At motor shows around the world, exhibitors have recently vied with each other to present an image of modesty. Not so in the US gambling mecca of Las Vegas where the biggest names in auto tuning are currently flexing their muscles at the SEMA convention (3rd - 6th November). The American tuning and accessories industry had a turnover of over $30bn last year, a trend that looks set to continue. The abbreviation SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. Trade representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the event which is being held on 180,000 square metres of exhibition space.
There are around 2,000 exclusive models on display. This show has the lot, from beefed-up muscle cars and pick-ups to show cars and the full gamut of tuning components. To nobody's surprise, the Mustang once again registers as the most 'pimped' vehicle, with no fewer than eight different versions of the sports car on display. Probably the most interesting of these comes from the Ford Racing Team, who are producing the Mustang Cobra Jet in a limited edition of fifty units. Every single one of the 2010 version has been sold already, so a wistful glance at the gallery below will have to suffice.
From 3rd to 6th November, the US Tuning Elite are convening at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Jay Leno is a popular TV star (Jay Leno Show) in America and an avid car collector. His specially tuned Camaro can be seen at the SEMA Show. This racer is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V6, pumping out around 425bhp. Of course, the Leno Camaro has also had a visual makeover in the guise of a new front spoiler with integrated air intakes for brakes and a bonnet lid sporting huge air vents.
When the Cheetah factory in Arizona burned down in the year 1965, that seemed to spell the end of this particular American runabout. But it was precisely the manner of its demise that made tuning specialist Bill Thomas's creation a candidate for cult car status. It is claimed that a prototype reached a top speed of 223mph (362 km/h) on the Daytona track. The few surviving Cheetahs have become much-sought-after collectors' items.
Now, thanks to a few enthusiasts, this vehicle with its stunning rear end is obtainable once again. The Cheetah rights have been held by the Arizona-based kit-car manufacturer BTM since 2001. The heirs are asking 99,500 US dollars for each retro racer which comes complete with certificate of authenticity. A cheaper option is to buy the kit and build it yourself. The Cheetah has a more than passing resemblance to Shelby's Cobra, but that rear end is rather special.
With the Veritas RS III, Vermot AG are trying to recreate the looks and feel of a sports car from the 40s or 50s. The prototype caused quite a stir when it was unveiled last year. At the Salon Privé show in London, it effortlessly won the Best Super Car of 2009 award. Now, as this super sports model goes into series production, Vermot have released new photos of the Veritas RS III Roadster.
As you would expect of a super car, this will be a relatively small-scale production run. At the company's headquarters in Gelsdorf (Rhineland Palatinate), they expect to have sold out of the complete edition of 30 vehicles by the end of the year. Deliveries to the first batch of customers will then commence in January 2010. Vermot will be charging a basic price of 345,000 euros (£310,000). For this princely sum, customers can expect a racer that sprints from 0 to 62mph in under 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed is claimed to be 214mph (347 km/h). The 15-strong workforce operates in three teams: chassis, bodywork and cabin interior. Each Veritas takes eight weeks to assemble, and at any one time, three will be in production. The RS III has a 1+1 layout with a covered passenger seat available only as and when required. The whole production process is conducted according to the strictest quality norms and the final result fully complies with homologated EU standards. A couple of days ago, a test drive was staged at Brands Hatch (Kent) in the context of the Trackdays event. Potential purchasers who went for a spin in the demo model were thoroughly impressed.
The Lotus Exige has developed a certain cult status amongst a dedicated fan base because it transfers the technology of the racetrack to the ordinary highway. In the new Lotus special edition Exige Scura, the British constructor has shown that its cars also have a wicked streak. Only 35 Scuras are to be built. They will have a matt black finish with glossy black go-faster stripes down the side. The visual impression is further accentuated by components made of dark carbon fibre. This diminutive yet aggressive-looking Lotus is powered by a 260bhp engine capable of propelling the less than one-tonne lightweight from 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds. The vehicle is beautiful in a spine-chilling sort of way and is sure to raise a few goose pimples at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
The 1,183bhp SSC Ultimate Aero TT is currently the world's fastest car. It's possible to achieve over 413 km/h (258mph) when the American muscle car really lets rip. In 2007, this supercar from the land of opportunity took the crown from reigning speed-king, Bugatti Veyron. The way in which the massive 1,183bhp engine propels the Aero from 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in just 2.8 seconds is awesome. After six seconds, you have already passed the 200 km/h (125mph) mark. Adrian von Hooydonk, Head of Design BMW Group, is responsible for the Aero's aggressive looks.
Putting out a thumping 817bhp, this extraordinary supercar can achieve 395 km/h.bringt der extravagante Sportwagen mit brachialen auf den Asphalt. This vehicle tipping the scales at 1,180 kilos accelerates from 0-62mph in only 3.2 seconds. Power is provided by a V8 4.7L supercharged engine. The Koenigsegg CCX replaced the McLaren F1 as the world's fastest road car in the Guinness Book of Records.
Koenigsegg CCX 395 km/h 817 horsepower 0-62: 3.2 sec
The McLaren F1 supercar was built between 1994 and 1997 in a production run of 100 vehicles. Of that number, 72 were registered as road versions. Former Brabham designer, Gordon Murray, developed the bodywork of the McLaren F1. The car is a three-seater. The driver sits in the middle of the cockpit and passengers can enjoy the ride sitting slightly to the rear on each side. The XP 5 McLaren F1 prototype was until 2005 the world's fastest production road car with a true top speed of 386.4 km/h (240.1mph).
Ferrari's most powerful and fastest model to date was named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. This supercar was designed by Pininfarina and is one of the world's most powerful vehicles. The Enzo was originally going to be limited to a production run of 349. Ferrari sent out a prospectus to existing customers and all 349 cars were sold before manufacture began. A while later, after receiving many requests, Ferrari decided to build another 50 models, bringing the total number of cars produced to 399.
This Bentley is characterised by its impressive dimensions. It is 4.43 metres long and two metres wide. The car is like a living room on wheels. Its name is a reference to the engine, indicating in litres the capacity of the motor and number of cylinders. Today, this design is displayed in the company museum.
Bentley BY 8.16 Hunaudieres 350 km/h 623 horsepower
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