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.
Continue to reading to see more images.
Griffin x Charge Bicycle – The Plug
A collaboration between UK clothing designer Jeff Griffin and their neighbor down the street, bicycle brand Charge. Both have teamed together for a limited edition of the popular Plug fixed gear bicycle, which draws its inspiration from the cyclists in Griffin’s Autumn/Winter 09 collection. This bike is limited to only 500 pieces and is retailing for £569 at the Griffin online shop.
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.
More images after the jump.
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.
More images after the jump.
Bell Aurens Longnose
Bored? How about taking a Series II Land Rover Defender, removing the roof, windscreen, climate control and any safety equipment, replacing them with a 27 litre, 1500hp, V12 Rolls Royce Merlin engine (as used in the Spitfire fighter plane), adjusting the length of the bonnet to cope and sloping the hind quarters of the car forward to create a ‘boat-tail’ style rear?
This, more or less, is what designer Thomas Bell and his partner, marketing consultant Holger Kalvelage, decided to do when they created the striking Bell Aurens Longnose. Equal parts Land Rover, land yacht and fighter plane, with just a dash of Laurence of Arabia thrown in, the Longnose will be made by specialist coachbuilders Lorenz & Partners near Nuremberg in Germany. Stylish (and slightly eccentric, it has to be said) details that caught our eye included the non-metallic desert sand paint job, leather bonnet straps and red leather cricket ball used as a gear knob – something that found much favour with the British contingent here at Swipelife!
With a price tag of €125,000 and production likely to be limited to double digits the Longonose will remain for most of us sadly, just a desert mirage.
View images and videos of the Bell Aurens Longnose after the jump.
MINI Coupe Concept
Scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI’s Coupe Concept has been revealed in these official images. In the front, the Coupe uses standard MINI sheet metal, but the side profile reveals a dramatically sloping aluminum roof and wrap-around greenhouse, which combine to create a unique fastback impression. New wheels and a more aggressive rear bumper finish the exterior modifications.
Inside, special leather buckets and carbon fiber trim contribute to the sporty feel, and an open cargo area replaces the rear seats. Power is provided by a 1.6 liter turbocharged mill that makes 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft. of torque. A unique “overboost” feature allows torque to spike temporarily to 206 lb-ft. Performance should be slightly improved over the top of the line John Cooper Works MINI.
More images of the MINI Coupe Concept after the jump.
Trek Urban Bikes for 2010
Trek has been creating great bikes and rides for over 30 years. The models in their 2010 Urban Bike line are made especially sleek and agile for the spinning around the obstacles of the city. The line spans both retro and modern designs with bikes like the eco-friendly Belleville which features a classic, French-inspired design or the bleeding edge technology of the District (pictured above), Trek’s first belt-driven bicycle. Visit Trek’s website for more information on their newest selections.
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.
Continue reading to see more images of the Cadillac Sixteen Concept.
