Next To Best

2012 Koenigsegg Agera R

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport has now become the target to beat to be the fastest car in the world. Unfortunately, Shelby Super Cars will never reach this goal with any of the cars they'll produce, but Koenigsegg gave it a go with their newest creation, the Agera R. Now, some of you may remember the CCXR Edition, the fastest car Koenigsegg had made back then. That car had a 4.7 Twin-Supercharged V8 engine producing 1,018 horsepower, so of course you'd expect the Agera R to produce even more. Yep! How's 1,115 horsepower sound? This is all powered by a new 5.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 that has been modified to run on E85 Ethanol. 0 to 60 is done in a mere 2.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 MPH, near to that of the Veyron Super Sport. Most of the car is made out of Carbon Fiber and the top panel roof of the car is entirely removable, as pictured here...

It's a Convertible Now!

I recommend keeping that panel on though. At 260 MPH with the top down, your face will be disintegrated. Anyway, prices have not been announced yet, but they're near the millions. Check this car out as it wows Geneva next week.

Build a Beemer Workshop

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

If I had enough money and wanted to buy a BMW 650i, it would definitely look like this. Beautifully isn't it? But hey, your BMW 6 doesn't have to look like this. BMW of America has officially launched their BMW 6-series configuration website. So go have fun making your own BMW. And if you have enough money, your dream 6 convertible could become real. Get started here.

Casino Royalty

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro (Test Drive Unlimited 2)

If you've played TDU 2 for a while now, I think you'll find this car very familiar. It's the exclusive R8 Spyder which is only available on Casino Island. Most of you gamblers know how to win this car: winning the jackpot at the slots. I will tell you this right now: complete waste of time. Soon enough, you'll be hooked and you'll waste all the money you'll need to buy a house or a new car. Well, luckily I'm here and I'm going to tell you of another very easy to go home with this car. Are you ready, cuz here it comes: BUY IT! The car is worth ¢1,000,000 Tokens, which is equivalent to $2,000,000, which you can easily receive through racing in Championships, selling useless items, or just gambling for money. It works and it's so much easier than gambling your money away. So, to those who've said to you, "You can't buy that car. You can only win it", watch them gasp when you roll up in this and then tell them, "This was nearly a buy, not a win." I hope this tip was helpful. More TDU 2 tips coming up!

De Tomaso Returns!

2012 De Tomaso SLS Concept

De Tomaso's been gone since 2001 and most Italian fans have missed it ever since. The Pantera was one of their most famous creations. Elvis Presley had one and it was a fast and quite powerful car. Well, I'm here today to tell the Italians and you guys that De Tomaso is back bringing more luxury to Italy. They're restarting it with this, the SLS (Sports Luxury Sedan) Concept car. Now if you're a beemer fan, you may be looking of this car thinking that it has some similarity to the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. That's because it is, unfortunately. What they've done here is just dumped the German stuff and put Italian goodness in. All of the German techiness has been replaced with drinks-globe Italian luxury. But, honestly, from me, this is just a big, fat humpback whale. I hope the production model turns out better than this. Anyway, if you're on a different position with this car, it will be on display at Geneva this week. Check it out there.

Become the STIG

The STIG

Some say he ate a donkey for spitting on his helmet, and that he once wrote a book on why Ben Collins should die. All we know is, he's called the STIG, and you can now look like him as well. For example, let's start with his helmet. You might think that's unique, but actually that is a Simpson Diamondback Racing Helmet pictured here...

Simpson Diamondback Helmet

You can get it with a clear visor or you can choose from different dark visors, including a dark purple to match the STIG. His suit is actually an Alpinestars Auto Racing suit as seen here...

Alpinestars Auto Racing Suit

You can get this suit in black and other colors as well. His gloves are Alpinestars Tech 1-Z Karting gloves as seen here...

Alpinestars Tech 1-Z Gloves

And finally, his shoes are Alpinestars Tech 1-K Racing Shoes as seen here...

Alpinestars Tech 1-K Racing Shoes

So, there you are: your shopping list of items if you want to look like the STIG. Unfortunately, all of this will cost you a hefty $3000, but if you are a die-hard STIG fan, its worth it.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster

For the first time Mercedes-Benz is offering a choice of three variants of the lightweight-construction vario-roof for the new SLK: in just a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupe with a “fixed” roof at the touch of a button – and vice versa: The standard version is a roof painted in the vehicle color. Optionally available is a panorama vario-roof with dark-tinted glass. The third option is a world premiere – the panorama vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark at the press of a button. In light mode it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up from the sun’s rays. In other words: a comfortable atmosphere at the touch of a button.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore, a Special Edition supersports car which will be produced for the European and Asian-Pacific markets, while for the American market it will be only available in the version LP550-2.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Powertrains 2011

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Powertrains 2011

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Powertrains 2011

Power transmission for 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a line of 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard transmission is offered in the ES is a five-speed manual. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional and is standard on SE models. Front wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available on the SE. As with standard AWD Outlander models feature three pilot selectable modes to optimize traction.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Edmunds tests in a front-wheel drive Outlander Sport with manual transmission accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. It is a time fast enough, but the most commonly installed CVT hope that sport becomes a little average performance. The EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/31 highway and 27 mpg in combined driving a front-drive automatic model. The manual has suffered 24/31/26 mpg, while IT gets to 24/29/26 mpg.

Untamable

2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit)

So, Armed & Dangerous came out yesterday and already people are having a blast playing cops & robbers all over Seacrest County. Well, to make things more exciting, Lamborghini have brought in three of their renowned cars to Seacrest in order to see what the racers and cops think of them. There's the classic Countach, the legendary Diablo, and this: the Sesto Elemento, which is no longer a concept car. Yes! You can actually buy this car for about $3 Million. But, why pay that much to drive the car in real life than pay just $6.99 to drift with the car in Seacrest County while outrunning cops. And it's not like the cops are left out either.

2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Interceptor

The car features the same 570 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine that you get in the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. But, the entire car, including the chassis, is made out of carbon fiber, bringing the weight to just 1 ton (1,000 kg). Because of this, 0 to 60 is done in a staggering 2.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 MPH. You can already guess what tier this car belongs in. Be sure to drive this car along with the other bulls in the Lamborghini Untamed DLC, which will be released March 1.

Rise of the Aventador

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (Courtesy of Jalopnik)

Jalopnik has some exclusive snippets of Lamborghini's new raging bull. Finally, we get to see the car in its entirety. Check them out and see if you like it.

Side View

Nose View

Source [Jalopnik, Facebook]

The Bull God has Arrived

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

This is as clear as it well get. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. As a replacement for the long gone Murcielago, this car has a lot of ground to cover if it wants to be known as a supercar great. It does have the potential though. Lamborghini's new 6.5-liter 690 horsepower V12 generates power to all four wheels, as usual. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 MPH. With those numbers, this car might have what it takes. Let's find out in the weeks to come. It will make its official debut next week at Geneva.

Next To Reality

2012 Pagani Huayra (Shift 2: Unleashed)

Since racing games were born, we've always wanted one that was an inch close to reality. Gran Turismo has attempted this for years, and it has done well. But, it seems that there's a new racing game that beats the living reality out of it. Yep, it's Need For Speed. Now, you might've remembered the old Need For Speed: Shift, their attempt of making their own Gran Turismo. They did manage to pull it off, but the handling wasn't as good and the physics weren't that realistic. Well, I am glad to say that that's all about to change. Next month, Need For Speed will be releasing their newest installment: Shift 2: Unleashed, and might I say that this game will probably be the most realistic racing sim ever created. Yes, it has now become a simulation, this game. Slightly Mad Studios has gotten help from the best of the racing field, including FIA Team Need For Speed. The handling has been massively improved, and you'll be able to feel it. It is slightly drifty like in the last one, but it's much grippier, and that's good. Damage has been improved as well. No longer will your car be smashed up into a rectangular box. Now, realistic damage models on each car, removable bumpers, doors, and windows just make damage look so cool. The new helmet cam just makes racing even more realistic with real movements and coordination. The cars look 10x better and the tracks are just beautiful. NFS didn't want to make this game a Gran Turismo killer. They wanted to make a game that puts you in the action in their own terms, and I think they've done it. I can't wait to test this game out next month. Take a look at the video below to see what they've done so far.

Style and Power do Mix

2012 Brabus CLS

Brabus finally got their hands on the sleek and stylish Mercedes-Benz CLS-class. As you can see, even when implying science and power, Brabus still make their silver arrows look nice, and this is no exception. Brabus will treat your CLS well with a new bodykit featuring new LED Daytime Running Lights, custom 20-inch rims, and eloquent leather interior stitching. Now, as for power, this is where Brabus excels. If you live in Europe and have the CLS250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Brabus will add their ECO PowerXtra D4 Performance kit adding 31 horsepower to the engine, which will also increase torque to 413 lb.-ft. If you have the CLS350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Brabus will add their ECO PowerXtra DS6 plug-and-play auxiliary control unit, which can be installed in less than 45 minutes. This will increase power in sport mode from 261 to 313 horsepower and torque from 457 to 509 lb.-ft. 0 to 60 will be achieved in just 5.9 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 MPH. So, with this car, you'll be able to look good, go fast, and save gas. That should be good. Check this car out at Geneva next week.

Twin-Turbo Goodness

2012 BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo

BMW's new F10 M5 is almost here and there are a lot of people who can't wait for it. But, when it comes out later this year, and you think you can't afford it, BMW will have an alternative 5-series that you can enjoy. They call it the Alpina B5 BiTurbo and although it might not have as much power as the new M5, it's just as good. The 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine produces 500 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 4.8 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 186 MPH. This sounds like a good car, right? But, what if you need something like this that will carry a months supply of groceries? Well, BMW has thought of that as well.

2012 BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring

This is the B5 BiTurbo Touring. It has all the same statistics and features that the regular saloon has, except this has 5-doors and large trunk space. Unfortunately, to own this Über Wagon or the saloon, you'll have to have a big wallet and a house in Europe. BMW never planned to release the Alpina B5 over here in the U.S. But, do not despair. The Alpina brand does exist in America, in the body of a 7-series.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo

This executive sedan is for the man who wants his own "M7". It has the same engine as the B5, only with more luxury, better looks, more speed, and all-wheel drive. But, if you love the 5-series, the good 'ol M5 will be out soon, and that's more powerful and faster than the B5, so everyone's happy.

Ring-Leader

2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package

It's been a while since we've heard of this limited edition package. It was when the LFA first came out that Toyota said they'd be building a hardcore version of this. They even showed us a picture of it. Now, a year later, Lexus is ready to release this hardcore package to the public. Only 50 will be made, each costing $70,000 more than its original price of $375,000. So, what does this package entail? For starters, Lexus added 10 more horses to the engine to counteract the drag of the massive rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser allowing this car to stay planted on the road. Second, it won't just be available in orange. There's glossy white, glossy black, and the popular matte black, but that's a $20,000 option. Third, you can customize the interior colors in all black, black and red, black and purple, or, if your Prince, black and orange. Only the Europeans will have the option of having their interiors all carbon fiber. Fourth, buyers will have the option of getting some lessons from a 'Ring master, or 'Ring mistress (Sabine Schmitz), on how to navigate the 'Ring. Fifth, how's about a year's free pass to go crazy round the 'Ring anytime you want? Sounds good doesn't it? All you need is a check of $445,000 made out to Lexus and they'll do all of this for you. If your a matte black fan, you'll be paying $465,000.

Drop Top Golf

2012 VW Golf Cabriolet

It's been a while since we've seen the Golf go topless. In fact, the last time it did was back in the early millenium with the Mk. IV. It wasn't really that good looking, but this new Mk. VI Golf looks really stunning. Obviously, VW had to do some styling changes to make everything fit perfectly including a sloped front windshield, a low-profile roof line, and a slightly altered chassis. But, it's still a Golf, with new features. There are LEDs in the front and rear lights now. The roll bar that the old Golf Cabrio had now comes standard and rises automatically. There are airbags for your head, torso, and knees. The soft-top can be opened or closed when you're on the move at 18.7 MPH. Basically, there's stuff in this car that make you more safe even when you want to enjoy the summer sun. When it comes to power, nothing much has changed. The Golf Cabrio will be offered with a 105 horsepower 1.6-liter TDI engine. That doesn't sound like a lot, but there's also a 207 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, so expect some GTI-ness with this cabrio to come soon. U.S. prices have not been announced yet, but in Germany, the Golf Cabrio starts at €23,625.

Mad Cat

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

The British truly know design. If you thought the Aston Martin Virage was sexy, well check this out. This is Jaguar's new Mad Cat, the XKR-S. It is possible that the traditional 5.0-liter AJ Gen III V8 setup has received a more potent supercharger or this Jaaag has a new engine. Anyway or another, the power has increased from 510 to 550 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 MPH. This might give the Camaro ZL1 a run for its money. We'll have to wait and see how fast that car actually goes. Anyway, prices have not yet been announced yet, but expect them to be quite high. From the day I started revealing Geneva cars, you've been probably staring wide-eyed at your screen. Now, with this car, you're probably at the point of drooling.

A Whole new Level of Sexy

2012 Aston Martin Virage

It seems that Aston Martin want to expand their current line-up by building a car in-between the powerful DBS and the sleek DB9 and make it as sexy as the Rapide. They call it the Virage and it dates back to the classic Le Mans Virage back in the 1990s. This one, however, has the body of a sexy lady and the soul of race car driver. Aston's 6.0-liter V12 engine that's in the DB9 has been tweaked from 470 to 490 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in less than 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 MPH. The standard transmission is a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission with paddle-shifters. And yes, for those who love having their hair blow in the breeze, this car is also available as a volante.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Volante

Now you may be thinking the Virage is merely a replacement for the old DB9 and in fact, it isn't. The DB9 will still be here until who knows when. This may seem a bit strange that Aston Martin would build car that's just a prettier DB9. But, as long as it stays pretty, I'm sold. Check it out at Geneva next week.