Bugatti has introduced Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse (Vitesse means speed in French), a convertible based on the topless Veyron Grand Sport but with a Veyron Super Sport engine, which will be premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The 8.0 l quad-turbocharged W16 engine, thanks to 16 cylinders, four enlarged turbochargers and ten radiators, delivers a staggering 1,200 hp and 1,500 Nm of torque.

It slightly differs from the original motor due to the fact that Moslheim technicians had to make sure the engine captures the right amount of air when driving with the top off. Some parts of the chassis have also been changed in order to make the structure more rigid.

And if we take into consideration that the Super Sport has set the World Record for the average top speed achieved on a two-way run, registering 431 km/h (268 mph), it’s probably safe to say that the Vitesse is about to be crowned the world’s fastest convertible on the market.

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Here are the latest spy shots showing the new Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible during some cold weather tests near the Artic Circle. This mule uses less camouflage than the one we saw in the previous set of photos, allowing us to see more of the rear end.

The most distinctive features of the new rear end are the air outlets placed at the sides of the bumper, the two pairs of re-designed mufflers, the mobile rear wing and the new engine cover. As for the front end, the cammo is still a little to heavy to figure out what’s new in comparison to the outgoing model.

The new Porsche 991 Turbo will be powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo boxer engine delivering more than 500 hp, whose power will be delivered to all four wheels through Porsche’s trademark PDK dual clutch transmission.

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BMW releases more official images of the new M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible. The new M6 range comes with the same 4.4-litre V8 engine of the M5, credited with an output of 560 hp and 680 Nm (500 lb-ft) of maximum torque, meaning 52 hp and 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) more than the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 of the generation it is about to replace. This unit is coupled to a 7-speed ‘dual clutch’ transmission.

As for sheer performance, both versions of the new M6 are right on the money. The new Coupe version weighs in at 1,850kg (the previous one weighed 1710kg), and still manages to burn the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds. Weighing in at 1,980 kg, the new M6 convertible is a good 50 kg heavier than the old one, and still it boasts a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds. Both variants have a self-imposed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), but this figure can go up to 305 km/h (190 mph) with the addition of the ‘M’ Driver’s Package.

View the full BMW M6 photo gallery

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The recent snowfalls that hit Rome in recent days are a quite rare event, and seeing the Italian Capital in white makes it even more unique and evocative. The good people at Mercedes-Benz thought it would have been a great idea to seize the moment and shoot a nice promo video featuring one of its hottest models, and here it is. The star of the clip is the beautiful Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, which can be seen strolling and playing around the suggestive monuments of Rome in all of its glory.

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BMW introduces the latest, ‘M’-branded additions to its 6-series range: meet the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible, based on M5’s platform but boasting a decidedly more fascinating design. The model uses the same frame and engine of the M5 F10, but features some unusual solution as well that confirms the new direction adopted by BMW’s Motorsport division. The Coupe comes with a CFRP roof (which allows for a lower center of mass) while the Convertible has a soft-top roof operated by a remote control button on the car key, that requires 19 seconds to open and 24 seconds to close. In the comparison with the outgoing generation, the new M6s are a good 10% more powerful and have an extra 30% of torque, whereas average fuel consumption went down by an impressive 30%.

Under the bonnet rages the well-known 4.4-litre V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which provides for two twin scroll turbochargers, direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control system. This striking unit is credited with an output of 560 hp between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and a massive 680 Nm (500 ft-lb) of peak torque from 1,500 up to 5,750 rpm, redlining at 7,200 rpm. The transmission is a 7-speed ‘dual clutch’ with Drivelogic, Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance systems as well as a model-specific ‘M’ gear selector that ensures the quickest gear shift possible and also paddle-shifters at the wheel to control it when in manual mode. The new M6 comes with a rear axle’s multi-plate limited-slip differential as a standard feature, while the ABS system retains its full functionality in all situations.

Performance figures are as explosive as you might expect: the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark is reached from standstill in just 4.2 seconds by the M6 Coupe and 4.3 seconds by the M6 Cabrio, while the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark gets hit in an even more impressive 12.6 (Coupe) and 13.1 seconds (Cabrio). Both variants have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), but this figure can go up to 305 km/h (190 mph) with the ‘M’ Driver’s Package. With a power-to-weight ratio of 3,3 kg/hp (7.3 lb/hp) for the Coupe and 3,5 kg/hp (7.7 lb/hp) for the Convertible, both models represent a substantial step forward from their predecessors. Average fuel consumption is rated at 9,9 litres/100 km for the M6 Coupe and 10,3 litres /100 km for the M6 Convertible. The model is obviously equipped with Start-Stop system, Efficient Dynamics technology to keep CO2 emissions down and a slew of other highly advanced features: if you want to delve more into the new BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible, the extensive Press release released by the German carmaker is right after the jump.

View the full BMW M6 Coupè and M6 Cabrio photo gallery

Continue reading: BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible launched

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In the wake of the recently unveiled Bayswater and Baker Street versions, Mini presents another model inspired by London and dedicated to the upcoming Olympic Games, that will take place in the British capital this coming Summer. Unlike the aforementioned two variants, the Highgate trim will be made available for the Mini Cabrio only, that surely needs some sort of boost after the launch of the more captivating Mini Roadster.

The model is available for order with the following engine options: a 1.6-litre petrol in power steps of 122 hp (Cooper) and 184 hp (Cooper S), a 1.6-litre diesel producing 112 hp (Cooper D) and a 143 hp 2.0-litre diesel (Cooper SD), all of which will be coupled to either an automatic or a manual 6-speed gearbox. The Mini Highgate comes with an exclusive ‘Iced Chocolate’ metallic paint job, featuring brown longitudinal stripes with light blue outline, but Midnight Black and White Silver color schemes will also be made available. The model rolls on 17″ Double Cross alloys with gloss finishing inspired by the Union Jack pattern.

Inside we have Dark Truffle leather with contrasting light blue stitching, stainless steel pedals, Suntouched Brushed Alloy interior trim elements, Chrome Line interior package and floor-mats with Dark Truffle edging. The distinctive Highgate logo can be found near the external side indicators, on the door sills and on seat tags. The Mini Cabrio Highgate should become available on the market in April.

View the full Mini Cabrio Highgate photo gallery

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Shelby American is about to celebrate its first 50 years of history, and to celebrate the event properly they have presented three special Anniversary Limited Edition Ford Mustang models: the GTS, the GT350 and the staggering Shelby GT500 Super Snake. “Few thought that Shelby American would make it in the car business for 50 years“, said founder Carroll Shelby, “We built the first Cobra in a rented garage and then GT350’s in an old hanger. But our company is still here, manufacturing the best cars that I’ve ever made.” All three models will be produced in a series of 100 units - 50 black and 50 white cars for each model - which will come with an exclusive set of dedicated golden decals.

Needless to say, the three models will get some extra horses under the bonnet, too. The GT500 Super Snake will be available as a coupe or convertible in power steps of 650, 750 and 800 hp. Based on the Ford Shelby GT500, this anniversary package begins at 59,995 $, not inclusive of the price of the base car. La GT 350 uses LeMans racing stripes and is based on Ford Mustang GT 5.0. This model too will be available in three power configurations (430, 525 and 624 hp) and with coupe and cabrio body types. Those who will choose the GTS will also be given the chance to choose between two engine options: a 3.7-litre V6 3.7 or the new naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Check out the whole lot in our photo gallery.

View the full Shelby Anniversary Edition Mustangs photo gallery

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Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division has released a new official video starring the upcoming SLK55 AMG roadster, which was firstly introduced to the world back in August and has been spotted at several motor shows since. This one is going to be the third generation of model, and will come with a 5.5-litre V8 engine delivering 422 hp and 540 Nm of peak torque coupled with AMG’s own 7-speed automatic SpeedShift Plus transmission. The car goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, while the average fuel consumption is down to 8.5 l/100 km, thanks in most part to its start-stop technology and to the advanced AMG Cylinder Management system. The new Mercedes SLK55 AMG is scheduled to be launched at some point in 2012, although an official release-date is yet to be confirmed.

via | SG CarMart

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Mercedes-Benz will present the new SL m.y. 2013 at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this coming January, but apparently somebody just managed to put his hands on some sort of German brochure of the model as the very first images of the eagerly awaited new roadster from the three-pointed star have just surfaced on the internet. Website Germancarforum.com published some grainy shots that show us exterior, interior and instrumentation panel of the model, which is actually quite reminiscent of the current SLK in all these aspects.

As previously reported in an extensive post, we already know that the new SL will make use of a super-light aluminum body shell which will allow it to be 140 kg lighter than its predecessor, and will feature some interesting new technology such as the FrontBass sound system (with bass loudspeakers placed in the footwells) and the Magic Vision Control (an innovative adaptive windscreen washing system). As for the engine range, rumor has it that a naturally aspirated 3.5 litre V6 unit will equip the SL350 while a 4.6-litre V8 should pulse under the bonnet of the SL500. We expect Mercedes-Benz to reveal more details about the new SL in the near future.

via | 4WheelsNews

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The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet looks like it won’t have the same folding roof mechanism as the Fiat 500C, despite this being considered the favoured option for some time. It seems like the DS3 will go “anti-retro” again, and have a mixed folding roof mechanism which maintains the front look of the hatchback and which finishes in a soft top fabric roof which folds back entirely onto the boot.

From the design, we can see that structural rigidity will be maintained through the door frames which will stay the same. Rear passengers however, will get a full open air experience in a style that resembles some open top jeeps. All will be revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, when the Citroen DS3 cabriolet will probably debut.

Source | Autosblog.fr

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