New Sky Cars

“Now,” says the serene Audi chassis engineer sitting alongside me in the S4, pressing a button on the dash, “you shall understeer.”

Through the rain, we pile into a tight left-hander on the drenched Mallorcan race circuit. Sure enough, the S4′s nose pushes wide, resisting any effort to be wrestled into oversteer. Sensible. Locked down. Audi-ish.

“See?” continues the engineer in impassive Teutonic monotone. He presses the button a couple more times. “Now you shall oversteer.”

We hit a similarly tight-radius right-hander, and the S4 launches sideways into a lurid, tail-happy drift. A fraction before we reach that critical backwards-into-barrier moment, the rear end catches, and the S4 barrels out on to the straight. Most un-Audi.

It’s quite a party trick, and one that rapidly dispels TG’s biggest criticism of the old S4: that it simply wasn’t engaging enough to justify the premium over a top-spec diesel A4.

But this is the all-new S4, and that magical button is controlling Audi’s new ‘drive select’ system which adjusts the steering, dampers and, most importantly, the quattro’s new ‘sport differential’. Similar to the torque vectoring on the BMW X6, it varies the amount of torque distributed to each driven wheel. Audi calls it ‘inverse ESP’ – instead of braking a spinning wheel, the diff pumps more power to the wheel that can use it best.

In ‘Comfort’ mode, it’s set to safety-first understeer, but in ‘Dynamic’ mode – and in the right road conditions – it’ll let you get quite spectacularly crossed up before deciding to put a halt to all the fun.

It’s a similarly bipolar story with the engine: Audi has ditched its tried-and-tested V8 in favour of an all-new supercharged 3.0-litre V6. Power is fractionally down on the old S4 – 328bhp plays 339bhp – but torque is up by 22lb ft to a mighty respectable 324lb ft. That’s good news for acceleration – the S4′s 0-62mph time is down to 5.1 seconds, a full half-second quicker than the previous generation – and even better news for economy, up to 29.1mpg from 21.2mpg. That’s nigh-on BMW M3 pace with 40 per cent more economy, and vital ammunition against those who feel it might not be in the best taste to launch a big new petrol supersaloon into the current climate.

Sadly, the new V6 just isn’t as visceral as an M3′s V8 – or, for that matter, the V8 it replaces. Despite a pleasingly off-beat thrum at idle, the engine is subtle and muted at any revs, the supercharger whine registering as little more than a whispering hiss.

That’s in keeping with the performance, though. There’s a silky smooth delivery of power throughout the rev range – no hammer-blow of torque, but instead a flat, urgent, linear wave of acceleration. It’s the sort of engine that lulls you unwarily into triple figures rather than scares the bejesus out of you.

More engaging, though, is the S4′s optional S-Tronic transmission – quite possibly the best application of VAG’s double-clutch gearbox yet. Mounted longitudinally for the first time, it copes admirably with all the power, convincingly thumping the upshifts and giving a satisfying blip on the way down.

Even so, despite being significantly quicker than the 335i, the S4 isn’t quite as instinctive, as stirring as its rear-drive BMW rival. But as a stealth cruiser, an understated Q-car with the ability to go just a bit ballistic when you need it, the S4 is right on the mark.

All of which raises an interesting little question: just how quick will the rumoured RS5 be, if and when it arrives? Quick enough to show a clean pair of heels to a BMW M3, say Audi insiders. Let’s see the chassis engineers stay serene about that one.

Let’s play spec games. This new Monaco GP limited edition Laguna Coupe costs £24,995. You can’t change its specification. It is what it is: pearlescent white paint, satin black ‘Interlagos’ wheels, lots of extras, and the dCi 180 turbodiesel engine with six-speed manual transmission. Is it good value at £25k?

Specify any of its German rivals to the same level, and you’ll see that the GP is very good value – you’ll also see that the German brands charge like badly wounded rhinos for options.It’s quite a big car, the Laguna Coupe, 10mm longer than an Audi A5, so let’s play our spec game and get the Audi to the same level as the Renault.

The A5 would be an SE with the 170bhp/258lb ft 2.0-litre TDI, to match the Renault’s 180bhp/295lb ft diesel, then fitted with (deep breath): Valcona leather, satnav, high-spec stereo and communications package, pearlescent paint, 18in wheels, electrically folding mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror, decorative inlays, through-load facility, interior lighting package, electric and heated front seats, advanced key, navigation and technology package, Bang & Olufsen sound system and sports suspension to match the Laguna’s standard spec. The price? £37,315.

The base A5 TDI, with nothing on, is £28,960. I’d have the Renault and enjoy the kit. The Audi can’t make up such a difference.

Bill Thomas

Performance: 0-62mph in 8.5secs, max speed 139mph, 45.6mpg
Tech: 1995cc, 4cyl, FWD, 180bhp, 295lb ft, 1539kg, 163g/km CO2

Screaming into a top-down tornado at 130 mph in the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, I am reminded—as I’m sure most people are—of Thomas Aquinas.

To wit: When is a thing perfect, complete, finished—when does Porsche drop the paint brush and walk away from the canvas? When will one more stroke diminish the whole?

The medieval philosopher, riffing on Aristotle, argued that a thing is perfect when it lacks nothing (the Greek “teleos,” or completeness, approximates the Latin “perfectio”) and that it ultimately attains its purpose.

Well, man, if this car isn’t there I’ll eat my skullcap. Let’s count it out: 500 hp; 0-60 mph in a forebrain-flattening 3.3 seconds; top speed of 194 mph; a nice even 1 g of lateral grip; all-wheel drive. Throw in a great canvas top and 24 miles per gallon fuel efficiency, and an exhaust note that sounds like the Kraken gargling 50-year-old Glenfiddich, and it begins to appear as if the long history of the Porsche 911 has to come to some sort of immense, satisfying conclusion. I mean, even if you regard this thing as merely a bald-spot delivery system for rich dudes, it does that mission so exceeding well. Aren’t we flirting with the best of all possible sports cars here?

Yes, obviously, a car could always be better. The Turbo Cab could cost $19.95, come with 73 virgins, use the owner’s smugness as a propellent. From its lethal-looking dual exhaust pipes, the Turbo Cab might emit only rainbows and unicorns.

• Innovation four-door Coupé with sloping tail end
• World premiere: dynamic full LED headlamps
• Forerunner: new V6 petrol engine with direct injection

In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz established a new market segment with the four-door Coupé CLS. In September 2008, the brand revealed a fresh and exciting interpretation of the emotionally-appealing Coupé-based design in the form of the FASCINATION concept car. Now making its premiere at Auto China 2010 is the Shooting Break concept car – a further insight by Mercedes  designers into the possible future development of the Coupé concept. The Shooting Break concept car also represents a clear indication of the further emotional appeal of the Mercedes design idiom.

Wide and flat, with a long bonnet and a roof which continues through to the rear: the Shooting Break concept car features some astonishing proportions which at the same time are clearly reminiscent of another design icon – the CLS. The design of the front is completely new, but makes use of elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car: the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats, is not integrated into the bonnet but has been designed separately in the form of a “soft nose”. The grille is flanked on each side by full LED headlamps, which for the first time feature LED technology for all of the usual dynamic light functions. The side profile is given a touch of dynamism thanks to the high, exaggerated beltline sweeping towards the rear, and the dramatic character line which is supported by the powerful-looking rear wheel arches. The coupé-like side view is also emphasised with a low window design which also highlights the greenhouse with polished aluminium trim.

The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather materials. One eye-catching feature is the large full-length centre console. It highlights the four- seat layout as well as the high levels of comfort afforded by the Shooting Break concept car. The wooden floor of the luggage compartment reflects the true interpretation of this area of the vehicle, where the dark-stained silky oak contrasts against inlaid aluminium protective loading strips.

The Shooting Break concept car is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The V6 benefits from a 60° cylinder angle and a displacement of 3.5 litres, and is characterised by direct injection featuring a control system which enables lean-burn operation. The six-cylinder engine produces 225 kW (306 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm and in line with the BlueEFFICIENCY criteria of Mercedes-Benz also sets new standards among the competition in terms of fuel consumption.

The exterior: stylish and sporty

The proportions are clearly those of a coupé: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear create a basic stance with which it looks ready for the off. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break concept car actually has four doors and an estate rear. As such, this study in design reveals its philosophical links with the four-door CLS Coupé, a car which has established a new market segment since 2004 and today is already seen as a design icon which is likely to occupy a very special place in the history of the motor car. The Shooting Break concept car may well be looked back on at some point as having played a similar role, taking ideas from the FASCINATION concept car premiered in 2008 and projecting them into the future.

“The Shooting Break concept car is based on the great tradition of a stylish, cultivated sportiness which has always characterised the great Mercedes Coupés, and it takes this unique legacy an exciting step further,” explains Professor Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it points the way towards the future design idiom of Mercedes-Benz.”

The vocabulary of the design idiom includes the contrasting play between lines and exaggerated areas, which combine to create an animated area of interaction. The expressive design of the front immediately catches the eye, using elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car, and with a radiator grille which for the first time has been designed as a “soft nose” and is not integrated into the bonnet. This contributes to better pedestrian protection and at the same time also helps to improve the focus on the long, sporty bonnet. The grille is dominated by the large central star, highlighting its relationship to the other Coupés of the Mercedes brand. It is supported by bionic, curved grille slats. Their curved design is reflected in the expressive look of the front apron and air intakes.

Particularly eye-catching are the full LED headlamps, which for the first time offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. Inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design and distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The side profile of the Shooting Break concept car is dominated by the low, frameless side windows, the coupé-like shape of which is further highlighted with the incorporation of a polished aluminium frame along the body. Thanks to the positioning of the outside mirrors on the beltline, the side line is emphasised and all-round visibility has been improved in the region of the A-pillars. The side windows are supported on a high beltline, which slopes towards the rear in a fresh interpretation of the classic “dropping line” of iconic Mercedes Coupés. An additional exciting touch has been made with the prominent, muscular hip points which forcefully support the side line. This interaction gives the impression of a sprinter, poised in the starting blocks, ready to release an explosive forward surge of energy. The roof follows through to the rear and also drops away in typical coupé fashion. Another special feature is the recessed, filigree door handles, which emerge on being touched with the aid of sensors to allow access to the interior.

The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology. As such they form a linking element to the low, steeply-angled estate car rear end with top-hinged tailgate. The shape is emphasised by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the lowered-look greenhouse. The twin pipe exhaust system, with two polished exhaust covers, is integrated into the rear bumper, which features an elegantly curved wing.

Also contributing to the special appearance of the Shooting Break concept car is the exceptional paint finish. A satin-finish clear coat has been used, which gives the vehicle’s allanite grey magno colour a mysterious glint and also further brings out the Coupé’s exquisite lines.

The sporty look of the Shooting Break concept car is complemented with large 20-inch sterling silver wheels, featuring a special bionically arranged five-spoke filigree design. They allow a glimpse of the large brake discs behind. The front wheels are fitted with 255/30 ZR 20 tyres, while the rear of this exceptional vehicle sits on 285/25 ZR 20 tyres.

The interior: design makes quality noticeable; high-quality materials,
hand-crafted perfection

A large panoramic glass sunroof provides a glimpse into the high-quality, perfectly hand-crafted interior of the Shooting Break concept car, where natural materials such as wood and leather dominate. Wood is used on the trim elements and door pulls, the instrument panel and centre console, and primarily on the luggage compartment floor in the rear. When it came to choosing the wood, the interior designers opted for silky oak on account of its unusual, lens-shaped texture. The wooden floor in the luggage compartment has inlaid aluminium protective loading strips, and is reminiscent of finishes normally seen in yacht building.

Four saddle bags along the sides of the luggage compartment are useful for storing small tools. They are finished in leather, a material which has been used extensively throughout the Shooting Break concept car: in fact, almost ten square metres of leather have been incorporated into the interior. Light sections of porcelain-coloured nappa leather form an attractive contrast to the dark-brown natural-coloured aniline leather and perforated metallic-silver finish seat cushions and door centre panels. Extensive double-lapped stitching and discerning colour-coordinated upholstery seat piping reflect the hand-crafted perfection and attention to detail, as does the tuck stitching on the instrument panel, door sill covers and seat backrests, all of which highlights the contours of the components extremely well.

Perfection and attention to detail also apply to the trim elements. While on the exterior they are polished to a high-sheen finish, in the interior they feature a matt finish. A total of seven manual processes are necessary – from grinding to polishing – to transform the components, which are milled completely from aluminium, into their final decorative form. The matt finish of the interior trim has also served as inspiration for the metallic-silver leather on the seats, door centre panels and bags in the luggage compartment. The deep-pile carpet in the footwell – finished in porcelain colour – is a luxurious material used by Maybach-Manufaktur. The light-coloured roof liner made of silk cloth adds the finishing touch to the impression of comfortable elegance in the interior.

The Shooting Break concept car is clearly a four-seater. The four identically shaped leather seats have a touch of the sports car about them thanks to their integrated head restraints. Openings in the upper area of the backrests make it possible to see through the seats. A large full-length wood console on the transmission tunnel provides a visual divide between driver and front passenger and at the same time indulges the occupants with two large leather-covered armrests. It also houses two cup holders as well as controls for the rear-compartment air conditioning. The centre console is finished off at the rear with inlaid work: curved Mercedes lettering which harks back to the style of the 1920s. The striking cursive-script lettering is also repeated on the front door sills.

Since the central screen has been integrated into the upper part of the instrument panel, the cockpit has a “wrap-around” effect. The elegant verve and bionic details of the exterior are captured, among other things, in the dynamic wave-design air vents in the instrument panel. An analogue clock sits in the centre. The instrument cluster comprises three tubes for dial-type gauges as well as a colour display for service indications.

The headlamps: exciting LED technology offering full functionality

The Shooting Break concept car has dynamic full LED headlamps, which combine the exciting daylight colour impression of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon light generation. The new light system, due to make its debut in series production this year, features the Intelligent Light System which has already been tried and tested in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps. Its five light functions – country lights, motorway lights, enhanced fog lights, active curve lights and cornering lights -have been specifically designed for typical driving or weather conditions.

The light specialists at Mercedes-Benz have also been able to combine LED technology with the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist for the first time, leading to a completely new level of safety at night.

The engine: enhanced performance, enhanced efficiency

The Shooting Break concept car is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The special features of the spray-guided direct injection engine include the latest generation of piezo-electric injection valves which enable multiple injections. Better lean operation is possible thanks to load monitoring of the pressure information. Even the operation of the ancillary components has been made efficient and there is also a start/stop function. The V6 with a 60° cylinder angle and displacement of 3.5 litres produces 225 kW (306 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm.

It’s all in a name: the origins of the name “Shooting Break”

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to “break” in wild horses and also to restrict (or “brake”) their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, “Brakes” were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. In the 1960s and 1970s motorised Shooting Breaks were popular in Great Britain – exclusive cross-over vehicles, which combined the luxuriousness of a coupé with the luggage space of an estate.

Engineering today announced that it is introducing the company’s first concept car – The Venom GT. Penned by British auto designer, Steve Everitt, the Venom GT would incorporate Hennessey’s potent Venom 1000 Twin Turbo Viper V10 powerplant into a light weight mid-engine chassis weighing “under 2,700 lbs”. Power would be run through a 6-speed transmission or optional sequential gearbox.

With a power to weight ratio of just 2.7 lbs per bhp Hennessey estimates that the Venom GT could attain 0 to 100 km/h times in less than 2.5 sec. and a 0-300 km/h time of around 14 seconds. Company founder, John Hennessey, is careful to point out that the Venom GT is not being built as a “Veyron Slayer”. Hennessey point out, saying, “The Veyron is an ultra fast and ultra luxurious grand touring car which also happens to be quicker and faster than any other road car, except for our Venom 1000 Twin Turbo SRT which beat the Veyron earlier this year from 0-200 mph. The Venom GT will be a much more engaging sports car to drive by challenging the driver with 1000+ HP in a chassis that is nearly 1500 lbs lighter than the Veyron.”

Hennessey said, “The company already has existing Venom 1000 Twin Turbo clients interested in ordering the lighter, mid-engined Venom GT. “Right now are taking a serious look at building 2 concept cars that could be shown to the public sometime in 2009. If there is enough demand we may consider doing a very limited production run of the Venom GT.”

If the Venom GT goes into production, it would be built at the company’s facility at Lonestar Motorsports Park which is located just west of Houston, Texas.

About Hennessey Performance Engineering

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) specializes in designing, testing, manufacturing and selling high-performance parts and services for the Dodge Viper SRT10, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Dodge Magnum SRT8 as well as other high performance and exotic brands such as Bentley, AMG Mercedes and Porsche. HPE is completing the construction of the company’s new 30,000 square foot engineering and manufacturing facility at the company’s Lonestar Motorosports Park – a 1/4 mile dragstrip located 45 minutes west of Houston, Texas. HPE is the only aftermarket tuning firm in North America that owns and operates its own vehicle testing track / proving grounds. The company will move to its new facility at the end of 2007.

Already since 1981 Sport service Lorinser, located in Waiblingen/Southern Germany develops and produces exclusive tuning for nearly all Mercedes automobiles. The latest creation is a stylish individualization for the facelifted S-Class. Cultivated shapes are the hallmarks of the unobtrusive exterior design by Lorinser. Nothing seems flashy or artificial. All components perfectly go with the car body design. The company offers noble light-alloy wheels and exquisite accessories for the interior as well as powerful performance increase. This way, a wide range of individualization possibilities has been created to meet the highest requirements.

Already when defining the design, Lorinser perfectly adjusts the individual components of the aerodynamics set. The front with the newly designed spoiler bumper complements with the rear skirt, the roof spoiler and the rear lip in a harmonious way. Discreet side skirts are the visual connection between the front and rear part of the car. The new Lorinser S-Class exactly looks the way it drives: dynamic, agile and full of vitality, combined with the superior elegance of the upper class automobile.

In addition to the dynamic look, Lorinser offers powerful performance increase for the six-, eight- and twelve cylinder engines. By applying the Lorinser Diesel Module to the S 350 CDI, renders an additional output of 22 kW / 30 hp. For the twelve-cylinder top model, the Mercedes-specialist developed the performance kit LV 12 Biturbo. A newly programmed control unit, modified turbo charging and fuel injection as well as an optimized exhaust system with sports exhaust increase the engine performance of the S-Class by approximately 81 kW / 110 hp compared to the original power values. As the limitation of the top speed has been removed, the car now achieves 330 km/h instead of formerly 250 km/h.

A wide-ranging selection of wheel/tire combinations renders perfect grip. One of the highlights of the rim program is the polished 22 inch aluminum wheel type RS9. The modern style of the mono-block design reflects in the five slotted triple spokes. Precisely milled surfaces and modern processing techniques guarantee highest bearing loads at a low weight. The maximum dimension offered by Lorinser is a light-alloy wheel in the dimension 10×22 ET35 with 275/25ZR22 tires at the front axle and 10×22 ET40 with 295/25ZR22 tires at the back axle.

In addition to the serial interior, Lorinser offers exquisite accessories. Chrome-plated pedals and door locking knobs perfectly complement the leather-edged floor mat set with an embroidered Lorinser logo and illuminated doorsills. If desired everything up to entire leather interior can be produced with hand-made precision.

Due to request from certain Koenigsegg Clients and Customers, Koenigsegg has created a Limited Edition version of it’s sought after cars. The Koenigsegg Edition comes in two limited versions, the CCX and CCXR models.
It features a 5.0L twin supercharged Koenigsegg engine, together with many other unique features. The car is more track biased compared to the standard models, as it has stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, reset dampers and lowered chassis. It also features a fully visible carbon body a large adjustable rear wing, larger front splitter and side strakes for increased down force and a unique forged wheel design.

The interior is also reworked and features; color matched leather carpets, Edition side step plates, Edition chronograph instrument cluster, New edition only layout for the center consol control panels.

All other extra equipment comes as standard, such as Carbon Wheels, Special interior trim and color, Rearview camera, Satnav or Bluetooth, Amplifiers, complete Inconell exhaust system in order to save weight.

The Edition cars will be built in two different versions, a CCX model limited to 14 cars with 888 bhp and a CCXR (Bio flexi fuel) model limited to 6 cars with 1018 bhp. The price for the 888 hp CCX is 1 330 000 Euro, and 1 500 000 Euro for the 1018 hp CCXR (E85/petrol flex fuel) version. The two first of each version are already spoken for.

Each car comes with 5 years free Service and Warranty.

Unveiling of the Edition versions will be at the Geneva Motor show in March 2008, where the first delivery will take place.
Koenigsegg CCX Edition Technical Specification

Performace
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2.9 seconds.
0-200 km/h 9.2 sec, 0-200-0 km/h 14 sec
Top speed: 400+ km/h (245+ mph).
Braking distance: 32m (100–0 km/h)
Lateral G-force: 1.4 G
Weight to Power ratio: 1.44 kg/hp
Weight distribution %: 45% front, 55% rear
Fuel consumption: Highway travel: 13 l/100 km
Combined: 17 l/100 km

Body
Two-door, two-seater with removable hardtop
stowable under the front hood lid.
Composite Group System. Total Body weight 56 kg

Dimensions
Total length: 4293 mm (169”)
Total width: 1996 mm (78.6”)
Total height: 1120 mm (44,1”)
Ground clearance: 100 mm (3.9”)
Fuel capacity: 70 litres (18,5 gallons US)
Luggage compartment: 120 litres (31,7 gallons US)
Dry weight: 1280 kg (2821LBS) (Fully equipped with: Airbag, Glass roof and rear window, power windows, ABS, soundinsulation, lifting system, Power steering and power brakes)

Aerodynamics
Cd. 0,33 Frontal area 1.867 m2
Flat underside of chassis. Venturi tunnels at rear of chassis/body.

Steering
Rack and pinion power assisted steering. 2.7 turns lock to lock.
Turning circle: 11 metres.
TRW electrohydraulic power assisted.

Chassis
Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, chnical adjustable ups Racing gas-hydraulic two way adjustable shock absorbers, pushrod operated. Anti-roll bar.
Electronically adjustable ride height.
with aluminium honecomb and integrated fueltanks for optimal weight distribution and safety. Monocouqe torsional rigidity: 58.000 nm/degree. Weight including tanks: 72 kg
Front: Cr Mo subframe, with integrated crashmembers.
Rear: semi-stressed engine and gearbox with support struts, for optimal rigidity and no engine inertia movements.
Fully machined aircraft aluminium uprights, with SKF LeMans specification 150mm anglecontact ball bearings.
GKN hollow/gundrilled driveshafts.
Integrated pushrod operated VPS dual adjustable gas shockabsorbers.
Koenigsegg Z-style progressive and lightweight anti-roll bars front and rear.

Brakes
Front brakes: Ceramic discs Ø 380 mm, 34 mm wide. 8 piston light alloy Brembo monoblock calipers. Power assisted.
Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.

Rear brakes: Ceramic discs Ø 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6 piston light alloy AP Racing callipers. Power assisted.
Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.

James writes on cars for Slate’s Big Money site. He’s generally a smart car guy; occasionally I’ve even stooped to quote him. Well, the man recently claimed that the Toyota Prius has become “the most important car of all time.” Yes, he did.
James reasons that over the last ten years, Toyota has totally changed the automobile game, bringing its Prius not only to represent all hybrids (through its market dominance), but creating “a new category of vehicle,” shifting us finally away from the internal combustion engine.
That’s a big claim for a car with a tiny market share though, indeed, a very vocal cheering section. It’s a preposterous claim when you consider the history of hybrids and the fact that they are only important as interim vehicles on the way to fully electrified cars—or maybe hydrogen-powered cars, or maybe—who knows?
Anyway, enter Warren Brown, car columnist seemingly forever for the Washington Post, who still contributes and occasionally blogs at Real Wheels Live, where he went after James. He made the following points, with which I mostly concur:

Porsche was first with hybrids in 1918-1920, but abandoned the idea.

In the 1990s “all other car companies” understood gas-electric, but thought of it as an “expensive interim technology” and chose other routes, e.g., hydrogen, clean diesel, and so on.

Toyota hyped hybrid tech, and the politicians and mass media went for it. Perception became reality as Toyota became “The Green Giant of Autodom” (while still selling scads of gas-guzzling trucks).

Other companies climbed on the hybrid bandwagon and some, like Ford with its Fusion Hybrid, have even beaten Toyota at its own game.

Point two is simply wrong, Warren. The U.S. companies ceded the field to Toyota for a while because they were still waiting to see which way the new “clean winds” were going to blow. They did not invest in these far-out technologies until GM went with a semi-EV Volt and Nissan hatched its Leaf. Ford is about the only one to push hybrid tech; the rest are going electric.
Which means basically that hybrids are merely a way-station until we get proper electric cars and infrastructure. They will be here for a while, but I can’t see how anyone could call the Prius the most important car of all time. Auto time marches on, and radical changes in the car biz are still very much in process. The Prius’s dominance seems to be almost over.

Top Speed: 252.2 mph

1001 Horsepower

No surprises here, the fastest and most powerful production car ever makes the top of the list. I wonder when Koenigsegg will decide to take the #1 position and beef up the CCX.