2012 Audi R8 Exclusive Selection Edition

Created exclusively for the U.S. market. The Exclusive Selection Edition R8s were offered in limited numbers in both V8 and V10 coupe forms (20 V8s, 30 V10s). Both versions came with the Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

V8 models could be had with a new Daytona Gray matte exterior paint, complete with a carbon fibre splitter, unique 19-inch wheels, carbon fibre rear diffuser, new black elements on the grille and exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps and red brake calipers. On the inside, a new leather seating package included crimson elements and contrast stitching, a different navigation surround and a thicker-contoured steering wheel.

V10 models came with a shimmering Ibis white exterior and Brilliant Black features – including the sideblade, exterior mirrors, and rear license plate surround – as well as R8 GT tail lamps and 19" bi-color e-tron wheels. Ibis finishes and Alabaster White contrast stitching, as well as a Carbon Fiber monoposto driver's cockpit, completes the interior, which also features an exclusive leather Navigation surround and contoured steering wheel.

Both versions were equipped with Bang & Olufsen® Sound Systems, Audi Music Interface Navigation systems and Audi ultra lightweight technology and Audi quattro® all-wheel drive. Both versions were powered by a 4.2-liter FSI® V8 which generates 430 hp at 7,900 rpm, with 316 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 - 6,000 rpm. Either version can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic R tronic® transmission. (autoblog.com)

Audi R8 Exclusive Selection Edition V8

Audi R8 Exclusive Selection Edition V10

(Photos from autowp.ru & autoblog.com)

1965 Lamborghini 350 GTS

The 350 GTS was the first convertible in the history of Lamborghini. GTS stood for GT Spyder. For the first time the vehicle was presented to the world at the Turin Auto Show in 1965, two years after the founding of the Lamborghini company. The 350 GTS was built on the 350 GT. Only marginal modifications were made to the original car, the roof was removed naturally. Thinking that the concept would go into reduced production, coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring even designed a hardtop for this car. The windows were altered and the trunk was redesigned to store the fold-up top. The Lamborghini engineers enhanced the design of the whole vehicle with additional elements. This increased the weight from 1050kg to 1088kg. However, Ferruccio Lamborghini and company management were more focused on the construction of high-speed cars and convertibles did not fit in the business plan. As a result, only two prototypes were built. 

In 1982, Automobili Lamborghini SpA performed a conversion on another 350 GT. Chassis #0160 was converted into a 350 GTS for a French customer. The 350 GTS had a manually folding, canvas roof. It was possible to purchase an additional metal hard roof for the winter. The interior of the GTS is not different from those of the interior of the normal GT. Some changes have taken place under the hood of the car. The V12 3.5-liter engine can produce 300 hp. 

In the 1990s, two 400 GT Spyders were converted from the more powerful 400 GT model by Jerry Fandytis of Arizona. 

(lambocars.com, lambo.com.pl, classicdriver.com & ultimatecarpage.com)

            (Above L)                               (Above C)                               (Above R)

       350GTV Concept ('63)             350GT ('64-'66)                      350GTS ('65)

(Photos from flickr.com, lambo.com.pl, autowp.ru)

2011 MINI Rocketman Concept

The study car, which made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, harked back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions, while its technology points to the future of automotive design. A 3+1-seater with 3 doors and a length of just over 3 metres (approx. 10 ft.), the MINI Rocketman Concept responds to the fundamental requirements of mobile lifestyles in the big cities of the future. A carbon spaceframe construction, whose striking surface structure is visible at the front end of the car, around its doors and in the interior, forms the basis for a weight-minimising construction. Wide-opening doors with double-hinge joints and integrated sills facilitate entry into the MINI Rocketman Concept. The lightweight seats are contoured in customary MINI style and can be arranged in a variety of different positions. Large wheels and the three-level structural split of body, "wraparound" greenhouse and roof resting on top give the flanks the same appearance as the MINI models already in series production. The rear lights of the MINI Rocketman Concept have a trapezoidal stirrup design - into which all the light functions are integrated - and work using projector technology. Mini's new Connected infotainment system is displayed via three-dimensional graphics on the interactive speedometer screen, and there's even a steering wheel-mounted joystick to operate the whole slew of functions. (netcarshow.com & autoblog.com)

As reported in 2012, BMW, who owns the Mini brand, had shelved the plans to produce the Rocketman citing problems in stability, handling and crash performance of a baby Mini, and considerable amounts wold have to be invested to make a Mini Rocketman-sized city car meet current regulations. (carmagazine.co.uk)

A London and Team GB-inspired version of its Mini Rocketman Concept 

was designed for the London 2012 Olympic games.

(Photos from autoblog.com, netcarshow.com & pocket-lint.com)