Is the year 2008 time for super super driving? I bet.  Coz super super cars are already pouring. What are we left to do then? Its time to accept that these six figured speedsters and luxury cruisers are very tantalizing and erasing ‘be satisfied with your old car’ in your new year’s resolution list is a good idea…Businessweek’s super super cars for 2008 will even let you forget the headaches your Acura Cl tie rod end is giving you…because with these car’s performance and looks? Well, the soothing feeling is but an understatement.

DBS
Maker: Aston Martin
Where built: Gaydon, England
Top speed: 191 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 4.3 seconds
Weight: 3,737 lb.
Price: $265,000*

R8
Maker: Audi
Where built: Neckersulm, Germany
Top speed: 187 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Weight: 3,605 lb.
Price: $109,000

Continental GTC
Maker: Bentley
Where built: Derby, England
Top speed: 195 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
Weight: 5,478 lb.
Price: $193,990

Veyron 16.4
Maker: Bugatti
Where built: Molsheim, France
Top speed: 253 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 2.5 seconds
Weight: 4,162 lb.
Price: $1.6 million

F430
Maker: Ferrari
Where built: Maranello, Italy
Top speed: 196 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 4 seconds
Weight: 2,975 lb.
Price: $178,906

612 Scaglietti
Maker: Ferrari
Where built: Maranello, Italy
Top speed: 196 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 4.2 seconds
Weight: 3,803 lb.
Price: $263,519*

599 GTB Fiorano
Maker: Ferrari
Where built: Maranello, Italy
Top speed: 205 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
Weight: 3,482 lb.
Price: $255,000

Apollo
Maker: Gumpert
Where built: Altenburg, Germany
Top speed: 224 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3 seconds
Weight: 2,645 lb.
Price: $352,218

XKR
Maker: Jaguar
Where built: Whitley, England
Top speed: 155 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Weight: 3,814 lb.
Price: $86,700

CCX
Maker: Koenigsegg
Where built: Angelholm, Sweden
Top speed: 245 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.2 seconds
Weight: 2,601 lb.
Price: $930,000

Gallardo
Maker: Lamborghini
Where built: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy
Top speed: 196 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.95 seconds
Weight: 3,152 lb.
Price: $258,000

Murcielago LP640
Maker: Lamborghini
Where built: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy
Top speed: 211 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.4 seconds
Weight: 3,671 lb.
Price: $360,000

Reventon
Maker: Lamborghini
Where built: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy
Top speed: 211 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.4 seconds
Weight: 3,671 lb.
Price: $1,468,000

GranTurismo
Maker: Maserati
Where built: Modena, Italy
Top speed: 177 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 5.2 seconds
Weight: 4,145 lb.
Price: $110,000

MC12
Maker: Maserati
Where built: Modena, Italy
Top speed: 205 mph (est.)
Zero-to-60 mph: 3.7
Weight: 3,150 lb.
Price: $800,000 (est.)

SLR McLaren
Maker: Mercedes Benz
Where built: Woking, England
Top speed: 207 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.8 seconds
Weight: 3,732 lb.
Price: $452,750

Orochi
Maker: Mitsuoka
Where built: Toyama, Japan
Top speed: NA
Zero-to-60 mph: NA
Weight: 3,483 lb.
Price: $94,674

MT900S
Maker: Mosler
Where built: Riviera Beach, Fla.
Top speed: 180 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Weight: 2,450 lb.
Price: $189,900

Zonda
Maker: Pagani
Where built: San Cesario Sul Panaro, Italy
Top speed: 214 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 3.6 seconds
Weight: 2,712 lb.
Price: $1,072,600

Esperante GTLM
Maker: Panoz
Where built: Hoschton, Ga.
Top speed: 180 mph
Zero-to-62 mph: 4.2 seconds
Weight: 3,200 lb.
Price: $128,319*

S7
Maker: Saleen
Where built: Irvine, Calif.
Top speed: NA
Zero-to-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
Weight: 2,950 lb.
Price: $580,000

Ultimate Aero TT
Maker: Shelby Super Cars
Where built: West Richmond, Wash.
Top speed: 257 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 2.78 seconds
Weight: 2,750 lb.
Price: $579,000

C8 Laviolette LWB
Maker: Spyker
Where built: Zeewolde, Netherlands
Top speed: 187 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Weight: 2,970 lb.
Price: $229,900

Roadster
Maker: Tesla
Where built: San Carlos, Calif.
Top speed: 125 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 4 seconds
Weight: 2,690 lb.
Price: $98,950

Iceni R
Maker: Trident
Where built: Fakenham, England
Top speed: 170 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Weight: 2,680 lb.
Price: $122,232

Sagaris
Maker: TVR
Where built: Blackpool, England
Top speed: 160 mph
Zero-to-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Weight: 2,377 lb.
Price: $93,500*

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Davis Motorcar Co.

Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Drivetrain Configuration: Front engine, rear wheel drive

Engine: Henry J, 4 cylinder

Transmission: Syncromesh 3-speed Borg-Warner overdrive

Top Speed: 116 miles per hour (claimed)

Years of Production: 1947-49

Number Produced: 16

Original Cost: Scheduled to sell for $1,400

Long beaked and three wheeled? This is the 1948 Davis Divan car an not an Acura CL with an Acura Cl coil springs made funny. However, it may look weird for us now but during its time, this car was supposed to be an advanced, air-craft inspired and very modern car derived from a race car.

This one of a kind car was born in Nuys, California from Davis Motor Company. Gary Davis started the company in 1946, during the world war two when everyone in Europe and Japan is almost uncertain of the future, giving way for America to set step forward.

One of Frank Kurtis’ roadster built for millionaire Joel Thome caught the attention of the budding automaker. In those times, the designs of Kurtis dominated the race tracks of the Indy 500 series until the 1950s. Fascinated with the three-wheeler roadster named "Californian", he managed to get one.

The idea of prototypes was also known to Davis that before he came up with this Divan, Davis and his young engineers first worked with three of the Divan prototypes. The first prototype was named "Baby". Still three-wheeled and powered by a 47 hp Hercules 4-cylinder engine, with Borg-Warner 3-speed transmission and Spicer rear end, and with four- across seating, it was the basis for claims of production beginning in 1948 with a minimum of 50 cars a day, ramping up to 1000 soon after.

Magazines, newspapers, investors and prospective dealers were all anxious for the new Davis "Divan" Sedan. The sedan makes room for four people seated side-by-side on the single bench seat. The baby was followed by Delta and the 428, though set for production, the Davis failed to sell it to the market after his engineers filed for wage demands and the company went to bankruptcy. The cars created were not sold but were given to the company’s creditors.

Is this a Car for the Muslims? Yes. According to Iran Khodro, the head of the Middle East’s biggest carmaker and partner announced that in 2011, the collaboration of three major Islamic countries including Iran, Malaysia and Turkey will introduce the first unique car packed with Islamic features and definitely it won’t have an Acura Integra tie rod.

The investment and production of this vehicle that we can consider religious will be taken cared of by the world’s biggest countries having faith in Allah says Manouchehr Manteghi, the CEO and president of the partly-owned Iranian company.

Last November, Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Malaysia’s Proton chief executive announced that the Islamic car would be installed with Islamic features like a compass to point the direction of Mecca, the Islamic holy city. However, details about when the three countries will make their investments and would start the car’s production were not given by Tahir.

"This car will be produced with the latest technology and it will measure up to all global standards when it goes into different markets in 2011," Manteghi said. But he denied that any Islamic features would be standard and said the car could be marketed in non-Muslim countries.

"Each Islamic country can order the additional equipment based on its own needs. In addition to Islamic countries, this car is capable of being presented in all global markets," Manteghi said.

According to Manteghi, his company was able to make a total of 525,000 cars and pick-up trucks in July 2006. Because of this huge production capacity, his firm was chosen by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to be the project leader.

The car will be sold for about 6,000 to 8,000 euros ($8,800-$11,700). The main target markets would be Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

It also makes vehicle models such as Peugeot’s 206 and 405 and Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Grand Vitara.

On Christmas Eve, we don’t expect Santa to be visiting our chimneys riding a car right? Of course he’ll be in his reindeer powered sleigh with Rudolph on the lead. However, the guys at RM auctions considered Old Nicolas’ taste and predicted what car he drives when his sleigh is on the garage.

1) 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton — The Sophisticated Santa
 
Almost as spacious as Santa’s sleigh, the Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton is one of America’s most elegant automobiles, thanks in part to its superb engineering and plush interior.  The Phaeton also offers a convertible top so that Santa may appreciate the many climates he’s bound to visit.  Santa will appreciate owning a luxurious Duesenberg when he’s feeling like a sophisticated day out.

  2) 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept — The Modern Santa

Santa will have the chance to put his hands on this one-of-a-kind car at RM Auctions’ "Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona" event in January 2008. He’s likely had his eye on this innovative gem for a while, with its sleek roadster shape hiding concealed headlights and a retractable metal hardtop.  This streamlined shape is perfect for cutting through blinding snowstorms and Northern winds.

  3) 1959 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder — The Sporty Santa

Santa will have to attend RM’s Leggenda e Passione event in Maranello, Italy in May 2008 to put his hands on this legendary machine.  A car for a man who loves his toys, as of course Santa would, the 250GT California Spyder is one of the most valuable of all road-going Ferraris, with less than 100 produced between 1957 and 1962.  Santa could give Rudolph a run for his money driving this open sportster while enjoying a more tropical climate on his days off.

  4) 1922 American LaFrance Type 48 Triple Combination Pumper – The Practical Santa

Recently sold at auction in Hershey, Pa., this massive fire engine commanded $41,250 USD, and RM Auctions thinks that Santa would have felt right at home aboard its fire-engine-red body.  Santa may find this a great addition to his garage so he may relive the parade experience all year long.

  5) 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz ("The Raindrop Car") - The Classic  Santa
 
Santa would appreciate the unique convertible feature of this car, a "raindrop feature" that will activate the car’s convertible top and raise the electric windows upon sensing a few drops of rain, protecting his gift booty while away.  The Raindrop Car recently sold at auction for $330,000 USD.

I just wish that old Santa knows that I’m wishing for a brand new Acura Integra cold air intake for this Christmas. My old one is really worn out.

“Phallus”, Greek term for the genitalia of the male specie and motivemag.com listed the ten cars with the likeness of it. In this list, you can surprisingly find BMW and Ford’s respectable Jaguar nameplate maliciously spoken about. Here they are:

10. TVR Tuscan

For most Americans, interaction with the TVR Tuscan has been limited to its role in the movie Swordfish, where its phallic curves were overshadowed by a famous Halle Berry nude scene.

9. Lotus 7

The Lotus 7 — now sold in various sizes and under various names by Caterham Cars, Ltd. — is the biggest proponent of the "size doesn’t matter" theory in phalliform automotive design. Colin "Simplicate" Chapman would turn in his grave if we didn’t also point out the minimalist design of this mobile Mr. Johnson: The 7 consists of just two seats at the back and a long narrow shaft protruding forward.

8. Ferrari 275 GTB/4

All Ferraris are some form of vehicular male enhancement, but the 275 GTB/4 looks the part more than any other prancing pony. The long, soft-lined body is aided at the front by clear headlight covers that keep car’s face free of points or edges, allowing it to come to a smooth, rounded tip.

7. Austin-Healey 3000

The 3000 was known as the "big" Healey, but if that’s what they call big, we understand why the Brits are so self-satisfied. Still, this diminutive roadster’s profile is pure John Thomas, with a long bodyline that slowly arcs until it reaches a quick rounded kick-up just above the rear wheel.

6. Toyota 2000GT

Japan, a small island packed with smaller people, is all about efficiency by necessity. That’s why it was such a shock when conservative Toyota cold-cocked the world with the wonderfully excessive 2000GT, a gorgeous — and, more importantly, serious — competitor to Porsches and Ferraris of the day. The car’s bulging hood and concealed headlights were so lusty that even James Bond drove one, during his visit to Japan, in You Only Live Twice.

5. Dodge Viper (MKI)

This car is not only one of the last remaining interpretations of the classic American sports car — an engine that belongs in a truck, a chassis that could be re-created in a welding shop, and a Tonka-worthy interior — it might also be the closest thing to rolling wedding-tackle that the U.S. of A. has ever built. That’s especially true of the first-generation car, which ditched the edginess of Fords and Chevys for a rounded cabin atop the rear wheels and a front end pushing the front rubbers out ahead of all ten cylinders.

4. BMW Z4 Coupe

All the Chris Bangle flare-speak in the world can’t hide what’s really going on with Ol’ Slick Willy over here. From behind the wheel, the slowly tapering hood is in plain view and the road ahead starts to seem like the world’s largest toilet — try not to pee on the edges.

3. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

All points converge in one small triangular hole at the front of the 8C, so draw your own conclusions. Despite, or perhaps because of, the obvious sexual imagery, this Alfa is one of the most stirring designs extant.

2. Buggatti Type 57SC Atlantic

Like the Lotus 7 above, the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic wears its front fenders like outriggers, creating the classic meat-and-two-veg layout. But what makes this Bugatti unique is the standing seam down the middle, which gives the car a slightly veiny look.

1. Jaguar E-Type

Jag’s E-type is the oft-imitated king of schlong cars. The revolutionary design included a hood stretched longer than any engine of the day could fill, meaning that all the mechanicals sat within the wheelbase for strong performance. New York’s Museum of Modern Art put one on permanent display in 1964, and no car company since has captured the spirit of male genitalia quite so thrustingly.

I just hope your minds are still as clean as it is like unused and new Acura mats. If possible, you still can think of these vehicles like you used to. It’s not their fault to resemble a member anyway.

Almost everyone of us knows George Jetson, his family and the car he drives..oh! I mean, the car he flies. Getting a little bit envious because he doesn’t have to be in traffic jams because he’s above it? Get it over with because in months time, we can have his flying car too.

Based in California, a company named Aptera will bring us to our most desired “wingless flight”, by the way, that’s what the company name means in Greek with the Typ-1. The typ-1 is a three wheeled electric flying vehicle…see? Even flying has to be environment friendly now. As a product of efforts with world renown Idealab also known as the “technology incubator”, next year, the flying car will debut in California bearing a tag price of $30,000 close to the price of the latest Acura Csx with its standard Acura Csx cylinder head gasket.

So like any car, here are its specs, features and capabilities:

The Typ-1 can run 120 miles before needing a recharge via regular electric outlet, a process that takes just a few hours, Aptera says.

• "Two plus one" seating that allows for two adults in front and an infant (with carseat) in the middle behind them. That back area also has enough space to fit 15 bags of groceries, two full-size golf club bags or even a couple of seven foot surf boards with the infant seat removed.
• A front end that redirects crash energy in a frontal impact, steel and composite side and rollover protection as well as driver and passenger side airbags.
• Solar cells on the roof that power an "always on" climate control system, ensuring the interior never gets too hot or too cold.
• "Eyes Forward" vision system that replaces the side mirrors with "embedded cameras that display a 180-degree rear view in the front of the instrument panel. "The system gives the driver complete situational awareness without taking their eyes off of the road," Aptera says.
• LED interior and exterior lighting for energy efficiency.

"Early adopters and plug-in car advocates will love these cars," says Felix Kramer, who heads the California Cars Initiative, a group aiming to see plug-in hybrids mass produced. "Every carmaker watching the competition will be motivated to join the great automotive race of the 21st century: to electrify transportation."

But Jim Motavalli, author of "Forward Drive," a look at green car development, has his doubts. The concept "just looks wildly impractical to me," he says. "The ‘pod’ concept wastes all the interior space to be had by building a enveloping body on top of the wheelbase."

"People have been waiting to see Jetsons-style cars on the road for decades, but had to settle for very mild versions, maybe their time has finally come." says Kramer.

Playing billiards is really fun! But, I wonder how it feels to play with a table like this one – the VW Bus billiards table.

According to windingroad.com, this Ohio-plated Volkswagen Bus billiards table has been trailed to Woodward where it has simultaneously bemused and amused all the people passing by. The owner said that he doesn’t know who built it or when. He just bought it from the previous owner for about $8000.

The maroon felt Type 2 – also known as billiard cloth, a specific type of cloth that covers the top of the table’s “playing area” – is actually fully functional. It appears to have been built to a high standard. Though it might not seem to have a full-fledged ball return mechanism, it is certainly playable. It even has an integrated storage area for balls and other supplies beneath its engine flap.

Hmmm… I wonder if this kind of VW Bus is driveable. But, I doubt it is, since there’s no place for the driver to settle himself. Besides, it doesn’t even seem to have essential auto parts, such as Acura CL spark plug wires, to make it run. Regardless, I would definitely love to own one! I just hope there are still some units being sold somewhere. If not, perhaps it would be nice if I would be allowed to rent it for a few hours, just to experience the game with it.

By the way, it would look good with a roof or an overhead light fixture, don’t you think?