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www.youthsprouts.blogspot.com:- Koenigsegg CCX & CCXR Edition Models

As if the CCX and its bio-fuelled twin, the CCXR weren’t already a rare site, Koenigsegg has created two Limited Edition versions of its supercar: the CCX Edition model with a 888 Hp 4.8L twin supercharged V8 engine limited to 14 cars and a CCXR (Bio flexi fuel) Edition model limited to 6 cars with 1018 bhp.

The Special Edition version is more track biased compared to the standard models, as it has stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, reset dampers and lowered chassis. It also features a fully visible carbon body a large adjustable rear wing, larger front splitter and side strakes for increased down force and a unique forged wheel design. –Continued after the jump

Additionally, the interior is also reworked and features; color matched leather carpets, Edition side step plates, Edition chronograph instrument cluster, New edition only layout for the center consol control panels. All other extra equipment comes as standard, such as Carbon Wheels, Special interior trim and color, Rearview camera, Satnav or Bluetooth, Amplifiers, complete Inconell exhaust system in order to save weight.

Exclusivity comes at a price though with the 888 Hp CCX costing a mind-blowing €1,330,000 or, $1,980,000 and the 1018 hp CCXR, €1,500,000 or $2,334,000. Unveiling of the Edition versions will be at the Geneva Motor show in March 2008, where the first delivery will take place.

The Aston Martin DB-ONE- Don't forget other cars

We certainly don’t want to be called out for complaining about Aston Martin’s current crop of designs. Were we to win the lottery tomorrow, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be high up on our list of cars to purchase the day after tomorrow. That said, we’ve lived with the Aston Martin’s corporate style for a few years now, and at some point the next generation needs to be confronted.

When the time comes, Aston Martin should give this guy a call. Ruben Vela is a Spanish designer who just received his Masters Degree in Automotive Design last year from Polytechnic University in Valencia. He created the DB-ONE Concept you see above (and in the high-res gallery below). Vela says that the design’s most important element is "dynamism", kind of a subtle tension between the car’s surfaces and lines that gives it an energy even when static.

The front grille is much larger than current Aston models and becomes the focal point of the DB-ONE’s front end, while the narrow slit headlights ensure that the massive expanse of sheetmetal presents a dominant front end. A true two-seater, the DB-ONE’s windshield extends up and over the cockpit to let the sun shine in, as well. The extremely tapered rear is probably the least production feasible element on the car, though it definitely adds to the "static motion" theme.

Audi R8 TDI Le Mans

Audi is presenting a revolution in the top class – the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance roadgoing sports car. The V12 TDI with a displacement of six liters powers a concept car based on the Audi R8. This unit generates a huge 500 hp and 1,000 Newton-meters (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. Audi is writing a new chapter in diesel technology with this power unit. Equipped with the expertise that Audi has built up through its motor sport activities, the R8 TDI Le Mans in Brilliant Red embodies superb road handling, pioneering technology and fascinating design.

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PhantomPark - Getting two cars in that one car garage

The PhantomPark is a really cool way to fit two cars in a one car garage. It’s also a very good way to hide that super expensive sport car from the IRS. I’m sure there are safeguards to prevent the PhantomPark from rising when there is a car on its roof.

The system won’t work where I live because Richmond is at sea level. If I try to install a PhantomPark here, the car that goes down will get very wet.

Zero Pollution Motors Bringing Air-Power to US--tata is involved

Last year a company called Tata motors began producing the Air-Car in India. Recently, news broke that the 1000 mile-per-fill hauler will also be making an appearance in the States.

Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) confirmed that they have gotten the green light to build the first of a handful of production facilities. The plants will be modular and when operating at full capacity, they are expected to produce 10,000 cars per year.

Using the MDI CityCAT as inspiration, they plan to build the first Air Propelled Vehicle to touch US pavement. Their concept is a 75hp (equivalent) 6-seater with a fuel range of roughly 1000 miles per fill and a top speed of 96mph. It will utilize the original compressors for power up to 35 mph, at which point another energy source would become active and heat the air. The increased volume will add range and power.

"I want to stress that these are estimates, and that we'll know soon more precisely from our engineers," said ZPM spokesman Kevin Haydon, "but a vehicle with one tank of air and, say, 8 gallons of either conventional petrol, ethanol or biofuel could hit between 800 and 1000 miles."

The estimated release date is mid to late 2009 to early 2010 and the price is expected to be around $17,800.

Splinter : The Wooden Supercar

It's not very often that a new car comes out and gets an almost unanimous "Why?" The introduction of Splinter, the wooden supercar did just that. Just to be fair, it was quickly followed by a "wow!"

The reasoning for opting for wood composite is simple, "Wood has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminium or steel, and it possesses a versatility that makes many types of construction techniques possible" according to Joe Harmon, who is head of the project.

Joe and his team of students from North Carolina State University planed to replace as much metal as possible with a combination of Maple, Plywood and Medium-Density Fibreboard. All told, the chassis, body, most of the suspension system and even the wheels have been replaced with wood.

It gets power from a 4.6L NorthStar V8. Using a pair of roots superchargers it develops 600hp. The V8 is attached to a 6-speed gearbox and together they make a calculated top speed of 240mph. For obvious safety reasons, Splinter has been fitted with a full roll-cage.

It could be a worthwhile investment in the long run, as long as furniture polish stays less expensive than car wax.

New Mercedes-Benz CLC coupe

Mercedes is trying to win market on younger drivers with the new Mercedes-Benz CLC Coupe they’ve just released during the show in Geneva. Remember the CLC sketches we’ve shown last month and the CLC SportCoupe announced?

Just as expected it’s a very stylish modern vehicle that draws heavily from the CL-class coupe and the new C-class, with climate control and sport seats as standard.

It has a restyled front and rear end, uses the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR engine that develops 184 hp which is a 20 hp increase and has a reduced combined fuel consumption down 0.7L to 7.8L/100km.

Obviously you can get it with a sports pack that includes 18-inch alloy wheels and low profile tires, sport suspension and the new Mercedes direct-steer system.

More versions will be available with different kind of engines to power it but the one that you can drive the most is the new CLC 200 CDI that does from 5.8L to 6.1L/100km. Sounds like a deal.

Geneva Show: Jaguar’s Limited Production XKR-S

Making its worldwide debut in Geneva, the Jaguar XKR-S is ultimately an upgraded special edition version of the standard XKR Coupe that will be produced in a mere 200 units, all of which will be available only in Europe.

Whilst the XKR-S retains the XKR’s powertrain – 420Hp 4.2litre supercharged V8 matted to a 6-speed auto gearbox with manual paddle shifts, thanks to a recalibrated engine management and improved aerodynamics, the XKR-S reaches an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h) – 19mph (30km/h) faster than the XKR.

Furthermore, Jaguar’s engineers enhanced the XKR’s driving dynamics by revising the suspension with bespoke springs, dampers, anti-roll bar and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

The XKR-S also features an Alcon R Performance braking system with red monobloc six-piston callipers and 400mm brake discs at the front, 350mm at the rear.

Appearance-wise, finished in an “Ultimate Black” metallic color the XKR-S is distinguished by the revised front air-splitter and side sill-extensions, revised rear spoiler and rear bumper with unique diffuser panel and unique 20″ lightweight Vortex alloy wheels.

Inside, Jaguar’s limited edition coupe gets a full leather treatment finished in Charcoal with Ivory twin-needle contrast stitching complemented by Piano Black veneer, Charcoal Alston luxury headlining, plus a revised instrument cluster - calibrated to accommodate the higher top speed - with XKR-S branding.

Finally, there’s also a 525W Premium Audio system with Pro Logic II surround sound. Sales of the special edition Jaguar XKR-S will start in Europe this summer.