Volkswagen has formally announced the production version of the long-awaited Bugatti Veyron at Monte Carlo in June 2003. Staying true to the concept that was displayed at the 2002 Geneva Auto Show, with small changes such as air outlets behind the front wheels and slightly redesigned headlights. Expected to be very pricey indeed, the Veyron marks the truimphant return of Bugatti under the leadership of the Volkswagen Group.
Little has been spared in the way of interior luxuries, such as a full leather cockpit for two people, and other basic amenities missing in the McLaren. But it detracts from the original mission of the Bugatti - to be the fastest car in the world, no matter what.
The production Veyron retains the record-breaking 1001 DIN hp (987 SAE hp) output from its 8.0L quad-turbo W16, with 922 lb-ft of torque, but it narrowly missed its weight target of 3410 lbs, weighing in at 3520 lbs. With a power-to-weight ratio much better than a McLaren F1, performance claims of 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-186 mph in 14 seconds and top speed of more than 250 mph seem believable, making it the new fastest production car in the world for the 21st century. Sure, there are are numerous tuner Skylines and Corvettes out there that can go just as fast, but they are haphazard individual jobs.
Other notable new entries would be the Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, but they are not expected to even top the McLaren F1 in performance. The resurgent Bugatti brand raises the exotic car game to a whole new level.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Ferrari Enzo vs. McLaren F1
Comparing the ultimate supercars is much like comparing the various attributes of the world’s top supermodels: It’s all about what fantasy turns your crank, as few of us mere mortals will ever get to test drive the cars or date the models. Those few who own both an Enzo and an F1 will tell you straight–off that the performance level of either car is so high that only professional drivers can explore and compare the limits.
THE CHAMP: MCLAREN F1—Developed by McLaren Cars and designer Gordon Murray, the motivation behind the F1 was to build the best street car ever, regardless of cost. The design goal was to create the highest power–to–weight ratio possible in a user–friendly, roadworthy machine. To this end, the McLaren F1 was the first road car to use a complete carbon fiber chassis and body with lightweight composites and exotic metals throughout. A magnesium–cast BMW engine mated to a very lightweight (and very expensive) transverse gearbox further helped weight savings.
The F1 is surprisingly small on the outside, but it actually seats three people, with two passengers flanking a center–positioned driver. The driving position is difficult to get used to, but it makes for an ideal weight distribution. Appropriately, the first two pages of the owner’s manual are entitled “getting in” and the next two cover “getting out.”
Once you master entry, the McLaren’s controls fall perfectly to hand, with the shifter to the right at four o’clock. The panoramic view from the wrap–around windshield and the gauges’ big, bold numbering on a white background are a study in efficiency. But despite the excellent ergonomics, the McLaren dash layout and shifter feel dated, especially when compared with the cutting–edge styling of the Enzo.
Behind the wheel, the steering and brakes are on the heavy side, but with incredible feedback, as should be expected, while the 6.1–liter V12 gives staggering performance, with torque that never ends, in any gear, at any time. Fifth is absolutely usable from 35 mph all the way up to 210–the push just increases astronomically as the revs rise.
McLaren chose to reject technology like power steering, powerassisted brakes, anti–lock brakes, traction control, and stability control, all well known and accessible at the time by virtue of its relationship with the McLaren Formula One race team. But really, only the ABS is missed–and how–as it takes a top-level racing driver to feather the brakes on this car in the wet or a panic situation. Even so, the savings in weight with all the electronics absent is huge: The F1 weighs a mere 2,500 pounds, vs. 3,230 for the Enzo.
For all that it “lacks,” the car does incorporate active aerodynamics, with a pair of lightweight fans that suck air from diffusers under the car so that no huge rear wing is needed to maintain stability at speed though a small tail spoiler does rise to lend some rear downforce.
Your greatest fear when driving an F1 is that the car is simply so good that it eggs you on to drive faster and faster, entering a performance fantasy land that can bite back when you exceed your own talents.
THE CHALLENGER: FERRARI ENZO—The Enzo is certainly Ferrari’s best effort in the supercar wars to date, but it still comes up second in the running for the fastest car title. Styled by Pininfarina, the Enzo is built to resemble a Formula One racecar, but without McLaren’s hell–bent–for–speed attention to maximizing power–to–weight. The result is that the Enzo tries too hard to merge the design of a road car with an open–wheeled racer, and at least to my eyes, the styling suffers, especially when compared to Ferrari’s previous efforts, the much more attractive F40 and F50.
As is now standard practice in most supercars, the Enzo’s chassis is made of carbon fiber, while the bodywork uses a combination of aluminum and carbon fi ber. Huge air intakes allow the Enzo to generate immense downforce, while a small retractable rear spoiler comes up at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The cab–forward interior sports lots of carbon fiber, a semi–automatic six–speed gearbox, launch control, and a variable damping suspension for luxury cruising.
The Enzo’s 6.0–liter, naturally aspirated V12 can rev to 8,000 rpm, yet 80 percent of its torque comes in at only 3,000. In keeping with the lightweight theme, its V12 is one of the lightest in the world at just 496 pounds. By comparison, the 427–ci engine in the Cobra weighed 680 pounds.
Stocked with all the latest high–tech gizmos adapted from its own F1 racing program, the Enzo is a techie’s dream. Advanced technology like stability control, electronic brake–force distribution, traction control, and ABS keep the car in check, making it more user–friendly than the McLaren. The Enzo also has a driver–controlled, up–down lift in the front, which takes the crunch out of getting in and out of driveways.
THE PERFORMANCE VERDICT—The numbers tell the story: While the stock F1 has a “mere” 627 hp versus the Enzo’s 650, and the McLaren must make do with 479 ftlbs of torque versus the Ferrari’s 485 (not to mention a redline of just 7,500 rpm for the F1 against the Enzo’s 8k limit), its smaller mass puts the McLaren out ahead. The Enzo is a leaden 717 pounds heavier than the F1.
The McLaren goes from 0–60 mph in 3.2 seconds; the Ferrari in 3.5 seconds. The McLaren’s 0–100 mph time is 6.3 seconds, while the Ferrari takes 6.6 seconds. And finally, 0–150 mph in the McLaren takes just 12.8 seconds while the Ferrari is a few tenths back at 13.1.
The Enzo’s front–end aerodynamics and many high–tech gizmos weigh the car down to the point that top speed is only an estimated 218 mph, well below the McLaren’s documented 240 mph. Yes, the F1 is still the fastest road car of all time, even with its decade–old technology.
While the F1’s mid– and high–speed acceleration easily beats the Enzo, a factor of its much lighter weight, all who have driven both cars will agree that the huge, state–of–the–art ceramic disc brakes of the Ferrari easily surpass the McLaren’s steel brakes.
The McLaren F1 was a successful attempt to build the best road car ever, regardless of costs, while the Enzo was always intended to make money for Ferrari, which it most certainly has. This, by its very nature, creates entirely different production criteria: While the build quality of the Enzo is good, the McLaren is simply perfect.
Exclusivity is in the F1’s favor as well, with only 64 road–going cars built, against 399 Enzos (plus six to ten pre–production prototypes that will eventually find their way into private hands). This makes the ultrarich buyer’s odds of meeting anther Enzo on the street versus meeting another F1 a healthy six–to–one, causing the Ferrari to seem almost “common.”
MONEY TALKS—Maintenance costs on both cars are staggering, though doubtless their owners are not concerned with the shop bills. An F1 will need a new clutch every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, at a cool $12,000. Its $25,000 fuel cell needs replacing every five years. A starter motor replacement is a 90–hour job, as the engine has to be removed, and that runs $12,000. Should you break the transverse transaxle, expect a $100k repair bill.
As for the Enzo, they are all still under warranty but soon enough that will change and many Ferrari service managers will go shopping for new luxury boats. Once off warranty, a full brake job with new carbon fiber pads ($2,300 front and $2,100 rear) and rotors ($7,400 each) will be in the $40,000 range, while a new clutch assembly should cost only a modest $6,000.
The ultimate test of the cars is, of course, the market. The first U.S.–spec Enzo sold on the private market brought $1,350,000, but prices have been dropping and the current “ask” is in the $1,150,000 range, while the actual ”sell“ is certainly less. In the next few months, almost every U.S.–spec Enzo is due to pass its one–year, “you–can’t–sell” date imposed by Ferrari, and I personally know of six owners who are planning on putting their cars on the market. This will only further drive down prices.
Only a few McLaren F1s change hands every year, with the last recorded sale at the Christie’s auction in London on Dec. 2, 2003, for $1,257,750. (See English Profile, page 48.) Christie’s sold another F1 for $961,875 on June 16, 2003. While the Enzo may have the market edge as of this moment, the F1 has clearly passed the test of time, and should appreciate, while the Enzo loses value, albeit slowly, for the next ten years or so. In the long haul, the difference in production numbers means the F1 will always be worth more than the Enzo. How much more? At least 25 percent, in my book.
Both the McLaren F1 and Ferrari Enzo are cars few ever see, let alone drive or ride in, not to mention own. While I’m a Ferrari guy at heart, it simply must be said that the F1 is the fastest, most expensive and most exclusive supercar I’ve ever had the opportunity to drive. And either would certainly be welcome in my garage.
THE CHAMP: MCLAREN F1—Developed by McLaren Cars and designer Gordon Murray, the motivation behind the F1 was to build the best street car ever, regardless of cost. The design goal was to create the highest power–to–weight ratio possible in a user–friendly, roadworthy machine. To this end, the McLaren F1 was the first road car to use a complete carbon fiber chassis and body with lightweight composites and exotic metals throughout. A magnesium–cast BMW engine mated to a very lightweight (and very expensive) transverse gearbox further helped weight savings.
The F1 is surprisingly small on the outside, but it actually seats three people, with two passengers flanking a center–positioned driver. The driving position is difficult to get used to, but it makes for an ideal weight distribution. Appropriately, the first two pages of the owner’s manual are entitled “getting in” and the next two cover “getting out.”
Once you master entry, the McLaren’s controls fall perfectly to hand, with the shifter to the right at four o’clock. The panoramic view from the wrap–around windshield and the gauges’ big, bold numbering on a white background are a study in efficiency. But despite the excellent ergonomics, the McLaren dash layout and shifter feel dated, especially when compared with the cutting–edge styling of the Enzo.
Behind the wheel, the steering and brakes are on the heavy side, but with incredible feedback, as should be expected, while the 6.1–liter V12 gives staggering performance, with torque that never ends, in any gear, at any time. Fifth is absolutely usable from 35 mph all the way up to 210–the push just increases astronomically as the revs rise.
McLaren chose to reject technology like power steering, powerassisted brakes, anti–lock brakes, traction control, and stability control, all well known and accessible at the time by virtue of its relationship with the McLaren Formula One race team. But really, only the ABS is missed–and how–as it takes a top-level racing driver to feather the brakes on this car in the wet or a panic situation. Even so, the savings in weight with all the electronics absent is huge: The F1 weighs a mere 2,500 pounds, vs. 3,230 for the Enzo.
For all that it “lacks,” the car does incorporate active aerodynamics, with a pair of lightweight fans that suck air from diffusers under the car so that no huge rear wing is needed to maintain stability at speed though a small tail spoiler does rise to lend some rear downforce.
Your greatest fear when driving an F1 is that the car is simply so good that it eggs you on to drive faster and faster, entering a performance fantasy land that can bite back when you exceed your own talents.
THE CHALLENGER: FERRARI ENZO—The Enzo is certainly Ferrari’s best effort in the supercar wars to date, but it still comes up second in the running for the fastest car title. Styled by Pininfarina, the Enzo is built to resemble a Formula One racecar, but without McLaren’s hell–bent–for–speed attention to maximizing power–to–weight. The result is that the Enzo tries too hard to merge the design of a road car with an open–wheeled racer, and at least to my eyes, the styling suffers, especially when compared to Ferrari’s previous efforts, the much more attractive F40 and F50.
As is now standard practice in most supercars, the Enzo’s chassis is made of carbon fiber, while the bodywork uses a combination of aluminum and carbon fi ber. Huge air intakes allow the Enzo to generate immense downforce, while a small retractable rear spoiler comes up at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The cab–forward interior sports lots of carbon fiber, a semi–automatic six–speed gearbox, launch control, and a variable damping suspension for luxury cruising.
The Enzo’s 6.0–liter, naturally aspirated V12 can rev to 8,000 rpm, yet 80 percent of its torque comes in at only 3,000. In keeping with the lightweight theme, its V12 is one of the lightest in the world at just 496 pounds. By comparison, the 427–ci engine in the Cobra weighed 680 pounds.
Stocked with all the latest high–tech gizmos adapted from its own F1 racing program, the Enzo is a techie’s dream. Advanced technology like stability control, electronic brake–force distribution, traction control, and ABS keep the car in check, making it more user–friendly than the McLaren. The Enzo also has a driver–controlled, up–down lift in the front, which takes the crunch out of getting in and out of driveways.
THE PERFORMANCE VERDICT—The numbers tell the story: While the stock F1 has a “mere” 627 hp versus the Enzo’s 650, and the McLaren must make do with 479 ftlbs of torque versus the Ferrari’s 485 (not to mention a redline of just 7,500 rpm for the F1 against the Enzo’s 8k limit), its smaller mass puts the McLaren out ahead. The Enzo is a leaden 717 pounds heavier than the F1.
The McLaren goes from 0–60 mph in 3.2 seconds; the Ferrari in 3.5 seconds. The McLaren’s 0–100 mph time is 6.3 seconds, while the Ferrari takes 6.6 seconds. And finally, 0–150 mph in the McLaren takes just 12.8 seconds while the Ferrari is a few tenths back at 13.1.
The Enzo’s front–end aerodynamics and many high–tech gizmos weigh the car down to the point that top speed is only an estimated 218 mph, well below the McLaren’s documented 240 mph. Yes, the F1 is still the fastest road car of all time, even with its decade–old technology.
While the F1’s mid– and high–speed acceleration easily beats the Enzo, a factor of its much lighter weight, all who have driven both cars will agree that the huge, state–of–the–art ceramic disc brakes of the Ferrari easily surpass the McLaren’s steel brakes.
The McLaren F1 was a successful attempt to build the best road car ever, regardless of costs, while the Enzo was always intended to make money for Ferrari, which it most certainly has. This, by its very nature, creates entirely different production criteria: While the build quality of the Enzo is good, the McLaren is simply perfect.
Exclusivity is in the F1’s favor as well, with only 64 road–going cars built, against 399 Enzos (plus six to ten pre–production prototypes that will eventually find their way into private hands). This makes the ultrarich buyer’s odds of meeting anther Enzo on the street versus meeting another F1 a healthy six–to–one, causing the Ferrari to seem almost “common.”
MONEY TALKS—Maintenance costs on both cars are staggering, though doubtless their owners are not concerned with the shop bills. An F1 will need a new clutch every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, at a cool $12,000. Its $25,000 fuel cell needs replacing every five years. A starter motor replacement is a 90–hour job, as the engine has to be removed, and that runs $12,000. Should you break the transverse transaxle, expect a $100k repair bill.
As for the Enzo, they are all still under warranty but soon enough that will change and many Ferrari service managers will go shopping for new luxury boats. Once off warranty, a full brake job with new carbon fiber pads ($2,300 front and $2,100 rear) and rotors ($7,400 each) will be in the $40,000 range, while a new clutch assembly should cost only a modest $6,000.
The ultimate test of the cars is, of course, the market. The first U.S.–spec Enzo sold on the private market brought $1,350,000, but prices have been dropping and the current “ask” is in the $1,150,000 range, while the actual ”sell“ is certainly less. In the next few months, almost every U.S.–spec Enzo is due to pass its one–year, “you–can’t–sell” date imposed by Ferrari, and I personally know of six owners who are planning on putting their cars on the market. This will only further drive down prices.
Only a few McLaren F1s change hands every year, with the last recorded sale at the Christie’s auction in London on Dec. 2, 2003, for $1,257,750. (See English Profile, page 48.) Christie’s sold another F1 for $961,875 on June 16, 2003. While the Enzo may have the market edge as of this moment, the F1 has clearly passed the test of time, and should appreciate, while the Enzo loses value, albeit slowly, for the next ten years or so. In the long haul, the difference in production numbers means the F1 will always be worth more than the Enzo. How much more? At least 25 percent, in my book.
Both the McLaren F1 and Ferrari Enzo are cars few ever see, let alone drive or ride in, not to mention own. While I’m a Ferrari guy at heart, it simply must be said that the F1 is the fastest, most expensive and most exclusive supercar I’ve ever had the opportunity to drive. And either would certainly be welcome in my garage.
F1: Force India loses court battle over sponsorship
There was always going to be some trouble over Kingfisher's sponsorship deals. Surprisingly, it wasn't because Toyota got upset when Mallya took over most of Spyker and moved the branding there. Instead, it was because Spyker sponsors took umbrage at Force India's branding. The UK's Court of Appeal says they were within their rights to do so.
F1: Noida is all set for the Indian GP
Auto racing, said Henry Ford famously, began five minutes after the second car was built. In about a year and nine days from now, the most frenetic format of car racing is slated to blast off in India, putting the country on the Formula 1 map.
Formula 1 Racing, considered the second most popular sport in the world after soccer, and certainly the fastest, makes its debut in the country on October 30 next year in Greater Noida, some 55 km from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It will be the 20th field in the global F1 circuit.
As the track gets ready, enthusiasts like Gautam Singhania, chairman & managing director of Raymond Group, cannot contain their excitement. “This is really a good thing,” he says. “India will have its first Formula 1 track. It is quite interesting that India figures in the Grand Prix calendar for next year.”
Singhania has driven a Formula 1 car in France, a Ferrari 360 Modena in a road and track rally across Europe, and a Lamborghini Gallardo in Europe's CannonBall Run. He has also formed the first super car club in India.
When asked how he would be associated with the F1 track here, called the Jaypee International Race Track, Singhania said: “I will certainly love to drive on the F1 track in Noida''
Formula 1 Racing, considered the second most popular sport in the world after soccer, and certainly the fastest, makes its debut in the country on October 30 next year in Greater Noida, some 55 km from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It will be the 20th field in the global F1 circuit.
As the track gets ready, enthusiasts like Gautam Singhania, chairman & managing director of Raymond Group, cannot contain their excitement. “This is really a good thing,” he says. “India will have its first Formula 1 track. It is quite interesting that India figures in the Grand Prix calendar for next year.”
Singhania has driven a Formula 1 car in France, a Ferrari 360 Modena in a road and track rally across Europe, and a Lamborghini Gallardo in Europe's CannonBall Run. He has also formed the first super car club in India.
When asked how he would be associated with the F1 track here, called the Jaypee International Race Track, Singhania said: “I will certainly love to drive on the F1 track in Noida''
F1 boss gives India GP a thumbs-up
NEW DELHI — Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is confident India will hold a successful maiden Grand Prix next year, saying preparations were well on schedule.
"I can't praise enough," Ecclestone told reporters late Wednesday after a day-long visit to the under-construction 5.14-kilometre (3.2 mile) circuit in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi.
"Everything was much better than what I thought. The track is much better than many."
The World Motor Sport Council last month formally approved India's inclusion on the race calendar for 2011, although it had yet to give a green light to the new track designed by renowned German architect Herman Tilke.
Ecclestone said India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, deserved to be part of the F1 calendar.
"I had heard about India, I thought that is where we should be," the 79-year-old said. "We should have been here before. I am sure F1 would be accepted in India.
"It will expose India to the rest of the world. India can get out of the event whatever they want."
Ecclestone dismissed concerns about the October 30 race next year after the chaotic build-up to the recent Commonwealth Games in the Indian capital.
"There was so much doubt about the Commonwealth Games because of the silly media reports," he said.
"That is why I am here. I saw the opening ceremony on television and it was better than the ones at the Olympics or the World Cup football."
Unlike the Games, which were under the authority of the government and the Indian Olympic Association, the race circuit is being built by private real estate developers Jaypee Group.
The circuit is part of an ambitious 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) sports complex being built by the group that will include an international-standard cricket stadium.
Formula One is keenly followed in India and the sport received a boost when Narain Karthikeyan raced for Jordan in 2005 and Karun Chandhok signed up with Hispania this year.
The country also fields its own team, Force India, owned by liquor and airline magnate Vijay Mallya.
"I can't praise enough," Ecclestone told reporters late Wednesday after a day-long visit to the under-construction 5.14-kilometre (3.2 mile) circuit in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi.
"Everything was much better than what I thought. The track is much better than many."
The World Motor Sport Council last month formally approved India's inclusion on the race calendar for 2011, although it had yet to give a green light to the new track designed by renowned German architect Herman Tilke.
Ecclestone said India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, deserved to be part of the F1 calendar.
"I had heard about India, I thought that is where we should be," the 79-year-old said. "We should have been here before. I am sure F1 would be accepted in India.
"It will expose India to the rest of the world. India can get out of the event whatever they want."
Ecclestone dismissed concerns about the October 30 race next year after the chaotic build-up to the recent Commonwealth Games in the Indian capital.
"There was so much doubt about the Commonwealth Games because of the silly media reports," he said.
"That is why I am here. I saw the opening ceremony on television and it was better than the ones at the Olympics or the World Cup football."
Unlike the Games, which were under the authority of the government and the Indian Olympic Association, the race circuit is being built by private real estate developers Jaypee Group.
The circuit is part of an ambitious 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) sports complex being built by the group that will include an international-standard cricket stadium.
Formula One is keenly followed in India and the sport received a boost when Narain Karthikeyan raced for Jordan in 2005 and Karun Chandhok signed up with Hispania this year.
The country also fields its own team, Force India, owned by liquor and airline magnate Vijay Mallya.
New Sports Cars -2010, 2011 Prices & Specifications
2011 Aston Martin DBS
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 510 HP ( 380 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb of torque ( 570 Nm) @ 5,750 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Aston Martin DB9
Price Range: $191,615 - $204,715
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 470 HP ( 350 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 443 ft lb of torque ( 600 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Aston Martin Rapide
Suggested Price: $199,950
Body Style: Sedan
- Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 23.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 470 HP ( 350 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 443 ft lb of torque ( 600 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Suggested Price: $179,995
Body Style: Coupe
- Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 510 HP ( 380 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb of torque ( 570 Nm) @ 5,750 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi A5
Price Range: $37,790 - $44,190
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Turbo compressor
- Engine: 2.0L in-line 4 double overhead cam with VVT ( 9.6 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 21 (mpg); highway= 27 (mpg); combined= 23 (mpg); vehicle range: 396 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 17.2 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 211 HP ( 157 kW) @ 4,300 rpm; 258 ft lb of torque ( 350 Nm) @ 1,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi R8
Price Range: $156,600 - $170,100
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 5.2L V 10 double overhead cam with VVT ( 12.5 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 13 (mpg); highway= 19 (mpg); combined= 15 (mpg); vehicle range: 357 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 23.8 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 525 HP ( 391 kW) @ 8,000 rpm; 391 ft lb of torque ( 530 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi S4
Suggested Price: $48,000
Body Style: Sedan
- Supercharger compressor
- Engine: 3.0L V 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.3 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 21 (mpg); vehicle range: 355 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 16.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 333 HP ( 248 kW) @ 5,500 rpm; 325 ft lb of torque ( 441 Nm) @ 2,900 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi S5
Price Range: $54,300 - $58,450
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 4.2L V 8 double overhead cam with VVT ( 11.4 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 16 (mpg); highway= 24 (mpg); combined= 19 (mpg); vehicle range: 316 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 16.6 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 354 HP ( 264 kW) @ 7,000 rpm; 325 ft lb of torque ( 441 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi TT
Price Range: $38,300 - $41,300
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Turbocharged
- Engine: 2.0L in-linefour-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy: EPA 08, 21 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, 24 MPG combined and 349 mi. range
- Gasoline direct fuel injection
- 14.5-gallon fuel tank
- Power(SAE): 211 hp and 258 ft lb of torque
................................................................................................
2011 Audi TTS
Price Range: $47,000 - $50,000
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Turbo compressor
- Engine: 2.0L in-line 4 double overhead cam with VVT ( 9.8 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 21 (mpg); highway= 29 (mpg); combined= 24 (mpg); vehicle range: 382 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 15.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 265 HP ( 198 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 258 ft lb of torque ( 350 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 BMW 1-Series
Price Range: $29,150 - $40,350
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 3.0L in-line 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.7 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 22 (mpg); vehicle range: 308 miles
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 14.0 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 230 HP ( 172 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 200 ft lb of torque ( 271 Nm) @ 2,750 rpm
................................................................................................
2010 BMW 6-Series
Price Range: $78,200 - $85,300
Body Style: Coupe, convertible
- 4,799 cc 4.8 liters V 8 front engine with 93.0 mm bore, 88.3 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91 and petrol
- Fuel consumption: EPA 08 city (mpg): 15, highway (mpg): 23, combined (mpg): 18, 536 and 333
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.4
- Power: 268 kW , 360 HP SAE @ 6,300 rpm; 360 ft lb , 488 Nm @ 3,400 rpm
................................................................................................
2010 BMW M6
Price Range: $102,100 - $107,900
Body Style: Convertible, Coupe
- 4,999 cc 5.0 liters V 10 front engine with 92.0 mm bore, 75.2 mm stroke, 12.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Fuel consumption: EPA 08 city (mpg): 11, highway (mpg): 17 and combined (mpg): 13
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.4
- Power: 373 kW , 500 HP SAE @ 7,750 rpm; 383 ft lb , 520 Nm @ 6,100 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 BMW Z4
Price Range: $46,000 - $61,050
Body Style: Convertible
- Engine: 3.0L in-line 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.7 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 22 (mpg); vehicle range: 319 miles
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 14.5 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 255 HP ( 190 kW) @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb of torque ( 298 Nm) @ 2,600 rpm
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 510 HP ( 380 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb of torque ( 570 Nm) @ 5,750 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Aston Martin DB9
Price Range: $191,615 - $204,715
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 470 HP ( 350 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 443 ft lb of torque ( 600 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Aston Martin Rapide
Suggested Price: $199,950
Body Style: Sedan
- Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 23.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 470 HP ( 350 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 443 ft lb of torque ( 600 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Suggested Price: $179,995
Body Style: Coupe
- Engine: 5.9L V 12 double overhead cam ( 10.9 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption:
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 510 HP ( 380 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb of torque ( 570 Nm) @ 5,750 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi A5
Price Range: $37,790 - $44,190
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Turbo compressor
- Engine: 2.0L in-line 4 double overhead cam with VVT ( 9.6 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 21 (mpg); highway= 27 (mpg); combined= 23 (mpg); vehicle range: 396 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 17.2 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 211 HP ( 157 kW) @ 4,300 rpm; 258 ft lb of torque ( 350 Nm) @ 1,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi R8
Price Range: $156,600 - $170,100
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 5.2L V 10 double overhead cam with VVT ( 12.5 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 13 (mpg); highway= 19 (mpg); combined= 15 (mpg); vehicle range: 357 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 23.8 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 525 HP ( 391 kW) @ 8,000 rpm; 391 ft lb of torque ( 530 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi S4
Suggested Price: $48,000
Body Style: Sedan
- Supercharger compressor
- Engine: 3.0L V 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.3 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 21 (mpg); vehicle range: 355 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 16.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 333 HP ( 248 kW) @ 5,500 rpm; 325 ft lb of torque ( 441 Nm) @ 2,900 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi S5
Price Range: $54,300 - $58,450
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 4.2L V 8 double overhead cam with VVT ( 11.4 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 16 (mpg); highway= 24 (mpg); combined= 19 (mpg); vehicle range: 316 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 16.6 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 354 HP ( 264 kW) @ 7,000 rpm; 325 ft lb of torque ( 441 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 Audi TT
Price Range: $38,300 - $41,300
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Turbocharged
- Engine: 2.0L in-linefour-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy: EPA 08, 21 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, 24 MPG combined and 349 mi. range
- Gasoline direct fuel injection
- 14.5-gallon fuel tank
- Power(SAE): 211 hp and 258 ft lb of torque
................................................................................................
2011 Audi TTS
Price Range: $47,000 - $50,000
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Turbo compressor
- Engine: 2.0L in-line 4 double overhead cam with VVT ( 9.8 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 21 (mpg); highway= 29 (mpg); combined= 24 (mpg); vehicle range: 382 miles
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 15.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 265 HP ( 198 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 258 ft lb of torque ( 350 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 BMW 1-Series
Price Range: $29,150 - $40,350
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
- Engine: 3.0L in-line 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.7 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 22 (mpg); vehicle range: 308 miles
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 14.0 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 230 HP ( 172 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 200 ft lb of torque ( 271 Nm) @ 2,750 rpm
................................................................................................
2010 BMW 6-Series
Price Range: $78,200 - $85,300
Body Style: Coupe, convertible
- 4,799 cc 4.8 liters V 8 front engine with 93.0 mm bore, 88.3 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91 and petrol
- Fuel consumption: EPA 08 city (mpg): 15, highway (mpg): 23, combined (mpg): 18, 536 and 333
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.4
- Power: 268 kW , 360 HP SAE @ 6,300 rpm; 360 ft lb , 488 Nm @ 3,400 rpm
................................................................................................
2010 BMW M6
Price Range: $102,100 - $107,900
Body Style: Convertible, Coupe
- 4,999 cc 5.0 liters V 10 front engine with 92.0 mm bore, 75.2 mm stroke, 12.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Fuel consumption: EPA 08 city (mpg): 11, highway (mpg): 17 and combined (mpg): 13
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.4
- Power: 373 kW , 500 HP SAE @ 7,750 rpm; 383 ft lb , 520 Nm @ 6,100 rpm
................................................................................................
2011 BMW Z4
Price Range: $46,000 - $61,050
Body Style: Convertible
- Engine: 3.0L in-line 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.7 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 22 (mpg); vehicle range: 319 miles
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 14.5 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 255 HP ( 190 kW) @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb of torque ( 298 Nm) @ 2,600 rpm
Suzuki Hayabusa vs. Kawasaki Ninja
With competition from Suzuki's GSX-R600,getting more aggressive, Kawasaki decided to make an unusual move for the 2003 model year. They increased the capacity of the traditional 600 cc (37 cu in) motor to 636 cc (38.8 cu in). For riders who needed bikes for displacement-restricted racing, Kawasaki also made available a limited production 599 cc (36.6 cu in) version called the Ninja ZX-6RR, but the 636 cubic centimetres (38.8 cu in) ZX-6R would be their main mass production middleweight sport bike.
Which one do you prefer between these two heavyweight motorcycles?
Personally, I think Kawasaki's ZX-14 is simply better than Suzuki's bike, mostly thanks to its powerful engine. Although Hayabusa's name really underlines the power of the motorcycle, Kawasaki managed to produce a bike that was even better. I guess you know the history: Suzuki attempted to design a motorcycle that would be able to reach a higher speed than Honda's Super Blackbird, a bike which became famous for the super high speed it was able to achieve. Well, they managed to build it so they named it Hayabusa, a bird which could reach a top speed of more than 300 km/h and which eats.. blackbirds!
So, what's your opinion about these two bikes?
Which one do you prefer between these two heavyweight motorcycles?
Personally, I think Kawasaki's ZX-14 is simply better than Suzuki's bike, mostly thanks to its powerful engine. Although Hayabusa's name really underlines the power of the motorcycle, Kawasaki managed to produce a bike that was even better. I guess you know the history: Suzuki attempted to design a motorcycle that would be able to reach a higher speed than Honda's Super Blackbird, a bike which became famous for the super high speed it was able to achieve. Well, they managed to build it so they named it Hayabusa, a bird which could reach a top speed of more than 300 km/h and which eats.. blackbirds!
So, what's your opinion about these two bikes?
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