Nissan Anti Drunk-Driving Technology

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has revealed a new concept car featuring multiple preventative features designed to help reduce drunk driving. Presently integrated on-board a production model Fuga sedan, the various technologies are designed to detect the driver's state of sobriety and to activate a range of preventive measures including immobilization of the vehicle.

• A hi-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor incorporated into the transmission shift knob, which can track down the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver's palm as he/she tries to start driving. When the alcohol-amount detected bypasses a threshold, the system automatically blocks the transmission, immobilizing the car. A "drunk driving" voice alert is turned on through the car navigation system.

• Other alcohol odor sensors are located into the driver's and passenger seats, assessing the alcohol vapors in the air inside the vehicle cabin. When alcohol is found, the system turns on a voice alert and a message alert on the navigation system monitor.

• A camera fixed on the instrument cluster facing the driver supervises the driver's face, assessing his/her state of consciousness based on the blinking. When signs of drowsiness are detected, the voice and message alert are activated. Moreover, a seat-belt mechanism tightens around the driver to gain his/her immediate attention.

• Constant monitoring of the driving behavior (sensing if the vehicle is veering out of its driving lane), the system detects signs of inattentiveness in the driver. In the case of such behavior, voice, message and seat-belt alert mechanism are activated.

This concept car was developed as an exploratory platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could potentially be applied in future production cars, part of an ongoing program from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drunk driving.

Nissan has already launched and is developing several initiatives to help prevent drunk driving. In June, the company introduced the “drunk driving” message alert on its navigation system. In July, Nissan also began testing of a new on-board breathalyzer system in cooperation with several local government authorities, where an interlock mechanism will immobilize the vehicle if the driver’s breath indicates the presence of alcohol above a specified level.

Nissan is taking holistic approach towards safety that extends beyond the technology built into its vehicles. To achieve a “safe driving environment”, Nissan has embarked on the Intelligent Transport System Project (ITS) in Kanagawa Prefecture – aimed at helping to reduce road accidents via the analysis of traffic data collected from on-the-road vehicles and traffic beacons. In Japan, the company’s safety vision is to halve the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.

Expensive cars crash compilation

1 Aston Martin Vantage V8
1 Bentley Continental GT
2 Porsche Carrera GT
3 Porsche Carrera rally tuning
1 Corvette C5
1 Lamborghini Diablo
1 Lamborghini Gallardo
1 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
1 Ferrari Enzo
2 Ferrari F355
1 Ferrari F430
1 Ferrari F430 Challenge
1 Ferrari Testarossa
1 Ferrari 360
1 Ferrari 360cs GT
1 Koenigsegg CCX
1 Ford Mustang Eleanor
1 Rolls Royce Phantom
2 Dodge Viper

Koenigsegg CCXR Special Edition biofuel supercar

The Koenigsegg CCX is a supercar from Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg, to replace the Koenigsegg CCR. CCX stands for Competition Coupe X. The CCX is the latest iteration of the Koenigsegg CC family. The CCX is in many aspects a new car since it has been re-engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands.
The Special Edition model features a cast-aluminium V8 engine with sequential multipoint fuel injection and twin rotrex centrifigual superchargers for up to 1.5 bar boost pressure. Burning the ethanol in E85 biofuel results in the cooling of combustion chambers, while combined with a higher octane rating, power of 1,018 hp at 7,200 rpm and torque of 1,060 Nm at 6,100 rpm is produced.

The 4.7-litre turbocharged engine propels the biofuel CCXR Special Edition to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds, with top speed expected to exceed 400 kph. The supercar achieves 22l/100km or 10.7 mpg on the combined cycle. And all for a cool 1.5 million euros.

Lotus Europa S

The new mid-engined coupe delivered high levels of performance from a high torque (263 Nm or 194 lbft at 4200 rpm) 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 149 kW (200 hp or 203 PS) at 5400rpm.The Lotus Europa S achieves around 90% of its maximum torque at only 2000 rpm to give “super car” levels of acceleration from low engine speeds, propelling the car from 0-96 km/h (60 mph) in around 5.5 seconds, and 160 km/h (100 mph) in around 14 seconds. Maximum speed is approximately 225 km/h (140 mph). Being a Lotus, the Europa S has a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 201 hp / tonne (204 PS / tonne or 6.68 kg / kW).

Predicted Performance figures:

Target acceleration
0 to 96 km/h (60 mph): 5.5 seconds (approximately)
0 to 160 km/h (100 mph): 14.0 seconds (approximately) Maximum speed: 230 km/h (143 mph) (actual)

Honda Civic Type-R vs CBR 1000RR Honda Fireblade

World Superbike leader James Toseland gives Tiff Needell a run for his money when they race the CBR 1000RR Honda Fireblade against the brand new Honda Civic Type R.

2008 Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic makes a welcome return in the shape of the Type R. Watch the full review.

Michelin® Tweel

This is Airless tyre from Michelin®. Michelin thinks it may have discovered the future of tires with its Tweel technology, which doesn't use air and therefore will never go flat.

The flexible spokes are fused with a flexible wheel that deforms to absorb shock and rebound with ''unimaginable ease,'' says Michelin.

The Tweel replaces the conventional air-filled tire and wheel with a band of composite reinforced tread wrapped around a flexible deformable wheel. The deformable part of the wheel looks deceptively simple. A honeycomb style centre supports composite polyurethane spokes that hold the tread. The spokes and hub can flex to absorb road shock and impacts yet can return to their original shape instantly to provide traction again. The flexible design acts like an air filled tire with similar ride and comfort, but with some not so obvious advantages.

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Alfa Romeo exited the American market with a whimper in 1994. But they're planning to come back next year.

The engine under the long hood of the 8C is a version of Maserati’s V-8. Enlarged to 4.7 liters with an expected output of 450 horsepower, the engine will drive the rear wheels via a rear-mounted six-speed transmission or a sequential-manual gearbox.

• 450-hp 4.7-liter V8
• Automated sequential manual gearbox
• 14.2-inch front disc brakes
• 20-inch wheels

2009 Nissan GT-R

Inside Line now has exclusive, never-before-seen footage of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R on the streets of Southern California.



Twin-Turbo V6
Roll into the throttle at nearly any engine speed and the GT-R drenches you in thrust. Turbo lag from the VR38 3.8-liter V6 is essentially nonexistent, so the immense torque arrives immediately. Indeed, the engine's punch is strongest in the midrange, where the GT-R delivers 434 pound-feet of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm.

• 473-hp twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6
• Rear-mounted transaxle carries six-speed dual-clutch gearbox
• All wheel drive with active center differential

The Fastest Electric Car in the World

The Tesla Roadster’s specs illustrate what it does (0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds) — as well as what it doesn’t (zero emissions, zero motor oil). With one moving part in the motor, no clutch pedal, and two gears, it’s not only a joy to drive, but to own as well. There is no motor oil to change; no filters, belts, or spark plugs to replace; no oxygen sensors to mistrust before an emissions test.

Tesla Roadster Specifications*

Style	2-seat, open-top, rear-drive roadster
Drivetrain	Electric motor with 2-speed electrically-actuated-manual-shift transmission with integral differential
Motor	3-phase, 4-pole electric motor, 248hp peak (185kW), redline 13,000 rpm, regenerative "engine braking"
Chassis	Bonded extruded aluminum with 4-wheel wishbone suspension
Brakes	4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Acceleration	0 to 60 in under 4 seconds
Top Speed	125 mph
Range	245 miles (combined city/highway )
Battery Life	Useful battery, 100,000 miles
Energy Storage System	Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack
Full Charge	As short as 3.5 hours

[Source: teslamotors.com]

Brabus Rocket CLS

Brabus Rocket, the world's fastest four-door saloon.

The BRABUS ROCKET is powered by a twin-turbo BRABUS SV12 S engine, also available for all current Mercedes-Benz 600 and 65 models with twin-turbo V12 engine, produces a maximum power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 1,320 Nm, but is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm, available from a low 2,100 rpm.

The top speed of 365.7 km/h, limited electronically for street-legal operation to 350 km/h, is not the only attribute that elevates the BRABUS ROCKET to the very top of its segment. The four-door is also among the fastest accelerating cars in the world: 0 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0 200 km/h in 10.5 seconds, 0 300 km/h in 29.5 seconds are numbers as unique as this exclusive BRABUS automobile itself.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission and the BRABUS locking differential.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz revealed the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series — a street legal version of the Official F1 Safety Car. It’s not just the 6.2-litre V8 that’s been sprinkled with the Black Series magic dust either, as everything from the suspension, steering, brakes, interior and exterior have been altered in some way to improve and increase the CLK’s performance.


The Black Series uses AMG’s latest 6.2-litre unit. AMG is hugely proud of this engine. It’s a naturally aspirated V8 that’s their own in its entirety, their first rather than a modified Mercedes engine. It’s had its power boosted in the Black Series too, but it’s still an engine that develops it best at high revs - in stark contrast to its DTM predecessors’. The numbers say the CLK Black Series sprints to 62mph in 4.3 seconds – some 0.3 seconds faster than the standard CLK 63 AMG.

Disappearing Automatic Car Door

Automatic Doors - Prototype Concept Car!

Crazy car door

Crazy.. what's next? :)

LOW RIDER CUSTOM CAR SHOW

FROM THE LOW RIDER CUSTOM CAR SHOW J.S.PRODUCTIONS

Ford Unveils New Cars at 2007 Auto Show

Ford unveiled five vehicles, and a big surprise -- new Sync technology that wirelessly integrates your cell phone or music player into your car's audio system -- at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. More than 6500 journalists have descended upon Detroit from more than 60 countries. The automotive companies spend millions of dollars -- and 2-and-a-half months getting ready for this show. It's the biggest show in North America.

Vertical Doors on Bmw 330ci

Vertical/ Scissor Doors on Bmw 330ci.

Mitsubishi iCar

Actually, the iCar isn't quite as tiny as the Smart but it is still small - about six inches shorter than a Ford Ka. And you can understand Mitsubishi's caution when you first set eyes on its almost-alien proportions.

Compact dimensions make the Mitsubishi i perfect for the city, and the unique styling helps it stand out from the crowd

Nissan Levina Geniss

The Livina Geniss is a seven-passenger MPV-type vehicle whose front-end styling (based on the sketches released) looks like a Murano / Presage blend. The interior will be reconfigurable and should be nicely appointed since luxury is one of the themes Nissan is trying to communicate with the car.


Two engine options are available, the HR15DE (109hp at 6,000rpm, 148Nm at 4,400rpm) and the MR18DE (128hp at 5,500rpm, 174Nm at 4,800rpm), both now with CVTC Variable Valve Timing. The MR18DE comes with with a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed auto, while the HR15DE’s gearbox offering is similiar except the manual only has 5 cogs.

2007 New York International Auto Show

WheelsTV First Auto News presents the New York International Auto Show.

2008 Hummer H3, 2008 Infinity G37, 2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 KR, 2008 Subaru WRX & Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

2008 Honda Accord

The 2008 Honda Accord reprise front-wheel drive and offer four- and six-cylinder engines. The four-cylinder will stay at around 170 horsepower. The V-6 likely will grow to 3.2 liters from 3.0 and probably will add to the 2007 version's 244 horsepower, if only to stay abreast of V-6s in newer competitors such as the Nissan Altima (270 horsepower) and Toyota Camry (268). Expect fuel economy with either engine to improve slightly.

2008 Mugen Civic RR

The Mugen-tuned four-cylinder motor produces 240 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque, up from 225 hp and 158.5 lb-ft.

Curb weight drops 22 pounds thanks to the addition of lightweight body parts like the carbon front bumper, hood and rear spoiler. The rear bumper gets a F1-style LED center-mounted fog light, but it’s the huge twin-exit exhaust system that will grab all the attention.

Mugen has also retuned the suspension and upgraded the braking system to match the added performance, no doubt making this one the fastest and best driving front- wheel-drive cars in the world.

Superchargers

In general terms, a supercharger, which is also known as a blower, is nothing more than an air pump that is driven off the crankshaft of an engine. Superchargers have been used on motor cars for more than 100 years. The German car manufacturer Gottlieb Daimler is credited as the first person to patent a supercharger system for an internal combustion engine. His design was based on the twin-rotor air pump designed by the Americans Philander and Francis Roots in 1859 and patented in 1860. The first production vehicles to use superchargers were built by Mercedes and Bentley in the 1920's. Back in the 1980's, there was probably nothing that shouted 'hot rod' louder than an Chevy with a supercharger sticking through the hood. Supercharging has come a long way since hot rodders stuck inefficient superchargers on their engines and struggled to make 3 pounds of boost. Today you can walk into any tuning shop and order any number of Roots supercharger and centrifugal supercharger kits designed to work specifically with your engine. And with supercharging technology being so advanced, you could easily double the horsepower of a stock engine! That's more horsepower than you would ever need! But it takes a bit of know-how to create serious horsepower and still have a reasonably reliable engine at the end of the day. When you get down to it, it all boils down to air temperature, fuel and ignition timing.

With all the different superchargers available these days, choosing the best supercharger for your particular engine can be a bit of a challenge as no one supercharger can be described as "The best". All superchargers work well, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. What you need is an idea of what you want from the supercharger and an idea of what to expect from each type of supercharger. Especially as different vehicles and different engines may benefit from one type or another so it's important that you know what you're looking for.

There are two types of superchargers that are commonly used on internal combustion engines:

• Centrifugal superchargers, which are very similar to a turbocharger; and
• Positive-displacement superchargers, such as the Roots supercharger

There are also Sliding vane superchargers but these are not widely used on motor cars.

[Source www.custom-car.us]

Its a Mini Honda!!!

Powered by Honda Vtech

Turbochargers

The turbocharger, or a just simply the turbo, has been around for just on 100 years. It was invented by Swiss engineer named Alfred Buchi in 1905 and was first used on diesel ships and locomotives from the 1920s. It was used on production airplanes from the 1930s and on trucks from the late 1940s. But it only found its way under the hood of a production car in 1962 when it was used on the Oldsmobile Cutlass Jetfire.

As a forced induction system, a turbo is nothing more than an air pump that is driven by the engines exhaust gasses. It consists of a compressor-wheel and a turbine-wheel that are connected by a common shaft. The compressor increases the density of the air that enters the intake manifold by forcing more air than what the engine would normally suck into the manifold. This higher intake air density than produces more power when combined with the correct amount of fuel. This is similar to the way NOS allows more fuel to be burned by providing extra Oxygen as explained by Ian. The major difference between NOS and a turbo is that the turbo provides a constant supply of extra Oxygen while NOS only provides a limited supply.

You've got three options when it comes to laying your hands on a turbo car:

• You can buy an OEM turbocharged car such as a Mitsubishi 3000GT, a Nissan 300ZX, a Nissan Silvia spec-R, a Toyota Supra, etc.
• You can buy an aftermarket turbo kit for your car. Here there are many options to choose from. There are Garrett turbo kits, STS turbo kits, Turbonetics turbo kits, and so much more.
• You can also build you own turbo system.

A complete turbo kit consists of the turbocharger as well as the necessary parts required to integrate the turbocharger with the car's engine. This includes an exhaust manifold, plumbing to connect the turbo to the intake manifold, and can include an intercooler as well as cooling and lubrication feeds for the turbo. When building your own turbo system, selecting the perfect turbo for a particular application can be a real challenge as no one turbo is best suited to all applications.

There are a number of things you need to consider when selecting a turbo. These include:

• Engine capacity
• Number of valves
• At what RPM to you want the turbo to come in
• The type of fuel you plan on running
• The turbo boost you plan on running
• The amount of horsepower you want.

[Source www.custom-car.us]

Drift Video 3

Cool video drift of D1GP during the Tv Show called "Turbo" in France. Enjoy it!

KTM X-Bow

The X-Bow is the first traditional automobile produced by Austrian motorcycle-maker KTM. KTM's first foray into car design has all the mod-cons: wheels, two seats, an engine, some bits of orange carbon fibre, brakes, mudguards. No door or windscreen through, which are considered "unnecessary encumbrances". Maybe that's because KTM are more used to making motorbikes than cars- a fact that's evidenced by the X-Bow's 220bhp Audi TFSI block that shoves it from 0-60in 3.9seconds.

Powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder producing in base spec a thouroghly respectable 220 horsepower, and in top spec a brutal 300 horsepower. Power is sent to the KTM X-Bow's rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

New BMW 1-series Coupe

The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower (225 kW) and an incredible 300 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response.

The 1 Series Coupe will be available in four versions: the 128i, the 135i, the 123d and the 120d. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction—core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 255 km/h (155 mph). The new 123d Coupé features a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo and Common-Rail technology. The all-alloy engine has a power of 200 hp (150 kW).

Drift Video 2

Initial D Shanghai Drifting Show

Drag Racing Crashes Video

Drag Racing Crashes




crashes at 280 miles per hour

Drift Video

Skyline Vs Silvia



Master Tsuchiya Touge Drift

Driftbox

Driftbox was initially developed for use in the Japanese D1 Grand Prix series to assist the judges award points during the competition, and has become in effect the fourth "Judge". Every vehicle which competes has a DriftBox Pro fitted during each run, and the judges get a points score for each corner based on Entry speed, Drift Angle and Cornering Force. Cornering force is used to judge how well the car is setup, the higher the cornering force, the more power and skill are needing to slide the vehicle.

The DriftBox Pro is for official competition judging, and communicates in real time to the judges via a radio telemetry system. This system is based on two GPS systems, with antennas placed in line on the roof of the car. Drift Angle is the difference between the Direction of travel and the Direction the vehicle is pointing.

The GPS system used is an RTK system, which gives an accuracy of 0.25 degrees, 0.1km/h and 0.01G.

As a result of the development of DriftBox Pro, Racelogic have been able to use this experience to produce DriftBox.


How Does DriftBox Work?
Housed inside the DriftBox is a high performance 10Hz GPS engine coupled with sophisticated motion sensors. Speed, Postion, Acceleration and Drift are measured 10 times a second. To measure Drift angle, the angle the vehicle is pointing is computed using the motion sensors, and this is compared with the angle the vehicle is travelling which is computed from the GPS.

DriftBox is equipped with an MMC/SD Flash memory card socket. This allows 10Hz logging of Time, Distance, Speed, Position, G-force, Lap Times, Split Times, and Drift Angle.

Data logged to the MMC flash card can be analysed in detail using the PC software provided. For convenience, the DriftBox can be connected to the USB port of a PC compatible computer to download information stored on the memory card.

[Read More]

Proton Gen2 Sedan

• The official launch will happen mid August, which means the car can be viewed from the 15th August onwards.
• The name of the car will be revealed on the official launch date.

[View Source]

Tsuchiya AE-86 Vs. JWRC SWIFT

This is a battle between the TRD hachi roku of Tsuchiya and a suzuki swift from the junior rally team.

Notes: AE86 ( 170 ps, 20 valve engine, 970 kg.) Swift ( 218 ps, 1600 cc., 1030 kg.) Torque: 19 kg / 186 Nm on the swift (i think pretty much the same in both engines.)

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Often, the tags given to Ferrari cars have a name as well as a technical reference. It comes from the place where the car originates from, like Maranello or Modena, or perfectly suits the excellence of the model, as in the name `Enzo Ferrari´ being used on the limited edition series inspired by Formula 1.


Now, Luca di Montezemolo has felt the desire for another name to be linked to the conception of a new model: Sergio Scaglietti. Scaglietti was a master in working aluminium.

He was the creator of some of the most famous ferrari models. He worked alongside the founder of the company in the heroic early years that brought the first global successes.

The elegant new model is constructed entirely in aluminium. It seats four adults comfortably and boasts excellent performance. It is the 612 Scaglietti, following Ferrari tradition.

Refer to Top Ten Exotic Sports Cars

[Via autointell]

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

For 2008, the Dodge Viper SRT will use an 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces a full 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. 0-60 times are under four seconds, 0-100-0 in under 12 seconds, and braking 60-0 comes in less than 100 feet.

"Dodge Unleashes New 600 - horsepower 2008 Viper SRT10

To keep the Viper’s long hood from melting, Dodge has gouged six gaping cooling vents into it. That hood, along with five new colors—including a wild lime green—and three wheel choices wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 rubber, are the only other changes accompanying the 90-hp boost.

Ferrari F430 Scuderia Revealed!

Ferrari's just dropped a few shots of their next Italian supercar they'll be officially unveiling in Frankfurt, September 2007. It gets a tuned version of the 4.3 litre V8 which produces 27 more horses (510bhp) than the standard F430 (483bhp) V8's at 8500 rpm

.

The new F430 Scuderia also promises to carry a lot of trickle-down F1 technology as well, including lightning-quick 60 millisecond shifts and an integrated traction and stability control system.

Audi R8 test drive in the Desert of Nevada

The Audi R8 combines powerful performance and sporty design with a reliable appearance.



Refer "TOP 10 EXOTIC SPORTS CARS"

Dodge Challenger Concept Car

When the Dodge Challenger rolled onto stage at the 2006 Detroit International Auto Show, its heritage style and color wowed the audience...and left the crowd with the burning question...will they build it?

Chrysler has yet to give a clear answer, but after getting a chance to drive it, we have one thing to say...Please. Ride along with CarTV as they drive the all new Dodge Challenger Concept Car. See more of CarTVs video reviews, news, crashes, and features at CarTV.com

Exclusive Preview 2008 BMW M3 Concept Car

Exculsive video of the new 2008 BMW M3 Concept Car which was recently unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show.

Audi TT Roadster 3.2 S tronic

Audi offers a choice of two engines for its new TT Roadster. The 3.2-litre V6 power unit generates 184 kW (250 bhp) and is coupled to the quattro drive system as standard. The 2.0 TFSI engine, which blends turbocharging with petrol direct injection technology, delivers 147 kW (200 bhp) to the front wheels. Both model variants can be ordered with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual shift.

The 2008 Audi TT Roadster is fun to drive, but it also has a significant talent for making you feel special, and this is where it has something that the competition from BMW and Porsche do not.

2009 Subaru WRX STi Spy Video

Caught for the first time on the Nürburgring test track in Germany, the 2009 Subaru WRX STI looks as though it has enough upgrades to quiet the uproar over the standard model's tepid styling. Although the prototype in question still had some camouflage over the front and rear fascias, there are notable changes in store for the next-generation WRX STI.

TOP 10 EXOTIC SPORTS CARS

There are cars and then there are exotic cars. These aren't sedans we drive to work in, or the SUVs we drive the kids to school with. These are automotive deities, beautiful jewels of speed and sex-appeal that populate dreams and computer desktops. With more selections from companies like Aston Martin and Lamborghini, plus classic greats like the Chevrolet Corvette, the world of exotics has never been bigger, better or more exciting. We picked a group that is reasonably easy to find and somewhat livable on a daily basis. After all, there's nothing wrong with taking the kids to school in a Ferrari.

[Via www.gayot.com]

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Aston Martin DB9 • Base Price: $164,500 Engine: 5.9-liter V12 Horsepower: 450 @ 6000 rpm 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds

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Audi R8 • Base Price: TBA Engine: 4.2-liter V8 Horsepower: 420 @ 7800 rpm 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06 • Base Price: $64,890 Engine: 7.0-liter V8 Horsepower: 505 @ 6300 rpm 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

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Dodge Viper SRT10 • Base Price: $83,145 Engine: 8.3-liter V10 Horsepower: 510 bhp @ 5600 rpm 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds

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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti • Base Price: $265,705 Engine: 5.7-liter V12 Horsepower: 540 @ 7250 rpm 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds

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Lamborghini Gallardo • Base Price: $175,000 Engine: 5.0-liter V10 Horsepower: 520 @ 8000 rpm 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds

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Panoz Esperante • Base Price: $92,256 Engine: 4.6-liter V8 Horsepower: 305 bhp @ 5800 rpm 0-62 mph: 5.1 seconds

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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren • Base Price: $455,500 Engine: 5.5-liter supercharged V8 Horsepower: 617 @ 6500 rpm 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds

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Porsche 911 Turbo • Base Price: $123,695 Engine: 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-6 Horsepower: 480 bhp @ 6000 rpm 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

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Spyker C8 Spyder • Base Price: $269,995 Engine: 4.2-liter V8 Horsepower: 400 bhp @ 6500 rpm 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds