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Latest Car News (22nd to 28th August 2016)
As we head into the last week of August, we bring you some great cars news including that of the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, the Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, and the Ferrari Enzo designer's latest creation!
Lamborghini reveal Centenario Roadster
The new Centenario coupe has been unveiled in drop-top form.
Credit: Lamborghini.com
Appearing as part of the Monterey Car Week in California, the Centenario Roadster has been built to celebrate Ferruccio Lamborghini's 100th birthday - hence the name. On the outside the supercar is very similar to the Aventador, but with a very obvious hardcore approach for its styling consisting of sharp lines, chunky bodywork and a slammed stance.
Under the hood is the same 6.5-litre V12 found in the coupe, meaning a ridiculous 759 bhp power output capable of 0-62 mph in only 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 217 mph. The Centenario Roadster is limited to only 20 units just like the coupe, with a price tag of £1.75 million each. In typical Lamborghini special-edition fashion though, each model has already been sold.
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster spotted undergoing testing
The 2017 GT Roadster has been spied being put through its paces on the Nurburgring.
With the Mercedes-AMG GT achieving great success, it looks as though a drop-top equivalent is on the way after being seen being tested. The roadster joins the GT, GT S and GT R models as part of an expanding lineup for Mercedes' flagship range. It looks almost identical to the existing GT, with the obvious change to be that of a folding cloth roof.
The engine is expected to remain the same, with 456 bhp and 503 bhp available for the GT and GT S respectively from their 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8's. The car is apparently due for release in 2017, meaning a public reveal is likely to happen within the next six months. We'd expect it to be available at a premium of £10,000 over the coupe, meaning a price tag of up to £110,000.
Ferrari Enzo designer shows off unique concept hypercar
Ken Okuyama has revealed his latest creation: the Kode57 Concept hypercar.
Credit: NashvilleChatterClass.com
Much like the Centenario Roadster, the Kode57 was officially unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in California, and arguably stole the limelight due to its stunning looks. It's sloped aerodynamic shape is coupled with a beautiful front end and imposing rear diffuser to give it a iconic, unforgettable style. Suicide doors complete its appearance, because what great hypercar doesn't have special doors?
The name hypercar is justified too, with a 6.0-litre V12 engine that's been uprated by special Ferrari tuners Novitec Rosso, giving it a whopping 700 bhp. Its name is a reference to the year 1957, in which Okuyama feels was a iconic year for legendary cars. The best thing about this car though? The fact it's going into production, albeit with an extremely limited availability.
Roborace unveil early autonomous race car
The initial development car for the autonomous racing series Roborace has been released.
Credit: MotorSport.com
Roborace is a new driverless racing series whereby every team is supplied with an identical car and have the task of developing the best software possible to therefore win the race. It's more of a competition of who can write the best code than anything else. The project has now taken a big step forward though with the introduction of this first development car.
Known simply as 'Devbot', the development model provides the platform on which the teams can start working on. Whilst little is known about the Devbot as of yet, early rumours suggest the car is capable of achieving speeds of up to 180 mph! Roborace will begin later this year, and we're really looking forward to seeing what the teams have managed to get out of the car!
Lotus announce Elise 250 Special Edition
A new limited-edition Lotus known as the Elise 250 has been released.
Credit: LotusCars.com
Lotus are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Hethel, Norfolk base and have decided to commemorate the occasion with a limited-production Elise. The Elise 250 is powered by the same 1.8-litre supercharged petrol engine as a normal Elise, but is boosted from 217 bhp to 243 bhp, giving it a top speed of 154 mph and a 0-62 mph time of just 3.9 seconds.
The car also sheds a bit of weight, taking it from 916 kg to 899 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 270 bhp per tonne. It also gets a whole host of changes including a carbon-fibre front splitter, rear wing, sports seats and more, plus plenty of components from the Cup 250 too. The car is available to buy now and will set you back £47,900, with only 50 being made.