12 years after its debut the Mercedes Slk is celebrating 500,000 cars sold: a prestigious achievement favoured by the German market (with two thirds of the total not exiting German borders) and by the refined exclusivity of the folding roof, distinctive element separating it from the competition.

The second edition of the Sportlich, Leicht and Kompakt (sport, lightweight and compact), recently rejuvenated by the specific restyling, has reached the level of 190,000 vehicles while the Kompressor cements its position as the favourite car - already at half the expected sales.

Thanks to enr

Via | Motorauthority

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The specs related to the Tesla Roadster destined for the European markets have been released and skimming the document there are plenty of surprises. The document, coming from the Norwegian importer, states that the little spider with the green spirit will have a capacity of more than 300 CV or 225 kw, and a red zone of 13,000 revs.

The updated model will be slightly different from the original with some aspects having been reviewed before sale in the US and Europe. The new transmission, created by Ricardo, is equipped with a single gear compared to the previous model (by Magna) with its two. The cooling system is also new and more efficient.

Returning to the numbers, the most notable are the four seconds acceleration from 0-100, the maximum speed of 200km/hr and the recharge time of four hours, with rapid recharge possible at much more brief times. The 250 cars destined for the old continent (at a price of 99,000 euro), will be available as a signature edition with new colours and numbered plates.

Continue reading: Tesla Roadster, European details: more than 300 hp

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The greatest compliment one can give to a sports car is saying that it awakens all of your strongest instincts. Only some supercars deserve this title, while unofficial it’s indicative of their true value.

The soft and sensual curves of the Alfa 8C Spider have seduced our colleagues over at CarScoop and we also have to admit it’s difficult to be indifferent to its magnetic fascination.

Here is a dream photo gallery of this beautiful car. With thanks to joker1372.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Continue reading: New photos of the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

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Car Magazine has developed a similar look to the above rendering for the nuova Audi R8 Spider, expected for next year. “Engineering” reasons mean that it is likely to be equipped with a “Targa” roof of removable panels, rather than a more classic soft top or a foldable metallic roof. These difficulties are attributed to the position of the engine which means creating a space for the roof would be too complicated. Two “speedster” headrests are being considered for the seats.

Regarding possible engine specs, we can expect a similar range to the coupè: the current V8 4.2 with 420 hp, a V10 petrol decidedly more powerful (while the RS6’s V10 twin-turbo has been discarded due to its “incendiary” propensions) and the future V8 4.2 TDI at 326 hp. Pricing should be about 12,000 euro more than the closed version.

Continue reading: Audi R8 Spider - like this?

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Some time ago we wrote about statements from AMG regarding the end of the war on power, with the explanation that future AMG cars with the CDI symbol would be manufactured with the environment in mind. It appears though that the possibility of explosive power is far too alluring to leave unexplored: and so AMG is proceeding in its development of the SL Black Series, perhaps the most powerful AMG ever.

According to reports of our favourite insider Auto Week, the new lethal weapon of the workshop will be powered with V12 6.0 already used on other 65 AMG: such an engine is capable of easily reaching 720 hp, even though the power would have to be regulated at 680 hp. The car has undergone a drastic “weight loss” (about 220 kg) using carbon fibre and more sporty components (brakes, fixed roof and an upgraded cooling system).

In addition, reports stated that the option of adding turbocharging technology combined with direct injection is being evaluated for the V8 6.3. “The increase in power,” as rumor-mongering had it, “would be limited though its presence would create ideal conditions for the adoption of direct injection.”

Via | Motor Authority

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Spring is drawing near, and Novitec are preparing for the arrival of a new sister for the F430 Coupé: enter the Novitec F430 Spider powered by the same twin supercharged V8 as the Novitec Bi-Compressor Evoluzione. Thanks to the two superchargers which work at 0.38 Bar, the power output will increase the original 490 hp to a whopping 656 hp, achieved at 8200 rpm, however it is not simply the mechanics that have undergone changes. Following tests in the wind tunnels of the Research Institute for Motor Vehicles in Stuttgart, Novitec has developed new aerodynamic additions to the body comprising front and rear wings, skirts for the side panels and a rear extractor. Other changes include grey tinted lights and a body that sits on 20” rims adopted for this version, both of which are relatively small modifications to a creature from the Maranello dream factory, already magnificent in its original state.

Continue reading: Novitec F430 Spider

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Aston Martin will build a Roadster variant of the V8 Vantage N400, a special limited-edition based on the V8 Vantage shown at the latest Frankfurt auto show and dedicated to the legendary Nürburgringer Nordschleife.

Only 240 units will be produced, but for the Roadster version it will not be possible to order the roll bar that can be had as an optional for the N400 coupè. The N400 pack consists of a new, more powerful version of the 4.3-litre V8 engine of the Vantage, that on the N400 outputs 400 bhp and 420Nm. The suspension set-up is also different from the softer one of the normal Vantage Roadster.

We can imagine how gratifying will be hearing the ferocious sound of the V8 on this en-plein-air supercar…

Via | MotorAuthority

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Mercedes-Benz engineers are working at a new, still enigmatic supercar, caught in this video while testing at the Nurburginger Nordschleife. It is clear that this test mule is based on the Mercedes SL, but we don’t exactly know yet what car is hidden under the camouflage.

Rumors say that the german automaker is developing a bunch of new supercars including a modern edition of the 300 SL Gullwing, the SLC, and the SL AMG Black Series.

This one should be based on the 6.2 litres V8 built in Affalterbach by AMG and will probably be much lighter than other SL versions, since it will get a new, fixed, carbon-fiber roof and other lightened body parts. Other notable features such as the huge fender flares, and a rear diffuser with quad exhaust pipes contribute to distinguish the Black Series from the “normal” SL AMG.

Via | MotorAuthority

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Auto Motor und Sport has a rendering of the Audi A1 Speedster. The speedster is the open-air version of the future super-mini from Ingolstadt, and this rendering is a nice addition to the sketches of the A1 hatchback coming from Audi’s design center.

According to the german magazine, the hatchback version of the Audi A1 will be shown in the autumn at the next Tokyo motor show, in a hybrid version. We don’t know whether Audi will show it as a concept car or as a production car. We suppose it’ll be a concept, since the A1 is expected in 2009.

Base price of the Audi A1 should be under 20.000 €.

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Autoweek.nl has some spyt shots of the BMW Z4 E89. The new version of the BMW roadster is expected on the market by 2009. The spy-shots suggest a folding metal roof, just like the 3-Series Cabrio.

According to Auto Bild, the next BMW Z4 will be slightly larger than the current model (4,30 meters long), with more space for driver and passenger and a more refined cockpit, since the entry-level open BMWs will be the 1-Series Cabrio and later the BMW Z2.

The next Z4 M might also feature the 4.0-liter V8 engine from the new M3. Such a small and light car with a 420 ps engine promises to be quite a drive…

Continue reading: BMW Z4 2009 - with a folding metal roof ?

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