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A bigger stick for the soft-spoken supercar, and a price to match. By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars. The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor ghini Gallardo LP560-4. Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary. We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg. Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is sim...

AMG is kicking-off the 2009 driving season with a new superstar: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the AMG high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars presents the new 2010 E63 AMG. This dynamic sports sedan impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and advanced technology transferred from its sibling, the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November 2009. The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, revised front suspension and unique exterior and interior design. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a significant reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the precise application of several fuel efficiency improvements. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolid...

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year. Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's...

At the recent Paris show, Alfa Romeo unwrapped the production version of the 8C coupe. It goes on sale some time next year for $200,000, and as few as 500 units may be built. The three spoke steering wheel with the squared off bottom adjusts in both reach and rake, the power operated seats move back a long way, the foot well is deep, and there is sufficient clearance between the slab sided door panel and the transmission tunnel. But once the manual roof is closed, the swayback silhouette makes taller people to duck and crouch in discomfort. The show car is fitted with a good mix of black leather and brushed aluminum.

An exciting new one-make race series for Asia had been launched by Aston Martin. This follows the announcement of two new Aston Martin dealerships in Beijing and Shanghai. Aston Martin Asia Cup (AMAC) starts in 2008 and will consist of 12 races throughout the Asia Pacific region including Japan, China, Malaysia and Singapore. Each race will feature a grid of 18 Aston Martin Vantage N24s, a 410bhp, 4.3 litre race-developed evolution of the V8 Vantage, which has been proven in endurance and sprint races in Europe and the Middle East. The AMAC will include a variety of 30 minute sprint races and longer endurance races, some of which will support Formula One events in the region

The 2008 Avro 720 Mirage is no ordinary car and this thing has such an amazing look and feel to it that it could make me fall over. The Avro sort of resembles the Ford GT although this is a lot rarer of a car and has a lot better specs then the Ford GT. The Avro 720 Mirage will be limited to only a total of ten cars meaning that if you want to try owning one of these beauties you will need to ensure your spot very soon. The cars will all come in a nice metallic orange with black under body and rims. There is also the deduction on a usual back bumper which is mainly to lower the weight of the vehicle but there is also a custom back where there is a numbered plaque for each car. Since it’s limited to ten I can see why they would have a plaque on each car and I think it’s actually an awesome idea. The car can top out at 220Mph, one of the fastest cars.

A new level of comprehensive protection:The new BMW X5 Security Plus.BMW first high-volume manufacturer to offer a vehicle in the bullet resistance class 6. (14.04.2009 Munich) BMW is extending its range of security vehicles by an additional model in a new protection class. The BMW X5 Security Plus complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6 (APR 2006), bringing versatile mobility and comprehensive protection against criminal assault into line with each other. It is the first vehicle produced by a high-volume manufacturer to offer a security concept aimed at lessening the danger of attacks using the world's most widely used handgun of the type AK 47. The vehicle, which was developed on the basis of the successful BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), offers room for up to four persons inside an exceptionally well-protected passenger cabin. Moreover, its superior drive and suspension technology also allows the driver to cope effortlessly with demanding situations, bo...