Saturday, 30 July 2011

Aston Martin DBR 9

The Aston Martin DBR9 is a racing car by Aston Martin Racing, first built in 2005. The name DBR9 is derived from the original 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning DBR1 car, named for then-owner David Brown, which not only won the 24 Hour race in 1959 but also the World Sportscar title.

Based on the Aston Martin DB9 road car, the DBR9 retains the chassis, and the engine block and cylinder heads of the road car's V12 engine. The rest of the car is re-engineered for high performance competition use. The DBR9's bodywork is a blend of optimum aerodynamic performance and the styling of the DB9 road car. All the body panels are constructed from carbon fibre composite (except the roof) to minimize the weight of the car. To complete the aerodynamic body, the bottom of the car is flat all the way from the front to the rear diffuser. To optimise rear downforce a carbon fibre wing has been added. The car goes from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

For the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, Prodrive made modifications to the DBR9 design in order to not only improve performance, but also to increase driver comfort in the cockpit. Due to new regulations put into place by Le Mans organizers, the DBR9 required the installation of an air conditioning unit in order to prevent overstressing drivers. Prodrive went further by putting a heat-resistant white roof on all new cars to assist in keeping cockpit temperatures down. Performance modifications included the removal of two cooling vents from the bonnet of the car due to no longer being necessary.

Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200
Aston Martin DBR 9 | Resolution 1600 x 1200

BMW Z4 Review

The BMW Z4 is one of the more intriguing sports cars currently available. It's known for its engaging handling and steering, thrilling inline six-cylinder engine and distinctive styling. Although its stated horsepower ratings are equaled or surpassed by those of some less expensive machinery, the Z4 counters with a lighter curb weight and, in most cases, a more rewarding driving experience. Recent improvements have made the latest Z4 the best yet, and older models are still a very viable choice for a used sports car.




The BMW Z4 is built at the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility, and has been in production since the 2003 model year. It's a successor to the original Z3 and is the company's only two-seat sports car. It features traditional characteristics such as a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a hunkered-down stance, a long hood and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. Another notable element is the car's chiseled exterior design, which BMW says is used to add tension to the car's shape.

The BMW Z4 is available as a roadster with a convertible top or a fixed-roof coupe. For the roadster, there are two trim levels: 3.0i and 3.0si. The Z4 3.0i comes with features such as 17-inch wheels, stability control, antilock brakes, power mirrors and windows, manually operated seats and vinyl upholstery. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 215 horsepower is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional.

The Z4 3.0si features 18-inch wheels, a few upgraded interior features and a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline six. A few options are also available for both trim levels, including a Premium package with a power-operated top and a Sport package designed to improve the vehicle's handling capabilities. The Z4 Coupe is offered in the 3.0si trim only.

Even without the Sport package, the Z4 rewards drivers with an engaging driving experience. In Edmunds.com reviews of the BMW Z4, editors have praised the car's sharp reflexes and quick acceleration. The Coupe possesses a slight advantage in terms of handling due to its added body rigidity. For shoppers desiring even more performance, there's also an M-powered version of the Z4.

Because of a major update for 2006, Z4 models from this year and onwards are a better choice than earlier models, if price is no object. This update included the mid-year release of the coupe body style, the 215-hp and 255-hp engines, and the six-speed automatic. Other changes to the BMW sports car included a retuned standard suspension for better ride quality, a higher final-drive ratio for improved acceleration, new wheel designs, additional braking functionality for the stability control system, updated front and rear styling and minor interior trim updates.

From 2003-'05, BMW Z4 models were identified as either 2.5i or 3.0i. The 2.5i has a 2.5-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that makes 184 hp, while the 3.0i uses a 3.0-liter straight six that generates 225 hp. For transmissions, there is a five-speed manual (standard on the 2.5), a six-speed manual (standard on the 3.0), a five-speed automatic or, as on the M3, a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). There were a few minor changes made during this period in terms of feature content, but none of them were significant enough to make one model year more desirable than another.

Cadillac CTS-V Review

The wickedly fast Cadillac CTS-V is easily one of the best Cadillacs ever. In an effort to take advantage of its recent vogue, Cadillac decided to build high-performance versions of several of its cars. Collectively called the V-Series, they are meant to be high-powered, tight-handling, all-around track-tuned performers in the vein of the European performance marques, such as BMW's M series and Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup.





2006 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan Shown

The CTS-V was the first Cadillac to get the V treatment, and it's no exaggeration to call it an enthusiast's dream. Based on the CTS entry-level luxury sedan, the CTS-V has exclusivity stamped all over it. The throaty V8 may get all the publicity, but the CTS-V looks, sounds and drives like a very special car.

As you'd expect, though, the Cadillac CTS-V does share a few inherent flaws with the regular CTS, including an awkward interior design and mediocre interior materials. These attributes will likely be addressed with the second-generation CTS-V, which is expected to follow the launch of the new '08 CTS.

Current Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V comes in one body style and trim. It is a powerful, rear-wheel-drive midsize luxury sedan. The V6 engine from the standard CTS has been swapped out for a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8, which is the same engine found under the Corvette's hood. A six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential are standard. There is no automatic transmission option. Put the pedal down hard and you can expect to move from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

But the performance upgrades go far beyond the bigger engine. Additional highlights include a tightened suspension, massive Brembo performance brakes and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with performance tires. Antilock brakes and a driver-adjustable stability control system (StabiliTrak) are standard. More subtle adjustments include a strengthened engine cradle and hydraulic engine mounts.

There is a level of sophistication that extends from the performance construction down to the interior features. You get all of the CTS upscale features as standard, including HID headlights, climate control, sport seats and a premium Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer. Even navigation comes standard. Options are limited to paint colors and run-flat tires.

Cadillac has done its best to gussy up the CTS's normally dull interior to make the V-Series sedan feel special. The original instrument cluster has been replaced by more upscale dials and computer readouts, which even spit out real-time driving dynamics, such as lateral G-forces. There are also aluminum and satin chrome accents on the dash. The more heavily bolstered front seats are comfortable and supportive during aggressive driving. As in the regular CTS, the backseat is spacious, which makes the CTS-V more useful on an everyday basis than similarly priced compact rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.


In road tests, our editors found the Cadillac CTS-V to be the automotive equivalent of a Fourth of July fireworks celebration. It just oozes enthusiasm and begs to be driven hard. Whether you're pushing hard in a straight line, around long curves or sharp corners, the CTS-V does everything you want from a high-level sport sedan and then some, though its drivetrain exhibits the sort of raggedness that sets it slightly below the standards of its European rivals. But no excuses need to be made for the handling, which is precise and predictable in all conditions.

Chevrolet Corvette Review

Often referred to as America's only true sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world's best known and longest-running nameplates. Oddly, it had a rather humble beginning, starting life back in 1953 with a straight-6 engine and a two-speed automatic transmission. The first few years saw the fiberglass-bodied two-seater from Chevrolet earn praise for its handling but criticism for its relatively tame performance. (At the time, it was soundly outgunned by a variety of European sports cars in terms of performance.)




2008 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Thankfully, a V8 engine option debuted in 1955, and by the late '50s, the Chevy Corvette could hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The intervening decades have seen the Corvette pass through multiple generations. Each decade has brought its own Corvette theme, including the muscle-bound '60s, the highly stylized '70s and the electronically aided '80s. More recently, the Corvette has improved enough in the refinement department that many finally consider it worthy to compete against the world's best.

Highlights of the Corvette's timeline include the '57 Fuelie (the nickname for the optional fuel-injected 283 V8), the '63 Sting Ray split-window coupe, the '65-'67 big blocks (427-cubic-inch V8s), the high-revving LT-1s of the early '70s, the ultra-high-performance ZR-1s of the early '90s and the fast yet user-friendly C5s (fifth generation) of the late '90s. Of course today's Corvette, an outright bargain when compared to sports cars from Europe, should be acknowledged as well. The current Corvette offers the performance of an all-out exotic at a third to a quarter of the price.

Current Chevrolet Corvette

Debuting in 2005, the current Chevrolet Corvette (known as the C6) is by far the best yet. As with past Vettes, a coupe and convertible are offered. Performance is exceptional, with the 0-60-mph sprint taking less than 5 seconds, the quarter-mile taking less than 13 and top speed in excess of 180 mph. That's for the standard Corvette. The Z06 version is even more thrilling, hitting 60 in the low 4s, the quarter in the low 12s and running on up to a top end approaching 200 mph. The standard Corvette comes with a 6.0-liter, 400-horsepower V8 coupled to either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. The Z06 comes with a 7.0-liter V8 with 505 hp mated to a six-speed manual.

The newest Chevrolet Corvette is equally impressive in terms of its improved build quality and increased daily driver usability. The cockpit boasts friendly ergonomics, supportive seats and excellent fit and finish. As before, the car's hatchback body style provides massive cargo capacity, which stands at 22 cubic feet in the coupe. A choice of three suspensions (standard, optional Magnetic Ride Control with Sport and Touring modes and track-ready Z51) for the regular Corvette mean there's a setup for everyone, from casual enthusiasts to hard-core apex clippers -- and all provide a fairly smooth ride. The Z06, in spite of its immense capabilities, is still docile enough to handle the daily commute without making the driver grit his teeth every time he faces stop-and-go traffic or a rough section of pavement.

In reviews from our editors and posted consumer commentary, the C6 garnered high marks and universal praise for its combination of strong performance, razor-sharp handling, comfortable ride, eye-catching style, affordability and relatively impressive fuel economy. Complaints were minor in comparison, centering on the manual transmission's clunky gearchanges, along with the cabin's mediocre cupholder and storage provisions, ho-hum interior materials and underwhelming Bose audio system.






Past Chevrolet Corvette Models

The previous Corvette (the C5) was built from 1997-2004 and marked the Corvette's transition from a capable but flawed (in terms of comfort and ergonomics) to world-class sports car. Easier to get in and out of than the C4, the C5 also boasted a new chassis that had nearly 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles, a more compliant suspension, a much roomier cockpit with more supportive seats and a new "LS1" 5.7-liter V8 that made 345 hp. The transmission choices were a six-speed manual and four-speed automatic.

With a 0-60-mph time of fewer than 5 seconds and a top speed of around 175, there wasn't much that could touch this Vette short of a few big-dollar exotics from Europe. That first year saw just the hatchback body, whose styling drew barbs for its rather large hindquarters. But the benefit of the big butt was more than 20 cubic feet of cargo capacity under the rear hatch. A convertible joined the lineup for '98 and the following year brought a fixed-roof coupe. For 2001, the mighty Z06, a reincarnation of an earlier "Z06" performance package from the '60s, debuted, bringing 385 hp to an already impressive chassis. As if that weren't enough, the Z06 gained 20 hp the very next year.

Enthusiasts looking for a sports car they can live with day in and day out would be well advised to seriously consider a Chevy Corvette from this generation. Pros and cons are mostly similar to the current generation, and although the C5 has been criticized for spotty build quality, this Corvette still offers the most bang for the buck in the used sports car marketplace.

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, or C4, is the other model that non car-collectors will likely be interested in. It was available for the 1984-'96 model years. The flamboyant style of the previous generation was replaced with a leaner look, and a racetrack-ready suspension featuring lightweight alloy components debuted as well. First-year cars should be avoided, as the 5.7-liter V8 made just 205 hp with its troublesome "Crossfire Injection" setup, while the suspension was much too stiff for daily driver duty. Subsequent years saw the debut of a convertible, more power and suspension refinements. By 1990, the Corvette was a well-sorted sports car with precise handling and respectable performance from its 250-hp engine. That year also saw the debut of the ZR-1 supercar, which could run the quarter-mile in the low 13s and hit a top speed of around 175 mph, thanks to its 375-hp, 5.7-liter V8. For '92, the standard Corvette gained more power via the 300-hp LT1 V8. The ZR-1's output shot up to 405 hp for '93. The last year of this Corvette's generation saw the availability of a 330-hp version of the LT1 V8.

Although the C4 is regarded as desirable in terms of performance for the price, its awkward ingress/egress, cramped cockpit and stiff ride make it a weekend toy for all but the most ardent enthusiasts.

Chrysler 300 Review

2008 Chrysler 300 C Sedan

There's currently no category within the Edmunds.com Most Wanted awards for "best returning-to-glory car." But if there were, the Chrysler 300 would certainly be a strong candidate to win. A proud and prestigious vehicle during the 1950s, the 300 fell into anonymity during the '60s and then pretty much disappeared from the automotive landscape for more than 30 years. Only with the current model has Chrysler revived the accolades and respect that once surrounded this proud nameplate.




Thanks to its distinctive styling, roomy interior and powerful performance capabilities, the latest Chrysler 300 has become a popular choice in the large sedan segment. The 300C trim level, in particular, is an impressive vehicle thanks to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine. It's bracketed by two affordable V6-equipped models on one end and the high-performance 300C SRT8 on the other. According to our editors, nearly all 300 models should serve consumers well.

Current Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is a large five-passenger sedan with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It's been designed to appeal to consumers desiring something with a bit more personality than a regular family sedan or an alternative to popular Japanese or European entry-luxury sedans. Some of the 300's underlying mechanicals are derived from Mercedes-Benz technology, and it's a platform sibling to the Dodge Magnum and Charger.

The 300's styling is unmistakably American. The large chrome grille, double-lens headlights, high beltline, bulging fenders and large wheels give it a strong presence on the road. A long 120-inch wheelbase shortens up the front and rear overhangs and opens up plenty of occupant space on the inside. Cabin dimensions are generous in all directions, and the 300 offers more legroom than most of its competitors. Its overall interior design has been described as simple but elegant. The dash area effectively combines sporty, semi-retro and luxury motifs.

There are currently five styles of the Chrysler 300 to choose from: base, Touring, Limited, "C" (labeled the 300C) and the 300C SRT8. Though budget-oriented consumers might be attracted to the base model's low price, we suggest stepping up to either the Touring or the Limited, as these trim levels come with the type of standard features expected for this class of car. The 300C and SRT8 versions are the performance-oriented models. The main difference between the two is that the SRT8 version has been tuned and equipped for maximum performance. For rear-drive Touring and 300C models, Chrysler also offers the W.P. ChryslerExecutive Series. This model rides on a 6-inch-longer wheelbase and provides additional legroom for rear-seat passengers.

For power, the base 300 relies on a 178-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Touring and Limited have a 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 and a five-speed automatic. The top-shelf 300C and 300C SRT8 feature a V8 engine. The 300C's makes 340 hp and the SRT8 boasts 425 hp. The SRT8 also features a stiffer suspension setup, more powerful brakes and a larger wheel and tire package. Most 300s are rear-drive, but Chrysler does offer all-wheel-drive versions of the Limited and 300C.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the Chrysler 300, the car has fared quite well. Our editors have commented favorably on its masculine good looks, powerful V8 engines, long list of safety features and value for the dollar. Negatives are few but focus on the meager output of the base model's V6 and the car's poor outward visibility. Those desiring maximum fun will no doubt be pleased with the 300C SRT8; it can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds.

The current 2008 model has been updated with some additional features and freshened exterior styling, but shoppers of used Chrysler 300s will still find the sedan quite appealing. The car debuted for the 2005 model year. Models built for 2007 received a few extra features as compared to earlier years; this was also the first year for the W.P. Chrysler Executive Series.


Past Chrysler 300s

Like fossil records, the Chrysler 300 has a long but patchy history. It came into being in the mid-1950s as a way to showcase Chrysler's new "Hemi" V8 engine. The first 300 was introduced for 1955 and was based on the New Yorker two-door hardtop. Its 5.4-liter V8 developed 300 hp. After that, Chrysler began affixing sequential letters at the end of "300" for each year as well as offering different body styles, including a convertible. The 1957 300-C is typically considered the most beautiful and desirable of these early cars. The Hemi engines were discontinued in the 300 after 1958, but Chrysler continued to use the letter designations up until the '65 300-L. After that it was the plain 300. In total, there were seven generations of this car before it was dropped after the 1971 model year.

The 300 name was briefly resurrected in 1979 for a special version of the rather awful Cordoba. It would then take another 20 years before Chrysler decided to roll out the 300 moniker again. This was the 1999 300M. Unlike previous 300s, this was a front-drive sedan only. Based on the second generation of Chrysler's "cab forward" LH platform, the 300M used a 3.5-liter V6, making 253 hp (that's net horsepower, a far more conservative standard than the "gross" rating used prior to 1972) and mounted longitudinally in the engine bay. It was built through the 2004 model year.

Dodge Viper Review

The Dodge Viper was conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic muscular American sports car. Debuting as a concept in 1989 to huge consumer enthusiasm, everything about the production Dodge Viper was perfectly over the top, including its cartoonish styling, giant 335/35-series rear tires and thumping 400-horsepower V10 engine.



2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible

With lots of tail-wagging power and no face-saving electronic driving aids, the original RT/10 Viper roadster was certainly a supercar that didn't suffer fools graciously. Eventually, however, minor concessions to "luxury" appeared in the second-generation Viper roadster, such as real windows that replaced the clear vinyl side curtains.

But Viper fans had nothing to fear, for the Dodge sports car remained obnoxiously loud and fast. And despite the release of a GTS coupe and simultaneous upgrades for the entire line, the first two Viper generations represented much the same car for an entire decade.

The Dodge Viper's next era kicked off in 2003 with a third-generation redesign of Chrysler's icon -- the SRT-10 roadster became a true convertible with a top that folded down all the way versus the soft targa panel of the previous RT/10, and the Viper SRT-10 coupe returned a few years later featuring the previous coupe's "double bubble" roof and dramatic rear styling. An astounding amount of power is delivered over a broad range; to handle it the Viper uses a beefed-up transmission and massive brakes. Compared to the original, newer Vipers have a longer wheelbase, a stiffer chassis and revised suspension tuning, which give the car greater dynamic precision.

A new SRT-10 Viper is on the way for 2008 with, of course, even more power -- 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque to be exact -- from a fully revised engine displacing 8.4 liters. The new engine and additional hardware updates are meant to counter the Viper's nemesis, the Corvette Z06, which undercuts the Viper on price and beats it in terms of versatility. But the charm of the Viper is its raw edge and lack of polish. For the Viper enthusiast, there's no other way it should be.


Current Dodge Viper model

Recently updated, the Dodge Viper sports car is offered as a two-seat coupe or roadster. Standard equipment includes racing-style seats, power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry and a 300-watt audio system with in-dash CD changer. An 8.4-liter V10 engine delivers 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Performance numbers are quite impressive, as the Viper can reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Containing all this power are massive Brembo brakes and 18-inch front- and 19-inch rear forged-alloy wheels.

Though modern cars are increasingly equipped with the latest safety features, the Viper remains true to its visceral roots. There are neither side-impact airbags nor traction or stability control. Inside, the cabin is a collection of hard plastic panels and parts pin switches. Seat comfort is surprisingly good, but entry and exit, particularly on the coupe, is tricky.

Fresh off the showroom floor, the Dodge Viper is one of the fastest production cars in the world. Its mammoth V10 pushes it to triple-digit speeds in the blink of an eye, and it keeps right on going. Pushing this Dodge to the limit still requires the skill of a seasoned driver, but even rookies will admire the car's unbelievable racecar-like capabilities. While not comfortable and well-rounded enough to be an everyday driver, the Dodge Viper remains a no-nonsense supercar for those who can afford to add one to their stable.


Past Dodge Viper models

The original Dodge Viper debuted for the 1992 model year. At its heart was a 400-hp, truck-based engine with lighter-weight aluminum substituting for cast iron. Inspiringly one-dimensional, the first Viper continued on with only minor power tweaks and an optional hardtop with sliding side curtains until the second-generation Viper debuted as a more powerful GTS coupe in 1996 -- now a bit more civilized, with dual airbags and air-conditioning.

As the Viper matured into its second generation, paint schemes were shuffled and the RT/10 roadster received much of the updates applied to the GTS coupe. Also crossing in 1997 were the coupe's adjustable pedals and revised exhaust system, which changed from side- to rear-exit. In 1999 the Viper received bigger wheels, optional Connolly leather inside, power mirrors and a remote release for the coupe's glass hatch. A track-biased Viper ACR trim level also became available that year. Used Viper shoppers might also want to note that a fairly significant feature -- antilock brakes -- did not become available until 2001.

The third-generation Dodge Viper, the SRT-10, has been available since 2003. At its debut, the V10 was 8.3 liters in size and generated 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. At the start, only the roadster was available. Detail changes only to colors and trim for the next couple years -- including a special "Mamba" package in 2004 for only 200 vehicles -- were followed by a return of the SRT-10 coupe in 2006 and a 10-hp increase. There was no '07 model, as Dodge was preparing for the '08 model's changes.










Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Review

Four-Seater Ferrari

This large and luxurious four-seat coupe is one of the fastest, most exclusive four-seaters around.
by Jim Gorzelany and Matthew de Paula



Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Larger and lighter than the 456M it replaced, the four-seat 612 Scaglietti is Ferrari’s most expensive model and the first to boast a chassis and body made entirely of aluminum. This is said to cut the vehicle’s weight by about 40 percent — versus a standard steel setup — and allow exceptional rigidity for a more refined ride and improved handling over the model it replaced.

The 612 Scaglietti carries over unchanged for 2006. Its engine and drivetrain are in the tradition of classic Ferraris: a large, twelve-cylinder up front driving the rear wheels. A version of the 5.7-liter V12 engine that is in the two-seat 575M Marinello puts out a landscape-blurring 540 hp and enables the 612 Scaglietti to reach 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with the standard six-speed manual transmission. The car can reach a top speed of 199 mph.

With a fuel-economy rating of just 10 mpg city/17 mpg highway, the car is subject to a federal gas-guzzler tax.

The understated styling is courtesy of famed Italian design house Pininfarina, which has a long history of designing Ferraris.

The engine is mounted entirely behind the front axle, and the transmission is in the rear of the car for optimum weight distribution (46/54 percent weight distribution front-to-rear with a driver onboard). This allows superior handling.

An optional sequential-manual “F1” six-speed transmission offers manual gear changes with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel — right paddle for upshifts, left paddle for downshifts — or can be left in automatic mode. A sport mode allows better acceleration by holding gears longer so that the engine can rev all the way to redline.

An adaptive suspension varies its calibration according to road conditions, firming up during spirited driving and softening over rough roads. A sport setting stiffens the suspension for the most spirited driving. Likewise, the car’s stability and traction control systems have a sport mode that allows more freedom to drive aggressively before intervening.

As befits its lightweight underpinnings, the 612 Scaglietti’s 2+2 interior is trimmed in aluminum, with impeccably handcrafted leather upholstery throughout. The contoured front sport seats are power-adjustable with a unique headrest design that can be raised and lowered electrically in conjunction with the seatbelt. The rear seat is large enough for two adults to be comfortable on short trips, and the trunk will fit several pieces of luggage.

The instrument panel features large, legible dials and a small screen to the left that displays ancillary information such as engine and oil temperature, or trip information like the number of miles driven. A head unit by Becker is clunky and slow and spoils an otherwise good sound system featuring Bose speakers. Even more odd, though, is the fact that the optional navigation system doesn't come with a color screen. Rudimentary line drawings of roads and intersections — no maps — are displayed on the small dot-matrix screen of the Becker head-unit. Fortunately, directions can be announced by a computerized voice.

Like most exotic cars, the 612 Scaglietti can be customized with any exterior color and interior trim of a client's choosing. Options include a full-size spare tire, special 19-inch wheels, run-flat tires, parking sensors and custom-fitted, six-piece leather luggage designed by Pininfarina. Pricing for these was not available.

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