According to the person who posted the video, the Tango crossed the quarter mile in 14.48 seconds at a speed of 92.15 mph, besting the Tesla's 14.666 seconds at 101.23 miles. As a point of reference, the Tango has approximately the same quarter-mile time as a Mazda RX-8 while the Tesla is on par with an Infiniti G35 sedan. More interesting than this information is the novelty of watching a quiet drag race. Just listen to those motors quietly whir. Report from the videographer below.

On Nov 30th, the fastest production electric vehicles in the U.S. went head-to-head. While their first meeting had a number of issues, most notably the underfilled Tango battery pack, and the Tesla's non-upgraded drivetrain, the 1/4 mile time is quite close and indicative of races to come.

In this race, the Tango got 92.15mph in 14.480 seconds, beating its 14.7 "dial" handicap and thus losing the competition; the Tesla got 101.23mph in 14.666 seconds, slower than its 14.5 "dial" handicap and allowing it to proceed to the next round. (Two rounds later, the Tango's driver got behind the wheel of the Tesla and also beat its "dial" handicap... and thus lost!)

Thanks to Jerry for the tip

[Source: YouTube]

Following on the heels of the Volkswagen Concept R, the mid-engined Roadster should be set to compete with cars like the Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxster but at a lower cost. The appearance is said to be borrowed from the Scirocco while engine choices will likely include a small diesel option and a turbocharged, direct-injection gas engine. All engines should be mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

[Automotive News Europe via 4WheelsNews]

Noticeable cuts include the new front spoiler, nasally shaker hood, a fresh rear fascia with pass-through dual exhaust and a set of LED tail lamps. We're shocked they didn't go all the way and weld up a custom widebody. Keep your browsers glued here for our continuing coverage of SEMA 2008. [Carscoop]

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S: Thrilling high-performance roadster
Stuttgart
Sep 29, 2008The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars – the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre. This endows both models with a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness. In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features even more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics. While enjoying exceptional performance, the new roadster’s occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle’s suitability for everyday use. With its sporty, premium-quality interior appointments and distinctive motorsport pedigree, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is limited to 150 vehicles and will inspire the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.
Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLRMcLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater betters the standard set for open-air super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.
By naming this new model variant the SLRRoadster 722 S, Mercedes-Benz
is recalling the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S continues the legend of the successful 1950s SLR racing sports cars, with innovative technology adopted from the world of motorsport.
Engine hand-built by AMG
The powerful heart of the SLR Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine which is hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. The special strengths of this high-performance engine include extraordinary responsiveness to movements of the accelerator, a high torque and an unmistakable V8 sound. Moreover, with an output of 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque, power is on tap almost to excess (SLR McLaren Roadster: 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm). Accordingly the new model variant meets the wishes of the most discerning customers for even more sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality.
The five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz is designed for high performance. It is specially configured for a very high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster achieves performance figures that are even outstanding for the high-end sports car segment: the SLR Roadster 722 S absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 335 km/h, which is unrivalled by any other series-production roadster.
Even more dynamic suspension setup
The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. This ensures the greater handling stability of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, with a significant improvement in handling dynamics. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs, which make for impressive deceleration figures.
Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving
The outstanding qualities of the 722 S are complemented by the fully recessible fabric soft top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the roadster. The weave structure of this high-tech roof material reflects the carbon-fibre look, guarantees full day-to-day suitability in any weather conditions and allows the vehicle a top speed of 335 km/h – a unusual figure for a roadster. Thanks to favourable aeroacoustics, conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h.
The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster. For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically. The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents "ballooning" at high speeds.
The handling and aerodynamics of this high-end roadster were optimised for high speeds in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coupé, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle. The result is precise handling and steering at high speeds.
Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology
In technical terms the 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). This makes it highly exceptional among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the roadster, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.
A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
A thoroughly sporty appearance
The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively. The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.
In the interior, outstanding lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara. Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. In the interior too, the generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.
Exclusive appointments
The exclusive appointments include two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.
This limited edition of 150 examples is predominantly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.

[Daimler]

Tesla Motors Selects BorgWarner for Production of New Gearbox for Tesla Roadster

Deliveries of 27 Roadsters Completed to Date, Production and Delivery of Roadsters To Accelerate With Final Powertrain Solution

San Carlos, CA – Tesla Motors Inc. has selected BorgWarner Inc. for the production of a single-speed gearbox for the Tesla Roadster and is initiating a ramped-up production rate. So far, 27 customers have taken delivery of Roadsters.

Tesla engineers developed the specifications for the new gearbox and provided them to BorgWarner. The new gearbox is an integral part of an enhanced powertrain with significant performance and efficiency improvements. The new powertrain delivers about 30% higher motor torque on a single gear ratio, and it achieves a 10% higher EPA combined range.

“Last December, when the two-speed transmission designed by a previous supplier proved not to be durable, we announced we would modify our approach,” said JB Straubel, Chief Technology Officer of Tesla Motors. “By using a more powerful inverter and an enhanced motor design, we were able to implement a single-speed gearbox and still achieve our original performance goals. In fact, the new setup is superior in almost every way.”

The new gearbox is designed for the higher peak torque levels of the new Roadster powertrain, which has increased from 286 Newton-meters (211 foot-pounds) to 380 Newton-meters (280 foot-pounds). The new powertrain achieves an EPA combined range of 244 miles on a single charge, up from Tesla’s previously announced EPA range of 221 miles.

Production of Tesla Roadsters began in March, and the first vehicles were built with an interim transmission design. Customers who own Roadsters with the interim transmission can have their powertrain upgraded free of charge.

Tesla Motors starts production of 10 new Roadsters each week. Customers typically take delivery four to six weeks after production begins. The company expects production to ramp up to at least 20 vehicles per week within a few months and 40 per week by early 2009.

“Successfully implementing the new gearbox in less than a year was an incredible technical challenge and huge accomplishment for Tesla’s engineers,” said Ze’ev Drori, Chief Executive Officer of Tesla Motors. “Now that we have a final powertrain design, in a matter of months there will be hundreds of Tesla Roadsters across the country. We’re heralding nothing less than a new era of the automobile.”

[NextAutos]

Number 1: This is the electric motor. Running on AC power, it can rev up to 13,000 RPM while producing 248 HP and 200 lb-ft. Maximum torque is available all the way from 0-6,000 RPM

Number 2: The one-speed transmission. After reliability problems with a two-speed design, Tesla settled for this stronger, simpler one-speed. The 8.27:1 drive ratio allows for a 0-60 time of around 4 seconds and a top speed of 125 MPH.

Number 3: The Power Electronics Module. In addition to capturing the power from regenerative braking and using it to recharge the batteries, it also smooths out power delivery under hard acceleration.

Number 4: The battery pack. 6,831 Lithium-Ion cells are arranged in 11 series-connected modules and surrounded by sensors and cooling systems designed to prevent catastrophic cell failure. A full 53 kW-h charge takes about 3 1/2 hours, while all the batteries together weigh somewhere between 900 and 1,000 LB. Life expectancy is in excess of 100,000 miles.

Number 5: The body and frame. The Tesla roadster shares its extruded and bonded aluminum frame with the Lotus Elise while wearing its own, superlight carbon fiber bodywork. [via Treehugger]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: According to Autocar, we should expect to see the Model S sedan in 2010, with the SUV and a four-door coupe arriving around 2015. The word from Tesla is less encouraging, however: The company is hoping to launch the sedan after construction of its new California factory is completed, and they describe the design as “ninety percent” complete. Knowing that the "devil is in the details" — details being at least the last 10% of the design process — and that starting up a factory isn't without its hiccups, we're afraid the Model S may take a little longer to get to market, and any other variants even longer. Of course, with its recent new hires, Tesla could surprise us all. But, although we're hopeful, we've also seen Tesla miss past time deadlines — and continue to miss current deadlines. [Autocar.uk]

Despite its good looks, the Peugeot 402 Darl'mat was intended as a race car which would herald the return of Peugeot to serious Grand Prix racing. While great success was not had at the race track, a hundred of these road cars were sold in roadster, cabriolet and coupe bodystyles. The roadster is by far the best of the bunch. There are about 30 examples of these handsome and sporty cars thought to still survive, and we'd love to see some crazy person run one in the La Carrera Panamericana.

OK, well, you would be able to listen to it purr if it actually stayed running. But isn't that why we take on projects like this, just to suffer the pain of anticipation? We can't wait 'till he gets it out on the street. Sure it may not be as powerful or reliable as a well-built Ford V8, but who cares? It's a V12!
[Miata.net via VWvortex]

It's hard to tell from the angle...and the perspective, but we think this is a little hot-rod go-kart with a five-horse Briggs & Stratton behind the seat. Or it could be a kid's pedal toy. Either way, with its patriot paint it's ready for parade duty anywhere with white picket fences. [American Legion Post 207]

See the rest of our Jalopnik Auto Flag-Elation here and check out our pre-Fourth Jalopnik Automotive Amerigasm here.

Governor Schwarzenegger Celebrates Clean Technology Investment in California, Welcomes Tesla Motors Production to California

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined with State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Tesla Motors representatives to announce Tesla's decision to locate its new manufacturing facility for its Model S, Tesla's second-generation vehicle, in California. As part of the state's ongoing commitment to clean technology, the Governor also announced a new program that waives the sales tax on investment in new manufacturing equipment for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). This program was developed in conjunction with the State Treasurer and the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA).

"Today's announcement is great news for California, our economy and our environment. We want these cutting-edge companies not to just start in California and do their research and development here-we want them to build in California," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

"Tesla's announcement today is just one of many we will celebrate as we implement AB 32 and reach our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. I have always said that we must protect our economy and our environment at the same time, and today it is clear that we are once again demonstrating to the world how to do that."

California's green-friendly atmosphere is encouraging clean businesses from around the world to invest in California, stimulating our economy and contributing to the fight against global warming. According to the California Green Innovation Index by Next10, a non-partisan research organization, in 2006 venture capital investment in energy technology companies in California was just shy of $1 billion, more than double the total from 2005.

Last Thursday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released its AB 32 Draft Scoping Plan, the market-based roadmap which will guide California toward its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. This roadmap will motivate companies like Tesla to come to California and bring their innovation, reduced emissions and thousands of jobs with them.

Last Wednesday, CAEATFA approved a new program that exempts new ZEV manufacturers from paying sales and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment to encourage ZEV manufacturing in California. For Tesla, these incentives will mean millions of dollars in savings when the company invests in building their new plant in California. And if they choose a city that is in an Enterprise Zone, they will save millions more. Tesla will also be eligible for at least $1 million in Employment Training Panel Workforce Development Funds to train employees.

Tesla's Model S will be a fully electric, five passenger, multi-use sport sedan with a driving range of approximately 225 miles on one charge. The projected cost of the Model S is $60,000.

"These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its groundbreaking laws to fight climate change," said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who chairs CAEATFA. "By offering this financial incentive, our goal is to ensure zero-emission vehicles realize their full potential in our state. In the bargain, we believe the policy will bolster our emerging green economy, create good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I'm very pleased the policy helped convince Tesla to build its high-performance electric cars in California."

In addition, California's new Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicles Technology Program, AB 118 by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles), which the Governor signed into law last year, established a new program that will generate more than $100 million annually for development of new technologies, vehicles and fuels. Funding is expected to be available in March 2009.

California's ZEV program is the world's only enforceable requirement for the development and production of zero-emission vehicles. The following state and federal programs support ZEVs:

* Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Program: Offers up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of alternative fuel vehicles. Battery electric vehicles, such as a Tesla, typically receive the full $5,000 grant.
* High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Access: Vehicles are eligible to receive the white HOV lane access sticker allowing them to be driven in the HOV lane with only one occupant. This white sticker is different from the yellow stickers issued to hybrid vehicles in that their availability is not capped at a specified number of vehicles.
* California's Environmental Performance Label: Requires all new cars starting in 2009 to display a sticker to inform consumers about the smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions of each vehicle. Vehicles are scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. ZEVs will receive a score of 10 for both smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions.
* Federal Tax Incentives for Recharging Stations: A federal tax deduction of up to $100,000 per location is available for qualified electric vehicle recharging property used in a trade or business.
* Local Community Programs: Offers public charging, free parking and supportive building codes for installation of home charging units.
* Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Requires fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in California. This first-of-its-kind standard firmly establishes sustainable demand for lower-carbon fuels without favoring one fuel over another. To start, the standard will reduce the carbon intensity of California's passenger vehicle fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020 and more thereafter.

The California definitely looks like it fits in with the rest of the current Ferrari range. But depending on who you ask, that's not necessarily a good thing. Now that we can see real-life lighting on the red-painted surface, the lines don't look quite as exaggerated as they did in the studio...but we're just not sure if we like those lines or not. The car's certainly not as subtle as a Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but you'd be hard-pressed to call it downright ugly. Perhaps just a bit over-styled. But that's just us; what do you think?
[autobild via carscoop]

Though there's still quite a few layers of camo on this tester, we're expecting the new Z4 to be quite the looker when it comes out, drawing styling cues from the CS Concept which should give it the new BMW family look we'll see in the upcoming 2009 BMW 7-Series. It actually doesn't seem so bad, at least not compared to the 2010 F3.
Hat Tip to Mark! (not me, different Mark) [248am.com]

The Voxmobile is essentially a giant amplifier that can support to up 32 guitars. It also includes a Vox organ in the rear, five 12-inch speakers, one 18-inch bass speaker, four tweeters. It also has two main drive speakers that sit atop the roadster's intake manifold. The $30,000 machine was designed for promotion purposes and, we're guessing, made even better noises with its Ford Cobra 289 powerplant. [Barris via Bornrich]

In these pics we can clearly make out a dash top user interface for the prominently displayed and new fangled pop-up iDrive. Also present in at ten and two are some aluminum paddle shifter doo-dads and on wheel controls. Something else new is the inclusion of an electric parking brake, which, as a feature still doesn't make much sense to us. The gauges get set deep in the pods and capped with chrome trim and the seats get extendable lower leg bolsters. Check out the full source picture at Bimmerfile and manual transmission versions at ZPost.

I've seen this beast several times (on sunny days), but never when I had my camera with me. So, of course, the day I've got it with me, it's later in the day and the sky's threatening rain and snow.

It evidently is owned by the guy who owns the repair shop, and the story I got from a couple of the guy's who work there is as follows:10-12 years ago, the owner (who's a big Diamond T fan) started wondering what a Diamond T roadster would look like - if they had built one. The story was that they really had, but no pictures could be found. There evidently was an outfit called either Close Enough Engineering or Close Enough Cars here in Seattle, and they started with the nose of a 1947 truck, used the front fenders to fabricate the rears, used the gauges, dash, I believe he used the frame, and the wheels and axles. A Chevy V-8, handbuilt metal body (wood for the rear), real Brooklands windscreens, and a holster for his pistol mounted on the firewall in the cab. It could use a little TLC under the hood, and the wood needs to be varnished again, but it's driven pretty regularly during the summer.

GROSSENHAIN, Germany, January 28 /PRNewswire/ — The YES! Roadster 3.2 will be on display during the 100th Chicago Autoshow from February 6th to February 17th 2008. We are looking forward to welcoming on the exhibition stand SH34 in the South Hall.

The overwhelmingly positive response from media, customers, experts and business partners reflects the great interest of the public in the puristic lightweight and proves once again the successful implementation of this concept, true to the motto: PURE DRIVING PLEASURE.

Due to the equally positive feedback from America, Funke & Will AG has extended distribution of the YES! Roadster 3.2 to North America and Canada this year. For this purpose the company has founded YES! North America Inc.

The current model is equipped with a 3.2ltr V6 motor. With its 255 hp, the 890 kg two-seater can accelerate to 60 m/h in just 4.8 seconds and gives you the driving pleasure typical of the YES!. If that's not enough for you, set your sights on the YES! Roadster 3.2 Turbo. With this turbo version, Funke & Will advance into the realm of super sports cars. Thanks to an exhaust gas turbocharger, the same original aggregate yields 355 hp, catapulting the driver of the merely 930 kg roadster from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 175mph. A specially developed rear spoiler ensures the necessary downforce to keep the 355 hp safely on the road. If more power is required there is an option for a 415bhp upgrade pushing the YES! Roadster 3.2 turbo almost to the majic 200mph barrier.

In either guise the YES! Roadster 3.2 and Turbo offers supreme handling with almost supercar performance in the 3.2 Turbo. With comfort levels that make the car and everyday option and a generous choice of optional extras from heated seats to high quality satnav.

A select group of dealers are to be anounced at the end of Febuary which will service North America from the east to the west coast with additional dealers appointed in Canada.

Detroit, USA - The engineers and designers at Lexus continue to use their groundbreaking LF-A premium sports car concept as a medium for expressing their ideas about what a high-performance sporting vehicle not only can be, but should be. In this latest expression of the LF-A, they have removed the car's top to create a high-performance roadster.

The LF-A Roadster is based on the sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure's strength and rigidity even without a top.

Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine that approaches 5.0 litres in displacement. The V10, capable of more than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph, is mounted in front of the passenger compartment but behind the front-axle centreline in what the LF-A's engineers refer to as a "front-mid" configuration.

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.

Styling is rooted in the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, conferring the LF-A Roadster's front end with a compact, low-profile, aerodynamic shape. Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster stands just 48 inches tall, but the Roadster configuration adds a speed adaptive rear wing.

The rear is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights that bracket a pair of large grilles. These grilles vent the heated air from the car's two rear-mounted radiators into the LF-A Roadster's aerodynamic wake. The radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts mounted just above the rear wheel wells. This aft radiator positioning not only allowed the designers to keep the car's front profile low and tight but also aided the LF-A's chassis engineers in their search for optimal weight distribution.

Helping to provide balance and scale to the design, which features an overall length of 175.6 inches and a wheelbase of 102.6 inches, are high-performance tyres on turbine-styled alloy wheels. The front tyres are 265/35R20s, while the rears are 305/30R20s. Like the LF-A coupe, the brakes consist of 14.2-inch cross-drilled, vented discs up front, and 13.6-inch cross-drilled, vented discs at the rear. The front brake callipers are six-piston units and the rear callipers use four pistons each.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept Preliminary Specifications
Body Type: Two seat roadster
Powertrain Type: front-mid-engine, rear-mid-transaxle
Engine: V10 (under 5.0-litres)
Transmission: SMT (sequential manual transmission)
Horsepower: more than 500
Top speed: more than 200 mph

Tyre Size Front: 265/35R20
Rear: 305/30R20

Dimensions (inches) Overall length: 175.6
Overall width: 74.6
Overall height: 48.0
Wheelbase: 102.6

ENDS

Press Release for Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster owners

Effective today Genaddi Design Group, a company in Green Bay Wisconsin in the United States, builders of the Ford GTX1 Roadster have released the following renderings of a removable carbon fiber hard top that they will be producing for the Murcielago Roadster owners. The top is designed to fit easily in the front bonnet of the car and go on and off the car in about one minute making the ownership experience of the Murcielago Roadster much more rewording. Having a top that can be stored in the car for easy on and off access to bad weather makes unplanned trips more enjoy and easier to imagine.

Let's say you live in Florida, well as you know it can be beautiful one minute and raining the next making it imposable to take the Murcielago anywhere without having a place to duck in when the rain hits. With this 6-piece hard top which includes the rear glass window, you have the option of enjoying the car a few different ways, first of course as a Roadster, than as a hard top, than as a T-top and lastly as a Targa top.

All pieces come finished in either dull or gloss finish of carbon fiber but not painted. Color matching without the car is far too hard so when you get it and want it to match your car take it to your local dealer and they will accommodate you. The top is very light weight and easy to handle for most anyone, it is not difficult to figure out and uses a proprietary system for keeping it water tight. A similar top was tested on the Ford GTX1 to over 185 MPH with no problems of it blowing off.

The top will be available directly from Genaddi Design Group or through your Lamborghini dealer. It is warranted to be free from defect with a cost of $26,000. It you would like to get on the list for one please contact Mark Gerisch at Genaddi Design Group to place the order. Production will start in May of 2008 and be sold on a first come bases. [Source: Genaddi Design]

Press Release:

S2000 CR

The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned S2000 CR provides more aggressive and track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.

The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires (in place of RE050 tires), a larger rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. A rear body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000, cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds (hardtop removed).

The exclusive interior is highlighted by black fabric seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter and carbon fiber-style trim panels. To save weight, air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional equipment.

S2000 CR Weight Savings Summary

Reducing vehicle weight increases vehicle performance and, by design, the S2000 CR weighs less than the more civilized S2000. The following summary describes how the S2000 CR reduces weight while adding some performance components that increase weight.

Eliminated Components, Hardtop Installed (approximately -51 pounds)
* Electrically-powered convertible soft top
* Sound insulation
* Spare tire and jack

Optional Eliminated Components (approximately -42 pounds)
* Air conditioning
* Audio system

User-Configurable Components (approximately -48 pounds)
* Removable aluminum hardtop

Exclusive S2000 CR Components (approximately +42 pounds)
* Front and rear spoiler
* Rear body brace
* Steering box brace
* Roll bar cowlings and hardtop mounting covers
* Heavier suspension components
* Increased rear tire size
* Tire repair kit

The latest in Hamann's Ferrari-tarting kit focuses on the F430 spider. The tuning Swabians say their aero components for the droptop are both cosmetic and functional, and come in kicky carbon-kevlar or fiberglass. A sports exhaust reportedly adds 48 horsepower, some suspension trickery adds lowness and a range of tire-wheel combinations will satisfy even the most cocaine-addled discerning footballer. Collect 'em all. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Hamann Ferrari F430 Spider

The engineers of sports-car specialist HAMANN have designed a comprehensive aerodynamics package for the Ferrari F430, taking up elements from motorsports and simultaneously presenting pure understatement. In the development of the HAMANN F430 this aspect was well to the fore as well as optimizing weight and performance. The innovatively designed front spoiler gives the HAMANN F430 a striking and individual face and minimizes the lift force at the front axle. Wide side sills impart a broader appearance to the Italian car and also a more dominant roadholding. They specially underscore the dynamic line of the basic model. At the back the newly designed rear diffuser catches the eye and the rear spoiler ensures a higher downforce at the rear axle. The HAMANN aerodynamics components do not only mean an optical upgrading, but above all a remarkable increase regarding driving performance - this is proven by the fact that all add-on parts are optionally available in carbon-kevlar or fiberglass version. This makes the HAMANN Ferrari F430 definitely a powerful road-racing car, which causes a sensation!

Performance plays an important role in motorsports. This is also true for the HAMANN Ferrari F430. The HAMANN engineers have developed a complete high-performance sports exhaust system including a high-performance collector and sports catalysts. The result of this largescale modification is a performance increase of in all 48 hp, that has a correspondingly positive effect on the car´s performance. The four-branch sports rear mufflers, specially designed by HAMANN, release an absolutely powerful and sonorous sound reminding you of the background noise at a racetrack. The Laupheim company optionally offers a second tailpipe version with two tailpipes per side including throttle control.

More driving pleasure in the HAMANN Ferrari F430 can be expected of the specially designed coil suspension. The HAMANN suspension can be adjusted in height as well as in rebound and compression, thus the F430 reacts definitely more agile and more precisely to steering changes and therefore offers remarkably sportier driving dynamics.

The HAMANN Ferrari F430 is bridled by a sports brake system at the front axle, which has been adapted correspondingly to its performance. The brake system guarantees exact deceleration and permanent control of the racy Italian car from Swabia.

HAMANN stakes on a motorsports look also regarding the rims of the Ferrari F430. The multi-piece PG3 in classic five-spoke design gives an extremely powerful impression and allows a good look at the brake system. The PG3 is available in 9x19-inch dimension with tires size 255/30ZR19 front and in 11,5x19-inch dimension with tires size 295/30ZR19 or 13x19-inch dimension with tires size 355/25ZR19 at the rear axle. Alternatively you can choose the also multi-piece, forged ANNIVERSARY II. Its fine spokes clearly show the sporty character of the Swabian F430 and allow a good look at the brake system. The ANNIVERSARY II is available for the HAMANN Ferrari F430 in 9x19-inch dimension with tires size 255/30ZR19 front and 12,5x19-inch dimension with tires size 355/25ZR19 rear as well as 8,5x20-inch dimension with tires 235/30ZR20 for the front axle and 12,5x20-inch dimension with tires size 335/25ZR20 for the rear axle. Brand new is the HAMANN alloy wheel "EDITION RACE" in 20 inch. It is available in 8,5 x 20 for the front axle and 12 x 20 for the rear.

The interior of the HAMANN Ferrari F430 is a successful mixture of luxurious and sporty features. An exclusive full leather interior in all colors as well as a high-quality set of mats give an elegant impression. Suiting racing seats and sills create motorsports feeling.

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Hamann Ferrari F430 Black Miracle [internal]

Add another lightweight roadster to the new school of track-day toys. The catch is you have to build it yourself. Steve Graber originally created the 1,200-pound La Bala, a tube-frame, mid-engine sportscar, from a MKI MR2 donor. Now, Graber's company Grabercars is offering the La Bala in turnkey and kit forms. It's designed mainly for track use, but may be street legal in some localities, and will accept a range of front-wheel-drive powertrains. Grabercars has already developed the mounting brackets for several engines, and they'll include them with the $25,000 order. Assembly required. [UPDATE: For clarification, the FWD powertrain is set midships, driving the rear wheels.] – Mike Spinelli

[via Grabercars]

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As Tesla Motors recently informed buyers who pre-ordered its electric roadster, it's downgraded the car's range from 250 miles to 200 miles. That due to a design change to increase protection around the batteries, which has boosted weight to 2,600 lbs. That's significantly more than the Lotus Elise (1,984 lbs) on which it's based. Nonetheless, roadster prototypes were recently caught during tests near the Arctic circle, whose brutal cold can cause electronic components to behave like a four-year-old on a mega dose of the sillies. Spies say two prototypes were spotted on frozen lakes, icy roads and parking lots overnight. The thinking is, if it can start up after eight hours in sub-zero cold, it should do just fine in a heated and humidity-controlled garage in Marin. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Tesla Roadster [World Car Fans]

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The Car and Driver society has procured some long-lens stalker shots of an upcoming Mercedes-McLaren SLR roadster prototype cruising the Canary Islands. The M&Ms have already confirmed the big-buck droptop is on the way. But whether the half-million-dollar supercar will get the coupe's butterfly doors or a straight-up scissor configuration is probably the most pressing question at this juncture. C'mon, the valet community has to know these things for parking's sake. – Mike Spinelli

Spied: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster - Car News [Car and Driver]

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