Paul Cooper

Ferrari 458 Italia

570bhp 4.5 Litre V8

(from Ferrari Press Release)

Maranello, 27 August 2009 In the run-up to the official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September, enthusiasts can find out more about the car on www.ferrari.com. There they will find the first photographs of the 458 Italias interior and of the steering wheel and instrument binnacle which represent a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.

In fact the main commands are now grouped on the steering wheel, the secondary commands are handily set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and there are now comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in highperformance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferraris F1 experience.

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have thus reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel boss. The button to select the shock absorber setting is now positioned next to the Engine start button where it falls readily to hand. Behind the wheel are a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer making shifts even easier from any steering angle.

http://seriouswheels.com/cars/2010/top-2010-Ferrari-458-Italia.htm

Noble M600

650bhp Twin Turbocharged 4.4 Litre Volvo V8

(from Noble Automotive)  Perfection is a road, not a destination.

The 650bhp Noble M600, for those who love to drive. Designed and engineered with a purity that rewards driver skill, the M600 neither dictates or hinders with unnecessary computer assistance. The Noble M600 puts you back in the drivers seat.

The ethos of the M600 has developed from a small team passionate about driving. This ethos has evolved from our research of the available ’supercars’ many of which lean heavily on computer assistance. The use of fashionable, but often inefficient paddle shifts, over assisted brakes and inopportune traction control have all become standard features of the modern supercar.

We at Noble think it is time to break the mould, feeling that this now ubiquitous ‘digital’ driver assistance disengages the driver experience and reward. We have often encountered, when turning off these devices, that computer generated support can often cosmetically mask and flatter inferior chassis and handling characteristics. We decided that with the introduction of the M600, it was time to ‘get back to basics’, to concentrate on the more ‘analogue’ qualities of design utilising a principle of pure engineering integrity from the chassis up, putting you, the driver, back in control.

http://seriouswheels.com/cars/2010/top-2010-Noble-M600.htm

Ferrari 16M

510bhp 4.3 Litre V8

(from Ferrari press release)

Special series Scuderia Spider 16M unveiled at World Finals in Mugello to celebrate Prancing Horse’s 16th F1 Constructor’s title

Scarperia, November 9th 2008 – Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor’s World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari’s latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari’s 16th Constructor’s World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver “limited series” plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.

From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.

http://seriouswheels.com/cars/2009/top-2009-Ferrari-Scuderia-Spider-16M.htm

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

450bhp 3.8 Litre V6

(from Porsche Press Release) The Most Sporting Road-Going 911

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is sending the new 911 GT3 RS to the starting line: Delivering even more engine power, offering lower weight, and featuring shorter transmission ratios as well as body and suspension elements upgraded to an even higher standard, the new 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the racing version of the 911 GT3 and therefore offers everything it takes for ongoing success on the race track, continuing the series of absolutely uncompromising, sporting 911s homologated for the road.

The heart of the new 911 GT3 RS, the power unit, is based on the engine already featured in the 911 GT3. Like the latter, the RS power unit now displaces 3.8 instead of 3.6 litres, delivering even more power and revving up even faster and more dynamically.

The engine featured in the new 911 GT3 RS delivers 15 bhp more than its counterpart in the 911 GT3, that is maximum output of 450 horsepower from the fast-revving naturally-aspirated power unit. This means specific output of more than 118 bhp per litre from the six-cylinder, an extremely high figure for natural-aspiration technology even in the strictest worldwide comparison. And unlike many other high-performance engines, the power unit in the new 911 GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

http://seriouswheels.com/cars/2010/top-2010-Porsche-911-GT3-RS.htm