For Your Eyes Only...............

The automobile industry has taken giant strides from the time of its inception when Messrs Ford, Daimler, Maybach and Benz had come up with their individual versions of automotive carriages that have evolved to what we call cars in the modern age. Today, we have a large spectrum to choose from. A customer today can choose from the orthodox sedans, coupes, hatches, 4x4s, convertibles to their more flamboyant derivatives like sport saloons, berlinettas, MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles), SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and cabriolets. The once elusive ‘supercar’ is gradually transforming to the outrageous ‘hypercar’.

Today, an approximate 50 million cars are produced annually worldwide. Let us rewind two years back. The automobile industry was in dire straits with the global economic recession having hit this industry the hardest. The meltdown saw some of the most admired and popular car brands like Hummer, Saturn and Mercury bite the dust while others like Saab went under the hammer. This was the time when car manufacturers had a rather subdued time with not too many new car models hitting the market. But the automobile industry seems gung ho as of now coming up with some of the most technologically superior, larger than life and sometimes over the top car models in history.

Here is a list counting down the most widely awaited and eagerly anticipated car models to hit the market this year:

10) Maserati Gran Cabrio S:

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, it is the cabriolet version of the Maserati Gran Turismo. With its 4.7 litre V8, it is a perfect case of style matching substance. While the 0-100 time is a meager 5 seconds, speed would not be the only reason why the Gran Cabrio would be on almost everyone’s wish list. The Gran Cabrio is an epitome of the Renaissance Italian poise and passion. Right from the delicate curves in the exterior to the stylish dashboard inside, the marvelously carved headlights to the royal Maserati ‘Trident’ badge, it is difficult to take one’s eyes off the car. Currently in production at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory, this Grand Tourer has been designed by the fabled Italian car designer ‘Carozzeria Pininfarina’.

Cost: $ 150000

9) Maybach 62 Zeppelin:

The company that originally developed engines for Zeppelins (airships) during the World War 1 era later transformed to a car manufacturing company. Around the great economic depression of 1930 they introduced the world to the Maybach Zeppelin, the highest end luxury saloon that the world had known at that time. Ironically, again it was around the economic recession in 2008 Maybach (now a subsidiary of Mercedes Benz) redeemed the flagship model in the form of the Maybach 62 Zeppelin at the Geneva Motor Show. At 6.2 metres in length as the name suggests, it represents the absolute zenith in the high end luxury saloon segment. The double M badge in the front coupled with Zeppelin engraved below speaks volumes of the legacy behind this machine. Also, with a 6 litre biturbo V12, it is one of the most powerful saloons around. The interiors have practically anything and everything that one could imagine to fit inside a car (e.g. a perfume atomizer with personally customized perfume vials with an ingenious control to understand the human sense of smell). With only a limited 100 models to come out of the factory, only the crème de la crème shall have the honour of bringing one home.

Cost: $ 850000

8) Audi R8 Spyder:

Like its corporate tagline ‘Vorsprung durch technik’ (meaning ‘Progress through Technology)’,the supercar from Audi just got bolder and better. The open top version of the super successful R8 with its 5.2 litre V10 has a 0-100 time of 4 seconds and a top speed of 313 kmph. Widely popularized by Tony Stark in the Ironman series, it is considered by many pundits as the best sports coupe on sale today. The R8 Spyder possesses the rare quality of being mesmerizingly attractive and being the quintessential Audi that it is. Apart from being a true work of art, the R8 Spyder is also technically brilliant; Sample this: the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used for the headlights (color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin),are closest that anyone has used to simulate daylight, which keeps the eyes alert when driving at night. Currently, this car is in production at the Neckarsulm plant of Audi.

Cost: $ 200000

7) Lamborghini Reventon Roadster:

After Audi took over the realms of the maverick car manufacturer in the early part of the 21^stcentury, they seemed to have driven some sense into the Lamborghini cars famous for their flair rather than handling or ride. This meant that the brand that gave us the ahead of its times Miura and Countach and the absolutely outrageous Diablo had now come up with the more sensible Murceilago and followed it with the Gallardo. But now all hell seems to have broken loose with the Sant Agata Bolognese based company coming up with the roadster version of the Lamborghini Reventon. The exterior body design, inspired by the ‘Panvio Tornado’ fighter plane is evident in the razor sharp edges of the roadster. Lamborghini, apparently also had a race staged between the car and the jet. With a 0-100 time of 3.4 seconds, the Reventon has a maximum speed of 330 kmph. As far as styling is concerned, the Reventon Roadster represents the Italians at the helm of their haute couture; be it the trademark ‘scissor’ doors or the bi-Xenon headlamps, the slick batmobile like body design or the enormous rear exhausts. As for the interiors, they are again straight out of a cockpit of a fighter aircraft with Lamborghini also providing a G-Force metre so that your eyes don’t pop out. The limited edition model (20 cars are to be produced) can easily be hailed as the ultimate expression of eccentricity and passion from the Italians.

Cost: $ 1400000

6) Bentley Mulsanne:

Bentley pays homage to the legendary high speed ‘Mulsanne’ straight at Le Mans as it revives the Mulsanne model. The Mulsanne has sky high expectations as it fills the shoes of the highly successful Arnage, Azure and Brooklands models of Bentley. With its retro look the Mulsanne oozes class all over. The interiors include all classic signature features that have defined Bentleys from the 1920s to the present day like bulls-eye air vents, high-quality mirror-matched wood veneers, 'brightware' exclusively in polished stainless steel, sill treadplates, matrix grilles and beautiful glass switches. Class apart, it also incorporates some of the latest technical advancements like the state-of-the-art 14-speaker audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP). The attention to detail is illustrated from the fact that each car takes nearly 65 days to build and is completely customized with customers having to choose from a total of 114 paint colours, 21 carpet colours, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides. Thus, while the Mulsanne pays respect to the past, it is a thoroughly modern luxury car that offers a unique fusion of power, refinement and elegance.

Cost: $ 350000

5) Rolls Royce Ghost:

After the mighty Phantom, Rolls Royce (now, a subsidiary of BMW) now bring its little brother, the Ghost. It has been christened in honour of the 1906 Silver Ghost model of Rolls Royce. It may be smaller in size than the Phantom but Rolls Royce has not subdued it even slightly. On the contrary, with its twin turbo 6.6 litre V12, the Ghost is the most powerful car ever built by Rolls Royce (an indication would be the 0-100 time of 4.7 seconds and this coming in the luxury saloon segment). Rolls Royce claim to have created their most driver focused car ever and also feel that they have engineered a benchmark in the form of the Ghost. So gone are the days when the Roller was synonymous with a chauffeur, as the Ghost is completely a driver’s car. For detractors who feel that Rolls Royce would lose its traditional charm with all the technology, Rolls Royce prove them wrong as the Ghost has all the regulars be it the traditional Rolls Royce flip doors or the chrome door handles, the traditional violin key switches or the frosted white dials and the ever standing double R on the wheel arches or the Flying ‘Rolls Royce’ Lady leading at the front. To sum it all, the Ghost embodies the 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.

Cost: $ 350000

4) Aston Martin One-77:

Not much is known about the One-77 which was unveiled at Geneva in 2009 but kept mostly under the wraps by Aston Martin. What is known is that it shall be a limited edition model with as less as 77 cars (hence, called the One-77) to be produced under the name meaning even James Bond will find it difficult to get his hands on one (given the fact that 5 Aston Martin DBSs were used in the previous Bond film). Also, what else is known is that this definitely is one of the best looking cars to come out of any factory in the past decade if not the best. Aston Martin in their own words call itaculmination of all the marque's know-how and an effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potentially eclipsing any previous Aston Martin. Also, the car with its 7.3 litre V12 is expected to notch up to 320 kmph with a 0-100 time of 3.5 seconds.

Cost: $ 1600000

3) Mercedes Benz SLS AMG:

In the early years of the 21^st century, a deal was struck between two of the biggest names in the automobile industry; auto giants Mercedes Benz and Formula 1 heavyweights Mclaren. Under the clause of the agreement made, Mercedes was to provide engines to the Mclaren F1 team and in return Mclaren would provide technical assistance and their Formula 1 inputs to Mercedes in developing a road legal car. What resulted of this devilish ploy was the Mclaren Mercedes Benz SLR, a hypercar like none that had been produced ever. The partnership was too good to last very long. So, when Mclaren expressed its will to build its own road car, the two companies parted ways. This resulted in Mercedes Benz coming up with The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, a technical successor of the SLR but Mercedes also hail it as the spiritual successor of the 300 SL Gullwing. It is the first car to be designed by AMG, the in house car and engine tuning division of Mercedes Benz. With its 6.3 litres V8, the Gullwing is one of the fastest cars today with a maximum speed of 317 kmph and a 0-100 time of 3.8 seconds. Seven times Formula 1 Champion and current Mercedes GP driver Michael Schmacher is the official brand ambassador of the SLS. With its ‘gullwing’ doors, aero inspired fins, the unusually large bonnet with the Mercedes ‘Tristar’ right at the front, the SLS is easily one of the classiest supercar ever to hit the roads. All in all, the SLS embodies a perfect blend of German class with technology at its pinnacle.

Cost: $ 250000

2) Mclaren MP4 12C:

It won’t be wrong if this car is to be blamed for the annulment of the Mclaren-Mercedes partnership. But who is complaining when Mclaren announce that they shall be making a road legal car for the first time after the previous Mclaren F1, the hypercar which was the fastest car of the 90s upto very recently until the Bugatti Veyron was launched. So, the MP4-12C shall have big boots to fill as it shall have the Mclaren F1 as its predecessor on one hand and is also an offspring of the Mclaren Mercedes Benz SLR. The car shares its name with the current Formula 1 Mclaren car driven by Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. The name as Mclaren put it; 'MP4' represents the racing bloodline of the 4^th Mclaren Project, '12' (a grade scale used by Mclaren) represents the focus on complete performance and efficiency and 'C' represents the revolutionary Carbon MonoCell chassis and body. Not only does it share its name but also heavily borrows from F1 technology right from the carbon fibre composite chassis to the brake steer technology for cornering, the rocker style gear lever to the aerodynamically streamlined body. Mclaren seem to be leaving no stone unturned as they have developed an altogether new 3.8 litre V8 which they claim shall have the maximum power to CO₂ emission ratio. The car is expected to hit the streets towards the end of this year.

Cost: $ 250000

1) Ferrari 458 Italia:

When Ferrari come up with a new model it marks a new era in car manufacturing setting new standards and raising engineering benchmarks. So. The highly successful Ferrari 430 Scuderia is now being replaced by the Ferrari 458, Italia. The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics. A two seater Berlineeta, designed in Pininfarina, the 458 uses a 4.5 litre V8 capable of achieving speeds as high as 325 kmph with a 0-100 time of 3.3 seconds. Currently at production in the Maranello factory of Ferrari, the Italia heavily draws inspiration from the Ferrari Enzo (F-60) and its Mille Chili concept car. The exterior of the Italia while being excessively stylish on one hand has been majorly designed keeping in mind the high speed aerodynamics that one would associate with a Ferrari. It uses Formula 1 technology and design in every aspect to maximize the efficiency and performance. The interior of the car also has a definitive race car feel to it with Michael Schumacher having a significant hand in designing the car interiors while he was still at Ferrari. The car uses a never seen before part F1 style steering wheel and a F1 inspired 7 speed gearbox to get into the DNA of a super quick race car. The Italia is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology. It is not for nothing that Ferrari decided to give the name of their homeland to this engineering marvel.

Cost: $ 250000

While the list above was that of cars that are sure to arrive this year, following is an interesting list of cars that may or may not be there in the near future. These are cars that are still either in their development stage or concept cars that may conceptualize to production cars:

7) Cadillac Sixteen:

A 2003 concept may finally materialize to something if sources are to be believed.

6) Aston Martin Lagonda:

Aston Martin plan to revive the ‘Lagonda’ series with its first ever SUV.

5) Pagani Zonda Tricolore:

Pagani Automobili created the Pagani Zonda Tricolore on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the "Frecce Tricolori", as a tribute to the National Aerobatic Team.

4) Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita:

This may be a follow up to the CCXR – the fastest production car available currently.

3) Porsche 918 Spyder:

This may just be the German’s answer to the hybrid supercar generation initiated by the American Tesla.

2) BMW Efficient Dynamics Concept:

The Bavarians may just come up with their version of a green supercar.

1) Bugatti Galibier:

Bugatti as part of their centenary celebrations may come up with the 4 door version of the ‘Car of the decade’ – the Veyron.

Statutory Warning / Disclaimer:

All the above views are that of a car enthusiast who has let alone driving never even seen any one of the above cars except on television. The views are based on extremely biased television shows, magazines catering to boosting sales of specific brands and websites aimed for the further repression of developing countries. The author shall is not liable to any losses (material or spiritual) occurring to readers who place their faith in his rather awesome opinions and also does take responsibility to any of the readers’ actions after reading the article owing to the reader’s low self esteem given the fact that he shall not be able to afford any of the above cars.

Also, any of the above views ‘NOT’ bearing resemblance to that of any of its readers living or dead is purely coincidental and deeply regretted.

Of Jabulanis and Vuvuzelas

So Far So Good……..

After a long wait, the 19th edition of the most eagerly anticipated Sporting event on the planet finally kicked off on the 11th of June with the Rainbow nation South Africa having the rare honour to host the Football World Cup for the first time in the continent of Africa. The World Cup once again began in style with some stellar performances by world renowned artists like Shakira and Khaled as the paparazzi from around the world showcased the spectacle to the some 500 million audience from across the globe.
The Football World Cup has always been synonymous with controversies both on and off the field and this time was no different. Some of the recent headlines that have been hogging the limelight in this World Cup are:

1) ‘Jabulani – a cheap 2$ street South African ball?’
As with the Adidas Fevernova and Adidas Teamgeist at the two previous tournaments, the ball has not been received too well for several reasons ranging from its obnoxious name to people complaining about the aerodynamic abilities of this ball. The ball has been hailed everything right from being called ‘supernatural’ to being a ‘minion of Anti-Christ’. Here are some secret behind the locker comments of some of our favourite players and coaches:
Thierry Henry: “Difficult to hand’le’”.
Roberto Baggio: “Should have been used for the 1994 World Cup Penalty Shoot-out”.
John Terry: “Keeps my concentration going”.
David Beckham: “I designed it for Adidas (explaining the trajectory)”.
Sir Alex Fergusson: “For sure whoever designed the ball never played football”.
Andrei Arshavin: “Perfect”.

2) ‘Altitudes or Attitudes’
Another debating point has been the altitude of the various venues where the matches are being played. Players have been complaining about the extraordinary bounce of the ‘Jabulani’ attributing it to the heights as also facing breathing problems at the high altitudes. Again here are some of the revered comments of our stars:
Aaron Makoena (South African Captain): The altitudes are a little disturbing (after 3-0 defeat to Uruguay).
Peter Crouch: “The bounce is finally perfect”.
Deigo Maradona: “I will not face problems dancing naked if we win”.
Marcelo Lippi: “My players are facing problems breathing” (on the issue of the ageing Italian team)
Robbie Keane: “Perfect”.

3) ‘Vuvuzelas – the sound of the satan’
An unusual controversy that has sprung out of nowhere is the high decibels being produced by the local South African blowhorns a.k.a. ‘Vuvuzelas’. Players cannot hear calls for passing, viewers cannot hear the commentary, referees cannot hear the swearing on the field and practically everyone cannot hear anything but the sound of satan as it is being called. Here is what the experts had to say in this regard:
Didier Drogba: “Its like playing football and waltzing to music at the same time”.
Dunga: “We are practising our celebration moves to this new music”.
John Dykes: “It is the only thing that keeps me awake during the World Cup matches”.
Sepp Blatter (FIFA President): “We should not try to Europeanise(read civilize) an African World Cup” (on banning the Vuvuzelas).
Andrei Arshavin and Robbie Keane: “Love the sound. Perfect” (while in the audience blowing Vuvuzelas themselves).

4) ‘”Waka Waka” or “Wavin Flag”’
This was the last thing that we would expect from a football world cup. However, newspapers, televion networks and social networking sites have all been flooded with opinion polls and contests as to which is the better anthem of the World Cup. So, lets make it clear once and for all; while “Waka Waka” by Shakira is the official FIFA World Cup song “Wavin Flag” by K’naan is the promotional song being used by Coca Cola, the official sponsors of the World Cup. Here are the favourites of some interesting persona:
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Wavin Flag because I have a full 4 seconds more footage in the video over Leo Messi”(before the opening ceremony).
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Waka Waka because it reminds me of Paris (the French capital?)” (after meeting Shakira at the opening ceremony).
Jose Mourinho: “Waka Waka because the Real Madrid president like it better”.
Manuel Pelligrini: “Wavin Flag for the same reason”.
Andrei Arshavin: “Waka Waka – the Vuvuzela version”
Robbie Keane: “Wavin Flag – the Vuvuzela version”

Apart from the above silly brewing controversies, there has also been on display some exceptional and scintillating football on the field after the 1st round of Group matches. However, in more aspects than many this has been the typical quintessential Football World Cup that one would expect. Here are some of the reasons why one would feel so:

1) The hosts (South Africa) once again did not lose the opening match (Germany in 2006, South Korea in 2002, France in 1998 and…..)
2) England, once again after all the hype failed to deliver (remember the 2006,2002, ………….. at least they had their WaG’s then)
3) Germany once again got off to a flyer(remember the 8-0 thrashing of U.A.E. in 2002)
4) World Champions Italy and European Champions Spain once again had a rather disappointing start to their campaigns (Brazil and Greece had a similar start the last time out and so did France in 2002 who were both World and European Champions)
5) Italy once again had a slow start (the 4 time champions have never won all their Group Matches)
6) Tournament favourites (Spain, Brazil, England, Argentina) have looked lacklustre and far from their peak
7) Goalkeepers have once again been in the news for the wrong reasons (ask Robert Green or the Algerian and North Korean Goalkeepers)
8) The abysmal World Cup hair styles have once hit an all time low (look at the Cote d'Ivoire team; preposterous!)
9) High profile injuries right before the World Cup (read Ballack, Robben, Drogba, ……..)
10) The Group of Death has once again emerged (in 2002 it was Argentina, England, Sweden in 2006 it was Argentina, Netherlands, Cote d'Ivoire, Serbia and now its Brazil, Portugal, Cote d'Ivoire, North Korea )

However, there have also been slight differences, one being the brilliance of Asian teams like Korea and Japan. While Asian teams had 2 out of 13 wins in the last edition of the Cup they already have 2 wins and a spirited North Korean display against Brazil under them this time round. Also, the best player coming into the tournament (Leo Messi) has looked good this time unlike the previous World Cups where the best has always been the biggest flop (Ronaldo in 1998, Zidane in 2002, Ronaldinho in 2006). All that can be said about the Football World Cup, 2010 right now is going by previous trends it looks good so far with one expecting Brazil, Argentina, Spain and England to peak at the right time, having better games and nail biting finishes to important games and seeing some beautiful display on field of the beautiful game.

To round off, here are some of the interesting captions after important matches from across the globe:

France 0 – 0 Uruguay : ‘The French are fried’
Argentina 1 – 0 Nigeria: ‘Argentina messy but win’
England 1 – 1 USA: ‘Robert shows green to the US’
Germany 4 – 0 Australia: ‘Germans ooze as Socceroos lose’
Italy 1- 1 Paraguay: ‘Italy start title defence(se)’
Brazil 2 – 1 North Korea: ‘Win foe Brazil despite Korean zeal’
Spain 0 – 1 Switzerland: ‘Spain in pain after Swiss kiss’