The Audi R8 is synonymous to racing success. Previously used to name perhaps the greatest Le Mans prototype racer, the R8 was used to represent Audi’s supercar. The R8 name did not stay on the road though, as the R8 name made its way back to the track. Thanks to the R8 LMS GT3, Audi was able to dominate the touring car scene for the last 3 years, winning 12 different championships and winning a grand total of 115 races.

However, Audi, not resting on its laurels, created its successor that aims to continue the tradition. This successor is the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra.

Thanks to the work of Audi’s subsidiary Quattro GmbH, the daunting task of improving an already strong sports car has been accomplished with great results. Using the inputs of those that owned the R8 LMS GT3, these inputs are then utilized to improve the Ultra. The result is a car that is made to keep winning and exceed even the loftiest expectations.

Performance

New carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) doors and new energy absorbing foams not only reduce the car’s overall car weight but also increase the car’s overall safety. A new PS1 safety seat further increases safety even more. An updated transmission is created to provide better toughness necessary for endurance races.

The 5.2 liter V10 produces a maximum output of 570 horsepower, designed to fit in with GT3 regulations standards and last for thousands of kilometers. And with improved aerodynamics and suspension settings, the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra is poised to continue the Audi R8’s legendary reputation.

Specifications

The Ford Mustang is one of the most American of all American sports cars. The epitome of the modern muscle car movement, it has endeared itself to people all over the world. Of course, even legends can improve.

And Ford was able to do just that with the 2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.

Exterior & Interior

The 2013 Mustang features some subtle modifications that made its retro styling acquire more swagger. With its new styling and the inclusion of some new technologies, this car has been reborn, literally and figuratively. A more prominent grille, together with a front splitter and hood vents, create a more aggressive yet functional styling cue upfront.

Smoked taillights complete this purposeful look on the rear. HID headlights are also new for this car. To complete the new look, new wheel selections ranging from 17 to 19 inches in diameter can be selected by prospective owners. Optional Recaro seats, the same seats used for premium Mustangs such as the Shelby and Boss models, are also available.

Performance

As for the mechanicals, there are vast improvements too. The 5.0 liter V8 found on the GT has an improved output of 420 horsepower. The key to this improvement are the things that they have learned while developing the limited edition Boss model. A SelectShift 6 speed automatic transmission with a manual function also comes standard. An optional track package allows sports car enthusiasts to upgrade their pony’s performance.

There are a lot of things to love with the 2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. With this car, they have proven that even the best can get even better.

Specifications

The Ferrari 599 is one of the finest grand touring cars Ferrari has ever produced. With the swagger of a touring car and the soul of a true super sports car, the 599 was immediately recognized as a modern classic. But of course, there are people that are seeking more for this car, including Ferrari itself.

In response to this, Ferrari has released, albeit in limited numbers, arguably the ultimate 599: the 2012 Ferrari 599 XX Evoluzione. Developed as a track day weapon a la the Porsche 911 GT2 and other similar cars, this car is packed with the latest and greatest technology that Ferrari has to offer.

Racing in Mind

This car, while it still looks like the 599 and still keeps the same engine and transaxle, is a completely different beast. True to Ferrari’s High Performance Dynamic Concept, the 599XX is an eclectic mix of mechanical and electronic excellence that pushed the boundaries of speed.

The recipient of some of Ferrari’s gizmos developed from years of experience in Formula 1, everything from aerodynamics to electronics are modified into this car, producing perhaps the most electrifying production car out there.

Performance

As for the mechanicals, an enhanced aerodynamic kit allows the production of 280kg of down force at 200km/h and 630kg at 300km/h, a SCM suspension that improves the 599’s already awesome handling capabilities, a lightweight body consisting of composite and carbon fiber parts, carbon ceramic brakes that promise optimal stopping power while reducing weight, and a modified engine that boasts outputs of 700hp at 9000rpm join forces to turn the 2012 Ferrari 599 XX Evoluzione the ultimate track weapon.

Specifications

Hennessey is known to create some of the fastest cars in the world. Remember the Hennessey Venom GT? It is a supercar with a Lotus Elise body that houses a 1200 horsepower Chevrolet Corvette engine complete with 2 turbochargers. It is the same car that challenged world records and successfully got the reputation of being one of the fastest cars ever produced.

Now, Hennessey has announced the release of the 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, promising the same superlative speeds in a convertible package.

Lightweight

This car is still the same Venom GT. It still has the Elise body frame. It still has the lightweight sub-2640 lbs (1200 kg) frame. It still has the 20 inch wheels that promise both style and substance. It still has Brembo carbon ceramic brakes that promise fail proof braking even at consistently high speeds. It still has the Ricardo 6 speed gearbox that combines great acceleration and a super top speed.

Performance

And then there is the extensively modified 6.2 liter LS2 V8 that made its appearance in the Corvette. Thanks to extensive modifications, including the attachment of 2 Garrett turbochargers, output is increased to a mind boggling 1200 horsepower, taking it to speeds of over 400 kilometers per hour.

But what makes the 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is its price tag, a compelling 1.1 million dollars. Quite frankly, there is no convertible in the world today that can match this car. Just imagine roaring at ungodly speeds with the top down. Add with this car’s incredible exclusivity (only 5 Venom GTs are slated to be produced in 2012), it makes this car all the more compelling.

Specifications

Aston Martin is no stranger to motorsports. And now they are making a comeback.

The next step to their world motorsports plans is the introduction of the 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3, a car that is seen to succeed the successful DBRS9 GT3 race cars that dominated touring car races worldwide.

This car is the next step towards Aston Martin’s goal of ruling the world racing circuit once again. And now, armed with 6 years of experience campaigning with the DBR9 and the DBRS9, the V12 Vantage GT3 is expected to be much better than its predecessors. The heart of this new racer is the same 6.0 liter V12 engine found in the street version of the V12 Vantage, but it has seen its share of modifications to better withstand the demands of racing.

Performance Driven

To increase performance and reliability, a lightweight crankshaft, new valve trains, and dry sump lubrication has been added into the engine. Ventilated disc brakes on all 4 corners are used in this car, designed to provide adequate stopping power even during endurance races. A double wishbone suspension is used for both the front and rear ends of the car.

Tested

It is scheduled to be released next year as the DBRS9s are still eligible to compete. This car is far from finished, but if there’s any indication that this car is going to be good, 2 day testing showed that it was able to cover 1000 kilometers with ease. Even better is that it is a marked improvement to the already formidable DBRS9. The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 seems poised to take the motorsports world by storm next year.

Specifications