuned to favor either comfort or sporty driving.

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2011 Ferrari 599 GTO - 208 mph

Any Ferrari is special, but not all can exceed 208 mph - and even fewer wear the brand's fabled GTO badge. The name was made famous by the original and stunningly beautiful 250 GTO, built from 1962-1964. When one comes up for auction, an original GTO is guaranteed to sell for millions of dollars. So consider the $450,000 you'll pay for the new 2011 Ferrari 599GTO a veritable bargain - at least compared to its classic predecessor. The new model's 661-hp 6-liter V-12 makes the 599 GTO the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever. Give it enough open road and the 599 GTO should exceed 208 mph, according to Ferrari. Being an Italian supercar, it looks quick even when standing still. Based on the 599 GTB, the GTO is 220 pounds lighter, thanks to the use of lightweight materials, including thinner glass than the standard car.

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2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS - 205 mph

There is a reason Porsche has kept itself busy for nearly five decades refining the 911 sports car. Each new model is packed with more performance, and the latest pinnacle is this, the 911 GT2 RS. This is the most powerful road-going Porsche ever built. The 620-hp 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-6 engine has variable turbine geometry (VTG) and sends all of its power to the rear wheels. Forget the four-wheel-drive safety net of the 911 Turbo, the GT2 RS is as close as you can get to a racing Porsche that can be also used for a dash to the local mall. According to Porsche's statistics, which are routinely on the conservative side, the GT2 RS can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph. You better move fast, since only 135 copies of the GT2 RS, priced at $245,000, are headed to the U.S.

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2011 Cadillac Escalade

New for 2011
Cadillac now includes standard scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and multipoint vehicle inspection for four years or 50,000 miles. There's more noise reduction material, including laminated windshield and side glass and a new rearview mirror.
Exterior
Three-tier headlights and a large crisscrossed grille define the Escalade's styling, while chrome applications throughout emphasize the vehicle's luxury status. Exterior features include:

• LED headlights optional
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• 18-inch wheels are standard; 22-inch wheels are optional
• Power liftgate standard

InteriorTwo rows of captain's chairs and a three-seat bench in back are standard. An optional second-row bench ups seating capacity to eight. The center stack flows into the floor console rather than being a separate unit. Interior features include:

• LED-backlit instrument panel
• Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
• Leather seats with power adjustments in front and seat heaters in the first two rows
• Navigation system
• Power-tilting steering wheel
• Optional air-conditioned seats
• Optional heated steering wheel and rear-seat entertainment system

Under the HoodAn all-aluminum 6.2-liter V-8 makes 403 hp and 417 pounds-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 8,300 (RWD) or 8,100 pounds (AWD) when properly equipped. Mechanical features include:

• Available permanent all-wheel drive
• Optional Magnetic Ride Control replaces mechanical shock absorbers with electronically controlled shock absorbers that GM says react to the road more quickly

SafetySafety equipment includes:

• Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Standard electronic stability system
• Standard side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats
• Front-seat side-impact airbags
• Optional blind spot warning system

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Faster Than 200 MPH :2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport - 268 mph

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport - 268 mph

You can do a lot of things with $10,075. But if you want to own the $2.7 million Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, currently the fastest car in the world, that's about the price you'll pay for every mile-per-hour the car is capable of. The Veyron's astounding price tag is matched only by its outrageous top speed, a fully-documented and verified 268 mph. The 1,200-hp French-built Bugatti set the new standard in supercar bragging rights last summer, at the sprawling Ehra-Lessien test facility owned by the firm's parent company, Volkswagen. The Veyron Super Sport features larger turbochargers and intercoolers fitted to the quad-turbo W-16 engine. Additional bracing, extra cooling ducts and special aerodynamics are fitted to the Super Sport, so that safety and stability are not sacrificed for top speed.

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Used Car Buying Tips

These Tips to Buy a Used Car Include:
Shop for newer used cars that still have at least a portion of their original manufacturer's warranty remaining: Most late model used cars have at least three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty coverage (and often longer "powertrain" coverage on the engine and transmission). This means you'll get at least a year or so of peace of mind if you buy a used car that is less than three years old. (Important: Be sure to confirm the used car warranty is fully transferable.)

Check into Certified, Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles: These are late model used cars and trucks that typically have less than 50,000 miles and have been given multipoint inspections -- with any needed service or upkeep taken care of before the used car is put on the lot. CPO programs are backed by the automakers (Ford, GM, Volvo, etc.) and the vehicles often include a no-cost extended warranty on major parts such as the engine and transmission. CPO used cars are usually clean and well-maintained -- the "cream puffs" of the used car market.

Do a "background check" for indications that the particular used car make/model you are considering might be a problem car: One with an unusual record of either recalls or consumer complaints. You can find information about recalls and safety-related defects at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site, and information about consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates. Consumer Reports is another good place to poke around. It's also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search; just type in the make and model of the vehicle and "lemon." You can bet if the car has a history of problems, there will be complaints all over the Internet.

Screen your candidate -- the specific used car you are looking at: Even if the make/model has a great reputation for quality and reliability, that particular used car may not have been well-maintained -- even abused. Have a third-party mechanic (not one working for the dealer) look the used car over as a condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to permit this, you should consider yourself well warned -- and walk away.
Ask to see the used cars' service records: If these are available, it's usually a good sign the car was well cared-for, and perhaps more importantly, proof (if the records are complete) that there weren't any unusual repairs or problems. If the used car records are not available, you should be suspicious. It doesn't necessarily mean the used car is a bad car, but you have to wonder why the seller would not have kept such a strong selling point as evidence of proper upkeep and maintenance. In such a case, it is doubly important to have a mechanic you trust give the used car a thorough once-over before you commit to buy.

Be sure it will pass both state safety and emissions tests (where applicable): In most states, this is a legal requirement, but don't assume it is. It can cost hundred of dollars (or more) to repair a used car that fails either state safety or vehicle emissions testing -- and in many cases, you can't legally register or drive that used car until it does pass.
Lastly, jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): located on a stamped plate on the top of the used cars dashboard and run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check for information that could impact your decision about a used vehicle. Some types of information that a CARFAX Report may include are title problems, accidents, ownership and service history. A CARFAX Report costs less than $30, and is well worth the expense.

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Top 10 Automotive Surprises of 2010

1. High-mpg Cars

With hybrids and electric cars getting the buzz, it's easy to overlook those non-hybrids that now get amazing mileage. Drivers won't be stuck shelling out extra bucks for a hybrid when there's a Ford Fiesta that hits 40 mpg on the highway. There have been gains in unexpected places: The 2011 Ford Mustang has cracked the 30-mpg ceiling with its 305-horsepower V-6 engine.

2. Kia Got Cool

Kia has been reworking its lineup, ditching the decidedly uncool Borrego and Rondo in favor of more youth-oriented offerings like the Forte and Soul. With notice-me commercials filled with the likes of rappin' hamsters and golfer Michelle Wie and optional features like glowing, pulsating speakers, Kia's doing a good job of appealing to first-time buyers with more than just a low MSR

3. Buick is the Fastest-Growing Manufacturer
Plagued by rumors that the brand might be phased out and notorious for attracting older car buyers, Buick wasn't expected to do well, much less thrive. But that's exactly what one of America's oldest automobile brands did in 2010. With a revamped LaCrosse and an all-new Regal, Buick has raised worldwide excitement. Through October, Buick's sales were up 55 percent, more than double the growth shown by hot brands like Subaru and Hyundai.

4. Toyota Recall Huge worldwide vehicle recalls for unintended acceleration (federal investigators found many instances to be driver error) shined an intense spotlight on Toyota and its quality control procedures this year, putting the company in an unusually defensive position. Sales of Toyota cars halted while everything from the gas pedals to floormats to electronic systems got a once-over. While the furor has died down, Toyota sales remain more sluggish than the industry as a whole.

5. 2011 Hyundai Sonata Becomes a Top Seller

For years, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord dominated sedan sales figures. The redesigned Hyundai Sonata, however, has given both companies a new player to keep an eye on. The Sonata has been a top 10 seller almost every month since April, wowing car buyers and reviewers alike. Its attractive design and starting price under $20,000 helped it win our $25,000 Family Sedan Shootout this spring.

6. SUVs Popular Again

When gas hit $4 a gallon in 2008, many declared the SUV dead. Interest surged in small cars, but were U.S. consumers really ready to let go of their four-wheel-drive SUVs? In 2010, sales figures say the SUV is back in the public's favor. Massive SUV land-tanks may not have the popularity they once had, but sales of smaller SUVs and crossovers are thriving.

7. NHTSA Revamps Safety Ratings

We have long criticized NHTSA for relying on outdated crash-test procedures that gave far too many cars a five-star rating. Beginning with 2011-model-year cars, NHTSA is rolling out updated tests that record more data and better account for real-world crashes. It's also going to use a wider range of test-dummy sizes, including a female test dummy for the first time. The number of cars garnering five-star ratings will decrease, but that's likely not a bad thing.

8. Google's Driverless Car

We just got one step closer to living like the Jetsons. In October, Google announced it had been secretly testing a tricked-out Toyota Prius that could safely navigate highways and city streets using high-tech cameras, radar and more. Don't worry; a trained safety driver was onboard just in case there were any problems. Google logged more than 140,000 miles safely in the driverless car.

9. Gas Remains Under $3 a Gallon

In an ideal world all cars would be powered by yard clippings and shoot rainbows out of their exhaust pipes. The reality is most cars run primarily on gas, and fuel prices affect more than what you pay at the pump. Fortunately for us, regular unleaded gas prices returned to a more manageable level and have hovered between roughly $2.60 and $2.90 throughout most of 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

10. Ford Drops to Two Brands

When Mercury was shuttered, Ford became home to just two brands: Ford and Lincoln. Over the past few years Ford has sold off Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin to focus on its core brands. Mercury's elimination signals the birth of a more streamlined Ford Motor Co. — an unfamiliar concept for many industry watchers.  Then again, Ford hasn't taken any government bailout money, so maybe they're onto something.

 

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Bentley Continental Supersports review - Top Gear - BBC

Bentley Continental Supersports review - Top Gear 

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