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Thursday, June 24, 2010

World's Most Expensive Cars

What is the most expensive car in the world? The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for $8,700,000 in 1987. However, that car and many alike will not be included in this list because it is not available on the market today. It is hard to imagine someone would actually spend 8 million dollars on a car instead of using it for something more productive. However, if you have the money and the opportunity, you will definitely spend a small fraction of it to place a few of these supercars in your garage. Here are the 10 most expensive production cars on the market.



1.Bugatti Veyron - Price $1,700,000

Transmission is a dual-shift-clutch gearbox direct computer-controlled automatic with seven gear ratios, with magnesium paddles behind the steering wheel and shift of less than 150 milliseconds, by Ricardo UK than the Borg-Warner, who designed the six-speed DSG is used in mainstream Volkswagen Group marques. Veyron can be driven in either mode of semi-or fully-automatic. A replacement for the transmission of the Veyron costs more than $ 120,000 only.

He also has a permanent four-wheel drive with Haldex Traction system.


Special uses Michelin PAX run tire, designed specifically to accommodate the top speed the Veyron, which reportedly cost $ 25,000 U.S. per set. can only be removed from the tire rims in France, of a service that reportedly cost $ 70,000. Kerb weight is the 2,034.8 kilograms (4486 pounds).


These cars provide power to weight ratio, according to 1001

metric horsepower Volkswagen Group (736 kW, 987 bhp)

numbers, from 446.3 bhp per tonne.car wheelbase is 2710 mm (106.7 in). Overall length is 4462 mm (175.7 in), width 1998 mm (78.7 in) high and 1204 mm (47.4 in).



2. Lamborghini Reventon - Price $1,600,000


Driven by a V12 engine with 640 bhp power, this car can be driven with acceleration from 0-100 km / h in 3.3 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 340 km / hr. Physical shape actually resembles its predecessor is the Lamborghini Murcielago with slight modifications the front and rear so that it truly resembles a bat. The interior, coated by a dual-tone Alcantara.

One unique completeness of this car is an electronic instrument: G-Force-Meter that serves to provide power on the runway longitudinal acceleration.


Driven by a V12 engine with 640 bhp power, this car can be driven with acceleration from 0-100 km / h in 3.3 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 340 km / hr. Physical shape actually resembles its predecessor is the Lamborghini Murcielago with slight modifications the front and rear so that it truly resembles a bat. The interior, coated by a dual-tone Alcantara.

One unique completeness of this car is an electronic instrument: G-Force-Meter that serves to provide power on the runway longitudinal acceleration.


3. McLaren F1 - Price $ 970,000

McLaren F1 is the most powerful supercar produced by McLaren between the years 1994-1998, from the 100 cars: 65 are street versions, 5 are LMs (which was build to honor victory at Le Mans in 1995) and 3 are Gts (the road versions of the 1997 F1 GTR racing car) and 28 F1 GTR made for the roads.

The Chief Engineer Gordon Murroy`s concept refers to the use of expensive materials like: carbon, titanium, gold and for the first time, the use of carbon fiber monocoque chassis.

Power? Here is a good question, the car has the power output at 627 horsepower or has an imperial HP. The super car is powered by an 6 L V12 engine built by BMW, 627 HP at 7400 rmp, same as road car version.

The car has a top speed of 386 km/h or 240 mph (very good speed for 1994) and can reach a speed of 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h in 6.7 seconds and 300 km/h in 30 seconds. The McLaren F1 was the fastest car in the world until Bugatti Veyron was introduced.


4. Ferrari Enzo - Price $670,000

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12 cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari. It is currently one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production cars.[citation needed] It was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style electrohydraulic shift transmission, and Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes.


Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 775 kg (1,709 lb) is reached at 355.6 km/h (221 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

Ferrari set out to develop the Enzo as an integrated system designed for extreme performance, in which even the limits of the performance achievable by the driver were enhanced, thanks to a man-machine interface typical of Formula 1.

In developing the Enzo, Ferrari set itself two pure performance targets which would represent a milestone for ultra-fast cars: to increase the grip limit in medium-fast bends by increasing downforce (lateral dynamics,) while maintaining a very high top speed, over 350 km/h (longitudinal dynamics.)


This meant that different aerodynamic configurations with contrasting characteristics had to coexist on the same car. In racing cars, this problem is solved by developing wings and special aerodynamic accessories for each circuit. But in the case of the Enzo, for which the various targets had to coexist in a single aerodynamic configuration, a concept of active, integrated aerodynamics was developed.


The high downforce configuration was obtained with a basic aerodynamic set-up developed on the basis of contemporary concepts for the definition of covered-wheel racing cars combined with the expertise of Ferrari Gestione Sportiva.


5. Pagani Zonda C12 F - Price $667,321

The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW; 594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (480 kW; 640 hp). The company promises a 3.5 second sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h), a top speed over 215 mph (346 km/h). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 528 bhp/ton (384 W/kg). An Enzo Ferrari, comparatively, has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).


The top speed can be further tweaked by adjusting the aerodynamic settings. 215 mph (346 km/h) is the car's top speed on the setting for the best handling which provides the most down force but also has the highest drag coefficient. If the aerodynamic settings were adjusted the top speed would be a bit higher. This also seems to be the reason that when EVO Magazine attempted the Pagani Zonda S's top speed on the Autobahn, that they were only able to get the car to 197 mph (317 km/h), as opposed to its claimed top speed of 220 mph (350 km/h). It would make sense that if the car was set up for maximum downforce then its top speed would drop to around 200 mph (320 km/h). Company representatives at Pagani's factory backed up this claim. However, the EVO article claimed that aerodynamic parts, specifically ones which created drag were in fact removed during the run, bringing Pagani's claims into question.


The Zonda F Clubsport lapped the Nürburgring, in 7 minutes 27.82 seconds, beating the Porsche Carrera GT.It was surpassed by the 2009 Corvette ZR1 on 7 June 2008, with a time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds. With Marc Basseng at the wheel the Zonda F CS has set a new time around the Nürburgring, lapping the 12.9 miles (21 km) Nordschleife in 7:24.7 now only surpassed by the Maserati MC12 which set a time of 7:24.3, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR with a time of 7:22.1. and the Radical SR8LM with a record time of 6:48.


The Zonda F, named after Formula One driver Juan Manuel Fangio, comes with an extra head light and different fog lights at the sides, new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler, more aerodynamic vents all around) that improves the cars aerodynamics and different side mirrors. Further enhancements over the 'S' centre around optional carbon/ceramic brakes developed in conjunction with Brembo, magnesium wheels, inconel titanium exhaust system, hydroformed aluminum intake plenum and a redesigned 'Z preg' weave in the crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.











6. SSC Ultimate Aero - Price $654,400


Shelby SuperCars spent more than seven years designing, developing, and executing the ultimate driver’s car. The result is the Ultimate Aero TT.

Powered by a forced induction V8 engine (with Chevrolet roots), the two-seat super car is for the guy or girl whose neighbors all probably drive Lambos, Ferraris, or Carrera Gts, and he or she just wanted something a little different.

Made completely of carbon fiber composite, save for the doors, hood and trunk, the body has a total weight of 131 lbs (Before the addition of all other components). The Aero TT is powered by a 387.2 cubic-inch twin-turbocharged V8 that achieves 1183 horsepower at 6950 rpm, with 1094 pound-feet of torque.

The mid-engine, rear drive layout of the Aero TT, helps add to the downforce needed to put the nearly 1200 horsepower to the ground. Performance is so potent that the Guiness World Records verified in October 2007 that with twin passes that averaged 256.18 mph, the Aero TT is officially the “Fastest Production Car in the world.” This is the first time since the Ford GT40 held the record in 1967, that an American manufacturer has held the title. Estimated top speed in the Aero TT is 273 mph.

Creature comforts inside the Aero TT include a custom leather interior, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, 10 speaker premium audio/video system, DVD Navigation/Backup camera and a gas controlled front lift to help navigate road hazards.

The Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero TT is the hotrod for those who feel the garden variety of supercars are too common. With production scheduled for around 25 cars, you will certainly be running in very rare air.


Drive train Rear Wheel Drive Curb Weight (lbs) 2750 (dry) Horsepower 1183 @ 6950 Torque (lb-ft) 1094 @ 6150 Wheelbase 105.2 Length (in.) 176.2 Width (in.) 82.7 Height (in.) 43.0




7. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo - Price $555,000


Saleen's S7 is America's first and up to date the only exotic supercar with mid-engine configuration. When in 2002 S7 went on sale, it was the only street-legal car in the United States that has more than 500 horse power output and 500 lb-ft of torque. S7 Twin-Turbo is the successor of the already legendary supercar S7. Like in any other true supercar, the doors of Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo open upward and away from the body. It features an even more powerful all-aluminum V8 engine, which produces 750 horse power @ 6300 rpm and 700 lb-ft of torque. Redline is at 6500 rpm. 2006 version of Saleen exotic car also has one unique interior feature - a video rear-view mirror. There actually is a small video camera mounted in the rear of the fast car, which transmits the view to the driver. The main idea here was not to use standard rear-view mirrors in favour of aerodynamics, thus reducing aero drag and increasing down force.











8. Koenigsegg CCX -
Price $545,568

The Koenigsegg CCX supercar is one of Europe's premiere racing cars, but it is only available for consumption by those who have the ability to shell out the money needed for such an expensive, yet luxurious purchase. The Competition Coupe X is one of Koenigsegg's latest exotic car creations, all of which are known to be some of the best speed cars in the world. Koenigsegg sports cars are not available for mass consumption, mainly due to the large price of such automobiles. Base price is $540,000 + taxes, while fully equipped supercar costs $600,900 + taxes. The Koenigsegg CCX is a great purchase for those who can afford it, due to the fact that it is the tenth anniversary issue of the 1996 CX supercar model, which is one of Koenigsegg's best creations.


The supercharged V8 806 bhp @ 6900 rpm (redline at 7600 rpm) engines inside 1180 kg (2691 lbs) Koenigsegg CCX exotic cars are specially created for the people who design the Koenigsegg CCX though the design is highly based off of the Ford Modular engines, which provide other foreign companies with some of the best engine templates available. The engine is very compatible is various fuel types, and is able to run via gasoline and other bio-fuels, which are proving to be highly marketable, as well as the cars that can accommodate such technological advances. It is fully compliant with California emission regulations and is a street-legal motor. Koenigsegg CCX prides itself on being one of the best producers of tough, speedy cars, while also trying to adhere to environmental procedures that are growing with the high fuel prices and a stricter outlook on global warming.


The Koenigsegg CCX is the world's fastest car with a V8 engine, and has consistently won awards from various institutions all over the world, not only for its design and ability to operate at high speeds, but also for the ability of the people at Koenigsegg CCX to keep reinventing their product in a way that helps other philanthropic organizations. The Koenigsegg CCX is a great supercar to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the CX, while still being a great car independent of any others.











9. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadste
r
- Price $495,000


Mercedes-Benz and McClaren joined together in late 2003 to launch a super high-performance sports/touring coupe aimed at the supercar market. For the 2008 model year, Mercedes chopped the top off of the SLR to create a Roadster in hopes to drum up sales.

Powered by the same supercharged 5.5 liter V8 as the coupe, the SLR roadster pumps out 617 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 575 lb-ft. of torque at 3,250 RPM. The V8 is actually produced and developed by Mercedes’ in-house tuner, AMG, though AMG badging is absent from the SLR. A five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters puts the power to the rear wheels and helps the SLR hit 60 miles per hour in a handful of ticks over three seconds.

Huge brakes and a trunklid-mounted airbrake help stop the SLR roadster with the same authority as its closed-top brother.

The SLR Roadster’s styling is nearly identical to the coupe’s, including a long hood and overhang and a tapered tail, though rather than a fixed roof, there’s an ultra light-weight cloth roof (available in three colors). The SLR Roadster’s body ' like the coupe’s ' is composed of carbon fiber. Mercedes-Benz claims that conversation levels are normal at standard highway speeds, though voices probably need to be raised as the SLR Roadster approaches its 207-mile-per-hour top speed.

Open the scissor doors ' borrowed from the coupe ' and things are luxurious and typical Mercedes. Much of the switchgear is identical to other Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the early 21st century, including the COMAND system. Premium leather covers everything, including the firm seats. Befitting its sporting nature, the SLR Roadster eschews wood trim for sporty carbon fiber throughout.













10. Porsche Carrera GT -
Price $440,000


The Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 DIN (605 SAE) horsepower (450 kW), whereas the original concept car featured a 5.5 litre version rated at 558 hp (416 kW). Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph)[3], although road tests indicated that in reality the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 mph (160 km/h) in 6.8 seconds, while 0-125 mph (201 km/h) in 9.9 seconds


The Carrera GT has a basic five colour paint scheme which includes Guards Red, Fayence Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver and Seal Grey. Custom colours were also available from the factory. A traditional six-speed manual transmission is the only available transmission. Attached to this gearbox is a beechwood gearknob which pays homage to the wooden gearknob used in the Porsche 917 Le Mans racers. In its second year of production, a limited edition carbon fibre knob was also made available.


The Carrera GT has large side inlets and air dams that help cool the large V10 engine framed by the carbon fibre rear bonnet. Fitted with Porsche's latest Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite brake system, the 15-inch (380 mm) SGL Carbon disc brakes make an impressive appearance underneath the 19 inch front and 20 inch rear wheels. Similar to other Porsche models, such as the 911, the GT includes an automated rear wing spoiler which deploys above 70 mph (110 km/h).


The interior is fitted with soft leather. Bose audio system and navigation systems are available as options. In typical Porsche fashion, the ignition is to the left of the steering wheel. This placement dates back to the early days of Le Mans racing when drivers were required to make a running start, hop into their cars, start them and begin the race. The placement of the ignition enabled the driver to start the car with his left hand and put it in gear with his right.














The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Live At The Troubadour [CD / DVD Combo]

Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)

Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest


Most Expensive Motorcycles

There are many different types of motorcycles – fast ones, big ones, good cruisers, motor crossers, all sorts. But this is about a different kind of bike – Insanely expensive, ridiculously trick, made-from-the-most-exotic materials-on-the-planet bikes.

Really, if you have to ask how much these are – you can’t afford one. I had to ask so you don’t have to, but if you see one of these on the road, just remember, the rider is probably as scared of scratching it as you are of dropping your baby. They are in no partucular order except that I have saved the most expensive for last.




1. MV-Augusta F4CC - Price $120,000


You heard right, a hundred twenty thousand dollars, although if you stump up this much cash, you do get a free leather jacket and watch. It’s a pretty fancy watch, but it’s still just a watch. Claudio Castiglioni, the boss of MV said, “I decided to put my name to this bike as I originally dreamed of it for myself,” and 90% of the components are hand made to be as light as possible. In fact, the alternator cover saved 2 kilos in weight over the standard model.

Brembo racing brakes, hand made engine internals, a 1078cc engine, titanium racing exhaust, one-off mechanical slipper clutch. This weighs just 187 kilos and produces 200 hp. According to the designers, they were going for a “little black number.” Gimme gimme. Only 100 were made, and as far as I know, they didn’t sell them all yet, so you can still pick one up.


2. Aprilia RSV1000R - Price $17,999

The Aprilia Factory RSV makes the MV look as insanely expensive as it actually is, but at 18K, that’s still a fair chunk of change compared to the competition – you can buy a GSXR-1000 and still have enough money left over to appease the spouse. The RSV has an extremely impressive spec sheet and pedigree, but in this class, it’s just too cheap. Fully adjustable front and rear Ohlins suspension, Ohlins steering damper, Brembo radial mount brakes and forged magnesium wheels make this a serious performance animal. Maybe if they gold plated it or something? It’s a nice looking bike though and universally acclaimed as a good ride.



3. MTT Turbine SuperBike - Price $150,000

After developing the first turbine-powered outboard sanctioned by the US military and the RetroROCKET™, MTT produced not only the first turbine-powered street legal motorcycle, but also the most powerful production bike in the world: the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE™.


Powered by a Rolls Royce-Allison gas turbine engine, the Turbine SUPERBIKE™ has demonstrated over 320-hp and 425-ft/lbs of torque on the Dyne Jet 200 and has been clocked at a record breaking 227-mph.


MTT's latest model, the MTT Turbine STREETFIGHTER™, has all the standard features of the Turbine SUPERBIKE™ yet with a larger swingarm, Pirelli® Diablo 240 rear tire, increased fuel capacity, and enhanced cooling system. The Turbine STREETFIGHTER™ comes equipped with a 320-hp Rolls Royce-Allison turbine with the option to upgrade to a 420-hp turbine with approximately 500-ft/lbs of torque.


Representing the latest in engineering technology, the bike features carbon fiber fairings, a tubular aluminum frame containing the bike's transmission fluids and reserve tank, a rear-mounted camera with LCD color display, SmartStart™ computerized ignition, and more. Men's Journal lists the Turbine SUPERBIKE™ as one the most "…awe-inspiring, innovative, and otherwise amazing designs" in their feature article 'Perfect Stuff'. With production limited to five per year, it's no wonder the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE™ has become a revolution.




5. Macchia Nera concept bike - Price $201,000

The Macchia Nera Concept Bike is near the top of the list of most expensive motorcycles at 150,000 Euros ($201,000). Built around a Ducati 998RS engine, its Italian designers and engineers set out to create an extremely high tech and expensive motorcycle that would be thought of as “the ultimate track bike” that is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple”.


The Testastretta engine is fitted with lightweight metals and alloys like titanium and aluminum making it very lightweight. The view from the side of the Macchia Nera shows exposed belts and engine components, giving its design a minimalist feel while still being aesthetically pleasing. We should add that this bike is a one of a kind and not in produced for retail at this point, but if you have an extra 150,000 Euros ($201,000) laying around for an expensive toy, your dream might come true.



6.
Dodge Tomahawk - Price $250,000


The Dodge Tomahawk is a concept vehicle which was produced by Dodge.

At the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Dodge unveiled a vehicle with a futuristic and unusual design, featuring the 500 hp (373 kW) 8.3 L V10 SRT10 engine from the Dodge Viper.

The vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels, making it a kind of motorized quadricycle rather than a typical motorcycle. It was reported that hand-built examples of the Tomahawk would be produced on order through the Neiman Marcus catalog at a price of US$ 555,000 for the bike and $100 million to develop. and 9 of them might have sold. The Tomahawk's impracticality was mocked by one with as a "rideable engine stand.



7.
Ecosse Moto Works’ Limited Edition Titanium - Price $275,000

Last, but by no means least is the first ever Titanium motorcycle. With handcrafted, clear coated carbon fiber bodywork, hand painted tank and get this – a fuel injected, supercharged, intercooled 2,150cc billet motor, clear coated carbon fiber wheels and a hand made titanium exhaust system.


This bike weights 440 lbs and puts out “more than,” 200 hp – at the rear wheel, and produces “more than,” 210 ft/lbs of torque. This is a little like the old expression from Rolls Royce when they were asked how much power their car engines produced – enough. Available exclusively from Robb Report.com Oh, and you get a free watch. I should bloody well hope so for over a quarter million dollars. Unlike the Dodge and Macchia, this one is actually in production - 10 have been built.