Spy Shots: Ferrari F450 prototype caught with native body

Ferrari normally tests its future supercars wearing body panels from the prior version, and so earlier spy shots of the upcoming F450 have all been of mules wearing F430 body panels. Today that ends, as our snoops have caught an honest-to-goodness F450 prototype in its own skin. While still covered in camo that obscures the details, it's evident that the body is taking shape and close to finalization.

While we've reported that the F450 may feature a turbocharged, direct-inject V8 engine and possibly a mild hybrid system based on patents filed by Ferrari, Autocar is reporting that the Prancing Horse intends to launch the F430 successor without those advanced technologies. While Ferrari may unveil a hybrid F450 concept at the LA Auto Show later this year in order to be the first to establish a road-going version of the KERS system used in Formula One, the thought is that customers might not be ready for such a green version of the exotic automaker's best-selling model and that new European emissions standards can initially be met by substantially cutting weight and further developing direct injection for its current crop of engines. Stay tuned as we inch closer to the F450's unveiling later this year.

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2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Edition

Jaguar turned up at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a special-edition XKR, painting it a retina-burning shade of lime green with orange decals, just to make sure it got noticed. What's more is that Jaguar's engineers fiddled around with the XKR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that in standard form makes 510HP and 625Nm or 461 lb-ft of torque launching the sports coupe from standstill to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.6 seconds. In the XKR Goodwood Special, output is lifted to 530 horsepower and torque to 700Nm or 516.2 lb-ft.

The special edition XKR also features a lowered suspension and a tweaked exhaust system for a louder and more intimidating sound. Jaguar said that that the XKR Goodwood Special is a one-off model but we gather that if there's enough interest, the British automaker may launch a limited run series in the near future.

Currently, we have a 2008 Jaguar XKR convertible available for NO CREDIT CHECK leasing. For terms and options, please contact us at (888) 804-7852 or send us an email at sales@carlylemotorclub.com

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Fesler Offers the Supercharged Camaro

High end tuner Fesler has created its own 2010 Fesler Moss Camaro; a tuned-up version of the hot-selling coupe that's been designed as an homage of sorts to General Motors' 1969 Bowtie. For about $55,000, you can get features like an adjustable coilover suspension, special 22-inch wheels and tires, as well as stainless steel struts. Bump the price up to $90k, and you'll get a supercharger that bumps the power quotient to an even 600 ponies. The fully loaded model stickers for a stout $150,000, and includes more equipment than we can reasonably add here. Fesler is even offering a package that includes a matching 1969 model(!) if you've got the garage space and the financial wherewithal.

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Bentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero Britto

With dozens of exterior paint shades and even more choices for the interior, there's no shortage of color combinations on the Bentley Continental GT. Beyond that, the British automaker's Mulliner customization division will be glad to set yours up any way you want... for a price, of course. But some people are never satisfied with the options laid out before them; people like Romero Britto, the creator of the rather, um..."intriguing" example you see here.

The Brazilian pop artist, whose work hangs in such prestigious museums as New York's MoMA and Guggenheim and the homes of celebrities and notables including Elton John, Governor Schwarzenegger and the Rothschilds, comes from an impoverished village and uses cheerful colors and lively shapes to brighten people's spirits. Do they belong on a Bentley? That's a matter of taste, but curious connoisseurs can see it in person in Britto's exhibition at the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden in Germany from July 10 to September 6, after which the one-of-a-kind creation will be auctioned off to benefit multiple sclerosis and the mentally handicapped.

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Friday's Folly: The Mercedes-Benz G/E Class?

Worldwide the Mercedes-Benz G-class is considered one of the toughest and coolest cars around. Everyone loves it. From aristocrats to rappers. The Mercedes-Benz E-class is also a famed car and is used as a taxi in many countries across the world. What makes an owner decide to combine these two totally different cars into one model? No, Carlyle Motor Club does not offer this abomination for NO CREDIT CHECK leasing...

Christian Audigier Stikes Again With Special Edition Ducati Monster

Christian Audigier won't leave us alone. The fashion designer responsible for decking out all the celebs in Ed Hardy and Von Dutch gear has made a killing off his overpriced wears, but apparently unsatisfied with infection of Hollywood, he's turned to motor vehicles as his unfortunate canvas.

As if the tattoo'ed Lamborghini Murcielago which Audigier created with Edo Competition – which in turn spawned the Ferrari F430 Calavera imitator – wasn't enough, he's set upon another exquisite piece of Italian exotica to tarnish: the Ducati Monster. Starting with the 1100cc superbike, Audigier and his partners at Rever Corsa have laid down some sort of dragon-tiger thing over a particularly gaudy red and gold paint scheme. This limited edition crotch rocket commands a $55,000 price tag, proving once again that money and taste don't always go hand in hand.

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All-New Spyker Aileron Finally Breaks Cover

Boutique Dutch carmaker Spyker unveiled its elongated and streamlined C8 Aileron back in March in Geneva, and we saw its North American debut in New York a month later. Those were show car versions of the upcoming production model based on the concept car we had seen in Geneva and Pebble Beach the year before. We've seen the imposing coupes from every possible angle, inside and out. They are finely crafted, uniquely engineered, rolling works of art, like a plutocrat's timepiece on wheels. What we haven't seen is a production-spec Aileron in red.

A new batch of photos has just begun circulating out onto the 'net, showing a stunning red Aileron driving around Europe. A reliable source tells us this is the first pre-production car to hit the streets, so it is only a matter of time before we see one of these 400 horsepower, Audi 4.2-liter V8-powered rocketships in private hands.

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