Singapore Airlines has unveiled their newaircraft, the A380, on which are many luxurious cabin options such as a couples private suites with double beds (fittingly called Singapore Airlines Suites), and 23″ high-definition flat screen LCD televisions.   The price to pay for one of these suites, you ask?  How about a cool $30,000.   According to Singapore Airlines though, this particular plane is in high demand by consumers.

A380 Video:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsJBEXhl7XY

The Airline currently has 12 A380s in service and seven more on their way.

Singapore Airlines seems to spoil their customers in more ways than one – customers have a wide array of culinary delights specially created by the world-renowned chefs the airline’s International Culinary Panel, while taking in the more than 1,000 entertainment and On-Demand choices available on the new KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system.

Spiral Cellars Wine Video

About Spiral Cellars

Spiral Cellar was developed by Frenchman Monsieur George Harnois.  In 1978, realizing that many modern homes had no proper cellar he designed the perfect solution. Since then over 10,000 cellars have been built in France and over 3,000  in the United Kingdom alone.

Do You Need A Wine Cellar?

Making the investment of building or buying a wine cellar depends on numerous factors, including but not limited to:

• How much humidity is in your home – the ideal level is 70%
• How soon you plan on drinking your wine – if your wine is a long-term investment, do not store it in places visible to the sun, or places that are hot and excessively humid
• The temperature in your home - 70° F will work for most wines you intend on drinking in a short period of time, but for wines that are investments the ideal temperature is right above 50° F

Spiral Cellars Contact Information:

Spiral Cellars Ltd
4, Hardham Mill Business Park
Hardham
Pulborough
West Sussex
RH20 1LA

Tel: 0845 241 2768
Fax: 0845 241 2767
Email: info@spiralcellars.com

The goldRush rally is a trendsetting celebration that is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing social & lifestyle events scheduled for 2009.   This exciting event is a mixture of a four day & three night tour through San Francisco – Los Angeles & Las Vegas, nightlife parties scheduled each of the nights, DJ’s, celebrities, models and VIP participating guests. goldRush is an exclusive event for few but highly sought after by many. With the events exposure growing day by day; the desire to be a associated within the event grows even higher (Videos and Pictures below).

We wanted to create this exciting event that is private, personal and for friends by friends. Our intentions are with the sole purpose to have three nights that everyone remembers. goldRush is a mixture of an automotive rally, nightlife parties, celebrities, DJ’s, models and last but not least some insane looking cars – gRR

goldRush Rally Schedule of Events 2009

As the evening starts on June 4th, 2009; San Francisco California will be awaken by the sights and sounds of engines revving, music playing  and people starting to arrive for the inaugural goldRush rally. The 4 day party starts of at the at the historic and exclusive Clift Hotel in San Francisco with a luxe night at the Red Room lounge followed by Club Vessel, the most talked about after hours venue for the who’s who of the San Francisco night scene.

From San Francisco goldRush heads towards the magical city of Los Angeles California on Friday morning. guests will kick off their driving moccasins and change into their bikinis and suits for a pool side chill out session at The Mondrian Hotel. As the L.A. sun goes down; the spinning beats bring back the heat for a hard to forget evening at SkyBar Los Angeles at the Mondrian Hotel one of the most sophisticated, modern and urban West Hollywood Hotels; which is also the selected hotel of the goldRush Rally.

Last but not least, the excitement and traveling party continues on Saturday morning when the “Rush” heads east looking for gold at the fabulous WYNN Hotel Las Vegas. With a scheduled VIP reception dinner and awards presentation Saturday night; make sure you leave some room in your system for the unforgettable closing party that is yet to be experienced at the world-renowned Tryst nightclub Las Vegas. Sunday is an optional day and only for the strong; goldRush rehabilitation will be in full effect and why not do it pool side VEGAS style.

The All-Star car line up is nearly completed, however goldRush is still accepting “selective and special” registrations for what is to be the most exciting event of 2009…. goldRush – “Its not a Rally, Its a lifestyle.”

Contact goldRush Rally

For additional information or event registration visit goldRush Rally website: www.goldrushrally.com
Email: info@goldrushrally.com
Phone: (305) 879-5591 or (650) 483-6335

Media

Recent Articles:

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• New Ferrari 599xx vs Ferrari 599 GTB in Photos

If you love exotic cars, specifically fast, red, shiny Ferrai’s, you are going to love the new Ferrari 599XX that was on display at the Geneva Motor Show 2009.  Want to get your hands on one?  Unfortunately unless you have more money than God or the CEO of Ferrari has your number on speed dial, your chances of obtaining a 599XX are pretty slim.  How slim exactly?  Ferrari only plans on offering 20 to 30 599XX‘s.  Head over to Automotive Addicts to see more Ferrari 599xx Pictures and take a look at the photo differences between the 599XX and 599 GTB below.

Picture: Ferrari 599XX vs Ferrari 599 GTB - Click to Enlarge

Ferrari 599xx Specifications / Features

• V12 Engine
• 700 horsepower @ 9,000 RPM
• 19″ Ferrari competition wheels
• Aero package

If you are a die-hard Ferrari enthusiast, make sure you look at the pictures of the Ferrari Dream Garage we posted about a month ago.

Ferrari 599XX Picture - Click to Enlarge

PRESS RELEASE

Ferrari at Geneva with the HGTE package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world premiere of the 599XX

Geneva, March 3rd 2009 – The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.

The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving, to highlight the 599 GTB Fiorano’s positioning in the “sports car” segment. The technical modifications introduced with the HGTE Package to the car’s set-up and tyres ensure tighter, more dynamic handling, with sharper cornering and improved responsiveness whilst still being easy to drive. The HGTE package further underlines the 599 GTB Fiorano’s different mission from Ferrari’s other current 12-cylinder, the 612 Scaglietti which, along with the 8-cylinder Ferrari California, represents the Grand Tourer personality of the Prancing Horse’s current range.

The 599XX, on the other hand, is aimed at owners that want to experience Prancing Horse driving pleasure at its purest – in fact, Ferrari will be organising a programme of dedicated track events for it in 2010/2011. Conceived exclusively for track but not official competition use, and thus unrestricted either by homologation limitations or regulatory restrictions, this extreme sports car incorporates the very best of Ferrari technology, the fruit both of our Research and Development Department’s labours and our long experience and experimentation in F1. The plethora of aerodynamic, electronic control and handling innovations used together for the first time on a single car make this model a genuine technological laboratory. The solutions adopted for the 599XX – many of which will remain exclusive to it – enhance its levels of performance and can be summed up in one highly relevant statistic: a Fiorano lap time of just 1 minute and 17 seconds. Although it is such an extreme car, the 599XX still retains the ergonomics of the road-going model which are essential for non-professional drivers engaging in intensive track driving.

In addition to the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package and finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, and the 599XX in a colour matching the F2008, Ferrari clients and enthusiasts will also be able to admire the single-seater that recently won the Prancing Horse its 16th Constructors’ World title. We will also be showing our full range of road cars: the Scuderia Spider 16M in a Grigio Titanio livery, the 430 Scuderia in Rosso Corsa and our two Grand Tourer models, the Ferrari California in Nero Metallizzato with a Sabbia interior and the 612 Scaglietti. The latter will be displayed in the Atelier, a dedicated area where owners can get a taste of the virtually endless personalisation options on offer to them.

599 GTB Fiorano with the Handling GTE package

When it first debuted, the 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

The car’s electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20″ split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car’s new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.

The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words “Handling GTE”.

599XX

While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimising forms – as in the new crankshaft – and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.

The 599XX is characterised by an innovative electronic concept called the “High Performance Dynamic Concept” which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The sporty handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new “virtual car engineer”, a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle’s efficiency.

The 599XX’s aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280 kg of downforce at 200 km/h (630 kg at 300 km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.

The “Actiflow” system increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim cornering conditions, courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail-lights. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce. while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag.
Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.

In terms of the bodywork, composites and carbon-fibre have been widely used and the engineers drew on their experience in working with aluminium to reach the weight target. The development of increasingly high-performance materials has also benefited the carbon-ceramic material braking system. The brake pads are now made from carbon-fibre which means that the calipers are smaller whilst guaranteeing the same efficiency. The new racing carbon ceramic braking system also delivers shorter braking distances and is generally more efficient due to the weight saving.

The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximise stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.

Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB Videos

The New 599XX Featured on Garage 419

Ferrari Presenting at Geneva Motor Show (From MotorCities)

Ferrari 599 GTB F1 vs Porsche 911 Turbo (via M5Board)

Ferrari 599 GTB Top Gear Test Drive

Ferrari 599 GTB Fifth Gear Review

Ferrari 599 GTB Specifications / Quick Stats:

• V12 Engine
• 620 Horsepower at 7600 RPM
• 448 Ft-lb of Torque at 5600 RPM
• Redline: 8400 RPM
• Weight: 3482 lbs
• Top Speed: 200 MPH

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Exotics and Luxury Community Comments:

Do you prefer the 599XX or the 599 GTB?  If you were eagerly anticipating pictures of the 599XX, did it live up to your expectations? Leave us a comment below.

[Source: Automotive Addicts Photos: Asphalte.ch ]

You’re looking at pictures of a Mercedes C63 AMG with a chrome paint job in none other than Dubai.  While the popular new C63 AMG comes with many options and luxuries from the factory, a chrome paint job is not one of them.  These pictures were originally posted on a popular online message board for Dubai car enthusiasts called SupercarsDubai.  Maybe this C63 AMG is the the daily driver of the person who owns this chrome Mercedes SLR McLaren.

Matte Black C63 AMG

If chrome is not to your liking, here are some pictures of a matte black C63.

C63 AMG Specs

Priced in the $60,000 range, the all new Mercedes C63 AMG comes with a powerful and menacing 451 horsepower 6.2 liter V8 engine.  The C63 AMG will go from 0-60 in a mere 4.5 seconds and reach an electronically limited 155 MPH.

C63 AMG Videos (no videos of the chrome C63)

Mercedes C63 AMG vs. BMW M3

Mercedes C63 AMG Review by Edmunds InsideLine

[Source: WorldCarFans via Luxury4Play]

[Photography: Arik / Syed Aouf]

With only 300 pieces being made, the new PAM 341 Radiomir Egiziano is going to be exclusive and rare.  The PAM 341, 60mm in size, houses the P.2002 manually wound movement.  The PAM 342 comes with a rotating Titanium bezel, and an 8 day power reserve just like the original.  The 342 also comes with a sandwich dial with a light brown strap.

Photos courtesy of ThePurists -  (Click the PAM 341 zoom in)

Specifications on the Panerai PAM 341 Egiziano

• Movement: hand-wound mechanical, Panerai P.2002/7 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, 13¾ lignes, 6.6 mm thick, 21 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 28,800 alternations/hour. Power reserve 8 days, three barrels. KIF Parechoc® anti-shock device. 191 components.
• Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, seconds reset.
• Case: diameter 60 mm, brushed titanium.
• Bezel: brushed titanium.
• Back: screw, brushed titanium.
• Device protecting the crown: (protected as a Trademark) brushed titanium.
• Crystal: sapphire, formed of corundum, 5,8 mm thick. Anti-reflective coating.
• Water resistance: 100 metres.
• Strap: PANERAI personalised leather strap and large-size brushed titanium sewn-in buckle.

The Original PAM

The new Panerai PAM 341 is based off of the original stainless steel water-resistant GPF 2/56 that was created for Commandos of the Egyptian Navy in 1956.  Very few of these original GPF 2/56′s were made – fifty, to be exact.  They had 16″ Angelus 8-day movement (recognizable by the subsidiary seconds dial at 9), a rotating bezel, and a brown-colored dial.  Not only did the signature Panerai security lever on the crown offer protection, it also enabled the watch to be wound under water.

For more information on new Panerai models, and for additional coverage on BaselWorld / SIHH 2009, visit The Purists.

To see more photos click this image

Price: $28,500

[Source: The Pursists, Luxury4Play, TougeKing]

[Images:  Background photo of title image: amanico @ ThePurists]

Boy oh boy do we have a present for all of you readers today. We have pictures of the newest wheel inside the 360 Forged line up – the Straight 5ive CARBON.  Enjoy the eye candy after the jump.

Wheels

• 360 Forged Straight 5ive CARBON
• Gloss black lip with Ferrari red stripe
• Carbon fiber center disc
• Gloss black painted inners
• 20×8.5 front
• 20×13 rear

Modifications:

• Gruppe M carbon fiber intake
• RennSport One / EvoMS ECU tune
• Novitech exhaust (catless)
• Hamann lower lip kit
• H&R coilover springs

Update 1/22/09: The video on the 360 Forged Carbon Fiber F430 a.k.a. “Rolling Death” has been released!

About 360 Forged:
360 Forged was founded in Miami, Florida by Jordan Swerdloff in 2004.

“360 Forged is a company based on quality, not quantity.  Our wheels are low volume, hand built pieces of art.  We have no intentions of becoming a large, mass produced wheel company by any means, we prefer to stay relatively small, & deal directly with our clients and dealers on a one on one level.” – Jordan Swerdloff, CEO & Founder of 360 Forged

360 Forged Contact
12385 SW 129 Ct. #12
Miami, FL 33186
Phone: 305-255-5166
Fax: 305-255-5446
General information: info@360Forged.com
Sales inquiries: sales@360Forged.com
www.360Forged.com

360Forged Wheels Video

360 Forged Web Video from 360 Forged on Vimeo.

[Source: 360Forged, Luxury4Play]

Ferrari F430 Specifications By MotorTrend

F430 Engine:
490 horsepower @ 8500 RPM
343 ft-lb @ 5250 RPM
4,308 cc
4.3-liter V8
Mid-engine placement
92.0 mm bore
81.00 mm stroke
11.3 commpression ration
Dual overhead cam
Variable valve timing
4 valves per cylinder
91 oct. (premium unleaded) fuel required
Multi-point injection fuel system

Luxury watch manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier has joined forces with the prestigious Italian luxury yacht company Pershing to offer the first Pershing aquatic sport watches.  Together their new luxury watch line represents the core of what each company stands for – excellence, creative spirit, perfection, and the unique history behind both companies.

The Pershing collection comprises two different lines:

1. The limited edition ‘one-one-five’, available in 18 carat rose gold and 950 Palladium is available in two dial versions, tan and silver, each of 115 pieces, incorporating the self-winding chronograph movement Calibre PF 190. It has been created in honour of the biggest and most prestigious Pershing vessel, measuring 115 feet which can be found engraved on the watch case-back.
2. The second line is the Pershing Chronographs collection, available in steel with four dial variants, and is non-limited edition. The special form of the numerals on the dial is in the spirit of the Pershing logotype. The models incorporate all the style codes now connected to the brand, thus retaining a classic appearance. The emblematic curve of its loops, the ‘Delta’ shaped hands, the dial colours and decorations, the refinement of the finishes along with all the components of the chronograph movement. It comes in four dial versions: graphite, silver, blu metal and amaranth.

Michael Parmigiani, CEO of Parmigiani commented:

“The partnership sealed the promise of a unique history, marked by the aim of constant perfection of tried and tested know-how of the two sides. Both our companies over the course of several decades have succeeded in creating extraordinary industrial facilities, embodying the objects of our passion. Tilli Antonelli started boatbuilding at a very young age, while he sailed on a legend of the seas, il Moro di Venezia.

At almost the same time, on the other side of the Alps, I discovered a passion for the mechanics of time, inspired by the grand masters of Swiss watchmaking. Thus the meeting of our two worlds could only underline our will to perfect the real and achieve the exceptional through the creational of an innovative watch.”

The watch is available with a rubber strap or steel bracelet, and is water resistent up to 200 metres.

For Technical Specifications, see PROFESSIONAL WATCHES

Parmagiani Fleurier Presentation Video

Pershing 115 ft. Luxury Yacht

Another Video on the 115 ft. Pershing Yacht

For more information on the Parmigiani Fleurier:
Pershing S.p.A.
Press Office & Advertising
Laura Vanessa Carboni – laura.carboni@pershing-yacht.com

Pershing S.p.A.
Via J. J. Pershing 1/3
61037 Mondolfo (PU)
Italy
Phone (+39) 0721 956211
Fax: (+39) 0721 956289
http://www.pershing-yacht.com

[Source: Eye of Dubai]

The Audi R8 5.2L FSI V10

Audi just introduced their highly anticipated update to their flagship sports car, the Audi R8.  The new Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI comes equipped with a 5.2L V10 producing 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque – enough to launch this car from 0-60 in a mere 3.9 seconds.

Audi R8 4.2 V8 vs Audi R8 5.2 V10

1. Two extra cylinders and one extra liter of displacement
2. The 5.2L V10 produces 105 horsepower over the 4.2L V8
3. The 5.2L V10 produces 78 ft-lb of torque over the 4.2L V8

Update 1/13/09 - More R8 V10 Photos Released

PRESS RELEASE

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: breathtaking performance

• The new 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine puts out 525 hp
• Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h
• High-performance sports car with striking design

Ingolstadt – Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the
R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi’s string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world’s racetracks – in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp).

The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement – and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) – that’s only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it’s sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn’t reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).

For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine

The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel – with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip – both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive – it’s the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It’s not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.

44 to 56 percent – the ideal axle load distribution

The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to
56 percent.

The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.

The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves.

In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system – eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in).

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won’t corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription “Audi ceramic”.

Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof

The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.

The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the “World Car of the Year Awards 2008″. In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more.

The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.

Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.

When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road – thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.

Audi sets the example – in body weight and rigidity

The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design – the relation of weight to torsional rigidity – is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.

The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto – a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements.

The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.

The list of options includes other highly attractive features – such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

YouTube: Audi R8 Testing on the Nurburgring

Audi R8 Sliding Around a Corner on the Nurburgring

Price: £142,400 ($192,400 USD) – Euros price is official, USD is not.

[Source: Jalopnik]

The 2010 Jaguar XFR with its' blistering supercharged V8 rips from 0-60 in a mere 4.7 seconds

You’re looking at the first photos of the upcoming 2010 510-horsepower Jaguar XFR set to debut at the Detroit Motor Show this week (Full gallery of 21 high-res photos after the jump)

Jaguar plans on competing with BMW (E60 M5), Mercedes (W211 E63 AMG), Audi (B7 RS4), and other car manufacturers in the high performance luxury sedan segment.  Jaguar means business too – underneath the aggressive, sharp lines of the hood lies a 5.0 liter supercharged engine producing 510 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The powerful engine in the 2010 Jaguar XFR propels the luxury sedan from 0-60 in merely 4.7 seconds, with an electronically limited speed of 155 mph.  Jaguar will be using the paddle-shift ZF six-speed gearbox to handle the power in the XFR.

On the exterior, the XFR features a new more aggressive front fascia with large, chrome air inlets on both sides, an angry hood, more aggressive fenders,  side lips, a rear decklid spoiler, and a new rear bumper housing the four-tipped menacing exhaust pipes.

Jaguar will begin taking orders for the XFR in Europe in February.  Expect to see these cars for sale in the U.S. summer of 2009.

Price: $80,000 (predicted)

Update 1/14/09: Luxvelocity has posted a YouTube video of the XFR prototype in the legendary Boneville Salt Flats in Utah testing its’ top speed – a rather remarkable 225.675 MPH.   See the video below

[Source: Autoblog and Luxvelocity]