Ferrari Calfornia GT
To be released at the Paris Motor Show
Today Ferrari confirmed that their new production line is dedicated to this mid-size roadster called the California GT. Strictly built as a convertible, the model has Ferrari's first retractable hardtop. This places it in a market with the Mercedes-Benz SL and Alfa 8C Spider.
With the new car comes a series of engineering firsts for Ferrari which are likely to trickle down to all models. These include a 7-speed, dual-clutch transaxle and direct gasoline injection.
This car isn't for people that think real Ferraris need a V12. The California's V8 produces 460 bhp, ranking it as the least powerful car in the current Ferrari lineup.
The new California is unlike the original 1958 Ferrari 250 California Spyder which was powered by Ferrari's seminal V12 engine and occasionally raced. These classic models were produced an limited edition and currently fetch over one million USD on the market.
We expect more details will be released soon in preparation for car's debut at the Paris Motor Show.
MCA Supercar Unveiled in Monaco
Prince Albert II takes the wraps off his new car.
Monte Carlo Automobile is a relatively obscure manufacturer of ultra-rare supercars. So when we hear a new car is being unveiled in Monaco, we naturally have to be there.
At the Yacht Club near the F1 circuit MCA unveiled the ALA 50. It is a purebred racecar that will contest the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans. Thus it has all the hallmarks of successful motor sport design. Included is a carbon-fiber body and 650-horsepower V8.
MCA says this unveiling marks the 25th anniversary of the Centenaire supercar as well as Prince Albert II's 50th birthday. The design you see here is a clay mockup. MCA hope to have a working prototype completed later this year and a road-going version will follow.
Dirk de Jager was at the unveiling which was delayed until Prince Albert could arrive and personally describe the car. His shots give us a nice glimpse into the future of MCA.
Lancia Astura, Tuning News
Future Pebble Beach Winner?
Pebble Beach recently announced their special classes and among them a tribute to Lancia gets our attention the most. In the 1930s, this company was making Italy's most prestigious cars.
The Astura was Lancia's top model and nearly 3000 were made. Many of these had custom bodies by the great design houses of Italy. At Pebble, we expect to see at least a few Asturas as graceful as the Touring Flying Star pictured here.
At the upcoming Mille Miglia retrospective, another important Astura will surface. Called the Colli Spider, this car competed three times in the original race with a unique body and specification.
Over the last month some impressive tuned supercars have come our way. The most recent and powerful of these is the Brabus SL 600. From there we have many more worth viewing: 2008 Edo 630 Scuderia, 2008 Carlsson Sl 500 CK50, 2008 Sportec SP600, 2008 Premier4509 Gallardo, 2008 Hamann M3 and 2008 Geiger Corvette Z06 Black Edition
EB 16.4 Veyron Sang Noir
New Bugatti will Debut in California
Bugatti are showing little restraint in their eagerness to specialize the Veyron. First we had the PurSang, then the Hermes and now the Sang Noir. It's a darkened version with a completely black exterior.
Ralph Lauren was the first to blacken out his Veyron, but this edition goes much further. Like the Pur Sang, its central body panels are bare carbon fiber. Inside is a high-contrast tangerine interior with black-piano lacquer panels.
With three special edition Veyrons now in production, it's clear that the original personalization program was far too limited. These few cars will set a standard that every owner will want.
Bugatti compare the new Sang Noir to the Type 57 Atlantic which was limited to a production of three examples. One of these sensational cars will debut at Pebble Beach later this year fresh from a Paul Russel restoration.
Villa d'Este Wrap Up
Autobahnkurier takes the Coppa d'Oro
Now that the Villa d'Este is behind us we can take time to reflect on some of the cars and events. Obviously, the most profound release was BMW's M1 supercar project, but much more was happening behind the scenes.
For instance, Touring was celebrating their revival and had many important designs show up for both the private and public days of the Concours. Our favorite of these was the Pegaso Thrill which we had not seen before. The new company has been kind enough to give us historic pictures of this car which we've now assembled on our devoted page.
Despite some heavy competition from the Pebble-winning Daimler and a gorgeous Figoni Delahaye, Arturo Keller's sleek Mercedes 540K Autobahnkurier took the top prize called the Coppa d'Oro. This supercar debuted at Pebble Beach in 2006 and was a runner up for Best in Show. It's shown on the right infront of Villa d'Este's beautiful 16th century gardens (lit up for that evening's dinner).
During four days that surrounded Villa, our photographers Matteo Stucchi and Dirk de Jager spent considerable time capturing the show for us. We have condensed their material into a half and half gallery containing 500 shots. Included are the supercar releases, the main day of concours and the public Villa d'Erba. Many thanks are due their way.
