The 2011 Bologna Motor Show will play host to a special collaboration between Mercedes and Ducati that includes a special edition model from both companies.
On the side of the German automaker, the vehicle is based on the 2012 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG. Inspired by the new Ducati Streetfighter 848, the SLK 55 AMG comes dressed with a "Streetfighter Yellow" exterior paint finish, an extraordinarily unique and aesthetically pleasing color scheme that is available as an optional special color variant courtesy of the AMG Performance Studio. Other unique highlights of the SLK 55 AMG Streetfighter Yellow include an interior that has been dressed with Black Nappa leather with contrasting yellow stitching. This material can be found on the door center panels, the beltlines, armrests, leather-covered roll-over bars, dashboard, the shift lever gaiter, and the AMG Performance steering wheel. The yellow theme of the SLK 55 AMG Stealthfighter Yellow continues with illuminated AMG door sill panels that feature LED technology, further accentuating the overall theme of the most powerful SLK of all time.
Speaking of power, the SLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces an impressive 422 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque. Those figures translate to a 0-62 mph time of just 4.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
It may not have any performance boost, but you only need to look at the car to understand that even without power modifications, the SLK AMG 55 Stealthfighter Yellow is delightfully awesome.
Renault has announced the special edition Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride, a model that was inspired by the classic 1960’s version. Just like that model the new Floride edition will be offered in France only with classic Floride Ivory livery, while for the rest of Europe the company will also offer a red exterior paint.
The Floride Ivory paint is combined with a high-gloss, piano black panoramic roof and standard-equipment 17-inch Sari aluminium alloy diamond-effect wheels also finished in ivory. The car’s name casted in a chromed 3D font typical of the era is also visible on the lower bodyside just ahead of the rear wheel arches.
The beauty of the exterior is combined with the elegance of the interior. The car gets seats fully upholstered in red leather, with the side bolsters picked out in ivory, the steering wheel is wrapped in two-tone red/ivory leather, while the dashboard is finished in red with an ivory trim strip.
For all of their vast experience in the auto tuning world, Mansory has never built a project for the Audi R8. Sure, there have been Ferraris, Porsches, and Mercedes’, but no Audis.
All that, however, is about to change since the German tuning company has brought their very first program for the Audi supercar. The package is actually for the R8 V10 Spyder, which will be introduced to Mansory expertise courtesy of cosmetic, aerodynamic, and performance upgrades.
Fresh off of the box are the aforementioned cosmetic and aerodynamic improvements, which include a new bonnet, a new front grill, side skirts, and a new rear bumper. There’s also a new front spoiler that provides more downforce, a new rear apron with an integrated rear diffuser, and a set of 20" lightweight forged Mansory wheels rounding out the physical modifications on the R8 V10 Spyder.
Mansory is also offering a comprehensive interior program for its customers. Depending on tastes and preferences, customers can choose to dress up their R8 V10 Spyder with a new leather upholstery with Mansory couture and carbon applications, illuminated door entry strips, and aluminum pedals and footrests.
Of course, making the car prettier is not the only significant part of this Mansory-tuned R8 V10 Spyder. There’s also the matter of the car’s 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine, which sees a significant performance upgrade in the form of a newly-installed sports air filter, and a news sport exhaust system. The resulting modifications give the R8 V10 Spyder a performance boost that takes an already powerful 525 horsepower all the way up to 552 horsepower, to go with an increased peak torque of 406 lb/ft of torque.
UPDATE 11/22/11: Mansory has released new photos of their work on the Audi R8 Spyder. It was later than we thought, but nevertheless, the photos are well worth the delay. Check them out in the gallery section!
The new Bentley Continental GTC just made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will be sold in here at a starting price of $212,800. But while people were amazed by its beauty in LA, in UK a Bentley Continental GTC has been auctioned for an impressive £240,000, or about $325,000 at the current exchange rates. All the proceeds went to this year’s Children in Need fundraising activities.
"Nearly 400 people saw the auction unfold and, as the price kept on rising, the whole place fell silent. To reach £240.000, even for the very latest Bentley which is still making its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show, just takes your breath away."
"Above all this has been an incredibly good result for Children in Need. The fact that the new owners are Bentley enthusiasts and love these cars is a bonus for us. We’re looking forward to welcoming them and their unique car to the dealership for many years to come." said Jon Crossley Managing Director of Bentley Manchester.
It’s been a while since we last heard from Daihatsu so it was a bit surprising to find out that the Japanese automaker actually attended the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with a concept called the D-X, pronounced d-cross. And to make things better for these guys, the concept actually looks good!
We don’t have an answer as far as a production future for the D-X Concept is concerned, although it appears that Daihatsu is promoting it as a Transformers-inspired vehicle that can take the shape of a number of vehicles, including a convertible, a roadster, a sporty van, and even a race car. Talk about taking versatility to a whole new level.
The D-X has a base look that can be shifted in a variety of different ways to suit the driver’s preference. Under its hood, the concept runs on a .66-liter two-cylinder engine that comes with direct injection and turbocharging technology. The words ’turbocharging’ and ’Daihatsu’ are about as likely to be put on the same sentence as Pintos and Ferraris, but the mere fact that it is actually speaks volumes to the strides Daihatsu is making in turning a new leaf for their company.
