Porsche 911 GT3 RS is Coming Next Year

Although the Porsche 911 GT3 just had its big debut, details are already beginning to emerge regarding the even more extreme GT3 RS. Due to arrive in US dealerships sometime later next year, the 911 GT3 RS will also ditch the traditional six-speed manual in favor of the PDK dual-clutch gearbox. More than likely, we can also expect to see it feature a carbon-fiber roof panel, as opposed to the base 911’s modular roof, along with plenty of other weight-reducing elements. - It’ll also have the wide body treatment from the Carrera 4 and will be even wider than the GT3 thanks to using body panels from the 911 Turbo. An adjustable rear wing and stiffer, more race-focused suspension tuning are expected as well. Still unclear, however, is which engine Porsche will go with. The current rumor is a tweaked version of the GT3’s 3.8-liter flat-six, but a 4.0-liter unit is also not being ruled out. Output, despite which engine is chosen, will exceed 475 horsepower. -

This is the Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse

Just yesterday some spy images appeared showing a mystery Lamborghini Gallardo out testing. Today, however, that mystery has been solved. Introducing the new all-wheel drive LP 570-4 Squadra Corsa, which will have its official live debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It’s nearly mechanically identical to the LP 570-4 Super Trofeo race car, only that it’s fully street legal. It may just be the greatest Gallardo ever built. It shares many key components with the Gallardo Superleggera, such as the 5.2-liter V10 that pumps out 570 horsepower, that big carbon fiber rear wing and the removable engine hood. The sole (read: no six-speed manual will be available) transmission is the familiar e-gear six-speed auto with paddle shifters. All told, the Squadra Corse weighs 2,954 lbs., which is 154 lbs. less than the standard LP560-4. Other features include carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber bucket seats with Alcantara center inserts, and Alcantara covering the underside of the dashboard. Overall, the car has a minimalist interior feel.

2014 Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial

When it comes to special one-off Aston Martins, the British automaker usually taps the service of one design house: Zagato. We’ve seen over the years what a collaboration between the two companies can produce. Now that Aston Martin is in the middle of celebrating its 100th anniversary, it’s not surprising that Zagato has come back to build a pair of special one-off models to commemorate the occasion. One of these models is called the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial, a special model based on the 2013 DB9 Volante convertible. Looking completely different from what we’ve come to know about the modern DB9 Volante, the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial does carry plenty of design inspiration, most notably from the 1994-2003 DB7 Zagato. Equally fascinating is the way Aston Martin and Zagato went to giving the one-off model unique tastes of both companies. From Zagato’s double-bubble roof to Aston Martin’s unmistakable, albeit larger, grille and fender vents, the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial really does represent the best of both worlds. One thing that did throw us for a little loop is the design of the round headlights, which does harken us back to the V8 Zagato of the 80’s but comes as a little out of place when built into the sharper and more streamlined look of the current DB9 Volante. In any case, the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial is still a treat to look at and noted American collector and Aston Martin enthusiast Peter Read is a pretty lucky man to being the recipient of this one-off ride.

2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean-Pierre Wimille" Edition

In every company in the world, there are people that have helped elevate it to supremacy and some companies see it fit to celebrate its heroes. Bugatti is doing just that by preparing a series of six individual Veyron models, specially developed to pay tribute to the people that "have played a crucial role in its history and which have helped creating its mystique." The first from this special series is called Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean-Pierre Wimille" Edition and, as its name suggests, it pays tribute to Jean-Pierre Wimille — a racecar driver that brought two Le Mans victories to Bugatti. This special edition was inspired by the Bugatti 57G Tank that won the Le Mans in 1937. It comes with a two-tone paint job that features blue clear-coated carbon fiber and a light Wimille Bleu. Under the hood, this Bugatti Veyron stays bone stock, leaving it at the amazing 8-liter W-16 engine that delivers 1,200 horsepower and 1,100 pound-feet of torque. The model will be making its world debut at the US The Quail/Pebble Beach set to take place from 16 to 18 August.

2013 McLaren 12C B&W Edition

McLaren recently trooped to Hong Kong to introduce its P1 supercar to arguably one of the most exotic-friendly markets in the world. But in the course of telling the gathered crowd that the P1 would cost HKD$8.9 million (excluding First Registration Tax) - that’s about $1.14 million based on current exchange rates, by the way - the British automaker also brought a special one-off MP4-12C that came straight out of its McLaren Special Operations program. Similar to past one-off creations out of the customization program, this 12C B&W Edition, was treated to a bevy of modifications, highlighted by a two-tone exterior with a unique white color and gloss black accents. The latter, in fact, was used on the roof, the front splitter, the mirror casings and the wheels. Additionally, the 12C B&W Edition also had its gloss white paint on both the air vents and the instrument cluster bezel, providing a consistency of color and shade that belies its appearance as a true one-off supercar. And in case there are any questions regarding how much the 12C B&W Edition is going to cost, McLaren has officially priced it at a tidy HKD$4.68 million, which is just a shade above $600,000 based on current exchange rates. There’s something to be said for a supercar, even a one-off make like this, to carry such a price tag. But given the exotic climate in a place like Hong Kong, we doubt this piece of handiwork from the McLaren Special Operations program would sit long in the McLaren dealership.