PORSCHE Panamera
The Panamera will officially start production in April next year and will make its world debut one month earlier at the Geneva Motor Show. Porsche will be able to build up to 26,000 units per year but the actual production levels will be kept at just 20,000. It will be a large car, stretching almost five meters (16.3 feet) long, two meters wide (6.3 feet) and weighing in at around 1,800kg. At launch, there will be three engine choices ? a 3.6L V6 with 300hp in the base Panamera, a 4.8L V8 with 405hp in the Panamera S, and a 4.8L Turbo model with approximately 500hp called the Panamera Turbo.

Electric air suspension will ensure the ride is smooth or firm when required, and performance is not being ignored with the inclusion of a LSD, a retractable rear-spoiler and an AWD system on some models. The latest PDK dual-clutch system will also be used to reduce fuel consumption and improve shift times for the new model.

Base prices in Europe will begin at ?80,000 ($100,000) for the V6 RWD model and go up to ?125,000 ($156,000) for the Turbo AWD variant (prices in the U.S. tend to be lower than they are in Europe).

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M
Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor’s World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari’s latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure. The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari’s 16th Constructor’s World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver “limited series” plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard. From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the Ferrari F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.

Aston Martin One-77
The era of epic supercars is certainly not over at Aston Martin, with the carmaker confirming the development of a brand new flagship model late last month following the release of an initial teaser shot. The first shot was quickly followed by a second official image and then, at this month’s Paris Motor Show, a life-size mock up of the car was put on display, although most of it remained shrouded. Now leaked photos of the car show it from every angle. The leaked shots, which blur the line between computer renderings and studio photos, show a car identical to the car glimpsed at the Paris Motor Show, confirming that the pictures are at least accurate, though their exact provenance isn’t known. The show car, which still carries the working title of One-77, confirmed the new flagship will adopt some very Aston design traits. These include the squared off flanks, wide stance, and similar tail-lights to the DBS and Vantage V8. Pricing for the One-77will start at close to ?1.2 million and production will be limited to just 77 units. Despite the high price tag, Aston has reportedly received over 100 orders for the car, effectively selling out the entire production run. The sold-out status defies the incredibly weak current global economy and car market, as the roughly $2.1 million totals to nearly a quarter of a billion dollars worth of pre-orders. Even the deposit exceeds the price of many supercars at ?200,000 ($351,000). Coinciding with the partial unveiling of the show car is official confirmation that the One-77 will feature a 7.3L V12 engine with ‘more’ than 700hp (522kW), and capable of propelling the car to more than 200mph (320km/h). According to a previously leaked sales doc, the drivetrain will also feature dry-sump lubrication and a rear-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission. Other leaked details include both left and right-hand-drive availability, a carbon-fiber monocoque body structure with hand crafted aluminum panels, active aerodynamics, and a kerb weight around the 1,500kg mark.