Posted by Jonathan on
February 28, 2009
Geneva Debut: Ferrari 599 HGTE and 599XX
Today is a big day at CarEnvy because Jonathan is the second new writer that we are announcing. I’d like you all to give a warm welcome to Jonathan Bush, a man that has tinkered with everything from “Datsuns, Fiats, Volkswagens to the current revolving door of orphan BMWs”.
Let’s say you were one of the lucky few who got their wallets on a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano three years ago when they where first let loose from the stable. Let’s also say, since you’ve racked up some miles on your 599, that maybe you are just a little bit bored with it.
Sure, it’s still beautiful. Sure, it still fits you in a way your 550 Maranello never did. And of course it emits noises that make men cry and women shed their clothes. But after three years you are beginning to wonder if that’s Enough. You’re looking for something More.
Wonder no more because your luscious 599 is about to be updated. Making their international debut at the Geneva Motor Show are the 599 GTB HGTE and 599XX.
Posted by Tim on
February 28, 2009
Definition of Oxymoron: The Bentley Continental Supersports
Please join me in welcoming Tim Gossett to the CarEnvy team. Tim is an experienced blogger and has a breadth of knowledge about the auto industry that will assuredly be an asset for our readers. -Peter Dushenski
Eco-friendly. Going green. Most of these terms are pretty foreign to luxury car makers and especially to those who specialize in the performance variety. Mostly this is because those that are consumers of the luxury “genre” have not made a clamoring for “green” products. Not that there aren’t exceptions–some luxury SUVS have started to push their “greenage”, but since gas has gone down considerably in the last few months, gang green hasn’t exactly been the hot topic amongst buyers.
Posted by Stirling on
February 28, 2009
Review: Maserati Quattroporte GT S
In the world of motoring, there is a bit of a holy grail. It is the car than can do anything. A Lotus is a track monster but cup holders cost extra, a Maybach is no fun to drive, but good for the man in back, a Jetta is practical, but intensely boring. The ideal car would have to have the good parts of all three of these types of vehicles, but without any of the down sides. This is the holy grail of motoring: the luxury race-car that can be taken to the grocery store. It needs to seat five comfortably, it needs to handle like it seats two uncomfortably, it needs to have enough trunk space for some luggage, or a full load of groceries, it needs to feel good on the inside, it needs to look good on the outside, and it needs to be fast. The Maserati Quattroporte GT S may very well be this car. I’ll tell you why after the jump.
Posted by Peter on
February 27, 2009
Video: Sno*Drift Michigan 2009
Jalopnik went to the Sno*Drift Rally in Michigan last month and compiled this nice little video for us. Racers at the event included Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra, Andrew Comrie-Picard, Christian Edstrom, and Tanner Foust. Pretty solid. It’s Friday and I’m still beat after a couple days of skiing North America’s longest vertical descent so if you were expecting anything more poetic or lyrical than that, tough luck.
Check it out after the jump.
Posted by Peter on
February 27, 2009
Video: Ford Focus RS
The boys at Fifth Gear have always lived in the shadow of the boys at Top Gear. Some people feel that this is unjust and that both programs are useful. Top Gear is seen to be more entertaining and Fifth Gear is seen to be more informative. Since both parties have chosen the media of television, it is often entertainment, and thus Top Gear, that wins favour with the masses. If you watch this video of Jason Plato and the Ford Focus RS and compare it to any Clarkson review, you’ll also notice another difference that makes Top Gear our preferred program here at CarEnvy. It isn’t just the entertainment factor, it’s also the ability of James, Richard, and Jeremy to openly criticize the vehicles they drive and yet still love them all the same. You’ll notice that Jason doesn’t say a single word against the Focus RS other than the colour, which is pretty mundane if you ask me. Here at CarEnvy, we feel that observing deficiencies in cars is part of an open discourse that allows you to make better decisions about cars you want to own. Thankfully, there is a program out there that is on the same page. And it’s called Top Gear. [YouTube]
Posted by Peter on
February 27, 2009
Video: VR6+VR6=W12?
Here at CarEnvy, we like our Volkswagens. In fact, I think that the majority of the writers drive them. Strange but true. It’s not a pre-req for writing for us, but we’re thinking of implementing it as a rule in the near future. Turns out that Croatians like VWs too! A couple of them even like the craptastic little Lupo. Ok, it’s not exactly a “stock” Lupo. It might have a VR6. Or two. Apparently, spending too much time in Crotia hanging out with Vee Dubs will make you mad as a hatter. This “W12″ Lupo makes Volkswagen’s own GTI W12-650 seem downright tame, and I didn’t think that was possible.
We have even more videos of this brilliant insanity after the jump!
Posted by Stirling on
February 27, 2009
I’m Sure This Isn’t What the Engineers Had In Mind (Maserati GranTurismo pulls trailer)
This just looks goofy. Surprisingly, this doesn’t take place in Britain though, where people will tow anything with anything if they can figure out how. Seriously though, who would have thought Maserati would have even included a tow point.
Thanks to Brad Sandoe for the tip.
[YouTube]
Posted by Stirling on
February 26, 2009
Audi Shows off the TT RS Before Geneva
The Audi TT has, largely because of its success, spawned a large number of variants over the years. Audi just revealed another one: the Audi TT RS, also known as “the really fast one.” It’s got a more powerful engine (shocking I know), as well as some other goodies. Details after the jump.
Posted by Peter on
February 26, 2009
Remember The Name Peter Schreyer (Kia Forte, 2010 Sorento, No 3 Concept)
What you see here isn’t a poorly photochopped Audi Q7. No, what you see here is a sneak peak at the 2010 Kia Sorento featuring Kia’s new corporate grille courtesy of Peter Schreyer. Peter who? Peter Schreyer. I know his name sounds kind of German for someone who designs Korean cars, but that’s because he is German. You might even have seen some of his designs before because he did a stint at VW/Audi. Heard of the Audi TT? The original was his design. So was the Bauhaus-inspired C5 Audi A6 of 1998-2004. Not a bad resume and it’s also one that makes more sense when you see some of the designs he is pumping out for Kia, his place of work since 2006.
Follow the jump to see Schreyer’s No 3 small-car concept, Forte sedan, and redesigned Sorento CUV.
Posted by Peter on
February 26, 2009
Video: HKS Nissan GT-R GT570 At Snowy Fuji Speedway
The Fuji Speedway is a tricky track on the driest day. Alas, it is no match for the mighty Godzilla, much less one tuned by the infamous HKS. But Fuji Speedway has a trick up its sleeve: snow! So how will the GT570 handle the slick Speedway? Watch the video, duh.
Also, this is how the stock GT-R should sound. Don’t you agree?
