2012 Ferrari FF Neiman Marcus special edition【Video】

Neiman Marcus has releases the ultimate gift in its annual Christmas Book, the 2012 Ferrari FF. The Neiman Marcus exclusive edition of the FF jumps from 0 to 60 in less than 3.7 seconds and reaches top speeds of over 200mph.

The Ferrari FF packs a 651-hp V12 engine, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Out back, the FF’s 16-cubic-foot cargo hold will arrive filled with a custom-made luggage set that is designed to match the hue and finish of the leather interior.

The special edition Ferrari, priced at 395′000 USD, can be pre-ordered from Neiman Marcus starting October 27th, 2011, and will be delivered Spring 2012.

Press Release

THE 2012 FERRARI FF, BESPOKE FOR NEIMAN MARCUS

The NM exclusive edition of the 2012 Ferrari FF jumps from 0 to 60 in less than 3.7 seconds and reaches top speeds of over 200 MPH. The top-of-the-line model features 651-horsepower and a V12 engine, a proprietary, lightweight 4WD system (4RMTM), as well as a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission for seamless automatic shifting. Each car is identified by a numbered interior plaque and unique exterior color, "Grigio Caldo." The interior features soft-touch, semi-aniline leather with a matching custom luggage set. It comfortably seats 4 adults and features a class-leading 16 cubic feet of trunk space. The vehicle comes with Ferrari's 7-year maintenance plan, and enrollment in the 2012 Ferrari Winter Driving Experience in Aspen, Colorado. 10 available. Reserve your Ferrari FF by calling 800.558.0022 beginning promptly at 12:00 PM EDT on Thursday, October 27, 2011. Delivery to occur in Spring 2012.

($395,000.00; page 170)

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

The newest and the only super car from Canada is heading fast towards its production line. Beauty in the eye of......Canadians. This is a completely homespun supercar that we can be proud of. Early indications point to a vehicle that will be every bit a match for the world's best Super Sport Cars. It is an attempt to disturb the calm of minds of the big three and smaller sports car manufacturers present in North America and abroad.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Jahong Hur who has founded the company has put his caliber in the designing of the newly developed super car. In the process of doing so, he proved that if someone wants something badly enough, it is always possible to realize that. Thanks to a wealthy Korean businessman, Canada's Multimatic Inc. is now in the business of building exotic sports cars.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Mr Johang Hur loves cars and wanted transportation evocative of the Le Mans cars of the '60s but suitable for street driving. For the creation he went to Ontario's Multimatic, responsible for no less than building the Mustang Boss 302R for Ford Racing and the Canadian homologation of the Ford GT. They also build the carbon-fiber monocoque passenger cell for the Aston Martin One-77.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Canada is not exactly a mecca for exotic car creation. We're known more for our Corollas than Europe's Paganis, Bugattis and Koenigseggs. That is, until recently: First came Quebec's Pléthore LC-750 and now, almost out of the blue, the De Macross GT1, the first super sports car from upstart, Vancouver-based automaker De Macross Motors Corporation (DMMC).

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Working closely with Multimatic Engineering, a motorsports engineering firm that has worked with the likes of Shelby Automotive and Aston Martin in the past, The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars has created a new mid-engine supercar platform composed of an aluminum monocoque tub structure, with integrated front and rear sub-frame modules for suspension, steering, engine and driveline mounting.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Multimatic is a Canadian company supplying components, systems and services to the global auto industry. With its headquarters located in Markham, Ontario, it operates several divisions in North America, Europe and Asia, and has manufacturing ties in South America and Australia.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Its core activities lie in the manufacture of stampings, welded assemblies, mechanisms, and suspension components. It is also involved in the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

The platform also combines plenty of carbon fiber and has been structurally optimized to provide a stiff and stable platform at the lowest possible weight, while meeting global safety standards. Installed within this structure is an independently adjustable push-rod suspension system similar to that used in F1. There is also a hydraulic anti-roll device similar to that used by the new McLaren MP4-12C supercar.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

Unveiled to the world early this year at the Multimatic headquarters outside of Toronto, the GT1 is no fly-by-night prototype, but a production-ready machine that hits all of the high notes expected of a hand-built, rear-drive super car: aluminum and carbon-fibre construction, power The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars comes from the aforementioned Roush 5.4-liter V8 connected to a six-speed manual, a top-speed near 350 km/h and of course, a million-dollar price tag. The goal is to produce more than 800 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, enough they think to propel The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars to 62 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars

The Multimatic team is heading to Florida in March to begin fine-tuning the car's dynamics on-track, but will return to the True North, Strong and Free once the snow disappears. The company has a long-term relationship with Calabogie Motorsports Park west of Ottawa as a location for homegrown vehicle development work.

The De Macross GT1, Canada's Supercar The Exotic Sports Cars will likely begin sales of the GT1 towards the middle of this year through what Wang describes as a "one-on-one type of sales and delivery process you'd expect from this caliber of car." The on-sale date will coincide with a world tour to introduce the globe to Canada's newest super car.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato road-going

Aston Martin has announced the road-going variant of the V12 Zagato which will be making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month.



Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.



Aston Martin Zagato uses its 5.9-litre V12 engine, which sends 510bhp and 420lb ft to the rear wheels. That’s enough to give the V12 Vantage a 4.4sec 0-60mph time and 190mph top speed, though the Zagato’s handcrafted aluminium and carbonfibre body should give it a kerb weight around 100kg lighter than its donor car’s 1680kg, boosting performance figures.



The car is priced at £330,000 (€376,500 / $544,000), not including local taxes.









Press Release



Aston Martin V12 Zagato set for Motor Show Debut at Frankfurt



25 August 2011: Gaydon - The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing in September at the

64th IAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.



Hand assembled at the company's global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful 'handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company's acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.



Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP (excluding local taxes) and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012. 50 years on from the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity which underpinned the original collaboration.



Launched successfully in late May at the famous Villa D'Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato saw off tough competition to be awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the V12 Zagato made its racing debut at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the historic Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Following other appearances in the series, both prototypes of the V12 Zagato were entered into the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour on 25/26 June, successfully amassing a combined 230 laps and over 3,700 miles of intense durability testing - both taking the chequered flag to maintain Aston Martin's 100% finish record in the race.



The first of the two V12 Zagatos being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, finished in its distinctive green livery is the full endurance race car concept specification as campaigned at the Nürburgring. The car, nicknamed ‘Zig' by the factory team features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and spoiler designed to make the most of the Nürburgring's multitude of corners and lengthy straights.



The second of the cars, nicknamed ‘Zag', was originally shown at the Villa D'Este before being converted into the same full racing specification as the sister car. Since the 24 hour race, Zag, has been returned to its original show specification which, although showing a racing car interior, has an exterior more representative of the exclusive road car currently offered for order. In addition to this, Aston Martin today releases the first conceptual illustrations of the road car variant that will go into production from mid 2012.



The pair of V12 Zagatos will join the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt in September alongside the stunning One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.

Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am

Ferrari has unveiled its new 458 Italia Grand Am race car which will roll out on July 26 and 27 for a private session at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

The 458 Grand Am features a 500 horsepower V8 with a 48-mm restrictor plate and rev limiter, rollover bar, new brakes tuned for the car's lack of ABS and traction control and Continental hard-compound racing tires. 






Press Release

The 458 Italian Grand Am launched at Fiorano circuit

Maranello, 18 July - the 458 Italia Grand Am was given its track baptism today at the Fiorano circuit. The car has been developed in conjunction with Michelotto Automobili, based on the GT3 version of the V8 Ferrari berlinetta, with the aim of racing in the famous North American series.

The 458 Grand Am is built to match the American regulations and is therefore different to the European car, especially in that it develops 500 horsepower and has less efficient aerodynamics than the GT version. It is also fitted with a 48 mm restrictor and maximum revs are 8000. Significant modifications have been made to the braking system, as the car has neither ABS nor traction control. Other differences to the GT3 include the roll-over bar which gives greater lateral protection to increase safety in a series in which collisions are rather more frequent. The car is fitted with tyres from Continental, the sole supplier to the series, featuring a very hard compound, again to conform with the series regulations. On its shakedown today, it completed a good number of trouble-free laps, 45 to be precise in the hands of Maurizio Mediani and Jaime Melo, as they took turns at the wheel.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster – Eagle, the exclusive Eagle E-Type car makers, upgraded with further muscular styling, more fresh classic details, completed with the contemporary supercar performance.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

It is inspired by one of the most iconic sports cars and most handsome of all time UK: Jaguar E-Type sensual from the sixties. Enzo Ferrari once said that the Jaguar E-type original is “the most beautiful car ever made.” Now there is a remake worthy of wearing the badge.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

This Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster made its public debut at the Salon Privé 2011, the luxury supercar Concours d’Elegance, which will be held at Syon House in west London on 22 and 24th June 2011. This 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster special model will be limited to only 50 units and will be priced at 100,300 euro, or about $144,000 at the current exchange rates.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

Eagle, makers of the exclusive Eagle E-Type, showcases the world's most exclusive hand built car - the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster - an authentic Jaguar E-Type from the 1960s reworked with more muscular styling, fresh classic detailing, and the performance of a contemporary supercar.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

Henry Pearman, the founder of Eagle, says of the new Speedster : "The elements in this remarkable alchemy are an original Jaguar E-Type, thirty years of dedicated experience, and the absolute cream of our widely acclaimed engineering developments and upgrades." Eagle has a global reputation as an E-Type specialist, and offers an unparalleled collection of magnificent E-Types for sale, ranging from the earliest original specification dealer launch examples through to fully developed cars.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster is powered by 4.7 litre engine, five-speed gearbox, aluminium Power Lock differential, fuel injection with individual throttle bodies and ECU, in line-six cylinder engine, delivers maximum power of  310bhp @ 4800rpm and  340lb ft @ 3600rpm of torque.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

Beneath the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster Lightweight’s amazing beautiful body, each component has been carefully and skilfully re-developed, improved and lightened, results in a handmade automotive masterpiece with a weight of 1000kg only.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

The technical tour de force is the original Lightweight E-Type based aluminium 4.7 litre fuel injected engine and aluminium drive train. While retaining an external appearance identical to the original, they enable the car to offer a power- to- weight ratio matching that of the very latest Porsche 911 Turbo.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster

Jaguar Sport Cars E-Type Speedster Specification :

    * Engine: 4.7 litre, aluminium in line 6 cylinder, longitudinal front mounted

    * Cylinder head: Aluminium twin cam big valve.

    * Max power: 310bhp @ 4800rpm

    * Max Torque: 340lb ft @ 3600rpm

    * Fuelling: Fuel injection with individual throttle bodies and ECU

    * Transmission: Aluminium 5 speed gearbox, aluminium Power Lock differential

    * Suspension: Independent wishbones, 6 high tech adjustable dampers, anti roll bars and rear radius arms

    * Brakes: 315mm/280mm drilled and vented discs, Aluminium 4 pot calipers, servo assistance

    * Steering: Rack and pinion

    * Wheels: 6 x 16 front, 7.5 x 16 rear, aluminium rims with stainless steel spokes

    * Tyres: 225/55 x 16 front, 245/55 x 16 rear

    * Weight: 1008kg dry

    * 0-60mph: under 5 seconds

    * Top speed: 160mph plus

    * Height: 1000mm

    * Length: 4260mm

    * Width: 1740mm

Zenvo ST-1 50S

Zenvo announced they have dedicated 3 of the 15 ST-1 models to create a very special edition for the North American market. It’s called the Zenvo ST-1 50S.

Dubbed as 50S, it will be powered by a supercharged 7.0-liter V8 engine that produces 1250 hp (932 kW / 1267 PS) and 1500 Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. Further, the engine is paired to a seven-speed transmission which enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 375 km/h (233 mph).

The trio will also get special individual monogrammed seats, lightweight magnesium wheels, and an exclusive complimentary Swiss made ‘Aspen Zenvo’ watch worth $49,000.

Other features include the choice of three colours – one for each car – including Intense Red, Crystal White and Mediterranean Blue, magnesium wheels and a special edition plaque signed by the engineers and owners.





Press Release

ZENVO ST-1 NORTH AMERICAN SPECIAL EDITION ANNOUNCEMENT JUNE 2011

Zenvo Automotive and Red Sea Distribution today have announced that they will be offering a North American Special Edition of the Mighty Zenvo ST-1.

The Zenvo ST-1 is the creation of Denmark's first Supercar manufacturer Zenvo Automotive.

The Zenvo ST-1 with a limited run of 15 units produces 1104hp and 1430NM of torque, 0-100kmh in 3.0 seconds with a LIMITED top speed of 375kmh. With gear changes taken care of by a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional F1 paddle shift 7 speed transmissions. The power plant for the Zenvo ST-1 is Zenvo's own design 7ltr supercharged and turbo charged V8 (NOT TO BE MISTAKEN FOR AN OFF THE SHELF V8).

Many years of testing commenced before the launch of the production cars in 2010. Jesper Jensen, co-owner and founder of Zenvo Automotive can be quoted as saying " We never set out to create the most reliable supercar, but it seems now that we have!

Due to the huge success of the ST-1, Zenvo has worked with Red Sea Distribution (Exclusive North American Distributor of Zenvo) to create a the Zenvo ST-1 50S.

The ST-1 50S is limited to just 3 cars.

The 3 ST-1 50S's will be available exclusively through Red Sea Distribution. They will be only these 3 offered ever in this specification.

Specification

• 3 ST-1 50S available in the following colours 1 x Intense Red, 1 x Crystal White and 1 x Mediterranean Blue.
• Individually numbered vehicles with Special Edition Plaque signed by the engineers and owners.
• Special individual Monogrammed seats
• Power increased to 1250hp and 1500nm Torque
• Standard F1 7 speed transmission
• Magnesium Wheels
• Supplied with exclusive complimentary Swiss made ASPEN Zenvo watch worth $49,000.00

All warranty/service work will be carried out by Zenvo's concierge service, who will fly to the owner's location anywhere in the world. So even with such limited numbers clients have no need to worry about having the vehicle taken care of. Onboard diagnostic allow the factory to check the care remotely, reset systems and even upload new engine and transmission software.

PRICE $1,800,000.00 USD + any local/sales taxes

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

The JOSS supercar was a concept first penned by Matt Thomas in 2006. Thomas’ extensive experience as an automotive designer in Europe, Australia and North America has seen the project progress from a dream to reality over the past decade. The team hopes the first Australian supercar will be available in Australia from 2011. You may be thinking this is the Mclaren F1, it has the same shaped nose and headlights. It has the same rear round tail lights and even the doors open up the same but its not. This is infact a new supercar from Australian based, Joss Developments Limited and its called the Joss JP1.

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1, Australia’s sports car design is good, seen from the butterfly-style doors, the front of the 2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars which is almost like McLaren, but more modest, and the rear is more like a Ferrari. The Melbourne-based firm behind the Joss JP1, Australia’s first production supercar, has released a teaser image of the car as the project nears completion. Under the black cloth lies a 1:1-scale clay model which will will be used to determine the supercar’s final aerodynamic design with the finishing touches to be applied at the company’s Advanced Automotive Design Studio in Melbourne. The overall design will adhere to the classic form of a mid-engined GT sports car while underneath the mechanics will resemble a high-performance race car.

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

CarAdvice can exclusively reveal that Australian company JOSS Developments Limited, developers of the soon-to-be  2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars, are on the brink of signing a multi-million dollar deal with Mercedes-Benz that will secure the rights to use a revised version of the European manufacturer’s petrol AMG engine in its supercar, according to an inside source. The alleged deal with Mercedes-Benz comes days after JOSS Developments Limited announced a $1.2-million partnership with Ballarat company Albins Off Road Gear. The Ballarat company is the largest high-performance transmission manufacturer in the southern hemisphere and has been tasked with designing a mid-mounted transaxle for the Aussie supercar.

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

Glenn Draffin, JOSS Developments Limited CEO, said: “There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes development work carried out by our engineering team and the transmission partnership with Albins is one of several exciting developments that JOSS will be announcing over the coming months, “This transmission will set a new standard and is a key component in JOSS’ planned 300km/h supercar.”

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

While not confirming the information from our inside source, Technical Director Matt Thomas told CarAdvice today: “…we have worked very hard and for quite some time towards securing a proper and complete engine supply and support deal with this leading European manufacturer. “The news when released will be fantastic for the Australian automotive industry as there has never been an engine agreement of this caliber structured for a local vehicle before.”

The 2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars is a two seater supercar with an ultra light composite honeycomb sub-frame decked in a carbon fiber body and weighting only 940 kg. It hides a mid mounted aluminum V8 engine which is able to produce 500 HP and its connected to a six speed manual transmission. Thanks to the supercars light weight and its powerful V8 engine it has an amazing power to weight ratio that makes this car as fast as a rocket! This car is able to hit 60mph (100 km/h) from standstill in just 3.0 seconds, it can do the quarter mile in under 11 seconds and it could reach a breathtaking top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

Prepare to shell out some serious dough for a chance to own Australia’s very own supercar, something to the tune of AU$500,000, which, surprisingly translates to somewhere around US$530,000 or around €373,000.

2011 Joss Super Cars JP1 Australian Sport Cars

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

Audi has unveiled the R8 GT Spyder.

Sprinting from 0-62mph in a Lambo-beating 3.8sec before hitting a 197mph top speed, the R8 GT Spyder has had 85kg stripped from the R8 Spyder’s aluminium frame thanks to carbon-fibre skin and seats. The mid-engined supercar weighs 1640kg, thumps out 552bhp and 398lb ft from its 5.2-litre, direct-injection V10 engine and is based around an aluminium space-frame chassis weighing just 214kg.

Setting the car apart from its standard sibling is an updated aerodynamics package aimed at increasing high-speed downforce. Included is a dual-lip front splitter, a redesigned diffuser element, round chrome exhaust pipes and darkened taillight lenses.

An electrically operated fabric roof opens in 20 seconds and at speeds up to 30 mph, stowing behind the cabin underneath a carbon-fiber cover. A deep well beneath the hood at the front provides space for luggage.

Just 333 units will be made with European pricing set at 207,800 Euro. No U.S. pricing has been released, but with the coupe set at $198,000 look for a number just shy of $210,000.





Press Release

Aggressive power and Audi ultra - the Audi R8 GT Spyder

• Open limited-production, top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car

• 85 kilograms lighter, body parts in carbon

• V10 FSI with 412 kW (560 hp), 0 - 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds

Even lighter, even more powerful, even more captivating: The Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance. The open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports car develops 412 kW (560 hp) and - thanks to Audi ultra - has trimmed a full 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) from an already low weight. The R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).

One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model of the R8 model line. It wasn't long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each car sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

The Audi ultra lightweight technology is the key to the R8 GT Spyder's weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb). That's 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214 kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.

The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kilograms (12.13 lb).

Visual modifications accentuate the styling of the R8 GT Spyder. These include add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi offers an optional windshield frame in matt CFRP.

Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes. In the interior, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lb) of weight.

In classic Audi fashion, the R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet and fully suitable for highway cruising. Its electrohydraulic drive brings it up or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The extendible glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top. Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising two pretensioned plates.

Prodigious power: the drivetrain
The performance offered by the new top-of-the-line model in the R8 family is formidable. The 5.2-liter V10 with an aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration.

With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 412 kW (560 hp). Each unit of horsepower has only 2.93 kilograms (6.46 lb) to move.

The R8 GT Spyder catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph). In every situation, the engine impresses with its thrust and bite - and that unmistakable sound of an Audi ten-cylinder.

The R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. At high load and revs, gear changes take only one-tenth of a second. The launch control program manages the starting sprint with high engine speed and precision-control of the tire slip.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias, granted by the axle load distribution. If the situation calls for it, the system sends additional torque to the front axle. In tandem with the limited slip differential at the rear, it provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel-drive competition.

The suspension, too, is unrivaled in its performance. Aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels, and the rack-and-pinion power steering provides intimate contact with the road. Taut tuning lowers the body by approximately 10 millimeters (0.39 in). The open high-performance sports car has 19-inch wheels, with 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with supreme ease. The ESP stabilization program has a sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Pure comfort: the interior and equipment
Great attention to detail is evident in the materials and workmanship inside the car. The salient aspect of the controls is their logically structured design. The open two-seater offers a roomy interior, and its front end can accommodate up to 100 liters (3.53 cu. ft) of cargo. The rear bulkhead houses three storage compartments.

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of titanium gray or crimson for added refinement. Alcantara upholstery comes standard - on the sport steering wheel and windshield frame, too.

Audi also offers leather in Fine Nappa quality. Numerous details - including white dials and R8 GT logos - provide classy accents. The distinctive R8 "monoposto," a large arch encircling the driver's cockpit, is made of matt CFRP.

Audi ultra requires no sacrifice on the part of R8 GT Spyder owners. The standard equipment includes LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer.

Audi also offers a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt microphone for carrying on a phone conversation conveniently. Options specific to the R8 GT include bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chassis, matt CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.

The R8 GT Spyder will have a base price in Germany of 207,800 euros.