Ferrari SP12 EC – Eric Clapton’s one-off is a 458 Italia with styling inspired by the 512 BB

You’re looking at a one-off belonging to guitar master Eric Clapton, a Ferrari enthusiast and owner. Designed by Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with Pininfarina and the engineers from Maranello, this Ferrari “SP12 EC” was created as homage to Clapton’s career and his experience as a Ferrari owner. Clapton is very attached to one particular Ferrari, so much so that he owned three of them over the years. The model in question is the 512 BB of the late 70s. So his desire was to drive a car inspired by the Berlinetta Boxer, based on the modern 458 Italia of today.

“Meticulous attention in terms of style and technology was paid to the proportions and architecture of the SP12 EC – which is part of Ferrari’s One-Off Programme – making this exceptional car even more significant. Just like music is created, applying the right notes in the right places to build a musical score, so was the creative process behind the Ferrari SP12 EC,” Ferrari said in a statement. Following through with the project was “one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done,” said Clapton. I remember the V12 powered 512 BB as one of the top trumps in top trumps, and there are definately hints of the old timer in this reworked 458. Classic looks on a modern icon – never thought I’d call a 458 graceful!

Perodua Wolfrace Design Limited Edition – UK Only

Oh hello. It seems that Perodua in the UK is not done with the previous generation Myvi just yet because they have just launched the new Myvi Wolfrace Design. This comes from the concept car that was unveiled last year. The car will be fitted with 17-inch Wolfrace Brooklands alloy wheels and adorned with a silver and red graphics kit including stripes along both sides of the vehicle with chequered flags. Wolfrace Design logo will be displayed on the rear doors and tailgate. The exclusive black and silver front entry guards will be individually numbered from one to ten.

Future owners can have their car painted in either Ebony Black or Medallion Grey. The car is available with manual transmission. The Myvi Wolfrace will be exclusive, only 10 units will be built and it will be on your driveway for just £7,999. Top up an additional £1,000 and your limited edition car will be further tricked out with a sport style leather/Alcantara interior. All owners will also take home a Wolfrace travel mug courtesy of Wolfrace Wheels (UK) Limited.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe 2012

Hyundai has introduced its new two-door Elantra Coupe at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Designed at Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, California, the car continues on the company’s dynamic “Fluidic Sculpture” design principles, with a signature hexagonal front fascia opening and jewelled swept-back headlights giving it a lean, aggressive demeanour.
Other design cues include a blacked-out diffuser valance, dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips and a boot lid incorporating a lip spoiler design element at the rear. On the SE version, the car rides on five-spoke 17-inch alloys.

The car is equipped with a 1.8 litre Nu D-CVVT petrol engine, offering 148 hp at 6,500 rpm and 178Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions to be had.
Standard kit includes Vehicle Stability Management, ESC, TCS, ABS with brake assist and EBD, as well as six airbags (front, front side and side curtain), and features on the Coupe include a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with rearview camera and iPod/USB inputs, Bluetooth and push-button ignition.

SPYSHOT: Proton P3-21A Persona R rear uncovered

Here’s another leaked shot of the soon to be launched Proton P3-21A, posted over at funtasticko. Don’t mind the slightly misaligned bootlid, it’s probably because the boot was not shut properly. The horizontal strip running across the bootlid is similiar to the one found on the Proton Exora – although it’s body coloured here, perhaps like the Exora it will be finished in chrome on high end models. What do you think of the design so far? It’s quite a departure from the Proton Tuah Concept eh?

Source : Paultan.org

Honda Integra 2012 - Motorcycle

Honda is bringing back the name Honda Integra to one of its products, but unfortunately it’s not the sports coupe with the screaming high-revving engine that we used to know and love. The 2012 Honda Integra is actually a motorcycle with a scooter-ish riding position which puts the rider’s feet further forward than a motorcycle.
The new Honda Integra uses a 51 hp water-cooled 700cc inline-two engine, which Honda says offers the compact dimensions of an inline engine and the character of a V-twin thanks to a 270 degree throw crankshaft. It’s a long-stroke engine, with a 73 mm x 80 mm bore-stroke ratio for its cylinders, so this should generally mean an engine designed to provide lots of low to mid end torque instead of being a screamer, which should suit this kind of bike.

The Integra also gets a second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission which is lighter and more compact than the version first used in the VFR1200F. It has a simplified hydraulic circuit, among other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift logic. You can also stick to a 6-speed manual if you want.
Honda estimates a fuel economy of 27 km/L for the Integra. Being a bike instead of a car, the new Honda Integra will debut at the 69th EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition instead of the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.