ConcoursBlog

John Travolta's 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

John Travolta stopped by the local Jaguar dealership yesterday in Santa Monica, presumably covering some business regarding a new ride. Unfortunately, while in the dealer for only 10 minutes or so, his classic 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was stolen while parked on the street.

John has filed a police report. No word on if the classic Benz has been found yet.

Definitely not how you want to finish out your weekend.

[Source: TMZ]

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

Though not giving us the production version on the Frankfurt stage that many of us expected, Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann took a moment while introducing the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale to confirm the Sesto Elemento is indeed headed for production.

“The excellent feedback and the numerous requests we’ve had from our customers have really convinced us to embark on the challenge of producing a vehicle with unique characteristics. We are proud that what a year ago was just a ‘technology demonstrator’ of future super sports cars, even though in working order, will become a small series reality. Only 20 units of the new Sesto Elemento super sports car will be produced, and will be destined only for track use. We’re planning to deliver the first cars at the beginning of 2013.”

Sucks we won’t see any of these on the road, but with 20 sent around the world, I’m at least hoping one may turn up at a few more auto shows or even next year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance ‘Concept Lawn’ display.

No word yet if the previously reported ~$3.4 million price tag rings true or not. Follow the jump for Lamborghini’s press release.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

[Source: Lamborghini]

Read more…

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

Yes, it’s true. The production version of the Sesto Elemento is not Lamborghini‘s big Frankfurt surprise. Instead, Sant’Agata is still trying to massage some life out of the Gallardo before it’s replaced and has instead brought the  lightest, fastest and most hardcore baby Lambo yet to come out of the factory.

This Gallardo swan song (unless they end up needing a couple more) is based on Lamborghini’s series racers and will be limited to 150 units. Despite clearly being built with track days in mind, the Super Trofeo Stradale is indeed road legal – Though with a rear wing like that, I’m not sure anyone with much taste would take it out cruising through Beverly Hills anytime soon.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

Follow the jump for the full press release.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

[Source: Lamborghini]

Read more…

Well, this just sucks!

A Shelby Cobra, ’47 Studebaker pickup, ’66 Pontiac GTO, several mid-’50s Chevrolets as well as a dozen Corvettes have been destroyed by the wildfires sweeping across Texas, and all were owned by one man. John Chapman, 70, had his entire 175 classic car collection reduced to ashes.

Despite the loss, John says his house and family are safe and continues on to say you can either laugh or cry. He’s chosen to laugh.

I’d be crying.

Photo: AP/Eric Gay

[Jalopnik]

Jaguar C-X16 Concept

Jaguar has opened the floodgates on their long-teased and gorgeous new C-X16 concept. And it is a looker! Unlike the C-X75 and aimed for the world’s elite, the C-X16 has been designed to take dead aim at Porsche’s venerable 911.

It is a hybrid, but have no fear. This baby Jag (which is in fact shorter than the new 911) boasts some impressive performance figures. The new coupe tops out at 186 mph with a 0-62 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Most impressive, however, is the C-X16′s ability to go from 50-75 mph in just 2.1 seconds! Despite these numbers, it can also scoot around town on electric power alone with speeds up to 50 mph. 

Making all this possible is a supercharged 3-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque as well as an electric generator mated to an 8-speed gearbox. When not scooting casually through town, the C-X16′s hybrid drive (powered by brake regeneration) comes into play with a steering wheel mounted ‘Push to Pass’ function. This adds an extra 94 horsepower and boosts the torque figure by an extra 173, a modern day equivalent of a go-baby-go nitrous boost I guess.

Jaguar C-X16 Concept

The C-X16 is damn sexy, especially from the rear 3/4 view. I particular love the high visibility and upward angle of the rear exhaust. This exhaust design as well as the side-rotating rear hatch are not just beautifully but pay tribute to the company’s iconic E-Type.

My only hesitation is that the C-X16 in its current form borders on a bit too over-the-top coming off a bit tuner-ish. That said, however, this is a ‘concept’ and any production version of its base model will no doubt have a less muscular stance while the design we see here will no doubt resurface with the inevitable (and highly anticipated) V8 models.

Catch your first look in person at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Follow the jump for Jaguar’s full press release.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

123►

[Source: Jaguar]

Read more…

Sure, Ferrari has had the thorn of Lamborghini in its side since the late ’60s, but with the powerhouse that is Porsche, it is a bit mind boggling the only real competition the German automaker has ever put up against the Prancing Horse was back with the Carrera GT and way back with the 959.

While hinted at before, Porsche boss Matthais Mueller has now confirmed the company will be adding a new model into the mix slotting in between the 911 GT2 and forthcoming 918 Spyder to give Ferrari a run for its money. MSRP for the Ferrari-fighter is expected to range from roughly $360,000 to $580,00.

This is definitely good news. My only hesitation from getting too excited, however, comes with the thought of which model in Ferrari’s lineup are they intending to go after? With all the rumors and scuttlebutt of Porsche developing a next-generation 928 with a front-engined GT tourer, the company’s new model could simply be this vehicle with official word we are to take it as competition to Ferrari’s 599.

This better not be the case. When I think Ferrari-fighter, I think mid-engined, 2 seats (no 2+2), and ready for a track day. And while I’m very much looking forward to Porsche’s GT tourer, I’m just hoping its something else entirely to which Mr. Mueller is eluding.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, Autoblog, TopSpeed]

Ferrari Enzo abandoned in Dubai

As you well know, this is a Ferrari Enzo. One of only 399 built for the public and it’s rotting beneath Dubai’s desert sun.

While this wouldn’t be the first time the area’s rich treat one of the world’s rarest and most treasured vehicles with utter disregard, word is that most of these examples are now occurring not just out of laziness, but after owners have fled the country due to failed business ventures.

The good news is that this particular exotic was spotted in a police impound lot and can therefore be saved when it’s put up for auction.

Nobody knows the damage done from its bake in the 115 degree heat, but with a pristine Enzo selling around $1.5 million, we’re sure someone will snag this horse.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S

So, it’s that time again. Porsche has unveiled the all-new 911 and is sending it to Frankfurt for its first appearance in a couple weeks. Codenamed the 991, the new model is 3.9″ longer, sits a bit wider, and has dropped 100 pounds. Both the base Carrera and the Carrera S produce more horsepower (350 and 400) yet consume less fuel than their outgoing counterparts. The interior has also been shifted to be more in line with that of the Panamera.

With 48 years of what occurs like the most minimal design evolution possible, Porsche has long been the brunt of jokes focusing from laziness to boredom in a market surrounded by GT-Rs, Aston V8 Vantages, and Lotus’ Evora. I’ve long shared this point of view. Even Porsche themselves mention ‘evolution, not revolution’, yet if you’re like me you may see a bit more than usual in this newest generation.

Catching my attention are new exhaust outlets, a wider spoiler and sleeker taillights, but an actual surprise is the abundance of badging across the rear. Where before we’d simply see which variant in 911 range the vehicle represented, ’911′ is now added in front of the variant branding and sits just below the full ‘PORSCHE’ badge seen on the rest of the company’s lineup. Is the company no longer secure the entire world knows these are 911s? or Porsches for that matter?

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

Despite some noticeable changes, I have to ask – Do we care? Does it matter? It’s always occurred to me that if you’re in the market for a 911, you will simply scoot down to the dealer, attempt to discern which of the 23 variants (!) match your lifestyle, and grab the latest model. I can’t imagine any buyer standing in the showroom contemplating what’s been slightly altered from the model they saw cruising by years ago. Hell, even those seeking a pre-owned model from before any so-called facelifts or previous generations will barely give it two thoughts.

Don’t let me fool you though, I love the 911. It’s quintessentially German, expertly engineered, I love driving them, and it’s everything I want in a sports car (performance-wise anyway). I just can’t get excited for a 911.

Follow the jump for Porsche’s full press release.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

[Source: Porsche]

Read more…