Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus debuts with 610 hp, 560 Nm.

Spyder Face

When Audi introduced the second-generation Audi R8 Spyder at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, only the V10 variant was present at the time. However, that all changes as the German carmaker has now revealed the new R8 Spyder V10 plus, which now “completes the R8 model line,” according to Stephan Winkelmann, managing director of Audi Sport. As its name clearly suggests, the R8 Spyder V10 plus offers a lot more performance compared to the regular R8 Spyder V10, most notably in the engine department. The 5.2 litre naturally-aspirated V10 here produces 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. This allows the R8 Spyder V10 plus to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster than the non-plus model – and achieve a top speed of 328 km/h (an increase of 10 km/h)

Audi Virtual Cockpit

Visually, the R8 Spyder’s well-known styling continues to feature here, including its fabric top, which weighs just 44 kg with the use of lightweight materials for the substructure. Thanks to its electrohydraulic drive, the roof takes 20 seconds to open or close, operating even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h. Similar to the hardtop, a fixed spoiler made from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer replaces the non-plus model’s extendable rear spoiler. This particular car also sports the Audi exclusive micrommata green design package, where the body is painted in a distinctive green. Of course, buyers will be able to customise their cars accordingly with the Audi exclusive programme, with a wide range of options available if your cheque book allows it. In terms of equipment, the R8 Spyder V10 plus comes with 19-inch five twin-spoke forged aluminium wheels as standard, with 20-inch being optional. Also standard here are the R8 bucket seats, performance steering wheel, carbon ceramic brake discs (the first three are optional on the non-plus model), Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and Audi drive select.

Sexy Ass

2011 Aston Martin DB9.

Aston Martin has released a 2011 minor facelift of the DB9 with package of improvements. It would probably take more than a few glances to notice the new styling changes which include a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille, reshaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh, new headlight coverings, restyled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke “diamond turned” alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses.

Under the skin, Aston now offers Adaptive Damping System as standard on both the DB9 coupe and Volante convertible. Also included is a tyre pressure monitoring system, revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new “Double Apex” alloy finish for the cabin, not forgetting the Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Besides the sleek sheetmetal, popularity of the DB9 stems from the 6.0-litre V12 engine that lives under that long hood. It comes with 470 hp, 600 Nm and lots of charisma. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Touchtronic 2 six-speed auto.Prices start from £122,445 for the Coupe, while the Volante retails from £131,445.

Mazda Premacy launched in Japan with 2.0L.

The new smiley faced Mazda Premacy (known as the Mazda 5 here in Malaysia) is now officially on sale in Japan, with suggested retail prices of between 1,799,000 to 2,314,000 yen, including sales taxes. Not sure when Bermaz will be bringing it in as the new Mazda 5 but perhaps a few grey importers like Naza World will get to it first.

The Mazda Premacy is available with i-stop in Japan, which is Mazda’s unique idling stop system that can automatically stop and restart the engine nearly instantly to save fuel. The i-stop model grades (20S and 20E FWD) offer the highest fuel economy of any two-liter minivan in Japan, rated at 16.0 kilometers per liter (km/l) according to Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle, while the same models with power sliding doors are rated at 15.0 km/l.

All FWD models of the Premacy in Japan are powered by a direct injection 2.0 liter engine making 150 PS at 6,200rpm and 186Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, mated to a 5-speed Activematic automatic transmission. The 4WD version uses a regular 2.0 liter DOHC engine mated to a 4-speed EC-AT automatic transmission.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

The 612 Scaglietti is not a very popular member of the Ferrari family. More often than not, the big grand tourer is eclipsed by its prettier, sexier and nimbler sisters. Those shopping for a Ferrari are also likely to already have a “family car”. But famous Ferrari tuner hasn’t forgotten the 612, and has released a tuning package for the successor of the 456.

The 5.8-litre V12 engine gets a horsepower bump to 565 bhp from 530 bhp. Torque has increased to 609 Nm from 588 Nm. These new figures are achieved with the help of a “specially calibrated engine management system” along with Novitec’s high performance exhaust system. This means the Scaglietti’s 0 to 100 km/h time is down to just 3.9 seconds and top speed is 325 km/h.

Other additions include a new taillight design and a new tyre/wheel combination – 275/30 ZR 20 up front and 355/25 R 21 rears. Inside, one can customise the seats to their heart’s content. Leather seats can be custom tailored to body measurements and even the addition of lateral support and lowered seat positions for tall drivers can be done. Customers can go as far as choosing the thickness and material of their steering wheel. Like many supercars today, the steering will be flat-bottomed.

DMC Quattro Veloce kit for the Lambo Murcielago LP640.

While we do see Gallardos on our streets from time to time, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is a truly rare sight. But it may not be so unique in Beverly Hills or Monte Carlo, hence the need to dress up the car. For that, Dusseldorf based tuner DMC has come out with a 59,000 euro package called Quattro Veloce.

The QV kit consists of a redesigned spoiler, new hood, side vents and a new “stabilising diffuser”, all made in carbon fibre, of course. Up front, the Murcie gets a new front fascia with redesigned hood and intakes, plus a new splitter.

Inside, a touch of exclusivity is added by the use of ostrich leather whereas ostrich-like cow hide, which is said to be very durable, has been used for the rest of the interior. Add 40,000 euros for the optional leather treatment, carbon fibre seats and diamond forged white carbon wheels. Sounds like every rapper’s dream car.

Power from the 6.5-litre V12 has been increased to 670 bhp (with 660 Nm of torque), which allows the car to move from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) in just 3.2 seconds. Acceleration goes on to 343 km/h.

The heart of the beast is kept in a custom red carbon cage for added effect.