The standard Porsche 911 Turbo’s 480HP 3.6-liter bi-turbocharged flat six is by no means a slouch, but where there’s power, there’s always space for even more power. Or at least that’s what Porsche tuning specialist Sportec believes. The Swiss based tuner revealed a new version of its 911 Turbo based SPR1 that lifts the 3.6-liter flat six’s output to a staggering 858 horsepower at 8,200 rpm and 642 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Power is transferred to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Weighing in at 1,345kg or 2,965 lbs, the power-to-weight ratio is 637 horsepower per ton. According to Sportec, the SPR1 takes a mere 3.0 seconds to hit 62mph (100km/h,) with 186mph (300km/h) coming in just 18.9 seconds. The Swiss firm said that the supercar has recorded a top speed in excess of 236mph or 380km/h at Nardo, Italy.

Other highlights of the SPR1 include titanium connecting rods, a flat carbon fiber under floor, active suspension and F1 style ceramic brake discs plus composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, an integrated safety cage and a leather / alcantara interior.

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Looking for the ultimate Jaguar GT? The new XKR is one heck of a ride, but if you’re still fixated on the previous-generation model and want something a little more exclusive, Arden may have something in store for a select few. The Jaguar tuning house released the AJ18 at the 1999 Frankfurt auto show nearly a full decade ago, and announced it would built only 13 examples. In a strange twist, however, ten years and a whole new model since, the company has announced it will built another five for a few lucky customers.

The AJ18 gives the previous-generation Jaguar XK a distinctly racing appearance but is fully legal for road use. Although the engine remains untouched, Arden has upgraded the brakes and suspension for a more aggressive package, complimented by a carbon-composite aerodynamics package and upgraded 20″ competition wheels. It’ll probably get its clock cleaned by the latest version straight out of the Jaguar factory, but you can’t put a price on exclusivity.

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NOVITEC ROSSO has taken a Ferrari Scuderia Spider and has made the limited edition vehicle even more exciting and more exclusive. The open-top lightweight model has been fitted with the NOVITEC ROSSO RACE Bi-Compressor engine that boasts an output of 696 horsepower. It propels the Ferrari to a new top speed of more than 205 mph. Numerous uncompromising sporty options, such as 20-inch wheels, sport springs, a lift system for the front axle and exterior and interior accessories round out the product lineup.

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Turns out that we were spot with our estimates on the technical specs of the all-new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 (okay, okay, we simply used Lambo’s naming strategy) that was officially revealed today after the first photos of the supercar were leaked into the net yesterday. Named after Lamborghini’s best known test drivers, Valentino Balboni who retired after 40 years with the company, the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni ditches the Gallardo’s four-wheel drive system for a rear-drive setup while power comes from a 550HP 5.2-liter V10 engine.
Lamborghini said that the conversion from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive only was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle as the vehicle had to be thoroughly adjusted and tuned. The company’s engineers performerd changes on the supercar’s springs, dampers, stabilisers and the tyres as well as adjusting the aerodynamics to take account of the change to the power flow.

Other changes concern the redevelopment of the rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, the recalibration of the e-gear transmission and a series of adjustment to the ESP system which now permits greater drift angles.

The only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone is 30kg or 66-lbs lighter than its all-wheel drive equivalent, the 560HP Gallardo LP560-4. Weighing at 1,380kg or 3,042 pounds, the LP 550-2 launches from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in 3.9 seconds or 0.2sec slower than the LP 560-4, while it achieves a top speed of 320 km/h or 199 mph (LP 560-4: 325 km/h or 202 mph).

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In an attempt to close the power and price gap between the $57k XF with the 385HP naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and the M5-challenging $80k XFR that is fitted with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that makes 510HP, Jaguar has introduced a new model to its U.S. market lineup called XF Supercharged. Priced from $68,000, it is powered by a detuned version of the XFR’s 5.0L supercharged V8 that delivers 470HP and a peak torque of 424 lb-ft.
With this engine, the XF Supercharged sprints from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, or 0.6 seconds faster than the naturally aspirated XF 5.0L and a mere 0.2sec slower than the 510HP XFR.

Along with the new V8, the XF Supercharged also gains Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics suspension control system and Active Differential Control that electronically controls the rear differential, plus upgraded ventilated disc brakes.

On the outside, the latest model in the XF range is distinguished by the special badges, silver-gray painted brake calipers, chromed exhaust tailpipes and specific 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior features include contrasting stitching on the instrument panel and door top rolls, unique wood trim, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, HD radio, and heated steering wheel.

Sales of the XF Supercharged will begin the States this October. Aside from the XF 5.0L, the XF Supercharged and the XFR, Jaguar’s XF lineup in the US also includes an entry-level model priced from $52,000 that is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 with 300HP.

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The Piaggio MP3 500 Scooter retails for $9,000 and features a unique three-wheel design, providing a more stable, secure, and easier ride. Other features include a 493cc engine, a maximum speed of 89 mph, 55-57 mpg gas mileage, a lean angle of 40 degrees, 20% less braking distance than traditional two-wheeled scooters, and aggressive looks that will help you stand out from the Vespa crowd. All that’s missing is an actual MP3 player.

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Italian supercar maker Ferrari will be showcasing three new models for the first time in the UK at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: the California coupe-convertible, the limited edition Scuderia Spider 16M and the beefed-up 599 GTB Fiorano with the HGTE package. All three supercars will participate at the Sunday Times Supercar Run.
Ferrari will also be represented at Goodwood by the Scuderia Ferrari team that will show off the 2008 Championship-winning F1 car driven by Marc Gene throughout the weekend while privately-owned cars entered in this year’s event include a 1956 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, a 1961 Ferrari 196 SP Dino and a 1980 Ferrari 512 BBLM.

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