Not even two months after the Fbg par Hermès, and only about seven after the Pur Sang, Bugatti, not yet satisfied, has revealed a new variant on the Veyron: the Sang Noir is in fact the new celebrated version dedicated to reviving the Atlantique 57S of the 30’s - a “surbaissé” model (literally “lowered” and therefore sporty) of the legendary Type57 presented in 1934.

The particularities of this special series are the black opaque colour with chromo inserts, the aluminium mirrors and front grill, and the alloy wheels. Unfortunately technical specifications and production details have so far been kept in the dark.

Continue reading: Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir: power in a dark suit

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Touring Superleggera has shown off some new official photos of the A8GCS, the new sports car based on the mechanics of the Maserati GranTurismo and queen of the recent Villa d’Este show where it was presented.

Compared to photos already seen, you can appreciate the compact lines, minimal curves and attention to the wheels, with modern Borrani styled spokes. We’re still waiting on confirmation and production details of this interesting Italian coupè, with a reduced weight of 1200 kg.

Thanks to pipino

Via | Carscoop.blogspot.com

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After much talk and a raft of spy shots, finally we have the secret documents destined for Porsche dealers, published by the Rennteam forum, in which all the modifications for the 911 model year 2009 appear. Internet tentacles have now permitted this too.

The biggest news is obviously the increase in power, obtained thanks to the help of direct injection: the 3.6 Carrera boxer will increase by 20 hp and also in Nm (345 hp and 390 Nm), while the 3.8 S will reach 385 hp and 420 Nm. The increase in performance is implicit while the CO2 levels will diminish meaning all the engines will comply with Euro 5 norms.

Front headlights and rear lights are newly designed (the front will be LED’s) and external modifications will also include new colours. For the mechanics, the braking system will change, becoming bigger and able to support the increase power. Ufficial presentation of photos is expected for June 6 (the 25th for the cabrio), with sales starting July the 5th.

Via | Rennteam
Thanks to Advisor.

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After having announced the possible presence of two prototypes at the next “Concorso d’Eleganza” at the Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Carrozzeria Touring has sent out the first images of the Maserati Quattroporte Bellaggio Fastback: an experiment in style.

There’s he who says hatchback and he who says fastback - a question of your point of view. And of the emblem as the Bellagio mixes the front shape of the Quattroporte with an expanded and sporty rear, characterised by a tear drop-shaped window: to which one could even be inspired to give the definition of Station Wagon or, more elegantly, “shooting brake”.

We’re waiting for additional photos, particularly of the rear door, without forgetting about the Superleggera, the other T-signed proposal expected at the show.

Thanks to enr

Via | Autowwek.nl

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In the last couple of days the Nürburgring track has returned to the centre of attention: yesterday we saw photos of the 149 and the Focus RS, and today we’ve looked at those of the GT-R V-Spec and the Chevrolet Camaro, all testimony to companies’ continued work on the legendary German track.

The new photos of the muscle-car come from Autoblog.com, and add little to what we already know. According to what Bob Lutz had wanted, testing of the new Camaro will occur without any disguise and so even in Germany, the yankee turned up nude.

We already know the fundamental lines of the car and the attention of photographers will focus more on the particulars. Our colleagues over at Autoblog have noted that the Camaro is equipped with Brembo brakes, as shown by the logo on the very visible red calipers. It only remains to be seen whether we’re talking about an optional extra, perhaps available on the SS version, or standard equipment.

Continue reading: Chevrolet Camaro: new spy shots from Nürburgring

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It has arrived on the Old Continent, even if only for the moment for some test runs on the ‘Ring. We’re referring to the Nissan GT-R V-Spec, definitive derivation on the GT-R theme and the most probable candidate for the supercar of the millennium, given the incredible base already established on the “normal” version.

The photographers from AutoExpress have immortalised the prototype at the entrance to “green hell”, already theatre to the incredible rounds done by the initial version. Now with a smile on our face, we’re wondering if the GT-R will be capable of humiliating the noble German supercars. Every point of reference might be casual but what will be the capabilities of this katana of a car?

The nasty black wheels and the stack of tyres already promise dark times for competitors and (like many readers passionate about supercars), we’re waiting to see the effects of the monstrous 550 hp (as foreseen).

Continue reading: Nissan GT-R V-Spec: spy shots from Nürburgring

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Even though the European automotive press was taking for granted the future existence of the Audi R4, it now seems that it may remain a paper dream.

Audi, who had not previously excluded the possibility of a small sports car with mid-mounted engine, has reportedly stated via a PR representative that the company does not currently have any plans to construct a car such as the R4. “It was never in the production program”, the spokesperson said.

Thinking carefully about the R4 (which would be placed halfway between the TT and the R8), it would be one of the main competitors for the new Cayman and the Boxster: so, after the R8, Audi would find itself selling a car in the same orbit as Porsche.

Continue reading: Is Audi in reverse on the R4?

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Ford could be bringing back the Capri name for a coupè that would provide competition for the new Volkswagon Scirocco. The battle in the coupè sector could be back after nearly 30 years, when both brands’ original versions offered sports cars at affordable prices. A concept 2+2 could debut at the Frankfurt show in 2009, anticipating the version expected for 2012.

The most logical mechanical base would be the Focus but there are those who are hoping for a rear-wheel drive: it all remains to be seen, as the only rendering available appearing in the Auto Bild magazine, seems a little too imaginative and not very useful in including the technical aspects.

With thanks to HIDRO

Via | Worldcarfans.com

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World Car Fans have published some spy shots of the Porsche 997’s “facelift”, sparking rumours about the next Carrera 4 which could be equipped with a new all-wheel drive system supplied by Swedish company Haldex.

Presumably the Carrera 4 will not be equipped with simple electronic friction systems (as on the Golf 4Motion, for example) but with something similar to the new XWD Haldex included on the next Saab, that distributes torque evenly and should include an electronic limited slip differential.

In addition to the possible new 4WD system, the revamped look will include new bumpers, LED driving and rear lights, and a new direct injection engine.

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Lotus has confermed that in June it will reveal at the London Show a completely new model to celebrate its 60-year anniversary. It has been a long journey from the Mark 1 of ‘48, the first car created by Colin Chapman, who used the Austin 7 as a base.

Nothing official is yet known about the new model but it will most probably be a touring car with a 2+2 cabin. According to latest reports the engine will be a V6 Toyota with central assembly on a longer base than the Lotus Elise. Regarding its name, some car markets may see Ethos as the English company recently registered in the USA and having bought web domains under this name.

After the presentation, the company will return to concentrating on the developmnt of the new Esprit which will be revealed towards 2010. For fans of the English sports car it is pleasing to know that after the debut of the Eagle Lotus will organise a series of events dedicated to its 60 years in the historical headquarters at Hethel.

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