After a cold and wet Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, the delightful Florida weather set the stage for an excellent week of automotive delight. The main event was the 15th annual Cavallino Classic, dedicated exclusively to Ferrari. As usual the proceedings got underway with four track days at Moroso and then finished with a concours d'elegance on the lawn of the luxurious Breakers Resort in downtown Palm Beach. On track there was equal opportunity to play around with modern and vintage road and racing cars. For the racers, practice laps were used to prepare for the two Historic Challenge Races. One of the highlights was the first North American track outing of the 800 bhp FXX, which was as much a pleasure for the spectators as it was for the driver. At the Breakers the Cavallino's anniversary was celebrated with a display of all previous best of show winners. These were joined by a few freshly-restored and newly-discovered Ferraris, to form an exceptional display, even for Ferrari standards.
We were trackside at Moroso and at the Breakers from dusk 'til dawn to capture all the activities. Our findings have been combined in a full report and two 150 shot slideshows. Enjoy!

Thanks in part to extensive rule changes, the 2006 Formula 1 season is one of the most highly anticipated in recent years. With the number of cylinders and displacement dropping to eight and 2.4 litres respectively, all teams had to start their development from scratch. Many of the engines had already run in hybrid 2005 racers, but this week saw the introduction of three complete packages. Earlier today Ferrari took the wraps off the 248 F1, which could very well restore the Scuderia's dominance. Always a strong competitor, McLaren showed their MP 4-21 in what is sadly expected to be run in a temporary papaya orange livery. It will be interesting to see how the part German, part Swiss BMW Sauber F1.06 will fair in the team's maiden season.
Somewhat overshadowed by the Detroit news was the introduction of a new powerhouse from Down Under; the 354 bhp Holden Commodore SS. Yet another highlight from the North American International Auto Show was the Mazda Kabura Concept, which combines the MX-5 chassis with an attractive coupe body. At the Lexus stand all eyes were on the latest generation LS. This highly advanced sedan comes standard with novelties like an eight speed automatic gearbox and body-heat sensors. Not quite as cutting edge, but equally interesting was the Lincoln MK S Concept, which might help Ford's luxury brand to gain considerable ground on the competition.

In this week's update the focus remains on the vehicles released last week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. While most eyes were on the big releases in the main hall of Cobo Center, we stumbled on a very special Viper on the lower level. With the help of McLaren Performance Technologies, ASC have created the stunning 615 bhp Diamondback Viper. On the opening day of the three day press preview, Ford unveiled two distinctly different concept cars. What they do share is a powertrain designed to run on environmentally friendly fuels. First up was the immense F-250 Super Chief, which packed a mighty V10 engine that can run on regular petrol, ethanol and hydrogen. Considerably smaller was the second release; the bio-diesel powered Reflex that may give an insight into a next generation 'small' car from Dearborn. Small is not a word used to describe Chrysler's massive Imperial Concept however. Surprisingly enough it looks a lot better in the flesh than it did in the leaked photos.
A V10 engine used to be a rare sight, but production cars with this previously-exotic powerplant have become more frequent. In Detroit Audi took the wraps off the V10 engined S6 and at Birmingham's Autosport International Connaught showed the Type-D GT Syracuse complete with a 2.0 litre V10.

While most manufacturers spent the last few days unveiling their latest models at the North American International Auto Show, Ferrari just announced their latest Grand Tourer. Replacing the Maranello model, the all new 599 GTB will be first shown next month in Geneva. Powered by an Enzo derived 620 bhp and constructed mainly from aluminum, the 599 GTB is set to be a worthy bearer of the legendary 'GTB' suffix.
In Detroit we witnessed the rebirth of the popular pony-car theme with releases from the big-three manufacturers. Just show cars for now, the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger will surely please the crowds when the doors open on Saturday. Ford gave the competition something to think about when Caroll Shelby presented the impressive 475 bhp Mustang Shelby GT500. Aston Martin and Lamborghini managed to draw some attention from the American releases with two lavish concept vehicles. The Brits showcased the four-door Rapide, which might signal the addition of a fourth model to the Aston line-up. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of the best looking vehicles ever, Lamborghini took the wraps off the Miura Concept.
Over in Great Britain the Autosport International show saw the introduction of the Prodrive P2. Assembled from Subaru mechanicals and styled by Peter Stevens, this small coupe offers supercar performance.

Over the last few days the �big three� have demonstrated why there is a �show� in motorshow with grand unveilings of their latest production and concept vehicles. The venue was the Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit and the occasion the press preview days of the annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). A quick conclusion to be drawn after these three days is that the muscle and pony cars are back on the menu. Old names like GT500, Camaro and Challenger have been brought back to regain the ground lost in the last few years. The European manufacturers attracted a lot of attention with exciting new concepts with the Aston Martin Rapide and Lamborghini Miura as highlights. Ultimatecarpage.com�s photographic team was on the show floor to witness the launch of dozens of new cars. Our findings have been compressed in a full report and a 300-shot slideshow that is sure to blow you away like many of the debuts have blown us away here in the �motor city�.

There are two ways to warm up the automotive world for the motoring extravaganza that is the Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS); firstly the many 'leaked' images and secondly the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show that opened its doors for the media earlier this week. Today we want to get your blood flowing a little faster with a bit of both in this combined review/preview feature.
German manufacturers Volkswagen and Porsche grabbed lots of attention in Los Angeles with their releases. VW showcased the wild GX3 Concept, which combines a regular front suspension with a single swing arm rear suspension. Thanks to its very low weight, it is both fast and economical. The boys from Stuttgart upped the ante in the run for more horsepower with the Cayenne Turbo S. With 521 bhp available, it is the second most powerful road going Porsche ever; second only to the Carrera GT.
Our Detroit preview includes three concept cars that might signal a new model for both manufacturers. The biggest surprise is the four door Aston Martin Rapide. Similar in design and specification to the DB9 grand tourer, it could be a strong competitor for the popular Maserati Quattroporte. Production plans are less solid for the Lamborghini Miura Concept, but like its namesake it will again stun the crowds. Volvo is set to enter the hot-hatch market with the exciting C30 that is inspired by the recent concept cars from the Swedes.

On Wednesday the doors will open to the press at the Los Angeles Motorshow as a warmup for the three action-packed press days of the Detroit show (NAIAS) that will kick off on Sunday. General Motors have picked the LA Show to showcase the latest high performance version of the Solstice two-seat roadster. Powered by a highly advanced turbocharged, direct-injection 'four,' the Solstice GXP is sure to be a crowd favourite. Chrysler will take the wraps off a limited edition 300C Heritage Edition, which commemorates the legendary 300 series of the 1950s. Livening up the North American introduction of the all-new S-Class is the 612 bhp S 65 AMG to be unveiled next week in Detroit. Another show-stopper set to debut in America's automotive capital is the Nissan Urge, which comes fully packed with an XBox 360 gaming system.
On the other side of the Atlantic the traditional motorsport season opener, the Rallye Dakar, started this past Saturday in Portugal. Hundreds of competitors will spend the first three weeks of the new year in the African desert in an attempt to complete one of the most dangerous races in the world. Mitsubishi has returned to defend their 'title' with the new Pajero Evolution MPR12.