All wish to own a luxurious and stylish car but certain things like affordability and moreover budget prevent them buying their dream car. Though, several think of selecting a better alternative when it comes to used cars. However there are also thing to remember prior to purchasing used or pre owned cars because of the maintenance history. If you take certain things into considerations whilst buying certified pre owned BMW or even used BMW, for instance, you're more likely to get the best value for the quality you are looking for. Go through the entire article to get to learn more about how it is important and so it is usually recommended to make your purchase from the leading BMW dealers.
Why Certified Pre Owned BMW?
When you feel that used cars only the alternative you've that you can afford to purchase, you even has to be careful so you might not have to repent for the rest of your life. A second hand car is nothing however a pre owned car plus if you are not sure about it's history, you may then fall into the wrong option. In order to get the best and so reliable used car option, then you should certainly think about those that are certified. These days, you will confront CPO programs that provide certified pre owned cars. You might heavily count on certified pre owned BMW simply because they have gone through complete inspection and servicing.
Warranty as well as Finance Assistance with Certified Programs
You'll get warranty as well as finance on used cars of your liking when you opt for getting through the certified pre owned programs. Take note that these programs and also schemes are more likely to differ from one dealer to another. But, there is a particular certification checklist that can assist the potential customers like you to take decision properly. Typically, the CPO checklist might consist of extra 50,000 mile / 2 year warranty as well as other benefits. There are other apparent reasons for purchasing certified used cars from the reputed and reliable BMW dealers than purchasing from an individual owner. It will really be your good investment if you manage to get it at the best value.
A Good Place to Buy Certified Pre Owned BMW
Considering each of the components of used cars, you would know that it is absolutely the best way to have a used BMW is to opt certified pre owned BMW. But the next question that would be equally important to consider is where to get. It's not a difficult thing to find out used vehicles of your choice due to internet. You may find many auction websites as well as used car sites, still buying used BMW from authorized BMW dealers can save you money along with the warranty. An approved BMW dealer will offer you with the top services and after sales assistance that you will need. These advantages you don't get from other used vehicle outlets and auction sites.
Whenever talking about chromed Ferraris, aftermarket projects in the United Arab Emirates always come to mind first. However, it seems that Cam Shaft brings us a radically different creation that we have never seen before. German aftermarket developer called Cam Shaft has released his new tuning program for the Ferrari 458 Italia that focuses on subtle styling accessories and modest performance upgrades. To make the car to the next level, Cam Shaft uses shiny material and sleek black paint to decorate the car. The Cam Shaft Company from Steinbach, Hessen specializing in fine finished even treats two-toned color scheme to the roof, rear diffuser, and winglets during a refined process.
In addition to aesthetic modifications done to the Ferrari 458 Italia, the car has the engine’s output to 588 HP (up from the standard 570 HP).
The 458 Italia has been decorated with a chrome wrap and ECU revamp from Cam Shaft Premium Wrapping in order to offer a little makeover on this classic Italian supercar
The Ferrari 458 Italia is powered with the 4.5-liter V8 engine consists of Rennsporttechnik €2.999 ECU kit
The engine has output of the V8 engine by 18 hp (13 kW) to 588 hp (432 kW) and 562 Nm (414 lb-ft) of torque
Solingen Company Wimmer Rennsporttechnik added some extra horse power to the initial 570 hp and endowed the car with 588 hp and 562 Nm
The company states, “The desire to get closer to a thin stranger, inevitably involves the background as well as objective self-esteem: referring to the skin. Treatment with foil of various things helps to achieve the results that people could not imagine a few years ago”
The 458 Italia has the smoked headlights, a black finish for the rims and yellow brake calipers
Cam Shaft Premium Wrapping's Ferrari 458 Italia is on sale at the price of €2,999 for the engine software kit
The wheel and brake discs are covered in black lacquer. Thanks to the design, yellow brake calipers are even more noticeable
All wish to own a luxurious and stylish car but certain things like affordability and moreover budget prevent them buying their dream car. Though, several think of selecting a better alternative when it comes to used cars. However there are also thing to remember prior to purchasing used or pre owned cars because of the maintenance history. If you take certain things into considerations whilst buying certified pre owned BMW or even used BMW, for instance, you're more likely to get the best value for the quality you are looking for. Go through the entire article to get to learn more about how it is important and so it is usually recommended to make your purchase from the leading BMW dealers.
Why Certified Pre Owned BMW?
When you feel that used cars only the alternative you've that you can afford to purchase, you even has to be careful so you might not have to repent for the rest of your life. A second hand car is nothing however a pre owned car plus if you are not sure about it's history, you may then fall into the wrong option. In order to get the best and so reliable used car option, then you should certainly think about those that are certified. These days, you will confront CPO programs that provide certified pre owned cars. You might heavily count on certified pre owned BMW simply because they have gone through complete inspection and servicing.
Warranty as well as Finance Assistance with Certified Programs
You'll get warranty as well as finance on used cars of your liking when you opt for getting through the certified pre owned programs. Take note that these programs and also schemes are more likely to differ from one dealer to another. But, there is a particular certification checklist that can assist the potential customers like you to take decision properly. Typically, the CPO checklist might consist of extra 50,000 mile / 2 year warranty as well as other benefits. There are other apparent reasons for purchasing certified used cars from the reputed and reliable BMW dealers than purchasing from an individual owner. It will really be your good investment if you manage to get it at the best value.
A Good Place to Buy Certified Pre Owned BMW
Considering each of the components of used cars, you would know that it is absolutely the best way to have a used BMW is to opt certified pre owned BMW. But the next question that would be equally important to consider is where to get. It's not a difficult thing to find out used vehicles of your choice due to internet. You may find many auction websites as well as used car sites, still buying used BMW from authorized BMW dealers can save you money along with the warranty. An approved BMW dealer will offer you with the top services and after sales assistance that you will need. These advantages you don't get from other used vehicle outlets and auction sites.
Manchester United soccer stars are considered “players” in the field of collection of high profile cars. Let’s have a look at supercars of MU football players.
Striker Wayne Rooney
Lamborghini Gallardo
Having a wife is shopaholic, Wayne Rooney seems to be affected by her social tastes. Wayne Rooney is the Premier League’s king of cars, owning the world’s most expensive cars in his garage. Wayne Rooney has spent more than £750,000 for his car collection including Audi RS 6, Range Rover, Bentley Continental GT. And black Lamborghini Gallardo is the car MU striker love best.
Wayne Rooney owns Lamborghini Gallardo
Left midfielder Ryan Giggs
Audi A6
Everyday, MU fans still see veteran Ryan Giggs driving his Audi A6 to Carrington training center. This is a German sports car which many players and stars pretty fancy.
Goalkeeper David de Gea
Mercedes SL 55 AMG
David de Gea owns Mercedes SL 55 AMG
Despite joining the Reds recently, the Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea buys for himself a Mercedes SL 55 AMG. This sports car is designed for players who love speed with a top speed of 250mph
Defender Patrice Evra
Mercedes Benz SL 600
In his garage, French defender owns the Mercedes Benz SL 600 with a price of more than £400,000.
Defender Rio Ferdinald
Bentley Arnage
The Manchester United and England central defender is as famous for his cars as he is for his hairstyles. He has had a £190,000 Bentley Arnage since 2005.
Forward Michael Owen
Aston Martin Vanquish British veteran Michael Owen has at least five supercars including Chrysler Voyager, Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar XKR, Range Rover Vogue and Jaguar x-type in his garage. Being famous among players for his hobby of luxury car collection, Michael Owen spent £131,000 to own an Aston Martin Vanquish.
Michael Owen owns Aston Martin Vanquish
Defender Phil Jones
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Joined Manchester United in the summer of 2011, Phil Jones is also interested in hunting car as his teammates. England defender own a £ 180,000 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
There are cars with million-price tags (tags exceeding $1 million) which can be purchased by only wealthiest clients.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento: $2.9 Million
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is named the most expensive car of price tag up to $2.9 million. Exclusivity is one of the most appealing features for this luxury car. Only 20 units of the prohibitive Lamborghini Sesto Elemento are going to be built that brings the car’s exclusivity to another level entirely. The car can reach up 62 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds and glass and ceramic composite Pyrosic can withstand 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento: $2.9 Million
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Convertible: $2 million
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Convertible is powered with 1,001-horsepower, 8-liter engine and can speed up from zero to 60 miles per hour in two and a half seconds
Aston Martin One-77: $2 million
The two-door coupe Aston Martin One-77, which was debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, comes along with the 7-liter V12 engine
ST1 50S Zenvo: $1.8 Million
The ST1 50S, which comes along with twin-charged, 7-liter V8 engine and monogrammed seats, is produced in red, white and blue
McLaren Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss: $1.7 Million
The McLaren Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss has a 5.5-liter V8 engine and no windshield
Bugatti Veyron Sedan: $1.4 Million
Veyron is the latest and high-performance luxury cars of French manufacturer. The car is expected to sell between 1,000 and 1,500 units of this car
Maybach 62 Landaulet: $1.35 Million
The Maybach 62 Landaulet is described as “The Landaulet is for a super-rich individual who wants something that is extremely extraordinary and enjoys being driven in a car with acres of sky above them”
McLaren F1: $1.1 million
McLaren F1 is named the “finest driving machine yet built for the public road” by Autocar magazine thanks to speed of 200 miles per hour within 7.6 seconds
Pagani Huayra: $1.1 million
The 700-horsepower vehicle is produced in 20 units and can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds
Jaguar Hybrid Supercar: $1.1 million
The Hybrid Supercar, which made first debut in 2010 at the Paris Motor Show, has “performance on a par with the fastest production cars on the market, while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkably economical running”
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento in detail + interiour Paris 2010
Here is the list of the most iconic, famous and recognizable modern car logos from the past and present.
Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy
Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, which is originally known as the "Spirit of Speed", "Silver Lady" or "Flying Lady", first appeared on the top of a Rolls-Royce radiator in 1911. Spirit of Ecstasy is related to a scandalous story of John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, (second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu after 1905, a pioneer of the automobile movement, and editor of The Car Illustrated magazine from 1902). Montagu, who had married to Lady Cecil Victoria Constance under family’s pressure, had a secret love story with his secretary named Eleanor Velasco Thornton. Due to Montagu’s fame and social status, the love affair was kept secret among circle of friends for over a decade. The Spirit of Ecstasy features a young woman in flowing robes placing one forefinger to her lips which is believed to be Montagu's secretary and not-so-secret mistress Eleanor Velasco Thornton.
Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy
The Ferrari Prancing Stallion
Ferrari's logo, which features a black horse on a gold background, first attached on Alfa Romeo race cars in 1932 at the Grand Prix of Spa
Mercedes-Benz Three-Pointed Star
Paul and Adolf Daimler, sons of company founder Gottlieb Daimler, came up with the idea for Daimler-Mercedes automotive group’s logo with a star in 1909. The star is symbol of prosperity
Cadillac Emblem and Wreath
The Cadillac Motor Co. founders paid homage to Antoine Laumet de La Mothe who established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit by suing his name and coat of arms on the emblem
Alfa Romeo Serpent
Alfa Romeo's logo, the combination of a man-eating serpent and a red cross on a white field, was designed by an Italian draftsman in 1910
Chevrolet Bow Tie
General Motors and Chevrolet co-founder William C. Durant created this recognizable Chevrolet bow-tie emblem based on inspiration from the pattern on the wallpaper of a Parisian hotel
A new year is very nearly upon us (and in some parts of the world, it already is), and while it’s a good time to look forward to what 2012 will bring, it’s also a good time to take stock of 2011’s happenings. Modified and tuned vehicles are, if you haven’t noticed, near and dear to our heart, and the last 364 days have seen some downright dandies debut. But if we listed all the tuner cars, trucks and SUVs that scratched our itch, you’d be reading until at least half your friends and family broke their resolutions. Ergo, we’ve decided to cap this list of 2011’s top tuned rides at 10, meaning that only the cream of the last 52 weeks’ crop made the cut. Here they are...
Project Kahn Vesuvius Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is kinda like a factory-customized Range Rover, but some owners want one that’s even more customized. The folks at Project Kahn serve up one possible solution with the Vesuvius package. The interior and exterior get a comprehensive jazzing up and, if you live in one of the right countries, the optional V6 turbodiesel gets massaged by none other than Cosworth to the tune of 300hp. Now that’s a happy ending.
CLP Automotive Interceptor BMW M3
There’s hardly a shortage of modded BMW M3s in the world, but there are damn few GT racer replicas. One of the sweetest comes from CLP Automotive; its Interceptor package not only makes the E92 M3 look like theAmerican Le Mans Series/Intercontinental Le Mans Cup endurance racer, but the G-Power-supplied supercharger (and resulting 592hp) means it also performs much like the race car. But please try not to bump every Corvette, 458 or 911 GT3 you want to pass.
D3 Group Le Monstre Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
It seems like just yesterday that Cadillac’s idea of a performance model consisted of a grille- rather than hood-mounted badge and suspension tuning that was closer to memory foam than waterbed. Thankfully, the current CTS-V family makes those days very distant memories, but some folks will still argue that 556hp is inadequate. Well, D3 Group has almost certainly managed to silence them with the 7.0L, 1,001hpLe Monstre, named after the Coupe de Ville-based special that ran in the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans. The fact that this black bomber probably could have won that race outright by about 100 laps should not be lost on anyone.
Brabus 700 Biturbo Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL – the original Gullwing – was one of the few exotics of its time, and the SLS AMG – the new Gullwing – is wicked fast, there are quite a few cars capable of dusting it. To remedy this, the experienced Benz boffins at Brabus created the 700 Biturbo. While the snazzy Widestar body kit takes care of the visuals, it’s a twin-turbo setup that gives this silver bird a 700 horsepower license to venture where eagles dare (i.e. sub-four-second 0-60 times and 213 mph top end).
Nissan Juke-R
The Nissan Juke is a fine little crossover that’s equal parts cuddly and kooky. But that wasn’t enough forNissan Europe; it wanted to see what would happen if you crammed a GT-R’s engine and drivetrain into the bugeyed trucklet. As expected, the resulting mutt – dubbed the Juke-R – is a neck-wrenching rocket sled that will, sadly, almost certainly never reach production. But galaxy-sized props to Nissan Europe (and the build team at RML) for having the attachments to make it happen.
Novitec Rosso Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia is hardly a slug (Just ask any Enzo-driving son of a Middle Eastern sheik who’s tried to drag race one), but there’s even more performance hiding inside the latest “starter Ferrari,” waiting to be extracted. Novitec Rosso has managed to do this with a suite of upgrades that elevates the 4.5L V8 past the magical 600hp mark and puts it in even more exclusive company.
Edo Competition Moby Dick Porsche Panamera Turbo
Porsche’s 935/78 “Moby Dick” Le Mans racer is the stuff of legend, and the Edo Competition-preppedPanamera Turbo that takes its name and inspiration from it is likely to reach legend status as well. Hyperbole much? Not when you consider that this white whale on wheels packs 750 horsepower (50% more than stock) and a 211 mph top speed. If that doesn’t make enduring all the snickers from adolescent boys worth it, we aren’t sure what does.
Mopar JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep freaks have been besieging Chrysler for a pickup truck ever since the Comanche was canned at the end of 1992, and now they’re finally getting their wish…sort of. The Mopar JK-8 is actually a kit you or your authorized dealer install on a current-gen Wrangler Unlimited to transform it from a 4-door convertible SUV to a 2-door pickup with a removable hardtop. Not exactly what most Jeepers had in mind, but we’re guessingMopar will have no trouble selling every kit it makes.
MTM Audi RS3
It’s bad enough that Audi chooses not to send its Evo-exterminating, STI-stomping RS3 hot hatch to North America, but MTM has to make performance parts for it, too? Performance parts that offer three stages of power increase ranging from 410hp to 472hp total? It’s almost enough to make us want to move to Germany and pawn a vestigial/redundant organ or three.
Shelby GT500 Super Snake
With 650hp on tap, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is guaranteed to be all the Mustang you’ll ever need and more. But what if you need even more muscle? What if you want oh, say, 750hp? Then you send your 2012 GT500 (which makes a mere 550hp) to Carroll Shelby’s facility in Las Vegas, which is where his employees will turn your “normal” GT500 into a Super Snake. And if you’re of the opinion that too much is not enough and way too much is just right, pop for the optional Kenne Bell package that boosts output to a nice, round800hp. Naturally, the handling is also upgraded so it isn’t completely useless in anything other than a straight line.
With the exception of the Corvette ZR-1, the $250,000 mark is where cars start crossing over from supercar to hyper car. We can all agree a Porsche 997 or Audi R8 are super cars, but at just over $100k MSRP, they're far from unique hyper car status. $250,000 on the other hand, will put you in a car that is equal parts fast and special. This is a club reserved for only the best the automotive world has to offer, and right now, that's quite a lot. The caliber of car you can get for $250,000 is simply incredible. For that money you can buy a car that will walk over a hyper-car from 5 years ago that costs twice as much. Some think it's a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a car, but I see it as the performance bargain of 2010.
For this list we picked the 5 high-end powerhouses that will become available this year; the Audi R8 GT, Ferrari 458 Italia, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Mercedes SLS AMG and Porsche GT2 RS. Make no mistake, although these exotic cars placed from 1st to 5th place, this was not a blow-out. These cars are all incredible. Choosing a winner wasn't simple. This isn't high-maintenance Goldilocks being choosey about her porridge. This was pitting the 5 Iron Chefs against one another and having to pick a winner. And we couldn't be a delusional mom at a soccer game cheering, "They're all winners!" We had to pick one...
5th Place: Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing
The 2010 Mercedes Benz AMG SLS Gullwing was one of the most hyped cars of the decade. Spy shots of cars clad in Viper body panels were all over the magazines. All we knew was it was called "SL" and was inspired by the original, stunning 300SL. Well the stupid panels are gone, and what we have is well-executed Gullwing for the 21st century, complete with those awesome doors. It sits low, has a nose longer than Andrien Brody's, and a clean, short tail. It's striking inside and out, with a luxurious, beautiful cockpit that completely understates the performance this car has. It's easily the best-looking Mercedes interior available.
Don't let the retro looks fool you, under that old face are new parts. AMG chose its always-popular 6.2 Liter V8, making 571hp and 480 tq. sent to the rear wheels by a Getrag DCT 7-speed. 0-60 is a very modern 3.8 second trip and the SLS will thunder to 197mph. Sending spent gas out the short side-pipes, this thing growls, pops and roars. It's one of the best-sounding cars out there.
When you put all those wonderful toys in a 3,500lb car, it can't help but be sporty. While it was intended to be a high-caliber grand tourer, Mercedes ended up with a very capable driver's car. It won't set records, and the long hood can make apexes tough, but this car will be almost as good at Laguna Seca as it was on the drive there. Overall the SLS is a great car. It's beautiful, fast and looks just like its famous father. But in this price range, the other kids are just a little bit faster, a little lighter, and a little better.
4th Place: Audi R8 GT
It was only a few weeks ago that the announcement of an upcoming 2010 Audi R8 GT had our light-weight-exotic-car tastebuds dancing. Less weight and more power is always a good thing. Scientists have actually proven that it reduces your cholesterol. When the R8 first rolled out of Ingolstadt it set the world on fire. It was an almost-perfect balance of daily-driver comfort and balanced sports car bravado. Audi had managed to glue an upscale living room to an LeMans car and the result was better than alchemy. Just as Audi had done with the super car, they saw the other kids building special light-weight versions and said, "We can do that." And they did, almost.
Audi took the R8 V10 and used CFRP body panels, polycarbonate windows and Carbon Fiber to shave 220 lbs of the car. A more aggressive tune ups the power from 525 to 560hp, allowing the R8 GT to hit 60mph in a scant 3.6 seconds. The R8 GT's interior looks the same as the stock one, but Audi shaved 86 pounds from the interior, so expect it to be a little louder and a little harder. Audi gives you the option to dress your interior as you see fit, but adding a big stereo and leather seats is a little counter-productive. Your better off checking the boxes for a full roll-cage, fire extinguisher and cup tires. Options like that don't just prove that the GT means business, but that Audi does as well.
It's hard to put such a great car so far down the list. Sadly, it's only offered with Audi's R-Tronic transmission. The problem isn't the idea but the execution. While Ferrari, and even Nissan and VW use Dual Clutch systems, Audi still uses a single-clutch. It's great for full-throttle track days, but around town it fumbles. On a car with so many options, it's annoying the method of gear-selection isn't one of them, especially for $256,000. Second, 560hp just isn't that big a jump from the regular V10. For that money you could put a PES supercharger on an R8, add lighter seats and carbon brakes (not standard on the R8 GT) and have enough left for several year's worth of track days. The is R8GT is a phenomenal car that will keep pace with it's rivals from Italy, but this battle requires more than some extra horses and plastic armor to survive.
3rd Place: Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Some people have been worried that Porsche is going soft. These mis-guided folks view the Panamera the way Dick Cheney looks at his daughter; not quite in line with family values. To quell these whiners, this year Porsche released the GT2 RS, and it is the fastest Porsche ever. Yes, it's faster than the Carrera GT, and even at $250,000 it's half the price.
All that speed is brought to you by the 620hp (90 more than the GT2) twin-turbo powerplant, sandwiched between two giant 325 tires, which are of course the only wheels that receive power in the RS. Porsche has also used a variety of light-weight pieces, like a carbon fiber hood, to shave a portly 194lbs off the regular GT2. While we're on the subject, the GT2 is anything but "regular." Even power-addicted Jeremy Clarkson was terrified by the thing, and wrote it off as useless. Well he does repeatedly advise the world that power solves everything, so he only has himself to blame if this car is scarier than its predecessor.
And it may be. Weighing only 3,020 lbs it hits 60mph in 3.4 seconds and won't stop until it hits 205mph. But it's more than a driving range hustler, it dissects race-tracks like a German surgeon with OCD. Remeber how the Viper ACR had the 'Ring lap record for "production cars?" Not anymore. The GT2 RS ran around that little town in 7:18, 4 seconds faster than the ACR. The GT2 also looks a lot better than the Viper, although I doubt it rides like a Town Car. In fact, that's why it's in 3rd place. This car is Hannibal Lecter; behind bars on the track it's brilliant but in public it will just be a menace and possibly kill you.
2nd Place: Ferrari 458 Italia
Whenever the fine folks in Maranello tell us they're working on their next car, Viagra sales drop 40%. That is how exciting every Ferrari is. When the Enzo came out it was at the top of the auto world. A few years later its own smaller, cheaper flesh and blood, the F430 Scuderia, sent it packing to the retirement home. Well the2010 458 Italia, the "normal" 458, is even better than the Scuderia. Here's your apple sauce Mr. Scuderia, if you finish it all you get to play checkers.
Ferrari continues to baffle and amaze us with their forward progress. Every car they make is incredible and we wonder "How can they top it?" And then they don't just top it, but kick the crap out of it. What Ferrari learned from the Scuderia is that you could have a car that is incredibly fast and sharp on a track, but also (through the magic of electronic suspension and engine settings) composed around town. They applied those lessons to the 458 from the start, and the result is just silly. 560hp 4.5 liter V8 that redlines at nails-on-chalkboard-like9,000RPM, yet also makes 80% of it's 400 tq. at 3,250RPM. What? How!?
With Ferrari's computer whiz F1 software and E-Diff it hits 60mph in a group-leading 3.3 seconds and on to a 2nd place-worthy 202mph. It comes (only) with a 7-speed DCT tranny, so you can put it auto mode while you cit in traffic, and then move that switch to "Race" mode when you reach the canyons. This is how the Italians do "daily driven supercar."
It's also downright sexy, even though its eyes are a little too big for my taste. It has soft edges, hard curves, and too many brilliant surface lines to comment on. The interior is almost perfect; completely driver-oriented with customizeable screens and that lovely mannetino switch. I say almost because the interior looks like it's about 5 years ahead of the rest of the car. It's like a Stepford Wife, pretty but a little too alien. After reading everything about the 458, the biggest shock was that it's only $250,000. A car that performs better than a Scuderia should cost more than one, right?
But it doesn't. And, unlike the Scud, the 458 has a full leather interior, AC, a stereo, and NAV. It has a smooth DCT transmission that can take you to the store without lifting a finger, or shift hard enough to break your teeth. You get the gadgets of a 599, the performance of an Enzo and a chameleon suspension system. I feel weird saying it, but this is like a bargain Ferrari that doesn't compromise anything.
1st Place: Aston Martin V12 Vantage
This was not an easy list to make; all these cars are incredible. Their 0-60 times and top speeds all fall under the technical category "fast as ****." Their prices are basically the same and they're all pretty easy on the eyes. We'd be happy if we got to take any of them on a date. But the 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is the one we want to spend the rest of our lives with.
It has beauty, power, speed but most importantly it has a soul. That soul is something that trickles down from the top of Aston Martin. After it was completed, the engineering team and Aston Martin CEO entered a V12 Vantage in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and won its class. Knowing the people that built this car cared enough to race it for 24 hours, including Bez himself, shows the love they have for their car. They weren't even going to send it to the US, but due to customer demand they changed their minds. Whether you see that as a financial move or a company being good to its fans is up to you, but to us it's both.
The result of their hard work is a gorgeous coupe with the heart of a DBS. It's a classic sports car shape; long hood, sloping roof, curvy fenders. There isn't a bad angle on it. The interior is just as good; perfectly appointed in luxury yet tells you you're in a performance car. The dials may look like jewels, but their tight packaging alludes to what this car was made to do. It also comes with a proper manual transmission, further elevating the driver enjoyment this car can provide. The DCT is certainly the future, and the best choice for hot laps, but I guarantee there is a simple joy you will get from simply resting your hand on the Aston's aluminum shifter than cannot be replicated by a carbon paddle.
Slide into the Alcantara seat and hit the starter button. In front a 510hp V-12 - the Kobe beef of engine layouts - roars to life. Slide the lever into the 1st of 6 speeds, and you're gone. In 4.1 seconds you hit 60mph, not as fast as the others, but compared to more "mortal" automobiles this thing goes. Just because it won't win the drag race doesn't mean it's not a proper super car. In fact if it hears you say that, it will use its 1.3g of lateral grip to smack you back in line. Yes you top out at 190mph and yes the GT2 could eat you but overall, from all-in-all, this is the best car.
Its shape is undeniably timeless, the interior is just gorgeous and it's 9/10ths as fast as anything here. You see the GT2 is that date that's fun, but you can't take her near your parents. The Ferrari is hot, but she's a bit of an attention whore. The Aston is classy, yet far from dull.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said, “This is the ultimate performance interpretation ... combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling and everyday useable driving experience." We couldn't agree more.
