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Leaked Images of the Scuderia Bizzarrini P538 Super Car

“Leaked images” from SeriousWheels [suspiciously good lighting lends us a heavy dose of skepticism concerning exactly how "clandestine" the photos really are] caught the Scuderia Bizzarrini P538 behind closed doors the other day with its clothes off. Paying homage to the original P538S created by legendary designer Giotto Bizzarrini, the new Scuderia Bizzarrini P538 is on schedule to being production by the end of this year. Described as “true to heritage”, the Bizzarrini P538 will feature a mid-mounted Corvette LS7 V8 engine and is expected to house anywhere from 500[standard models] to 1000 horses.

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[Photo Source: Seriouswheels.com]

Cars Coming Soon -> Horsepower and Speed at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Where’s the fun in a European auto show if there’s no horsepower?

While this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show (Sept. 15 – 27) will feature many new electric and hybrid cars, I’ll let blogger jgoods cover that fluff. I’m interested in the horsepower. I want to see the cars that provide cheek-flapping acceleration and have a sound that I can feel in my chest when I step on the gas and release the clutch.

These are some of the cars I’m most excited about at Frankfurt this year:

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Small engine displacement, huge punch! With a 3.8-liter flat six making 450 hp, this new Porsche will redline at 8,500. By the way, look at the picture, kids. That’s how you do a rear wing.

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Rapide

If I were a mobster, I would have a garage full of Aston Martins. I’d also send someone to Germany to bring home a new Rapide and its four doors, 470 horses, and 12 cylinders. Those four doors, by the way, are what Aston Martin is calling “Swan Wing” doors; they rise upward and outward as they swing open.

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

Lamborghini_Reventon_Roadster

Lamborghini has confirmed nothing, leaving us writers and car fans wondering if the rumors are true. If so, expect a nearly $2 million, 650-hp V12 topless Lambo to grace the floors of Frankfurt next week.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Aston Martin has swan wing doors, M-B has gull wing doors. And we love’ em. We also love zero-to-60 in 3.8 seconds, propelled by 565 ponies out of a 6.2-liter V8.

Audi R8 Spyder

audi_r8_spyder

Maybe it shoulda been called the R10. The current R8 puts out 420 hp from a 4.2-liter V8. The new one is expected to pump out 525 hp from a 5.2-liter V10. There have been rumors that Audi would save the R8 Spyder and debut it after Frankfurt, but still it’s worth mentioning, because, well, because it’s awesome!

Volvo C70 convertible

2010-volvo-c70-convertible

Okay, I admit we just fell a few steps down the awesome ladder from exotic supercars to yuppie runabouts, but I think the C70 is worth mentioning. While 225 hp doesn’t seem like much after reading about a Reventon, this Volvo has a more aggressive look than past Volvos. Hey, combined with practicality and safety, I like it. Don’t judge me.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW_5Series_Gran_Turismo

Yes, it looks like a Honda Crosstour, and no, that isn’t a good thing. But add a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 400 hp and a new eight-speed automatic transmission along with a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds, and suddenly looks don’t matter all that much.

The Frankfurt Auto show belongs to the Europeans. This is an event that showcases Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Lamborghini. Believe me, we’ll be keeping a watchful eye on them all!

What do you look for in an auto show like this: Green efficiency or all-out horsepower and speed?

-tgriffith

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Porsche Moves Upmarket and Down

We’re getting a first-drive report on the new Porsche Panamera from Car and Driver. So, to cut to the chase, it’s a worthy addition to the Porsche stable. If you like four-door, four-seat, four-wheel-drive, 4,000-pound sports cars with 400+ horsepower, you’ll love it. The Turbo version (@500 hp) will put you into another dimension, says C&D, as

the acceleration is almost surreal. According to Porsche, 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.0 seconds, the sprint to 100 mph takes just 9.0 seconds, and top speed is a lofty 188 mph. Running full tilt in this car is an exquisite experience that would seems [sic] to justify every single penny of the Turbo’s $132,600 asking price.

2010-porsche-panamera-interior Three different models are available, starting at $89,800 for the Panamera S. It’s got all the sporting goodies you’d expect from Porsche, plus a very posh interior and room for lots of Louis Vuitton luggage. This sort of vehicle is definitely new territory for Porsche, at the top end of their road cars, which appeals (or should) to a very different market niche.

There’s another report, this one from German media via MotorAuthority, about an entry-level Porsche roadster which they compare to the 914 of the late ‘60s-early ‘70s. Hah! The price of the original was $3,595 in 1973 dollars; the proposed new one will be something like $48,000 (€35,000). That is the low-end price of the Boxster, and if the roadster comes about, Porsche will again be eating its own lunch as it once did with the 912 and the 924.

The report sounds totally crazy to me, particularly since the proposed new car would “be a joint effort between Porsche and VW, though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from VW’s massive corporate parts bin.” Isn’t that what we just reported for the new concept-to-production VW BlueSport, which is closer to becoming a reality than the pseudo-914? Maybe German media, if not MotorAuthority, are confusing the two.

On the other hand, the confusion may have to do with the continuing infighting between Porsche and VW. Back in the late ‘60s they were also squabbling over who should produce the 914, and history may well be repeating itself.

On a related (or unrelated) note, in Porsche’s unrelenting quest for financial backing, it appears to be selling a 25-percent stake to investors in Qatar. The drama continues.

Should Porsche concentrate its efforts upmarket or down? What do you think?

—jgoods

German Rockmeister Produces Inspirational Audi Song

Big whoop, you say? Well, Leslie Madoki (left) is no small potatoes in Germany. He’s a big-deal music producer and, as such, was asked by Audi to produce an inspiring tribute to the team which will race in the DTM, a big-deal German modified touring car championship race beginning tomorrow in Hockenheim. This is serious stuff.

So, let’s not be too sarcastic about this effort to inspire the Audi team, OK? Mandoki says, “The song is a hymn of praise for the successful Audi drivers and motorsport.” Now click and listen to “Is There a Dream Left.”

If that doesn’t inspire you, with the voices of Bobby Kimball (ex-vocalist for Toto) and Chris Thompson (ex-Manfred Mann’s Earth Band), we don’t know what will.

At the DTM, Audi hopes to win the title for three years running. At Le Mans later this summer, it hopes to tie Ferrari by winning its ninth overall victory. With the company one of a very few posting decent sales figures for last quarter, either of those victories would be a triumph to crow about, or sing about.

Do you like the new Audi song? Will it help their drivers? How does it compare with the Best Car Songs Ever we reviewed a while back?

—jgoods

What happens when an auto writer becomes an auto buyer?

lexus-rx330 My wife’s car has given us trouble since the day we got it.

This weekend we’re finally succumbing to the reality that we probably need to replace it before it leaves us stranded somewhere in the middle of Wyoming.

And so begins the process of shopping for a car. As an automotive writer, it’s easy for me to dish out advice and recommend certain makes, models, and strategies for getting the best deal. But when me-the- writer turns into me-the-consumer, things get more complicated.

My wife decided she wanted to look at a pre-owned Lexus RX 330 and a pre-owned Nissan Murano. After looking online at CarGurus.com and searching local listings, we headed first to the Lexus dealership and then the Nissan dealer. What a difference in experience between the two!

At Lexus, we were warmly welcomed, shown a few cars, and then asked to test drive one. The salesman quickly sent us on our way. We returned wanting to look at a few other older models that would save us some money. The Lexus salesman never put pressure on us and even asked us what we wanted to happen next. He’s crunching some numbers as I type this.

nissan-murano Next we drove to Nissan, where the environment was completely different. We parked in front of a group of 5 salesmen and were approached by one before we even got out of our car. He showed us a few Muranos, but wouldn’t let us drive them alone as the Lexus dealer did. During our test drive they managed to take our car for a trade-in appraisal, assumed we were going to buy the Nissan, and acted shocked when we said we weren’t interested in it.

Then they played the whole “let me go find your keys” game while we stood and waited as someone else tried to talk us into buying the Murano.

The idea of car shopping is exciting and fun. Actually doing it can be frustrating as heck.

Today we want to look at Mazdas, Subarus, and Volkswagens. I can only hope we run into more dealers like Lexus! Tomorrow I’ll fill you in on the deals I’m seeing and provide insights from the dealers on the state of their business. I’m surprised at what they’ve said so far!

What family-friendly domestic models would you consider buying? If you have advice or experience on car shopping, let’s hear it!

-tgriffith

From New York: Which foreign automaker is making a car for dogs?

The one and only jgoods gave us a great overview of what the domestic automakers will be showing off at the New York Auto Show. What about our foreign friends, you ask? Mercedes and Lexus will be showing off some hybrid SUVs (RX 450h and ML450, respectively), and Mitsubishi will reveal their aggressive new Outlander.

Here’s a preview of some of the other vehicles foreign automakers have brought to the show:

Porsche 911 GT3

2010-porsche-911-gt3

With the controversial Panamera taking up so much of the auto world’s press, it’s nice to see this refreshingly sexy 435-hp stunner.

Scion iQ concept

scion-iq

Remember the Toyota iQ we’ve talked about before? Scion’s getting a concept version, too, with a look they call “fierce.” I call it “jet ski on wheels.”

acura-zdx

Acura ZDX

Acura says the production version of this concept will go on sale this fall. Acura’s VP of sales says,

The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer.

Right. They could’ve at least acknowledged that BMW created the segment with their X6 (which is getting its own attention, mostly due to the new M version and its 555-hp V8).

2010 Land Rover Range Rover

I have a thing for Range Rovers. High price and reliability issues aside, I find the look striking and the luxury inviting. The 2010 version gets an all new and all mighty 510-hp, 5.0-liter V8, along with updates to that intimidating appearance.

2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI

VW’s press release for this car compares the driving experience to that of a Porsche 911. If that were true, VW wouldn’t able to build enough of these. I will acknowledge, though, that it looks slightly less like a bar of Lever 2000 soap than previous versions. And that’s a good thing.

Dog-Friendly Honda Element Concept

Just for fun, I want to share Honda’s latest innovation. We all know people haul their dogs in their cars, and now those dogs can travel in comfort! This car features: a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform; pet restraint systems;a load-in ramp to accommodate access to the cargo area; second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design that matches the bed fabric; all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern; a spill-resistant water bowl; and Dog Friendly exterior emblems.

No, I’m not kidding. But I sure wish I was.

Concept or not, do you think it’s smart to build a car that caters to dogs?

-tgriffith

A “pinnacle of Aston Martin’s design ethos” and Porsche’s “bloated look”

Hard to believe that the same company now producing this:

“Our cars must look beautiful from all angles” —Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston CEO

has also produced the blimp at the right. We slammed the Lagonda’s appearance last month, but the new Aston Martin Rapide is about the most beautiful 4-door yrs trly has seen in his car-fancying lifetime. Beyond its looks, the Rapide is designed as “a real sports car but with four doors,” a 6-liter 500-bhp V12 engine (from the DB9, as is the platform), and the company’s VH architecture.

The latter’s “chemically-bonded structure (using glues derived from aircraft manufacture) is mated with bodywork that mixes aluminium and composite materials,” according to the company’s lengthy press release.

The Rapide brings to life a 2006 concept vehicle that already has inspired much comment and anticipation.

Now, we shouldn’t be too hard on the Panamera, but the phrase “bloated look” came from Dan Edmunds, who was a “test passenger” in the car at Weissach. Porsche’s goal was to accommodate four full-size adults and their luggage in a V8 tourer that does the standing kilometer in 5.6, 5.0, or 4.2 seconds, depending on the engine configuration (three are offered).

It isn’t nearly as attractive a vehicle as Maserati’s Quattroporte or the Rapide. But it’s not as costly, either. Available in October, the rear-wheel-drive Panamera’s price will start at $89,800, the 4WD version will add another four grand, and the 4WD turbo will set you back $132,600.

Those prices make it a veritable steal, compared to the Rapide, whose pricetag is a reported £250,000, or about $170,000. Thanks, I’ll take one of each.

When you’re paying these kinds of bucks, how important is the styling factor?

—jgoods

The Chevy Vega: Motor Trend’s Car of the Year?

When auto writers make lists of the worst cars ever, the Chevy Vega is nearly always on that list, along with a Renault or two.

1983 Renault Alliance

Look back through the years, however, and you’ll see something fascinating: Vegas and Renaults on some very well respected lists of annual BEST cars. Shocking, I know! Now, Car and Driver magazine is attempting to right those wrongs by formally apologizing for missteps like this: naming the Renault Alliance to their 1983 10 Best Cars list.

The apology is proof that even the highest profile automotive magazines can easily get sucked up into the hype of a new product or a new brand entering the market. Using their own words:

It’s always a risk making judgments based on the initial exposure to a car, and sometimes a vehicle’s ultimate crappiness only reveals itself with the fullness of time.

Other cars of ultimate crappiness that have received past accolades are now notorious stinkers.

2002 Ford Thunderbird

The 2002 Ford Thunderbird has been exposed as an overweight and overpriced clunker whose good looks initially stole the hearts of many. This was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year.

Also winning Motor Trend’s coveted Car of the Year award was the infamous 1971 Chevy Vega. That’s a completely laughable notion today, but think of the poor people who went out and bought one on that advice. Seems like those folks need more than a simple apology; perhaps a reimbursement of towing costs incurred throughout the ‘70s!

1980 Chevy Citation

Remember the 1980 Chevy Citation? I sure do, but I think it’s only because my brother became trapped in the backseat of one by a seatbelt that refused to detach. Maybe we only had it because my dad was a Motor Trend reader and this, once again, was a shameful Car of the Year choice.

I’m sure some cars getting attention today will turn out to be serious stinkers or simply fade into automotive mediocrity, but I also think some of today’s cars will be remembered and collected as classics for years to come.

What award-winning cars of today will fade away, and which will go down in automotive history as true classics?

My votes: The North American Car of the Year, the Hyundai Genesis, will be discontinued while the Motor Trend Car of the Year, the Cadillac CTS, will be remembered as the car that brought Caddy back.

-tgriffith

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