Ultimatecarpage.com update (05-08-06)

[Wouter Melissen]

Less than a month after the very exciting season opener at Istanbul, it is time for the second round of the Le Mans Series; the Spa 1000 km. We have already looked more closely at a large number of the competitors in recent weeks and to warm you up for the Spa race we now take a look at two of the more interestingly styled competitors. With its unique looks, rumbling V8 and fire spitting frolics, the Spyker C8 Spyder GT2 R is surely one of the fans' favourites. For Spa a new engine should be fitted, greatly improving the Spyker Squadron's chances for a class podium finish. A lot has changed in the prototype classes and many feared the cars would look at lot worse because of it, but now that the dust has somewhat settled we can conclude that the latest generation sportscar looks any bit as good as the old LMP 675/900 cars. One of the best examples is the all new Courage LC70, which has a number of striking design cues.
It is still relatively quiet in the automotive industry, but as almost every week there is a new Mercedes Benz model to report on. AMG have now inserted their new V8 engine in the facelifted CLS class to create the CLS 63 AMG. Aston Martin has released the first pictures of the DBS V12, which will be used by James Bond in the upcoming movie 'Casino Royal'.
For some years any Italian design was immediately eye pleasing, but some companies are now pushing the boundaries. An example of classic Italian style is the Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept, which was launched a few years ago and has seen been driven for many miles. We recently examined the unique orange coupe at the company's new North American office and can say it took the miles in remarkably well. At last month's Top Marques show in Monaco the wraps were taken off the Faralli & Mazzanti Antas V8 GT, which we found a lot harder to appreciate than the Stola.

Enjoy the links:

Alfa Romeo 33 SC 12 Turbo
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2782

Aston Martin DBS V12
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2787

Courage LC70 Mugen
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2789

Faralli & Mazzanti Antas V8 GT
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2786

Ferrari 250 TR59/60
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...php&carnum=859

Mercedes Benz CLS 63 AMG
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2783

Spyker C8 Spyder GT2 R
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2320

Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=1631

Le Mans Series Section
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...item.php&fid=8