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Remember the patent designs of a topless, two-seat Smart model that we first showed you back in December, 2010? Well, according to Carscoop sources, the drawings are of a concept speedster model that will make its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 1.
We also learned the concept is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, and that while Smart's parent company Mercedes-Benz has no plans to create a production version of the speedster-like model, key styling cues such as the headlamp and grille designs will pass on to the next generation Smart cars like the new Fortwo and the upcoming 5-door variant.
Carscoop reader Frank Jonas hit the Mercedes-Benz jackpot when travelling in Spain last week, he stumbled upon a convoy of camo'ed SL prototypes, which were accompanied by several other vehicles with the star on their bonnet including an example of the current generation of the German firm's hardtop roadster model.
"On my trip to the south of Spain last week I had the opportunity to take some pictures of a heavily camouflaged Mercedes-Benz Coupe/Cabriolet, most probably the next SL," Frank told Carscoop.
Although Mercedes has done its best to disguise the SL by covering it in heavy cladding, we can see that the new generation model keeps its predecessor's two-piece folding hard top, while the styling is expected to adopt the German firm's more "artsy" design philosophy as seen on the latest CLS and recent concept models such as the F800 Style, along with a more in-your-face front grille.
Being that the 2012 SL was developed alongside the SLS Gullwing, the two models are likely to share certain key components such as the suspension bits and electrical systems.
Information regarding the engine range remains scarce, but buyers should expect a entry-level V6 and the usual lineup of V8 units including Merc's newly developed 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 for the AMG model, and possibly, an upgraded V12 for the flagship version.
You may not know the name Timur Bekmambetov, but you would surely have seen Wanted: that over-the-top movie with Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and that guy from Atonement. That was him.
He also made two really cool Russian language urban sci-fi / horror movies called Night Watch and Day Watch, the first of which made more money in its homeland than the first three Lord of the Rings movies put together. So when Mr. B releases a new movie, I’m there. His latest effort is Black Lightning, which is a superhero origin story. Spoilers ahead...
Dima is a university student with a problem. He has a massive crush on the new girl, Nastya, but no money and no car. His well-meaning Dad gives Dima his old Volga and encourages him to get a job. The job Dima eventually finds its delivering fresh flowers for an over-demanding boss.
Sounds pretty ordinary so far, huh? Well, get this: the Volga is a Soviet Era flying car, powered by a very unique power source that the big bad needs to power his top secret mining laser (yes, the villain in this movie is a capitalist!). The bad finds out about Dima’s Volga and his henchmen end up murdering the boy’s father. Dima responds by becoming a sort of superhero and national icon, using his flying car to save lives and fight crime.
Meanwhile, the bad guys are closing in and soon Dima is forced to fight for his life – and the lives of all of Moscow. Black Lightning is the sort of superhero movie Hollywood hardly makes any more. It’s silly, but not too silly and has the right mix of gravitas and humour to keep you humming on.
It’s not high art, but it’s well made, and the acting and special effects are what we’ve come to expect from Bekmambetov over the years. The cast is great, especially Viktor Verzhbitskiy as the villain. He’s worked with this director before, and always manages to have that slimy menace that Lex Luthor-esque movie villains so richly deserve.
The film should be readily available to rent and buy, albeit only with subtitles, and you can check out the (subbed) trailer below.
Edo Competition’s previous Lamborghini Murcielago LP640-tune was a 710HP monster capable of reaching a top speed of 352 km/h or 219 mph, which apparently made it the fastest and most powerful Murcielago in the world. Now, the German tuner has gone one step further by introducing a 750HP variant that continues on to a maximum velocity of 365 km/h (227 mph).
The other performance figures are equally impressive, as the LP750 hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.7 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 24.5 seconds.
The comprehensive engine conversion that makes all this possible includes modified cylinders, new intake system with hand-made manifold and revised air ducts, high flow air filters, reprogrammed Engine Control Unit and a high performance exhaust system. The latter is made from plasma-coated stainless steel and is also available with an optional remote controlled butterfly valve system.
The 6.5-liter V12 engine sends no less than 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of peak torque to all four wheels through a new single plate clutch. However, Edo Competition offers a 40 kg (88 pounds) lighter rear-wheel drive version as well, which is said to be even more agile.
A 300+ km/h (186+ mph) supercar is never complete without an optimized aerodynamics package and the LP750 is no exception. Edo Competition says it has managed to find a good balance between high-speed stability and looks, and is especially proud of the revised rear wing complete with adjustable lip spoiler.
For good measure, the Germans also threw in a set of lightweight alloys, comprised of 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, shod in 265/35 and 345/30 tires respectively. Unsurprisingly, Edo Competition did not release pricing for the tune.
