The Sultan of Brunei is one of the most famous car collectors in the world. He and his family own 1,000 to 5,000 cars, mostly exotics and some that are modified or one-off concepts. H&H Classic Auctions just sent us photos of this gorgeous ex-Sultan stretched Range Rover Classic, which is scheduled for auction in March 2007. British coachbuilder Townley, the same firm that is coachbuilder to the Queen of England crafted this Range Rover at an estimated cost of £139,000 from new. Continue Reading »
The Sultan’s Rangie for sale!

We’ve just learned that TVR has gone into administration. Last Friday PKF Accountants and administrators reportedly took control of TVR. Reports from NewCarNet quoted administrators stating: “It is our intention to advertise the business for sale as a going concern and we are optimistic that a purchaser will be found in the New Year”. A meeting with accountants and administrators is scheduled for January 2.

Source: NewCarNet, BlackpoolToday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AepS3pBfxfY

The original Mini was known among other things for its go-kart-like handling. BMW has managed to transport precisely that into the new age, with the new edition of 2001. And the recently launched 2006 generation once again sparkles with the typical Mini characteristics. And HAMANN has of course once again taken on the current model. The Brit from Bavaria not only looks different after its visit to the health farm in Laupheim. The HAMANN Mini also sounds better, and drives with even more agility. Continue Reading »
New MINI gets the HAMANN treatment!

“Yet whereas the E-Type was admired mainly for its looks and performance, the XKR also deserves the approbation of technophiles, not least for the aluminium monocoque body, which elevates the XK into a select aristocracy of lightweight supercars. Impossible not to admire from any angle, the XKR Coupe appears to be crafted by nature: as if a block of aluminium had been left in the desert to be gently eroded to a perfect profile by a benign Sirocco under contract to Michelangelo. It is hard to believe that the body panels are thumped out by 1200-tonne presses in a factory near Coventry” NewCarNet - Full Review

 

Automobile Magazine has named Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage “Design of the Year”. In a release Gavin Conway, editor-in-chief of Automobile Magazine, said “Without question, the V8 Vantage is the best Aston Martin ever produced. It is a hallmark of great design and arguably the best-looking car manufactured in the last couple of decades. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the Vantage was selected for combining great looks with an outstanding driving experience.”

“Out on the track, besides the ease with which the Exige S can haul in an Elise on a straightaway (Lotus claims 0–60 mph in 4.1 sec.), the car exhibits the same amazing, race-carlike handling we’ve come to love. The cars Lotus provided for our Las Vegas track session had the benefit of the $2495 Track Pack, which includes adjustable Bilstein dampers and a 5-way adjustable front anti-roll bar. But all Exige S’s have non-power-assisted steering that’s as direct as you could possibly imagine, coupled to a car that weighs just 2080 lb. The Exige S requires you to pay full attention when driving hard, but rewards with a “right-now” feedback unlike any other. Back off the throttle at the wrong time and things can go sideways in a hurry; do it correctly, and you’ll find the Exige S can alter lines at will” Road&Track - Full Review

According to the Daily Telegraph, bids for Aston Martin have now reached the second round and a final list of bidders have been selected. Ford might retain a small stake in Aston of 10 to 20 percent to ensure Bond’s favorite car is kept to high standards and to assist in future engineering and increasingly stringent safety regulations. 

Source: Daily Telegraph

 

Rolls-Royce have released official photos of their production “Phantom Drophead Coupe”. Contrary to previous reports this new Rolls won’t wear the Corniche name. According to Autoweek, the Corniche name is saved for a new smaller Rolls, which will be revealed very soon. The Phantom Drophead Coupe will be unveiled at the North American International AutoShow next week. Continue Reading »
Introducing the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

“While far from possessing sports-car handling traits (concealing 4300 lb. is a difficult task), the LR2 qualities are laudable ride comfort, predictable handling with good steering communication, and the second quickest time in Land Rover’s lineup (behind the supercharged Range Rover Sport) around the 13-mile loop. Not bad, considering that the LR2 relies on the juice squeezed from an all-aluminum 3.2-liter inline-6 (shared with the Volvo S80) instead of a burly supercharged V-8″ Road&Track - Full Review