La Dolce Veloce

Among the cars on display at Concorso Italiano was an SSC, short for Shelby Super Cars (no connection with Shelby Automobiles, maker of the cobra). While this car has been shown in concept form for a while, the several examples at the show appear production ready. It’s a very imposing car, similar to a Diablo in many respects. However, with over 1000 horsepower, it’ll be much, much faster (top speed somewhere around 250!). More information can be found over at Supercars.net.

AutoWeek reports that Spyker will be unveiling its newest model at the Pebble Beach Concours this Sunday, the C12 LaTurbie. Visually similar to their V8 (Spyker fans please don’t scold me, I know there are subtle differences), it’ll be powered by a Volkswagen W12 motor (which is good enough for a 3.9 second 0-60 run).

This new Maserati Coupe was recently spied undergoing testing in Fiorano. Though heavily disguised, the basic lines can be seen in these spy photos. What isn’t shown is the new folding metal roof, a first for Maserati. No word on when this will hit the showroom floor, but Ferrari fans take note – there’s talk of using this new Maserati as the basis for an entry level Ferrari, to be badged the Dino (though at $160k, their definition of ‘entry level’ leaves a lot to be desired). More pictures after the link. (source)
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Just a reminder to all you car nuts in California, this is The Weekend! Below is a list of events I’ve compiled to act as your guide to the weekend activities; if you know of any other activities happening in the area please post them in the comments section of this post.

Thursday, August 18th
Tour D’Elegance

Friday, August 19th
Concorso Italiano
Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally
Bonhams auctions
RM Auctions
Monterey Historics
The Quail

Saturday, August 20th
RM Auctions
Monterey Historics

Sunday, August 21st
Gooding & Company auction
Monterey Historics
Pebble Beach Concors D’Elegance

At last! The first official pictures of the Lotus Circuit Car, a track only special based on the Elise. Weighing a measly 650kg (1433 pounds), the car is powered by either the 190hp Toyota 2ZZGE (found in the Elise 111R), or the 240hp supercharged version of that motor. Surprisingly, the car features ABS and appears to have the same brakes as the 111R, which has received many negative reviews of the brake pedal feel (though the performance of the brakes has always been considered excellent). Suspension changes include Ohlins shocks (which greatly improve the ride of the standard Elise); around 100 cars will be built each year starting in 2006, with prices starting around £25,000 in the UK. Pricing and availability in other markets has not been announced. See the rest of this post for the full press release and more pictures.
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Porsche fans rejoice! As reported on The Car Connection, the new 911 turbo was recently caught on film as seen here. It’ll go on sale next spring in Europe, appearing in the US shortly after that. It stop speed will be somewhere around 191mph.
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Edmunds reports that a ‘Spec B’ version of the Subaru Legacy is on the way. Changes are minimal, mainly consisting of different struts, wheels and tires, and interior cosmetics (red trim, aluminum pedals, special floor mats). No engine changes.