Toyota FT-HS Concept

Toyota FT-HS Concept

When most people think "concept sports car", the word hybrid doesn't initially spring to mind. However, the two-plus-two FT-HS concept, being a Toyota and all, features ultra-low emissions and a fuel-efficient 3.5 Liter V6 hybrid electric engine under its rakishly shaped hood.& Toyota says the power plant should be good for close to 400 horsepower; power will be driven to rear wheels and boasts a four second 0-to-60 acceleration time. Not too shabby.

The FT-HS answers a question asked a lot more now since gas, while somewhat cheaper this week, still isn't really that cheap. The question: "What is a suitable sports car for the 21st century?"

"Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast," says Kevin Hunter, vice president of Toyota's Calty Design Research. "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility."

Well put. While there are some unsubstantiated mumblings about the FT-HS being a replacement for the long gone, well-loved Supra - even the name sounds cool - the FT-HS in this Buck Rodgers-looking shape and form screams CONCEPT to us. Well, that and very expensive, just look at those Carbon Fiber wheels. Remember, beauty doesn't come cheap.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 Black Series

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 Black Series

There are supercars and then there are Super Cars. And most assuredly, one of the latter made an appearance at the Los Angeles show—the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 Black Series. At first glance, the new Black Series appears to be a standard SL65 AMG, an aggressively styled car in its own right. But closer inspection reveals a car that is more menacing, with shoulders and hind fenders that look like they were lifted from Mercedes' 1997 CLK-GTR race car. Up front, the air scoops are bigger and deeper. The side vents just aft of the front wheels aid engine cooling. In back, a retractable spoiler extends to improve rear grip when the car exceeds 75 mph.

Climb aboard and strap into the driver's seat. Everything inside means business. The interior is furnished in Napa leather and Alcantara, with carbon-fiber trim. All in black. The 360-km/h speedometer and the 8000-rpm tach (with 6250 redline and LED shift lights) are front and center in the instrument cluster, also in black with white lettering. The carbon-fiber AMG sport bucket seats are comfortable, and provide a snug fit and plenty of lateral support for hard cornering.

The engine's specs — 661 bhp and 738 lb.-ft. of torque — are more fitting for the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans than Main Street. Accelerating out of corners is where the Black Series truly shines. Admittedly, with its slight turbo lag and 5-speed automatic gearbox (chosen for its robustness over the new, more responsive 7-speed), the Black Series is a tick slow answering to full throttle. But even before that thought is finished, the 738 lb.-ft. of torque rockets the Black Series down the straight at warp speed.

Will anyone buy an SL65 AMG Black Series for street use? Probably not. But for those few who might, the car is quite civilized on the road. The ride is firm, but not overly so. To truly appreciate the incredible prowess of the SL Black Series, take the car to the track. Its sheer power and speed, together with confidence-inspiring handling, make it one of the most satisfying supercars in the world.

James Bond's Ford Edge Hydrogen from "Quantum of Solace"

James Bond's Ford Edge Hydrogen from "Quantum of Solace"


James "I'll- even-advertise-panties-for-the-right-price" Bond will get behind the wheel of a black 2008 Ford Edge SUV in the new 007 film "Quantum of Solace," which opens this weekend in theaters in the U.S. The four Ford Edge crossovers that will be seen throughout the move will be dressed to look like hydrogen-powered vehicles. But this is a case of 'fiction-meets-reality' as Ford is currently working on the Edge HySeries which promises to be the world's first fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in. According to FoMoCo, the HySeries combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg.

"Four Edges dressed up as hydrogen-powered vehicles are part of a fleet that belongs to Greene, and they are integrated naturally into the plot of the movie," said Al Uzielli, senior advisor to Ford Global Brand Entertainment. "When you see the Edge – as when you saw the Mondeo in 'Casino Royale' – there's no question to the relevance or the correctness of the vehicle being in that scene."Relevant or not, Ford's product placement in 007's new adventure does not end with the Edge Crossover as the firm's European arm will also have an ambassador in the movie, the 2009 Ford Ka mincar that will be driven Bond's new girl Camille played by Olga Kurylenko.

2010 Nissan 370Z "Spied" in Red Hot Dressing

2010 Nissan 370Z "Spied" in Red Hot Dressing



Nissan is trying its best to keep a low profile with the 370Z until next week's 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show when the new 'Z' makes its first public debut. Of course we're being sarcastic as after a trio of photos that were shot in Europe, the 370Z has been photographed once again, this time outside a parking lot somewhere in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Seen here for the first time in a bright red finish, the 370Z will be powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 332HP with buyers being able to choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a buy another car if you want this 7-speed automatic transmission. Hit the jump for seven more photos of the 370Z.

James Bond's Iconic 1976 Lotus Esprit up for Sale

James Bond's Iconic 1976 Lotus Esprit up for Sale



Along with the classic Aston Martin DB5 that starred in the 1964 film Goldfinger with Sean Connery as the fictional Mi6 agent, the Lotus Esprit driven by Roger Moore in the 1977 "The Spy Who Loved Me" is one of the most recognizable 007 cars of all times. And now Bond fans have the chance to park the white 1976 Esprit in their garage as the car will go under hummer on 1 December at Bonhams annual auction in West London. The Esprit that turned into an amphibious vehicle in the movie (and not in real life of course) is expected to fetch between £100,000 - £120,000 or to put that in U.S. dollars, $149,00 to $178,300 with the current exchange rates.

Aston Martin Launches new Vantage GT4 Racer

Aston Martin Launches new Vantage GT4 Racer

Aston Martin's Racing division has revealed the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 race car that's based on the firm's latest 4.7-liter V8 Vantage model. Set to replace the outgoing 4.3-liter Vantage N24, Aston Martin's new competition car has been built to FIA GT4 regulations and it targets professional and semi-professional drivers but also enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing. It is priced from £96,645 ($143,000 U.S. or €114,150) and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.

The GT4 makes use of the new Vantage's 4.7 litre V8 engine that has been upgraded with a free flow exhaust system and air filters and is matted to either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.

Ferrari Zobin Concept Study

Ferrari Zobin Concept Study

The Ferrari brand has always managed to captivate the mind and imagination of designers from all over the world. This latest concept study for a Ferrari supercar come to us from Iran and independent designer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi. The 33-year-old Iranian states that the single-seater Zobin was inspired from the Italian firm's Formula 1 cars. But in spite of the fact that even Pininfarina has severely lowered its aesthetic-standards when it comes to modern day Ferraris, we continue to believe that a Ferrari -and every Italian sportscar for that matter- should be the epitome of beauty and style. And the Zobin has as much style as an Enzo in a girdle.