Porsche Panamera by 9ff
Dortmund-based tuning powerhouses 9ff are nipping at Gemballa’s heels to pump out the first tuned versions of the Porsche’s forthcoming sedan, the Panamera. Since 9ff immerse themselves in everything Porsche and are known for some brutish creations, their first crack at the front-engined four-door should be right on target. They offer three different horsepower upgrades-550, 600, and 650bhp, up from the 500bhp that the Panamera Turbo serves up in stock guise. 9ff, usually indifferent to the aesthetics game, also offers a body kit which includes updated bumpers, a new front lip, a reworked diffuser and exhaust, and sleek side skirts. Opting for the 650bhp version gets you a functionally vented bonnet, which looks devilish as well. The rolling stock are swapped out for massive 22-inch 3-piece wheels, and the interior is customizable as well. Again, not typically 9ff’s modus operandi, but the Panamera appeals to a different audience altogether; we’re sure that despite the added exterior features, 9ff’s Panameras will sell just as well as their 911-based vehicles.
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Noble M600
The boys from Barwell have finally removed the cover from their latest creation, the M600. With their sights set on supercars like Ferrari Enzo and Porsche GT, Noble has mated a twin-turbo Volvo engine (producing 650bhp) to a stainless steel space frame chassis, creating a terrific power-to-weight ratio. The result is a top speed of 225mph, 0-60 time of three seconds, and with the Stig behind the wheel, faster lap times than both the Audi R8 and Ferrari F430 on Top Gear’s circuit. Noble will reportedly be offering a feature that will allow the driver to alternate between horsepower modes, offering settings of both 450 and 550bhp to enhance driveability for non-track days. The M600 is clearly set up for insane driving, however; it lacks even basic driving aids like ESP and anti-lock brakes, and comes with only an easily removable traction control. This brute is expected to make its official debut at the Goodwood Revival in September.
More images of the Noble M600 after the jump.
1956 Ariel Square 4 with Garrard Sidecar
This vintage British bike sports one of the most unique engines ever to grace two wheels. Edward Turner’s idea for a four-cylinder ‘Monobloc’ was picked up by Ariel and debuted in the first aptly named Square Four in 1930. Here, in its fourth generation, and only a few years before its production ceased entirely, the motorcycle is mated to a matching Garrard sidecar that is packed to the hilt with champagne. The duo is seen featured among many other rare finds at the Peddle Beach Councours d’Elegance.
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Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder
Dutch manufacturer Spyker continues to up the ante with their latest take on an open air sports car. The convertible version of their all new, second-generation C8 Aileron debuted earlier this month at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to enthusiastic response. The hydraulically powered canvas soft top disappears in 20 seconds, and stows seamlessly underneath an aluminum tonneau, flanked by two Hulshof leather buttresses (yes, they match the interior). The all-aluminium space frame is complimented by a Lotus-sourced suspension, and the C8 is powered by the now-familiar Audi 4.2L V8 producing in excess of 400bhp. We’ve come to expect great things from plane builders-turned-automakers, and Spyker’s new creation does not disappoint.
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2011 Maserati GranCabrio
Once again, Maserati comes through in grand fashion. Just as we found out that we weren’t on the list for the Alfa Romeo Spider, Maserati has rescued the summer from complete ruin. A far cry from the Maserati Spyder that marked the Trident’s Stateside reemergence, this Pininfarina-styled droptop exudes elegance and power. Equally as appealing is the GC’s ability to seat four adults, something unheard of in any previous Maserati open-air vehicle and a tribute to its engineering. As the longest-wheelbase convertible on the market, the GranCabrio will (like everything else, it seems) debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15th (we’ll be there firsthand!). Look for the familiar 4.7 liter V8 to power the refined ragtop.
Cadillac Sixteen Concept
Originally conceived in 2003, the Cadillac Sixteen Concept appears to have been revived again as other superhuge supercars have taken to production over the last few years. As the name suggests, the Sixteen boasts a massive V16 engine saddled within its exceptionally large bonnet. The V16 is itself a tribute to the Cadillacs of the 1930s, when the custom-built Fleetwood coach cars firmly secured Caddy’s reputation as the benchmark for luxury sedans. The Sixteen seems to combine 1930s proportions with modern technology; its engine is said to produce roughly 1,000bhp and a similar amount of torque, more than enough to handle the car’s obscene 5,000lb weight. Beautiful 24-inch wheels comprise the rolling stock, but it’s the interior that really makes a statement. The hand-stitched Tuscany leather sprawls throughout the cabin, which is complimented by hand woven silk carpets and custom designed crystal on the cluster dials. It’s safe to safe if Cadillac put as much effort into their production cars as they did their concept vehicles that they would once again be able to occupy their old seat at the head of the table.
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BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle
Looking for one of the most accomplished dual-sports on the market? Look no further than BMWs best selling motorcycle of all time, the R1200 GS. This uber-versatile bike can handle just about anything that comes its way, and its tremendous capabilities were made well known after celebs Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman used them on a trek from Scotland to South Africa. The potent 105bhp 2-cylinder makes enough power to weave through traffic on the highway, and the newest feature, BMWs ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) allows you to adjust both front and rear suspensions between Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Off-road settings. Snag yours for around $15k.
Rallyracing Fantastigraphics
Rally racing, perhaps the most underappreciated of all motorsport, can now be seen through the lenses of both amateurs and professionals. Even if your knowledge of the sport itself is minimal, any gearhead or photog is bound to find World Famous Design Junkies’ collection a terrific compilation. Whether you prefer Lancia to Lancer, or sideways to airborne, these pictures are a must.
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Elite Aston Martin LMV/R
It’s amazing how a few simple pieces can make a beautiful car like Aston Martin’s Vantage look so sinister. Florida-based tuner Elite will produce 30 versions of their Le Mans Vantage Racer, and they have spared no expense with their liberal use of carbon fiber. Their body kit consists of a new front bumper, visible carbon canards, a carbon front splitter, a menacing hood, wider fenders, side skirts, rear quarter panel extensions, a carbon trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing, and a rear bumper with carbon diffuser. Non-carbon fiber upgrades include a big brake kit, revised exhaust, lowering springs, terrific 20 inch matte black wheels, and the so-exclusive-every-supercar-has-it Alcantara interior (hey, at least you can pick the color). The cost of it all? A whopping $173,000 on top of whatever you might have shelled out for your Aston.
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P800 911 Twin-Turbo by Switzer Performance
The first Switzer car we featured, an 800bhp GT2, was so popular among Porsche owners that regular (if you could call them that) 911 Turbo owners requested a similar package. Now aided not only by all-wheel-drive but also 800bhp, the P800 screams through the quarter mile in only 10.5 seconds, and hits 60 in less than 3 seconds. Familiar upgrades to the turbos and intercooler, as well as to the ECU, exhaust, and clutch help create and transfer all 800 ponies to all four wheels. Oh, and it looks good, too.
Head on over after the jump to see more images of the P800 911 Twin-Turbo.
