The Most Luxurious Cars in the World

The most luxurious cars in the world scream money, power and prestige these vehicles are like luxury cruise liners on wheels. They sport the best features and the highest quality in hand craftsmanship. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford one of these rolling palatial automobiles you are not just buying a car you are buying a statement of what you have achieved.

At the top our list is the Maybach. They cost around £260,000 and are popular chauffeur cars for the rich and famous. The Maybach 62 belches out over 500 horsepower from a 5.5-litre, twin-turbocharged V12 Mercedes-Benz engine. Celebrities such as Simon Cowell and P Diddy own Maybach's. This car is not well- known for its beauty, its much maligned front grill has been likened to a Hyundai XG and when sat next to a Rolls-Royce Phantom it arguably pales in comparison in terms of looks. But what it lacks in looks it more than makes up for in luxury and pure travel satisfaction.

A few of its many features include down and up LED lights providing a constant source of comfortable ambient lighting. You can even request a panoramic glass roof for 360 degree views. The car also includes reclining back seats for relaxing which can be set with a massage function, perfect for long trips. And if you want to listen to some music you can enjoy its 600-watt surround sound audio system. The list of mouth-watering cabin features goes on and on and more than rivals any of its closest rivals.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom has always been revered as the epitome in luxury launched in 2003 it was made under the ownership of BMW. They start at around £280,000 and go all the way up to £330,000. Rolls-Royce has been around for decades and is to this day used by many Royal families around the world it is indeed a vehicle fit for a king.

This car houses a monstrous 6.8-litre 453 horsepower V12 BMW built engine and can go from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. It comes with its own telephone antenna and Rolls Royce Assist Telematics which includes concierge services and road side assistance. The Rolls-Royce Phantom also boasts a glorious 15 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system and television.

Next on our list is the Bentley Continental which is in its own right a long-established luxury vehicle. When choosing a luxury car the Bentley is always in the running alongside the Rolls- Royce. This particular model packs quite a punch and is well-known for being quick it delivers a turbocharged 6.0-Liter, 48-valve engine with a top speed of around 190 mph.

The Mercedes S 600 is more understated than many of its counterparts and is the top choice for many top level executives. However this luxury vehicle is no slouch in the engine department delivering a bone crunching 510 BH, 5.5-litre, 12 cylinders of power, which propels the car from and a 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. This car is also one of the most popular chauffeur driven hire cars around and can be bought for about £90,000. Some of its many features include 3 DVD players and televisions as well as a Harmon Kardon 15 speaker sound system.

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Proxima Futuristic Car Design Concept Technology Innovation Gianpaolo Alvino

Let’s start with this new car design concept presenting some projects Gianpaolo Alvino, young engineer and designer Neapolitan already known internationally which combines the undeniable technical skills is an interesting approach to the topic of creative design. The first project is called Proxima illustrated by images, and is an idea for a Futuristic Automotive Technology two seat, lined up in tandem with a line that seems to turn, seamlessly from one medium to another.

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Least Expensive Cars of 2011 Yep, they're cheap wheels - - but are they good deals?

Least Expensive Cars of 2011 Yep, they're cheap wheels - - but are they good deals?

Looking for cheap wheels? Here they are -- the least-expensive 2011 cars on sale in America. (All prices are MSRP (sticker price) plus destination charge.) The About.com Cars test team has driven all of these cheap cars, and this list will tell you which are the real deals -- and which are the real duds.

1. Hyundai Accent GL, $10,705

Photo © Hyundai

Despite a modest price increase and its third name change in as many years (first it was the Accent GS Base, then the Accent Blue, and now it's the Accent GL) , the little Hyundai hatchback is once again the least expensive car in America. As you can imagine, the Accent GL is pretty well stripped down; air conditioning is a $1,000 option, but if you want anything else -- power windows, an automatic transmission, or even a radio -- you'll have to step up to the $13,415 Accent GS -- and for that price, there are better cars.

Not that the Accent GL is a bad car; it comes with power steering and an eager 110 horsepower engine, and it's good fun to drive in a back-to-basics sort of way. Still, limited safety equipment and mediocre crash scores make it difficult to justify.

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2. Nissan Versa 1.6, $10,740

Photo © Aaron Gold

For $35 more than the Accent GL, the Nissan Versa 1.6 Base offers two extra doors, better resale value, and -- most importantly -- a lot more interior space, even more than some mid-size sedans. That makes the Versa 1.6 the cheapest set of family-friendly wheels available.

As of 2011, the Versa 1.6 comes standard with power windows and door locks -- not something you'd expect in a car tihs cheap. But there's still no stereo and color choices are limited to blue, silver and black. However, you can add antilock brakes, air conditioning and an automatic transmission and still keep the price (just) under $13,000. If you can afford a bit more, the bargain pricing extends throughout the Versa lineup -- a Versa 1.8 with a stereo, A/C, cruise control and electronic stability control lists for just $15,780.

3. Chevrolet Aveo LS Sedan, $12,685

Photo © General Motors

Like most cars at this end of the price scale, the base-model Chevy Aveo is a stripped-down model, though it does get an AM/FM radio with an input jack for an MP3 player, OnStar, and a provision for dealer-installed air conditioning (at extra cost, of course). The Aveo offers a full color palette (unlike the Accent and Versa, offered only in a few dull colors) and a tan interior with fake-wood trim, which sounds cheesy but actually looks pretty nice. You can even get a hatchback version for $200 more.

On the flip side, the Aveo doesn't drive very well, it's weak on safety equipment, and adding factory A/C, a CD player, and power windows pushes the price well past $15k. For that kind of money, you can do much better.

4. Kia Rio Base Sedan, $12,990

Photo © Kia

The Kia Rio Base is much like the Hyundai Accent GL and the Nissan Versa in that it offers little standard equipment (no stereo, limited color choices) and few options (floor mats and, inexplicably, a trunk-mounted spoiler). The Rio has an eager engine, but the non-power-assisted steering feels lousy in the curves and makes parking a workout. The next step up from the Rio Base is the Rio LX, which gets air conditioning, a CD player, and antilock brakes (ABS) -- but at $15,690, it's a staggering $3,700 more than a Nissan Versa 1.6 with optional A/C and ABS. (At that price, the Versa lacks a stereo, but that's easily solved with a trip to Best Buy.) And the Nissan has better resale values and crash test scores. Just goes to show that a low price doesn't always mean good value.

5. Smart Fortwo Pure, $13,240

Photo © Smart

It's no surprise that the smallest car in America is also one of the least expensive, but the cheapest version of the Smart Fortwo, called the Pure, is pretty sparse -- no power windows or mirrors, no air conditioning, not even a stereo. But it does include an automatic transmission and lots of safety gear, including side airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control (ESC) -- in fact, it's the least-expensive car to offer this life-saving technology as standard. And the creature comforts missing in the Fortwo Pure come standard in the Fortwo Passion, which costs only $2,000 more.

6. Toyota Yaris 3-door Liftback, $13,615

Photo © Toyota

The Yaris 3-door has always been one of the smartest cheap-car buys, with air conditioning, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control all standard and an automatic transmission reasonably priced at $800. If you need something with back doors, Toyota offers a 5-door version of the Yaris for just $300 more than the 3-door. The Yaris is good looking, easy to drive, and small, which means it can be squeezed into impossibly small parking spaces. Epic reliability makes the Yaris a good choice for those who keep their cars forever, and strong resale values are a plus for those who don't.

7. Kia Soul Base, $13,995

Photo © Aaron Gold

Kia's stylish mini-wagon is an intriguing car and an outstanding buy. The $13,995 base model includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, CD stereo with USB input jack, antilock brakes and electronic stability control -- arguably the best value-for-money on this list. So what's the catch? Well, the base-model Soul only comes in white, silver or black, it's not available with an automatic transmission, and its 122 horsepower 1.6 liter engine is less powerful than the 142 hp 2-liter unit found in other versions of the Soul -- but it's every bit as comfortable, practical and safe. If you can live with a stick-shift, the base-model Soul is a lot of car for the money.

8. Ford Fiesta S Sedan, $13,995

Photo © Aaron Gold

The Fiesta is a brand-new addition to this list, and it comes on strong, with four doors, a 120 horsepower engine, electronic stability control, power steering, and an AM/FM radio with an auxiliary input jack. But what really sets the Fiesta apart is the way it drives.

Designed in Europe, the Fiesta is huge fun on curvy roads and delivers outstanding fuel economy, even better if you spring for the automatic (a high-tech six-speed twin-clutch transmission). It's cute, cheeky and eager, a thoroughly lovable car -- and the low price makes it that much easier to love. No question, the Fiesta is my favorite set of cheap wheels.

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The 2012 Eos Lease Special.

The 2012 Eos Lease Special.

$399.00*/Month. 36-month lease. $2,999.00 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, options and dealer fees.)

Lease a 2012 Eos Komfort with automatic transmission for $399.00* a month. 36-month lease, $2,999.00 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, options and dealer fees.). See your local VW dealer for this limited time offer or for one of many other great lease deals available on Eos models. More about the Eos.

National Offer | Offer ends February 28, 2011

*Based on MSRP of $34,765.00 for a 2012 Eos Komfort with automatic transmission, excluding title, tax, options and dealer fees. Monthly payments total $14,364.00. Requires dealer contribution of $500.00, which could affect final negotiated transaction. Purchase option at lease end for $19,818.40. At lease end lessees responsible for $0.20/mile over 36,000 miles and excessive wear and tear. Dealer sets actual prices. Lessee responsible for insurance. Closed-end lease offered on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit through participating dealers. Supplies limited. U.S. cars only. Additional charges may apply at lease end. See your Volkswagen dealer for financing details or for general product information call 1-800-Drive-VW. ©2011 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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The 2012 Eos APR Special

The 2012 Eos APR Special.

2.9% APR* for 60 months.

2012 Eos models are available with financing as low as 2.9% APR for 60 months. So what are you waiting for? See your local VW Dealer for this and other great Eos deals. More about the Eos.

National Offer | Offer ends February 28, 2011

*APR offer good on new 2012 Eos models. Example: For 2.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 60 months is $17.92. No down payment required with approved credit through Volkswagen Credit. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. See dealer for details or call 1-800-DriveVW. Offer valid in US only. ©2011 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Smart For Two releases in 2012

Smart For Two releases in 2012

The Smart For two Electric Drive's second edition will have a limited production of 250 units for U.S. It's the test model that will be used to gauge consumer interest in these type of battery-powered vehicles. This model is available for leasing at $599 a month for 48 months, plus $2,500 due at signing. The 2011 Smart ED is offered under the lease-only plan but the manufacturer has listed its MSRP at $44,387.

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The SSC ULTIMATE AERO II to beat Veyron Super Sport Top Speed Record

The new SSC Ultimate Aero II has been expected with a well-defined function: to beat Super Sport Bugatti Veyron top speed record. The new American supercar SSC Ultimate Aero II, announced a few months as a result of the innovative character of Jason Castriota, is shown in all its excitement, thanks to an exclusive photo shoot created by Top Gear, the automotive set-up of British BBC network best known among car’s fanatic. The record for fastest manufactured car in the world (not prototype), belonged to the previous SSC Ultimate Aero I, just won by Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

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GM official says U.S. to have 1 million EVs on the road by 2018

GM CEO Dan Akerson wants the automaker better prepared with more fuel-efficient models such as the Volt in the event gasoline prices remain elevated.

Neil Roland

WASHINGTON -- A General Motors Co. official said today she expects 1 million electric vehicles will be on U.S. roads by 2017 or 2018 -- a little later than President Obama's target date.

Obama has said he wants Americans to be driving 1 million EVs by 2016.

"I think we'll miss it by maybe a year or two," Britta Gross, GM's director of global energy systems, said at an Edison Foundation conference here. "We have to watch demand."

Gross said manufacturers such as GM, which makes the Chevrolet Volt, are prepared to meet Obama's goal. It's not yet clear, however, whether consumer tastes will respond that quickly, she added.

GM is striving to boost Volt output and plans to apply the car's technology to other models down the road. GM CEO Dan Akerson wants the automaker better prepared with more fuel-efficient models in the event gasoline prices remain elevated.

Some industry analysts, such as HIS Global Insight's Rebecca Lindland, have expressed skepticism that Obama will come close to meeting his target date.

They have cited the cost of EVs, questions about whether there will be enough charging stations, and "range anxiety" among EV drivers

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Sbarro's Evoluzione Shows Lamborghini How It's Done

Swiss automobile builder Sbarro, in league with the Espera Sbarro design school, has brought a very interesting concept to the Geneva Motor Show this year: the Evoluzione. The prototype seen here is an eye-popping mix of various themes: it takes Lamborghini's recent efforts at making drivable razors, puts in a spoonful of motorcycle, and then adds McLaren F1-style seating.

Sbarro's Evoluzione took thirteen weeks to complete with twenty-five students working in teams on both the engineering and design sides of the project. Pierre Guenebaut, a teacher at the design school, explains, "Being present at the Geneva Motor Show is a reward for them. They will have the opportunity to explain their project to the public while investing in relationships and communication."

The delightfully naked rear end houses a 180 horsepower 1.8T sourced from Audi. In front of the engine are three staggered Recaros with the driver front and center, flanked by two "wingman" passenger seats.

Rolling on what appear to be 20-inch OZ's, this funky three-seater makes Lamborghini's Aventador look downright boring.

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2011 Geneva Motor Show: A to Z Guide of New Models and Concepts

Welcome to Carscoop's guide of the 81st edition of the Geneva International Motor Show which is shaping to be one of the most important automotive events of the year. The show will be open for the public from March 3-13, but we'll be bringing you all the world premieres during the press days on March 1 and 2.

Some of the new production models to look forward to include the stunning Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Ferrari's first all-wheel drive model, the FF, the Hyundai i40, and Volkswagen's Golf Cabriolet, while on the concept front there's a bevy of studies such as the BMW Vision CD roadster, the Renault Captur and the Toyota FT-86 II. We'll be constantly updating the list after the break so bookmark this page and keep checking back.

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New SPEED series replicates Smokey and the Bandit beer run tonight

American Truckers does the Smokey and the Bandit beer run – Click above to watch video after the jump

SPEED is looking to revamp its program lineup as it enters its 15th year on the air. One of the programs that's set to hit televisions is called American Truckers. Hosted by Rob Mariani, the series looks at iconic rigs, amazing routes and the people who make up the industry. To kick off the series, the crew of American Truckers has decided to get down to business and re-create a route with which most of your are familiar: the epic 1,800-mile beer run from Smokey and the Bandit.

The first and most important part of the journey (besides the beer, of course) is making sure they have the right vehicles. Bud Brutsman, producer of American Truckers, Rides, Overhaulin' (the list goes on...), and his crew acquired a 1974 Kenworth W900 Snowman tribute truck. Year One stepped up to the plate and handed over the keys to a resto-mod 1978 Pontiac Trans-Am. The Bandit car is packing a 605-horsepower LS7 engine with a five-speed transmission, Baer six-piston calipers on 14-inch front and rear rotors and a roll-cage with a five-point racing harness.

Vehicles in order, the team set out on their journey from Atlanta with their sights set on Texarkana. How'd they fare?

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Geneva 2011: Hamann Hawk is Barbie's First Supercar

Hamann Hawk - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is certainly enjoying an interesting run at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. It's had its ups and downs... and right now, it's going through another low point courtesy of Hamann.

To be fair, the styling of the Hamann Hawk is almost kind of cool. But the matte pink pearl paint job does this car no favors. Hamann calls the color Everose Gold, but we're going with Barbie's First Supercar – it's like Paris Hilton trying to act tough.

What's certainly no act, however, is the work done under the hood. The Mercedes-Benz 6.2-liter V8 in the SLS, which normally produces 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, has been pushed to produce 636 hp and 502 lb-ft. This was accomplished through the use of upgraded manifolds, a new exhaust and adjustments to the engine mapping. Those changes help push the Hamann Hawk from 0-62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds. Hold the go-pedal down and you'll eventually hit 199 miles per hour.

Of course, you'll still be driving something that 16-year-old girls would find oddly endearing, like a pair of pajama pants with pink skulls on it. Hamann, please paint this thing black, lose the garish grille emblem, and then let us disappear with your gas card for a few days.

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Geneva 2011: Ruf Rt 12 R is a 230-mph bolide

Ruf Rt 12 R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche makes some amazingly capable and exciting machines. The German speedmeisters at Ruf are fans of those cars, but they like to take them, lock them in their insane asylum factory and release them back into the world as roadgoing rocketships. The company's latest creation, unveiled on the 2011 Geneva Motor Show floor, is the Ruf Rt 12 R.

Based on the (quite pedestrian by comparison) Porsche 911 Turbo, the Ruf Rt 12 R begins life with the stock 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine. That unit is good for 500 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque (516 lb-ft with the overboost function). After Ruf gets its mitts on the powerplant, output swells to 730 hp and 693 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to Porsche's six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive system. And if you're a rich lunatic, you can opt for rear-wheel drive.

Ruf also works its magic on the body of the Rt 12 R. Carbon fiber is applied to the front fenders, hood, luggage cover, seats and is available optionally on the roof. The side and rear windows are plastic instead of glass to further aid in the quest for lightness. This weight reduction, along with the massive increase in power, has helped Ruf claim an impressive 230 mph top speed for the Rt 12 R.

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Supreme Court strikes down Bloomberg's hybrid taxi plan for NYC

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has fought long and hard to uphold a local law requiring all city cab companies to replace their gas-guzzling Ford Crown Victoria sedans with more efficient livery vehicles. A noble goal, no doubt, but the Supreme Court is having none of it.

The New York Post reports that the highest court in the land refused to hear the case after four years of battles in the lower courts, giving the victory to the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade. The court ruled that federal agencies have the sole right to regulate emissions and efficiency, not the mayor of one town – even if it is the City That Never Sleeps.

When the Supreme Court swings its gavel, there usually isn't another shot, but that likely won't stop Mayor Bloomberg from lobbying Congress to change the rules. The mayor said that local governments are the ones dealing with climate change and energy policy, adding "the federal government seems unable to address those issues."

While the city of New York appears to have lost the efficiency war, the Big Apple can still feel good about the fact that some 4,400 of the 13,237 cabs on its streets are hybrids. And if gas prices continue to jump, we're thinking many of the other 8,000 cabs will follow suit.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 GTA Spano makes world debut with 820 horsepower

2011 GTA Spano – Click above for high-res image gallery

GTA Motor has just rolled out its brand-new supercar, the V10-powered, 820-horsepower Spano here at the Geneva Motor Show. The car has a carbon fiber-kevlar composite and aluminum chassis, and will be limited to a run of 99 examples worldwide.

With all that power and very little weight, the Spano makes it to 60 mph in under three seconds, and GTA says it will top out at 217 mph. The car carries massive 380 mm (nearly 15-inch) six-piston caliper AP Racing disc brakes with ABS, and the brakes sap off speed with the help of a ridiculous wide set of Pirelli PZero Rosso 330s (19- and 20-inches wide, respectively).

The car is designed with performance in mind, but it's not a totally stripped-out track-day car, keeping things civilized with a panoramic roof and a carbon fiber luggage compartment complete with fitted bags.

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Geneva 2011: IED Scorp-Ion design study electrifies Abarth's future

IED Abarth Scorp-Ion – Click above for high-res image gallery

Every division in the sprawling Fiat empire had something new to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show this year. Starting at the top, Ferrari presented the new FF. Maserati had the GranCabrio Sport, Alfa Romeo wowed with the 4C Concept, Lancia debuted the new Ypsilon and the Fiat brand itself presented two new variations on the 500 theme with the Gucci edition and the stunning Zagato coupe. Even its transatlantic partners in Auburn Hills were represented. The only one that was left out, really, was the Abarth sub-brand. Or was it?

The marque's own show stand showcased the existing range (plus a new junior formula racing program), but there was a new Abarth on display across the hall at the IED booth. Previously, the students at the Istituto Europeo di Design gave us the dramatic Maserati Chicane concept, and this year they teamed up with Abarth for the Scorp-Ion. Emphasizing the "ion" in the name, the design study calls for an all-electric drivetrain, decentralized to each wheel and leaving extra space for baggage and two seats. The styling, meanwhile, is pure F-Zero from our childhood Super Nintendo days.

Check it out for yourself in our gallery of live shots from the show floor below and find the full details in the press release after the jump.

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Infiniti EX30d Black Premium Edition

Nowadays buying a luxury vehicle depends more about customer experience than the actual vehicle. Infiniti has shown its aptitude in delivering that experience including its rivals particularly in Europe. Its latest release is the EX Black Premium which is built based on the diesel-powered EX30d GT Premium trim. This Black edition features black paint with graphite leather interior plus 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, aluminum roof rails and a Bose sound system.

Infiniti has thrown in a night for two with fine dining included at any of the luxury hotels associated with the Relais & Château group, as well as membership in its exclusive Club 5C. Only 500 examples of the Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition will be offered across Europe, at about a $5,000 premium over the standard top-spec model.

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2012 GTA Spano at Geneva Motor Show

GTA Motor has released its latest brand, Spano at the Geneva Motor Show. It's a V10-powered, 820-horsepower car with a carbon fiber-kevlar composite and aluminum chassis. The maximum production of this car would be just 99.

The Spano with its power and little weight reaches 60 mph in under three seconds and it can top out at 217 mph. The car has a 380 mm six-piston caliper AP Racing disc brakes with ABS. This car is designed with a panoramic roof and a carbon fiber luggage compartment complete with fitted bags considering its performance.

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40,000 Volts Is Quite A Shock. So's One Volt For $40,000

That's the price General Motors has arrived at for its 2011 electric Chevrolet Volt, according to Automotive News (free subscription required).

The announcement comes tomorrow, and the blow will be softened somewhat by a $7,500 tax credit...but, still...$40,000? A chunk above now-retired GM product guy Bob Lutz' prediction of "the upper 20s"...and significantly higher than the Nissan Leaf's $32.780 before tax credits.

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Mansory SLR Renovatio

http://impressivecars-impressivecars.blogspot.com/

The car has received the name “Renovatio” which means rebirth in english. This lovely SLR got an entirely new look after Mansory added a lot of design elements made by them. In the exterior, the car’s design was modified by adding new carbon fiber elements that gives the car a more agressive look and will also improve the car’s handling a bit because the car’s weight is lower now.

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