La Dolce Veloce

In addition to the Concept S and the convertible Spider, Lamborghini is rumored to be working on yet another Gallardo variation, the Piton. The limited edition Gallardo Piton is, at first glance, a small cosmetic change. It has a black roof and spoiler section, with a glass engine cover (much like the Ferrari F360). The interior receives similar two tone color treatment. Strangely, Lamborghini has decided to make the color of the Piton’s brake calipers a key design element, with diifferent body colors receiving different caliper colors (gray or yellow). New wheels and Pirelli track tires complete the exterior changes. Under the skin you’ll find a lower, stiffer suspension, an increase in power to 523hp, and a shorter ratio gearbox for some phenomenal acceleration (0-60mph in under four seconds). More info on Lamborghini’s future plans can be found here.

Unlike those earlier, likely photoshopped pictures of the new Lotus 2+2 (see this post), I found a photo of a real one sitting in the warehouse, courtesy of AutoCar. Click through to the rest of this post for the photo.

The new Esprit should be introduced sometime around January of 2007.
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It comes as no surprise, (link) but according to Edmunds, Lamborghini WILL be producing a limited run of the Concept S Gallardo. This will not replace the more traditional convertible Gallardo to be introduced this fall. Only 80-90 people will be lucky enough to own one of these fantastic speedsters. Price will be…ha ha, yeah right. You know the answer – if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.

According to Pistonheads, speed limits were recently increased in a few US states. In Texas, rural interstates are now 80mph. Iowa is now 70mph. Indiana is also 70mph, in areas with less than 50k people. Then there’s Montana, which (a few years ago) changed from no speed limit to a fixed one…and saw the accident rate actuallly *increase* (source).

Well, it turns out the press release didn’t really say much that we didn’t already know. 2005 will be the last year for the current NSX, and they’re working on a new model. No specifics were announced, and no release date was announced. Read the rest of this post for the official press release.
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According to this site, tonight at 7 Honda will announce the successor to the NSX, and 2005 will be the last model year for the current model. It’s not exactly clear on just *where* this announcement will be made; I’m guessing you should keep an eye on Honda’s news site. Or, just stay tuned to LaDolceVeloce!

This odd looking supercar, the Orca C113, comes from, where else, Europe. Switzerland, to be specific. Powered by an optional Audi V8 and weighing 850kg (less than a Lotus Elise!), the Orca is sure to be fast, though I really wonder why their styling is not more contemporary. The whole car has a very busy look to it, without much continuity or flowing lines to it. Still, it’s sure to be one fast eye catcher (though if you get the base model powered by Volvo’s 2.3 liter turbo, maybe not *quite* as fast!). It’s on sale now in Europe; don’t expect to see this in the US (naturally).