Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400

2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400
Aston Martin Press Release

The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin's achievements at the Nurburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.


The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car's standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin's 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.
Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.

Source: Aston Martin Press Releases

Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary

2008 Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary
Lotus Press Release

Lotus is very pleased to release its limited edition Elise for mainland Europe – the Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. This unique limited edition is based on the entry-level model of the Elise Range – the Elise S – and commemorates the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel in 2007.


The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition specifications are as follows.
• Elise S – Model Year 2008, featuring twin airbags
• Burnt Orange Premium Paint
• Hardtop
• Painted rear diffuser and wheels
• Leather trim in orange stitching
• Painted center console and exterior panels in body colour
• Coloured brake callipers
• Build plate
• Country specific unique Decals
• 40th Anniversary commemorative letter signed by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd.


The car is available from official Lotus dealers in mainland Europe from today and the production numbers will be strictly limited. To celebrate both the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England and also the fourth consecutive year of sales growth in Europe for Lotus (up 9 percent year to date verses the same period last year) the car will be extremely competitively priced giving customers 10 percent extra value in terms of equipment and options. The only additional cost options are Air Conditioning and Lotus Traction Control.

Source: Lotus Press Releases

TechArt 911 Turbo Cabriolet

2008 TechArt 911 Turbo Cabriolet
TechArt Automobildesign

TechArt has released the 2008 TechArt Turbo Cabriolet which is based on the already blisteringly quick Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

New front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and larger wheels and tyres give the Turbo Cabriolet an even more purposeful and aggressive stance.

Performance modifications include a beefing up of the 3.6 litre boxer engine, two new turbochargers, high performance catalytic converters, larger intercoolers, a new stainless steel exhaust system with custom manifolds and a sports air filter. The six speed manual transmission is modified to handle the extra power and the engine management system gets a retune to ensure everything works together in harmony.


All this extra performance (Up to 463 kW and 820 Nm) relates to a 0 to 100 km/h time of less than 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h making the TechArt Turbo Cabriolet one of the fastest sports cars in the world.

For more information on the TechArt Turbo Cabriolet visit the official TechArt Automobildesign website.


Technical Specifications Engine: 3.6 litre flat six
Aspiration: Twin turbochargers
Maximum Power: 630 hp (463 kW)
Maximum Torque: 605 lb-ft (820 Nm)
Transmission: Six speed manual
0 – 100 km/h: Under 3.5 seconds
Top speed: 214 mph (345 km/h)

Cadillac CTS Car of the Year

2008 Cadillac CTS Car of the Year
GM Media Release

The editors at Motor Trend, one of the world's premiere automotive authorities, announced today that they have chosen the Cadillac CTS as the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"Cadillac is truly honoured to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This is a very meaningful reward for our team that created the all-new 2008 CTS, and a powerful statement to consumers everywhere about Cadillac's product renaissance.


" The Motor Trend Car of the Year honour highlights the wide acclaim the 2008 CTS sport sedan has earned around the world and with consumers since its launch earlier this fall. Luxury cars buyers are responding similarly, with CTS U.S. sales jumping 75 percent in October.

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the January issue of the magazine (on news stands in early December) and online at www.motortrend.com. Cadillac was the first automaker ever to win Motor Trend Car of the Year in the magazine's inaugural year of 1949, and again in 1952 and 1992.


Source: GM Media Releases

Saleen H302SC Supercharged

2008 Saleen H302SC Supercharged
Saleen Press Release

Two Heritage models boasting 'Saleen built' engines honor Mustang heritage.

H302 produces 390 hp and is currently in production.


H302SC produces 580 hp with production starting mid-December.

Heritage line vehicles represent a new interpretation of the Saleen Aesthetic.

Today at the retired El Toro Marine base Saleen Automotive took the wraps off of its 2008 MY product to show the world why Saleen is and will continue to be America's premiere niche vehicle manufacturer.

Among the new '08 MY products is a model line that has been coded H and features two new vehicles, the H302 and the H302SC.

Saleen H302SC 2008"The 'H' designator signifies Heritage say's Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive.


These models honor some of the great heritage of the Mustang in a way that is uniquely Saleen."

"The H line draws its inspiration from the late sixties Boss 302 Mustang and is a real compliment to the Ford family Heritage," says Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 4.9 litre V8
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Power: 580 hp (432 kW)
Maximum Torque: 525 lb-ft (711 Nm)
Transmission: Six speed manual

Source: Saleen Press Releases