The British car maker Jaguar unveiled the XKR-S Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November 17, 2011. Dubbed as the fastest convertible sports car made by Jaguar, Global Brand Director Adrian Hallmark states that it represents the pinnacle of performance as well as glamour in motoring.

Performance

The Jaguar XKR-S Convertibles is powered by 5.0 liter V-8 engine, generating 550 horsepower with 502 lb-ft of torque; an 8% increase in power and a 9% increase in torque as compared to Jaguar XKR, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. It can propel up to 60mph in about 4.2 seconds, with the top speed reaching up to 186mph.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior design of the XKR-S Convertible has a revised frontage with wider air intake, twin side nacelles, carbon fiber splitter, and a carbon-fiber-inlayed rear wing. The revised front and rear area suspension system includes an upgraded aluminum steering knuckle located at the front double wishbone suspension to increase the stiffness of camber by 23% to provide better steering accuracy.

An upgraded Active Differential is included to lessen steering sensitivity when driving at a very high speed. These improvements are designed to enhance stability and reduce lift. This model is mounted on 20-inch Vulcan alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires, and is 0.4 inch lower than the previous XKR Convertible model. The XKR-S interior is leather-trimmed and features 16-way performance seats, a leather-wrapped three-spoke heated steering wheel, and stainless-steel pedals.

The Jaguar XKR-S Convertible is priced comparably, but the limited 25 units bound to the US are said to be already sold out.

Specifications

Every now and then a car such as the 2011 Caterham Seven Supersport will blow the doors off cars costing twice or even thrice, or even 4 times what you paid for this one.

While it true that the Caterham does not even have a windscreen or air-conditioning, you will not need it.

Country Driving

A Caterham is a driver’s car; not some car that people take to the track in a trailer and pack it up afterwards back into the trailer. This one is a true road and track car. Yes, it does not have air-conditioning or power steering, or even a roof. But what it lacks in amenities it makes up for in sheer track attitude. Powered by a 140hp 1.6 liter Ford engine and weighing in at a paltry 1146 lbs, the Caterham Seven Super Sport was tuned for those who like to take to the track, and drive it back home again without having the need to have it pulled in a trailer.

Assembly Required

It is an open top car and it comes with Avon CR500 tires on 13 inch wheels. And no, it does not have an option for a removable roof but it does come with a roll bar that clears your head.

It also comes with a manual that you would need to refer very often, since this Caterham is available as a kit. This means you buy it in pieces and put it together just like a jigsaw puzzle. This is about half of the fun of each and every Caterham that is built, with the other half being able to drive on track.

Caterham, a car maker that has existed for more than 50 years now, is most famous for being the exclusive makers of the legendary Lotus Seven, one of the best track ready cars ever made. And now, in collaboration with Lola Cars, they have created arguably their most ambitious project yet: their first ever foray into the prototype racer class. This is the 2011 Caterham-Lola SP/300R, the first ever prototype racer produced by Caterham Cars.

Performance

This new car made its first appearance in the Autosport International Show held in Birmingham, UK. To be built alongside the Seven, it incorporates some of the hallmark traits that made the Seven a favorite among enthusiasts: most notably being lightweight. This car would also premiere Caterham’s new powerplant: a Ford Duratec engine that they modified in order to extract an output within the 300 horsepower range. This, combined with superior aerodynamics (thanks to the output of Lola) and light weight, promises to give some serious performance potential to this new vehicle.

Leisure & Style

However, true to the mantra of Caterham of producing cars that are affordable and reliable, expect this car to be provide a leisurely ride, but also expect it to be built with the best quality at a competitive price.

Right now, the 2011 Caterham-Lola SP/300R is still under development, fine tuning it for its eventual appearance on the racing circuit by 2012. A one make championship using this car is also being considered, as well as a street legal version. They are bound to be exclusive too, with only 25 copies of this car scheduled to be built next year.

Specifications

Toyota is a company driven by passion and excellence. Its journey from being just a dream to a reality is truly a remarkable story that is still used today in inspiring other companies to go out there and reach their goals.

When it comes to manufacturing sports cars, Toyota has already marked itself as a brand to look out for. The new Toyota GT 86 is the latest addition its line of sports cars. This model will be available in 2012 in the United Kingdom. This four-cylinder vehicle is designed to produce smooth and winning performance. It has a compact, free-revving petrol engine which drives the vehicle.

Joint Effort

An interesting fact about the 2012 Toyota GT 86 car model is that it is a joint effort between Toyota and Subaru which combines the technical know-how and engineering advancements of each company into the design. It can also be driven using either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This gives the driver control when it comes to speed performance of the engine. Aside from the machine’s technical functions, its polished look and sophisticated interior and exterior designs complete the car’s overall marketability.

The driver’s greatest motivation in getting a car is the feel of it once his hands touch the steering wheel. It’s all about feeling as if it is an extension of the driver’s body. This is what Toyota aims for. This is what Toyota delivers.

Specifications

Carlsson is at it again. One of the best tuners in the world, they are able to turn Mercedes Benz cars into well rounded supercars that set the standards on how Mercedes Benz cars must be modified. This time, they have taken the Classic SLK and turned it into a total masterpiece.

This car is the 2012 Carlsson Mercedes Benz SLK.

Performance

The tuning package first starts on the exterior. A body kit that is exclusively styled gives this car a unique character. Enhancing aerodynamic performance while providing a flashier look, this kit brings out the best in the already sophisticated SLK package.

A new suspension kit lowers the car while providing sharp handling, and 20 inch lightweight wheels provide the legs for this car. And to top the performance tools list, a Carlsson engine tuning kit increases output to 224 horsepower for the SLK200, and 239 horsepower for the SLK250.

Interior

As always for Carlsson, they also improved the interior to match the updates done for the SLK’s styling and performance. Among the list of modifications that they do to the interior are: Nappa Leather upholstery for the seats, pedals made out of high quality aluminum, and Alcantara, leather, wood, and carbon fiber trimmings round up the interior setup.

Carlsson takes pride on the craftsmanship of their products, which is why the Carlsson Mercedes Benz SLK also comes with a 3 year/100000 kilometer warranty that covers all components of the car. And with only up to 150 cars scheduled to come out of the Carlsson factory every year, this car is bound to be super exclusive too.

Specifications