Test date Tuesday, August 10, 2010  Price as tested  TBA

What is it?

Like all great hypercars, the Zonda features extrovert styling and wonderful details. Mental and outrageously expensive. The Cinque Roadster is the run-out version of Zonda supercar, because after more than 10 years of production, Pagani will replace the Zonda next year with an all-new model.

Before the Veyron's record-setting run, the Shelby Super Car Ultimate Aero sports coupe, which used a 1287-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 6.4-liter V-8, blitzed its way to 256.23 mph in 2007. The American firm hopes to reclaim the title with a new model, which is currently wrapped in a veil of secrecy.

Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year's Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.

Note To Self: Don't leave camouflaged prototypes parked with the engine running next to Central Park in Manhattan. Just a week after a failed car bomb attempt in Times Square, Manhattan is understandably still a bit jittery. An apparent error in judgement by Martin Birkmann, head of product planning for BMW North America, reportedly triggered a bomb scare and the resulting evacuation of several blocks along Central Park West near the American Museum of Natural History this afternoon. Birkmann was out evaluating a prototype 2011 BMW X3 covered in camouflage when he stopped to enjoy a bit of fresh air in the park. He inadvertently left the engine running and a woman walking her dog rightly thought the vehicle looked suspicious – particularly understandable given that New Yorkers are not as used to seeing such prototypes out and about as much as, say, your average Detroiter.
Police responded to investigate, and after clearing the area of bystanders, found no reason for alarm. Everyone was safe, although the back window of the X3 prototype was apparently shattered in the process. No doubt Birkmann will think twice about where he parks such vehicles in the future. Hat tip to Michael!

by Sam Abuelsamid

SOURCE: AUTOBLOG.COM & DIMI

BMW has created a new, free application for the Apple iPhone.  Called M Power Meter, the app provides users with sprint times, distance, and g-forces experienced.

Have you ever wondered why the Audi in front of you has a logo of four interlocked rings? Did you know that the Cadillac emblem was inspired by a family crest of a nobleman who later turned out to be a fraud? Or that Volkswagen was Hitler's idea?

 

 

Felipe Massa and Stefano Domenicali in Maranello posing with Ferrari 458 Italia, 05.10.2009

More changes to the points scoring system to take effect in 2010 are possible, Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali has revealed.

While General Motors is still trying to figure out what it's going to do with its Saab division, Ford Motor Company announced today that it has settled all substantive commercial terms with China's Geely Holding Group Company Limited on the prospected sale of its Volvo unit.

Former Formula One pilot and now NASCAR driver Mika Salo has taken delivery of this Camaro Motorsport Camaro V8 Supercharged. The Finn is a Camaro fan who owns a classic 1969 Camaro with supercharger and over 735kW (1,000hp) under its belt. His new 6.2-litre V8 has slightly less at 441kW (600hp) and 747Nm but should nonetheless prove explosive.

Do you own a Chevrolet Corvette? If so, is it a 2005 to 2007 model? If you answered "yes," does your 'Vette have a removable top? If (again) yes, have you noticed a snapping noise while driving over speed bumps? What about extra wind noise? Does your roof panel move when you slam the door or rear hatch?