By itself, the Mercedes Benz SLS is already a superb automobile, as close to perfection that a sports car can possibly achieve. But in the hands of tuner company Brabus, they have elevated the already high standards of this car to another level.

So what makes the 2011 Brabus Mercedes Benz SLS Roadster special?

Design

Hanging on to their reputation for “style and performance”, Brabus has gone on to transform the SLS convertible into their definition of the ultimate SLS. The aerodynamic kit that Brabus used for the SLS used for the coupe is modified to adapt to the convertible’s different aerodynamic characteristics. As usual, the aerodynamic parts are made of carbon fiber, on par with what’s used on race cars.

If that doesn’t sound lightweight enough, custom made 21 inch Brabus forged wheels further saves weight from the body. Brabus developed a suspension in partnership with Bilstein, provides a perfect compromise between razor sharp handling on the track and proper shock absorbing on the road. A front lift system allows the front to be raised to avoid obstacles such as speed humps to avoid damage.

Performance

Then Brabus proceeded to modifying the engine with their B63 S Tuning Kit. Featuring new ECU settings and a high performance exhaust system that is enough to raise the output of the SLS engine into 611 horsepower, which is not a small amount in any stretch of the imagination.

Combine all that with a fully customizable high quality interior, and you get the 2011 Brabus Mercedes Benz SLS Roadster, a car that is special in almost every single way.

Specifications

The latest Skoda Design Concept car is paving the way for all future Skodas. And this concept car does look pretty impressive. While some of the characteristic design features of previous Skoda models remain, they have been modified and modernized to produce something that is simple yet elegant.

A long wheelbase and short overhangs appear to be prerequisites for successful automobiles and the 2011 Skoda Design Concept certainly have these elements.

Exterior

The car has a high level of visual majesty: the tailgate has been seamlessly integrated into the body of the car, the roof line is dynamic and the unobtrusive yet larger grill with fine slats and shiny finish together create something that is definitely pleasing to look at.

Something else that you’ll notice when you see the new 2011 Skoda Design Concept is that the Skoda logo has also had a bit of a revamp. The newly arranged logo stands out as the start point for all of the new Skoda’s contours and intersects the horizontal bonnet line making it the center of attention when you look at the car head on. The clearly structured logo has also been bordered by four headlights which add warmth to the design.

Interior

The precision of the Skoda concept car design is mirrored on the inside. The unadorned, angular, clean shapes used allow drivers to utilize a generous amount of space in the passenger and trunk areas.

We can’t talk about the 2011 Skoda Concept car without mentioning the presence of crystal glass! It’s an interesting addition that reflects the link with Czech culture and craftsmanship; however, driving a car that utilizes crystal glass on sunny days just doesn’t seem practical.

That aside, the new Skoda design concept still manages to look sleek, utilizes indoor space well and provides us with a car that’s certain to be noticed while on the road!

Historically, the entry level Porsche 911 S has always been attractive cars. Known as the Carrera, they combine great capability with awesome practicality, staying true to its adage of being the everyday sports car.

But for those that want to have an extra kick to their entry level 911, the vehicle of choice will always be the Carrera S. The new generation Carrera S is going to have its own convertible version soon, the new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

Exterior

The cabriolet also possesses an all aluminum body shell just like its coupe counterpart, allowing it to shave significant weight. A unique hood was developed for the convertible, allowing the car to retain the lines that the coupe possesses.

Regardless if the top is on or off, the cabriolet still looks awesome at any angle. This convertible model is also significantly lighter compared to its predecessors, further enhancing performance and fuel efficiency.

Performance

The Porsche Carrera S features a much better performance package. Featuring a 3.8 liter 6 cylinder flat engine, maximum output is recorded at 400 horsepower, a 50 horsepower improvement compared to the Carrera.

A seven speed manual transmission comes standard with this car, with an optional PDK double clutch transmission coming as optional equipment. The PDK allows for quicker gear shifts and better fuel efficiency, making this car even more capable. And with a longer wheelbase and wider track, the 911’s trademark handling was made even better.

Seriously, what’s not to love about the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet?

Specifications

We all enjoy a little bit of relaxation watching movies and seeing some of our favorite actors and actresses. Among the characters we find ourselves in awe with the vehicles used in any given movie we see. You’d probably appreciate those vehicles from the “Transformers” trilogy and even those used in the James Bond movies.

Whatever movie genre you may enjoy, there is always that one actor you will always find making the appearance, the Car. Here are a few movies where in cars made cameo appearances in, and in some played a prominent role to enhance the movie.

1. Goldfinger (1964) – 1963 Aston Martin DB5.
0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds with 282 hp at 5,500 rpm. Top speed: 147 mph.
Who can ever forget Goldfinger, the first James Bond movie that introduced his use of an Aston Martin DB5. Without all the gadgets “Q” provides for him, the DB5 continues to be a collector’s item. DB5’s were produced from 1963 to 1965.

2. Bullitt (1968) – 1968 Mustang GT390 Fastback.
Ford V8 engine with 325 hp using a 4-speed manual transmission.
Bullitt had one of the most memorable car chase scenes in movie history. Starring Steve McQueen, the costar was a 1968 Mustang GT390 Fastback, almost like Eleanor in the movie Gone in 60 Seconds. The movie earned an Academy Award for best editing.

3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California.
A 276 hp V8 engine limited to 55 units. One of the more memorable films in the late 80’s was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In the movie, Ferris takes off on his friends’ dads’ car, a restored 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder. The Spyder is based on the Ferrari Berlinetta.

4. Ronin (1998) – BMW M5 E34, Mercedes 450SEL 6.9, Audi S8 D2.
An action thriller in 1998, Ronin starred Robert DeNiro. There were several car chase scenes in this movie which included some nice wheels. Among them, the Audi S8 D2 which has 4.2-liter V8 DOHC engine. Also in the movie are a 1995 BMW M5 E34 which uses a 24 valve inline 6 engine producing an estimated 307 HP, and a Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9, an S-Class luxury saloon designed for high-performance driving installed with a V8 engine producing 250 HP.

5. Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) – 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500.
A 6.7 liter V8 engine which punches out 535 horsepower. Starring Angelina Jolie and Nicolas Cage, Gone in 60 Seconds also featured Eleanor, a 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. Many more expensive cars shown and a great chase seen through Long Beach.

6. The Fast and Furious Movie Series (2001-2010)
If you like cars and racing scenes, then you must have gotten a glimpse of the The Fast and Furious movie series. Beginning with the release of the first of 5 movies, we find Vin Diesel roaming the streets on his modified muscle car, a 1970 Dodge Charger. You will also find a 1994 Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline R34GTR, Nissan 240SX S14, and a Honda S2000, to name a few.

2 Fast 2 Furious was released in 2003 and saw the introduction of several new cars, which included Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo VII, Eclipse GTS Spyder, and even a Ferrari 360 Spider.

7. Swordfish (2001) – TVR Tuscan Speed Six.
0-60 mph in 3.68 seconds. John Travolta was driving the TVR Tuscan Speed Six in this movie, where he attempted to steal billions of dollars from the U.S. Government. There are four styles of the 4.0 liter Speed Six with 390 hp, allowing for a variety of power and torque.

8. The Italian Job (2003) – Mini Cooper.
The original The Italian Job was first shown in 1969 starring Michael Caine. The remake came out in 2003 with an all star cast that included Charlize Theron, Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton just to name a few. Like the first, the stars of the movie were three modified Mini Coopers.

9. I, Robot (2004) – Audi RSQ.
The Audi RSQ was first introduced to the public in April of 2004 in the New York’s Auto Show. It later appeared as Will Smith’s vehicle of choice as futuristic car in I, Robot. The concept is a 2-door coupe made of fiber glass with a mid-engine design.

10. Casino Royale (2006) – Aston martin DBS V12.
A 6.0 liter 48-valve V12 engine with a six speed manual transmission. The movies of James Bond are always a showcase for introducing some of the prettiest and fastest cars. In the 2006 version of Casino Royale, we find Bond driving the Aston Martin DBS V12. Unfortunately, we see that Bond totals the Aston in the movie.

11. Iron Man (2008) – Saleen S7, Audi R8.
One of the vehicles in Tony Stark’s garage was a Saleen S7. It had very little action in the movie, but it did a nice job of just being there. The S7 has a 7.0 liter, V8 engine which produces 750 hp. The S7 reach from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The other was the 2008 Audi R8, which we did see Tony driving along the Pacific Coast highway. The R8 is Tony Stark’s everyday car, which has a 4.2 liter V8 engine with 420 HP. The Audi R8 0-60 mph time is at 4.6 seconds.

12. Quantum of Solace (2008) – Alfa Romeo 159
Cars, women, and gadgets are all hallmarks of a James Bond movie. In Quantum of Solace, the Alfa Romeo 159 is driven by the bad guys when chasing Bond. This compact 4-door sedan comes in a variety of engine options. The most powerful is the 3.2 liter V6 JTS Q4 all-wheel drive. Its top speed is 151 mph and hits 0-60 in 7.0 seconds.

13. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
In the latest Transformers movie, you will find several distinctive cars that prove to be as eye-catching as the Robots they transform to. Bumblebee needs no introduction, in his car mode he becomes a Chevrolet Camaro. Autobots getting a makeover are Sideswipe, who transforms to a Corvette Stingray convertible; Mirage, into a Ferrari 458 Italia. The one Decepticons getting a makeover is Soundwave appearing as Mercedes SLS AMG in his vehicle mode.

SideSwipe – Corvette Stingray

Soundwave – Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mirage – Ferrari 458 Italia

Bumblebee – Chevrolet Camaro

It has been months since the new generation of the Porsche 911 was unveiled. Of course, the legend that it is, it has earned the respect of car enthusiasts everywhere.

Initially released as a coupe, a convertible version is soon to come out in early 2012. This is the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

Exterior

The convertible seems to be just as attractive as the coupe. Featuring an all aluminum body shell just like the coupe, the cabriolet also features a unique hood that features the use of lightweight materials such as magnesium. Because of the weight savings, improvements in fuel efficiency, handling, and comfort are all going to be expected.

Performance

The same engine options for the coupe are also going to be offered for the cabriolet. For the Carrera trim, the engine of choice is the trademark 3.4 liter flat 6 engine that produces 350 horsepower. A seven gear manual gearbox distributes this power to the rear wheels.

As for the higher end Carrera S, a 3.8 liter 6 cylinder engine with a maximum output of 400 horsepower is installed, with the same 7 speed gearbox featured as standard equipment. But it doesn’t only feature a robust performance; it also has better fuel efficiency.

And for those that want to up performance even more, an optional PDK transmission is also available.

The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is an evolution in the truest sense. The legend that refuses to die has done it again.

Specifications