Monday, January 3, 2011

RPMGO Car Blog

RPMGO Car Blog


Forbe’s Top 10 List of the Most Expensive Cars in the World

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 04:22 AM PST

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

The most "affordable" car in the top 10 list of the most expensive cars in the world published by Forbes is the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe – with a price tag of $447,000. Equipped with the same massive V12 453 hp engine like the standard version, the open top configuration is a real beauty to see and to drive.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

At number 9 we find the beautiful now defunct Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, priced at $455,400. Equipped with a V12 6.5-liter power unit that is capable of outputting 670 hp, it is the most powerful Lamborghini produced; at least until the 700-4 Aventador is launched. The SV is capable of reaching 60 mph in less than 3.2 seconds. Fitted with the 6-speed manual gearbox, the SV is a beast.

Ferrari SA Aperta

Holding the number 8 spot is the soon-to-be-released Ferrari SA Aperta, with an estimated price of $520,000. Based on the 599 GTO, the car will feature a removable soft-top and will be fitted with a powerful V12 670 hp engine which allows the car to reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The car will go into a limited production of only 80 units.

LeBlanc Mirabeau

The number 7 spot goes to LeBlanc Mirabeau, with a hefty price of $728,000. A Swiss race car that can be driven on the streets, what else could you want more? The heart of the car is a supercharged V8 engine that outputs 700 hp and 850 Nm of torque.

SSC Ultimate Aero

At number 6 we find the so-called Bugatti Veyron-killer, the SSC Ultimate Aero – priced at $750,000. With the help of the impressive V8 1,287 hp engine, the Aero has a top speed of 273 mph (439 km/h). Many of the body parts are made out of carbon and also the interior has received carbon insertions.

Ferrari Millechili Concept

At number 5, Forbes placed the Ferrari F70, with an estimated price of $870,000. We don't know if it will be indeed called F70, but it will certainly be the successor of the Enzo and worthy of the name.

Pagani Zonda C9

The Pagani Zonda C9 holds the number 4 spot with an estimated price tag of $1.3 million. The car will most likely feature a 700 hp power unit developed by AMG. The car will go into a limited production of only 40 units, all of them featuring a high-tech carbon-titanium chassis as well as 4,000 new parts in comparison with the outgoing Zonda model. In addition, the car will be fitted with specially developed tires made by Pirelli.

Maybach Landaulet

The top 3 starts with the Maybach Landaulet, priced at $1.405 million. The car was first seen at the Detroit Motor Show in 2008 and is based on the 62S, but with an incredible soft top, a premiere for a car in this class. The car will be equipped with a V12 twin turbo engine and will offer all the comfort you could ask for in a car, even more than that.

Koenigsegg Agera

At number 2 we find the sexy Koenigsegg Agera, with a price tag of $1.5 million (estimated). Fitted with a 910 hp engine and a body made out of aluminum and carbon fiber parts, the Agera will do the 0-60 mph sprint in about 3 seconds. The people that made it say that it offers the most generous luggage space in its class, although not relevant for a car like this one.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

The number 1 position was of course grabbed by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport priced at $2.6 million. The car is capable of doing a top speed of 268 mph (431 km/h), according to Guiness World of Records, but the cars that are shipped to customers are limited to 258 mph (415 km/h). With a 1,200 hp engine, it is the ultimate driving machine.

My personal favorite from this list is the Koenigsegg Agera thanks to its sexy looks which makes it even more beautiful than the LP670-4 SuperVeloce from Lamborghini, at least in my humble opinion. The Phantom Coupe is my least favorite, although it is the most affordable car from this top.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Forbe’s Top 10 List of the Most Expensive Cars in the World

Quick Look – 2011 Dodge Nitro

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 03:38 AM PST

2011 Dodge Nitro

The Dodge Nitro is back for the 2011 model with the new Heat 4.0 lifestyle package that joins the already launched Detonator, Shock and Heat models which were introduced in 2010. The Heat 4.0 is offered with a 5-speed automatic gearbox and an updated 8-speaker sound system. The car is fitted with the new all-aluminum V6 power unit that is capable of producing 260 hp (194 kW) and 265 lb.-ft (359 Nm) of torque.

The Heat model is offered with 20-inch aluminum rims, performance suspension, sunscreen glass and body color grille with bright billets. The car is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that outputs 210 hp and 235 lb.-ft of torque. The Detonator is 23 hp more powerful and offers 12% more torque in comparison with the Nitro and shares its powertrain with the Heat 4.0. The car rolls on 20-inch polished aluminum rims, Parksense Rear Park assist system, remote start and nine premium speakers with subwoofer.

The Nitro Shock comes with new polished 20-inch aluminum premium-painted wheels, sunroof, heated leather seats, along with the powerful 4.0-liter overhead cam  V6 engine linked to the 5-speed automatic gearbox. The car is equipped with the same Parksense rear park assist system, remote start and the modern nine speakers with subwoofer sound system.

2011 Dodge Nitro

All of the 2011 Dodge Nitro models are fitted as standard with 20-inch wheels and have monochromatic interiors. The new colors available for the car include: Two Coat Pearl, Toxic Orange, Blackberry Pearl Coat and Bright White Clear Coat. The Shock and the Detonator models have hood/fender racing stripes and 20-inch rims.

The 2010 Dodge Nitro model does 16 mpg on the city and 22 mpg on the highway so the 2011 models should be slightly better in other to compete with other rivals from this segment. With the standard power unit, the Nitro needs 9.5 seconds to do the 0-60 mph sprint. Some of the most important pros of the car are the price tag, stylish looks and the decent towing capacity. In addition, the car offers very comfortable seats, lots of headroom and for the legs.

On the other side, there are other feature-packed crossover SUVs available on the market today, making the Nitro a tough sell in our opinion. The biggest downside of the Nitro is the limited power available and customers will most likely choose other lighter, responsive cars that pack more power under the hood.

The manufacturer suggested retail price starts at $22,245 for the base model and goes up to $28,995 for the top of the line model. Invoice is $21,652 – $27,975.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Quick Look – 2011 Dodge Nitro

Merdad Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 03:36 AM PST

Merdad Porsche Cayenne Coupe

First announced back in June 2010, the Merdad Porsche Cayenne Coupe was finally revealed by the company with a couple of live pictures of this interesting 2-door configuration of the Porsche Cayenne SUV. Besides the new body styling, the car has received some engine upgrades as well, very important in our opinion. The coupe conversion package is offered with an impressive 50% increase over the standard engine that produces 493 hp (500 PS / 367 kW) which means that the 4.8-liter V8 engine is now capable of outputting 740 hp (750 PS /  552 kW).

Inside the car, the Merdad Porsche Cayenne Coupe is offered with a red and black theme, Alcantara, leather, lots of suede, a new instrument panel and carbon fiber, basically all the goodies available at the moment in the automotive world. The body kit includes a new front and rear look which in our opinion suit the power increase, side skirts as well as massive and imposing 22-inch rims. According to Merdad, the car is capable of doing the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4, 4 seconds.

Merdad Porsche Cayenne Coupe

This car will be most likely popular among people interested in the Cajun project, which will be a baby Porsche Cayenne. However this model is definitely not a "baby" when we look at the performance of the engine or the aggressive looks. If you are looking for a two-door sport utility vehicle from Porsche, this is the solution for your needs, until something official is launched.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Merdad Porsche Cayenne Coupe