Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato

The latest angry bull out of the stable is the one-off Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato.

 49 years ago, Lamborghini and Zagato collaborated to conceive the 3500 GTZ. Since then, the list of vehicles produced by the collaboration is mega, get this – two Lamborghini Diablo models, the Zagato Raptor and the Lamborghini Canto.

Italian designer Zagato is celebrating their 95th anniversary at Villa d’Este 2014 with a special Lamborghini . Commissioned by Albert Spiess, Lamborghini and Zagato set out to create something incredible for him to include in his collection.

The project uses the underpinnings of a Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4, although an old structure to the Huracan, it’s still a pretty darn impressive platform to work on nonetheless! The one-off Zagato also uses the same powertrain as the Gallardo such as the naturally aspirated V10 and its transmission.

Although inspired by the Huracan, even the untrained eye can tell that the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato looks nothing like its production brothers (Gallardo & Huracan). The Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato features a wide front bumper and the trademark Zagato double-bubble rood. Moving to the rear, the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato has large mesh vents as well as quad exhausts.

 As amazing as it sounds and looks, members of the public won’t have to opportunity to purchase the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato unless the individual who it was commissioned for decides to sell it. It’s just another unicorn we can’t have! But still, take your time and drool over it!

BMW M235i xDrive Breaks Cover

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Could this be the BMW that unsettles the CLA45 in its comfort zone? For the first time, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system is coming to their two-door line-up. Heading for the showrooms this summer, the M235i xDrive features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine which produces a mega 326hp and 332 lb-ft torque.

This power is brought via an eight-speed Steptronic sport box which helps the M235i xDrive sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the RWD). Push hard enough and it’ll hit a cool top speed of 155 mph. However, the AWD system does add some significant weight so it’ll be a close shave between the RWD and AWD.

So, the M235i xDrive, is it crazy enough to worry the guys at AMG?

The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

    Stylistically self-assured presence, exclusive appointments and refined sportiness – the new S-Class Coupé from Mercedes-Benz combines the classic proportions of a large, sporty coupé with modern luxury and state-of-the art technology. As a world première, the breathtaking two-door coupé can be optionally equipped with the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system with curve tilting function. Additional technical highlights are the head-up display and the touch pad feature. Optionally available expressive headlamps, each featuring 47 Swarovski crystals, produce a uniquely striking appearance.

    Performance

    The two-door car is available with a 4663 cc V8 biturbo engine. The S 500 Coupé has a nominal output of 335 kW (455 hp), its torque level peaks at 700 Nm. The sporty motoring experience is significantly enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system.

    MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the first “suspension with eyes”, had its world première in the S-Class. With the curve tilting function the Coupé introduces a further world first for series-production cars: The Coupé leans into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances motoring enjoyment and comfort.

    Safety

    Like the S-Class Saloon, the new Coupé is available with numerous new assistance systems that make driving even more comfortable and safer. The “Intelligent Drive” systems include, among other things the PRE-SAFE® brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with junction assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features an additional function apart from the adaptive brake assistant, which provides collision protection from a speed of 7 km/h: if there remains a danger of collision and the driver fails to respond, the system can carry out an autonomous braking manoeuvre at speeds of up to 105 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.

    Exterior

    The view from the side is marked by the dropping line in keeping with the emotional character of the vehicle. It underscores the brand-typical proportions like a signature. The lines are deliberately reduced to the basics. This creates a sensual, timeless purity.
    The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the S-Class Coupé a superior, self-confident front: in the centre of the vehicle front end is the further-evolved three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, whose structure is defined by rectangular, chrome-plated elements. It incorporates the central Mercedes three-pointed star and one louvre.

    The full-LED headlamps with their iconic eyebrows as daytime running lamps lend it an extremely self-assured and distinctive gaze. On the S-Class Coupé the eyebrows have been further refined with a semi-circular counter-curve. In combination with the standard LED Intelligent Light System, unique headlamps with no less than 47 Swarovski crystals are available. 17 angular crystals form the flare-shaped daytime running lamps, with 30 round-shaped crystals making up the turn indicator lamps.

    The side profile is defined by the dome-shaped stretched roof line and the frameless doors. An elegant 3D continuous chrome frame surrounds the glass areas that are uninterrupted by B-pillars. This underscores the Mercedes-typical coupé look.
    A muscle above the rear axle extending from the side wall generates a sense of lightness and dynamic spirit even at a standstill. The positively arched surfaces and lines of the side walls flow into the rear end with a dramatic tapered effect.

    The rear end with its surfaces, broad shoulders and distinctive character lines rounds off the emotive overall appearance. Moving the license plate mounting to the lower part of the rear bumper is a particularly striking modification. It allows the boot lid to be made especially sleek in this area. The three-pointed star is, so to say, free-standing and can thus be made more prominent for greater effect. In addition it pivots outwards in order to locate the reversing camera and the optional 360° camera in an elegantly functional manner.

    Interior

    The interior design of the new S-Class Coupé is an expression of the Mercedes-Benz design idiom – sensual purity. An enthralling combination of sculptural sensuous volume elements and components, and the clear geometry of its basic architecture create an avant-garde design idiom. A high class appeal, quality workmanship and exceptional touch and feel are a treat for the passengers’ senses, so that the car’s interior represents the highest level of “modern luxury”.

     

    The S-Class Coupé’s dashboard fascinates with its spectacular architecture, giving rise to a vehicle of unique character in the upper coupé segment. The dashboard is divided into a very clear top-layer section with an expansive “wrap-around” effect extending to the doors, and an extremely low, sculptural “floating” lower section. This striking architecture was made possible by repositioning the airbag to a completely new low location. This concept enables the large, two-part wide-screen format TFT display to be placed in a prominent “hovering” position in front of this trim surface. In addition, it is stylishly highlighted with an ambience lighting corona. Under the display, the sporty elevated centre console extends to the vehicle rear. All lids and armrests are lavishly covered in leather.

     

     

     

    Prancing Unicorns: Reserved for the Eminent

    We all find ourselves to be special and valuable in some way, but to be labelled special and valuable by Ferrari isn’t only a compliment;  it’s a passport to the gates of exclusivity in a world where only you and your desires matter.

    Welcome to the world of Ferrari Unicorns. In order of latest:

    Ferrari SP Arya

    Imagine a life where money is no object or matter; welcome to the life of Cheerag Arya, a wealthy dubai-based Indian businessman who’s made his millions and now wants a car for himself- a one-off unicorn to be precise. Mr Arya decided to approach Ferrari and officially commissioned the SP Arya. Rumours suggest it has already been built and is sitting in his garage as we speak!

    2013 release

    F140FC 6.2-liter V12

    509 lb-ft, 730hp

    0-62 3.1 sec

    211 mph (375 km/h)

    Ferrari SP12 EC

    The Ferrari SP12 EC was a car built for musician Eric Clapton, hence the ‘EC’. Eric decided he wanted a Ferrari that looked like his old 512 BB and successfully set Ferrari out to make it happen. It was based on the 458 Italia’s chassis and powertrain but totally redesigned from there on. The car costed £3M to make.

     

    2012 release

    F136FB 4.5-liter V8

    498 lb-ft, 570 hp

    199 mph (320 km/h)

    7-speed dual-clutch gearbox

     

    Ferrari P4/5

    The Ferrari P4/5 was a one-off supercar made by Ferrari which was later redesigned by Pininfarina for movie director James Glickenhaus which costed a cool £2.5M.

     

    2015 release

    F140B 6-liter V12

    485 lb-ft, 660hp

    0-62 3.0 sec

    233 mph (375 km/h)

    Other Unicorns…

    Ferrari SP1

    P540 Superfast Aperta

    Ferrari SuperAmerica

    Awesome Drift-By

    “Getting late in the day with Fredric Aasbø in his Speedhunters GT86 and Mad Mike in a borrowed silvia s13 pushing harder and harder at the end of the long straight at Rudskogen, Norway. Hitting 220kph/136mph before initiating agains the wall with the airpressure actually breaking the 150m sign! These guys are f****** MENTAL!”

    Via Vimeo

    Watch A Ferrari F12 Echo Along French Hills

    Ever wondered what it’s like to drive/be a passenger of a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta? Well wonder no more as YouTube user, Marchettino, provides us with a first person view of what it’s like to ride in the F12 around the roads of southern France. No matter what you like, whether it’s muscle, import or milk floats, just devour yourself with the accelerations, downshifts and revs of that Ferrari 730bhp V12 engine echoes throughout the French hills.

    10 Most Sexiest Concepts of 2013

    Throughout 2013, we saw some proper sexy concept cars. Whether they’d make it to production or not is the million dollar question, but in terms of design and admiration, just look at them, friggin’ awesome no?

    Volvo Concept Coupe

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept

    Jaguar C-X17 Concept

    Cadillac Elmiraj Concept

    Jaguar Project 7 Concept

    BMW Gran Lusso Coupé Concept

    Maserati Bora Concept

    Citroen DS Wild Rubis Concept

    Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept

    Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept

    Ugliest: Lexus LF-NX Concept

    Cars To Anticipate In 2014

    Last year was an epic year. We saw hypercars battle it out, and many new debuts such as the Jaguar F-Type and the Porsche 991 GT3.

    So, what’s exciting about this year then? Below we have listed cars you should be anticipating this year.

    Mercedes-Benz GT

    Mercedes-Benz will soon be discontinuing the iconic 300SL’s successor, the SLS AMG, in favour of a smaller, lighter and more compact uber sportscar. Dubbed the GT, it’ll pack a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that’ll break the 500 horsepower barrier. It’ll weigh much less too, in this case, 3,300 lbs thanks to an aluminum space frame.

    Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

    With ‘Benz only just revealing the all new 2014 C-Class, it’s no secret that AMG have their hands on one. The new C63 AMG will have power coming from an all-new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that’ll produce at least 454 horsepower. Rumors say it’ll go up to about 493 horsepower. This power will be transferred to the road via a MCT SpeedShift transmission.

    Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe

    Even before production, Mercedes-Benz has sent the S Coupe off to AMG, their in-house tuner, to work their usual magic. Yep, you’ve guessed it, it’s the new S63 AMG Coupe! It’ll be powered by the same 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 which produces 577 hp as the S63 AMG Saloon. Expect the S63 AMG Coupe to have a top speed of around 186 mph and achieve 0-62 mph in around 4 seconds.s

    Jaguar XS/X760

    Over ten years ago, Jaguar attempted to take the 3 Series’ crown by developing a whole new model called the X-Type. Fair to say it wasn’t a successful attempt. However, looking at Jaguar now, their evolution has proved they can now build a proper 3-Series fighter, and it’s coming sooner than you think. The car will be built on a stretched version of the F-Type’s rear-wheel-drive platform made from lightweight aluminum. The F-Type’s supercharged V6 engine will be available in the new model.

    Range Rover Sport RS

    The Range Rover Sport 5.0 is already super-fast. However, it just isn’t up there with the big boys such as the ML63 AMG and the Cayenne Turbo S, until now. JLR seem to be testing a more powerful variant of the Sport which will possibly be dubbed the RS. The Sport RS will feature the same 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine found in the Jaguar XKR-S, XFR-S and XJR. It’ll produce a whopping 542 horsepower. It’ll be expected to hit 0-62mph time of 4.5sec.

    Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake

    With the Jaguar Sportbrake only coming in diesel variants, it’s about time Jaguar let loose on it. This time, it’s not an XFR, or XFS, it’s the range-topping XFR-S. Under the bonnet, the XFR-S uses a 5.0-litre V8, supercharged for 542bhp and 502lb ft and channelled through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’ll hit 62mph in 4.4sec, top speed of a limited 186mph, and cost £79,995.

    Porsche 911 Targa

    The long awaited 991 Porsche 911 Targa will be offered with a 3.4-liter flat-six engine which produces 350hp and a 3.8-liter flat-6 which produces about 400hp in the 4S variant of the Targa, somewhat similar to the 991 Carrera 4 and 4S powertrains. These engines will be bolted directly to a 7-speed PDK transmission which will drive all four wheels.

    Lexus RC-F Coupe

    Lexus has finally got round to making a proper BMW M3/4 rival, and it stacks up pretty well. Under the hold is a 5.0-liter V8 which will push around 455hp. Also an electronic-cylinder-deactivation system which deactivates 4 cylinders of the V8 under partial throttle to save fuel is also a possibility.

    Other Cars…

    Mazda/Alfa Romeo (Collaboration) Roadster/Spyder
    BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
    BMW X5M
    BMW X4
    Audi Q7
    Volvo XC90
    Audi TT
    Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
    Jaguar C-X17 Production Version

    Ferrari Testing New LeMans Racer?

    I quite like the idea of racing at Le Mans in the highest category: who knows, maybe one day we can return and win, say thanks and come home. Maybe we should give it some serious consideration…

    Those are words from Ferrari CEO Luca Di Montezemolo. He has the dreams to compete in the LMP1 and they are coming closer as the first pictures showing a possible Ferrari prototype for Le Mans have emerged.
    The pictures follow a recent video of a modified LaFerrari model racing around the Fiorano test track (shown below). Early speculation suggested that car would have been a new turbocharged V6 destined for Formula 1, however, it seems more likely now that it could have been a different powerplant destined for prototype racing at Le Mans. Something within the likes of a supercharged V8 hybrid suitable for racing at the 24 hours of Le Mans.

    If Ferrari were to enter  the P1 prototype racing class at Le Mans it wouldn’t likely be until the 2016 season, though by then the field would be increasingly competitive. Along with the dominant Audi team, Toyota has been competing for the past several years and both automakers will be joined by Porsche this coming season. Di Montezemolo’s ambitions to race the P1 class at Le Mans don’t come out of the blues. Ferrari’s last win in this class was in 1965 with the Ferrari 250LM.