evile

The 12C looks even better in natural light, and I believe silver may be its best color. Also, the optional lightweight wheels are a plus. However, if I ordered one I would have to go with Mclaren Orange. Orange is my favorite color, and I'm an old CanAm and Indy Car fan. I've always liked Mclaren's orange racing cars.

According to both Autocar and Edmunds Mcalren's F1 replacement is right around the corner. I ahve attached links to the articles: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/251063/ http://www.insideline.com/mclaren/mclarens...oming-soon.html Personally, I'm more interested in the car that's going to slot-in under the 12C.

EVO Magazine interviewed Mclaren's Antony Sheriff regarding the design and styling of the 12C. The following is a link to three videos EVO added to their website: http://www.evo.co.uk/videos/planetevovideo...ren_mp412c.html

According to Edmunds Inside Line the new Mclaren is around 2800 lbs dry and 3000 lbs with a full tank of fuel. It's still lighter than both the 458 and LP560-4, and has a lot more power. If Mclaren is successful I'm sure we'll see a lightweight LM version down the line.

Mclaren has updated its MP4-12C website. It's a really cool site. Check it out: mclarenautomotive.com

Technically, it's not a kit car. It's a component car. Kit cars like the Ultima and Factory Five cars come in boxes and are assembled by either purchaser or a speed shop. Nobles, Rossions and even Superformance cars are purchased as complete rolling chassis. The only assembly required is the powerplant installation. In fact, Nobles were sold as complete cars in the rest of the world. Noble skirted the U.S. emission and safety specifications by going the component car route. Development cost to meet those requirements would have proven prohibitive, and the car would not have been brought to the States otherwise. For those concerned about heritage, pedigree and name recognition the Rossion may not be their cup of tea. However, those who want a lightweight sports car with staggering performance it's hard to beat. Especially for its price point.

If it's a Superformance GT40 it may be classified as historic. The Superformance GT40s are considered continuations, and the serial numbers reflect the lineage. Supposedly, 90% of the components from the Superformance chassis will fit the original.

Unfortunately, very true.

Lamborghini's CEO, Stefan Winkelman, has already announced their strategy for future vehicles. He said Lamborghini is not concerned about the green movement. He said they will continue to use V12 engines. The following AUTOBLOG entry contains detail from an Automotive News article: How can a company like Lamborghini be expected to adapt to tightening emissions regulations? It's a reasonable question, and according to the company's chief executive Stephan Winkelmann, it simply can't. In an interview with Automotive News, the supercar exec justifies that its production is so limited and its vehicles are so rarely driven that its overall environmental impact is negligible. As such, Lamborghini will not be switching to downsized engines, like Ferrari has been discussing. Winkelmann also reiterated that Lamborghini is not interested in significantly boosting production, or in developing SUVs or four-seaters. Business as usual, then, for the Raging Bull, and you know what that means: powerful, loud, exotic supercars that you can't get your hands on... and hopefully, neither will the bureaucrats.

So it appears a new model may appear in 2010. It would be cool if they managed to upgrade the current V12 (i.e. direct injection). However, I would'nt be surprised to see a new engine and transmission combination. According to Lamborghini, the engine of the LP560 is almost a completely new design. I would'nt be surprised if they used the same modular molds to create a new V12. Especially since they have already made to capitol investment. Many have said the L640 will be the last of the "true" Lamborghini's because of its engine and styling. Reducing the size and weight (especially weight) of its replacement will not only help performance, but will reduce its carbon foot print and improve gas mileage. I know. I know. We're talking about Lamborghini, but the world is changing. The advantages of direct fuel injection are apparent with the LP560 in terms of performance and fuel economy (20 mpg highway). Don't get me wrong. The next big Lambo needs to remain wild and woolly...and a V12. I believe the Murcielago replacement should retain that edgy persona, but give the impression Lambo cares about the environment...a little.

I remember where I heard about the new engine. It was referenced in EVO magazine's review of the LP640. However, it does make sense to me too. An Audi derived modular V12 with direct fuel injection and lighter weight. I remember watching the RIDES episode in which they covered the introduction of the Murcielago roadster. It was stated the combined weight of the Murcielago's engine and tranmission was over 900lbs. V12s are definitely heavy. However, I could not imagine Lamborghini not having a V12 car in their line up.

Actually, I heard the LP640 was the last go-around for Lambo's current V12. I was told it was going to be replaced by an Audi based mill. The tooling for Audi blocks is modular, and that's how they created the V10 for the Gallardo. I was told they were going to add two more cylinders to that block to create the new V12. Unfortunately, I cannot recall who told me this but I do hang out at the local Lambo dealership from time to time. In fact, I was there today, but I forgot to ask about a Murcielago replacement. Of course you can't believe everything you hear.

The article was in Road & Track and it is called, Evil Twins. Here is the link: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...article_id=6461 Also, what amenities are you referring. Both the standard Viper and ACR have A/C, navigation etc. If you're concerned about cupholders and heated seats you're correct.

Although its road-worthiness has also been questioned, the standard Viper is marginally slower than the ACR. In fact, its straight line speed is better than the ACR's because it has reduced aero-drag. There was a recent article in either Car & Driver or Road & Track...I cannot remember which. Both the standard Viper and ACR were faster than the Lamborghini Superleggero and Porsche GT3RS around a road course. I would like to see how the standard Viper would compare to the ZR1 and GTR. I bet it would either be in the ball park or out perform both.

The following is the video with telemetry: http://www.kcvca.com/ACR_1.wmv