The Geneva Motor Show was the scene of some very interesting reveals this week and, as can be expected, the array of sports cars from the top manufacturers was as exciting as ever!
The Geneva Motor Show was the scene of some very interesting reveals this week and, as can be expected, the exciting array of sports cars from the top manufacturers was as exciting as ever!
The production version of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was one of the most eagerly awaited cars running up the show, and the British manufacturer did not disappoint. Fist shown as a concept car at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show, this car now increases the Aston Martin line-up to three models.
Based on the DB9, the Vantage has a shorter wheelbase and at just 4,4 metres long is the smallest model in the Aston Martin range.
The 4,3-litre V8 is based on the Jaguar powerplant and the quad-cam 32-valve engine produces maximum power of 283 kW at 7 000 r/min and peak torque of 409 N.m at 5 000 r/min.
The Warwickshire manufacturer claims a sub-five second zero-to-100 km/h sprint and a 274-km/h top end. Very impressive indeed, its just a pity this beauty is not available for sale in South Africa.
Another showstopper that may never make it to our shores is the Lamborghini Concept S, which hints strongly at the Gallardo roadster model. Unconventionally styled, the concepts most striking feature is its two distinctive compartments with separate “windshields”.
The five-litre V10 currently used in the hardtop develops about 373 kW at 7 800 r/min and 510 N.m at 4 500 r/min. Its zero-to-100 km/h top speed is claimed to be in the four-second region, and when it arrives, the roadster should not be too far off the mark.
Styled by design house Pininfarina, the F430 Spider shares its 360 kW 4,3 V8 with its berlinetta sibling, but the new model has rear air intakes to emphasise the car’s aggressive rear stance and a new rear valance incorporating the diffuser.
The F430 comes with a fully automatic electric hood, which takes up relatively little space, allowing the engine, housed within a clear glass bonnet to be visible at all times.
The Spider’s powerplant produces a maximum of 465 N.m at 5 250 r/min, which along with the 360 kW of peak power, will propel the car to 100 km from standstill in 4,1 seconds. The top speed exceeds 310 km/h.
