Free Preview: Top 5 Ultimate Fantasy Cars

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (MSRP $104,920)

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the most coveted American supercar in production today. It'll not only outgun its closest competition — the fire breathing Dodge Viper SRT-10 — in acceleration, braking and handling, but it'll drive with the civility of a car you'd let mom tool around in.

The ZR1 features a hand-built 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, which peers through a transparent polycarbonate window in its ultra-light carbon-fiber hood. The V-8, thanks largely to its supercharger, makes excellent power and torque. Just how much? Try 638 bhp and 604 lb.-ft. of torque!

If you can't quite drive a stick yet, you're out of luck; the ZR1 is available only with a manual transmission, a race-hardened 6-speed manual that is the best ever offered in a Corvette.

The ZR1 is the only Corvette currently equipped with GM's Magnetic Ride Control. This system continuously adjusts the suspension for the given road conditions, and it lets the driver switch the shock absorbers between Sport or Tour modes on the fly, with the simple twist of a knob in the cockpit.

Everything that makes the ZR1 go fast comes standard. However, if you opt for the 3ZR package ($10,000) you'll get touch-screen navigation, a Bose audio system and a leather interior.

Five reasons to buy:

1. It's an affordable supercar

2. Easy to drive fast (and slow)

3. Substantial luggage space

4. Aggressive yet tasteful styling

5. American made

2009 Aston Martin DBS (MSRP $262,000)

Aston Martin DBS

If beauty and elegance are of utmost importance but you still like going fast, the Aston Martin DBS is your dream come true. Aston Martin is long known for building some of the most attractive designs in automotive history, and the DBS is one whose looks will never fade.

This lavish 2-seater is quite spacious inside, with ample room for the driver and passenger, plus some space behind the seats for supplemental luggage room. Built entirely out of carbon-fiber and aluminum, the DBS weighs a lot less than it looks — 3480 lb. to be exact.

The 6.0-liter V-12 engine that powers the DBS is hand built like the rest of the car, and every DBS features a plaque that bears the name of the individual responsible for its final inspection. With either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle-shifted Touchtronic automatic transmission, the DBS accelerates at virtually identical rates. Which is to say, super fast!

The standard suspension is equipped with Aston's Active Damping System that automatically adjusts according to the inputs it receives from the road and driver. A track setting (the stiffest setting) can also be summoned with the touch of a button.

Lastly, Aston Martin has partnered with fine-watch maker, Jaeger-LeCoultre to offer a watch that doubles as the DBS's transponder, locking and unlocking the doors by simply touching the watch's sapphire crystal face.

Five reasons to buy:

1. Pinnacle of automotive beauty

2. Surprisingly quick and athletic

3. Extensive use of exotic materials

4. Interior fit for a king (or queen)

5. Manual and automatic transmissions available

2008 Audi R8 (MSRP $114,200)

Audi R8

Audi's first supercar, the R8, couldn't have been more properly executed. What originally appeared to be a pipe dream concept car wowed the entire world when it actually pushed through to production. What's even more surprising is how the R8 has come to define the term "everyday supercar."

The mid-mounted 4.2-liter V-8 shielded under a transparent hatch provides 420-bhp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque channeled through a sporty Quattro all-wheel drive system. The transmission choices are a classic steel-gated 6-speed manual or a single-clutch paddle-shifted sequential manual dubbed "R tronic" by Audi. Though 420 bhp may not seem like much in the company of these other cars, the R8 readily utilizes every bit of its power with greater ease, resulting in more speed when the road gets twisty.

Audi's own active suspension damping utilizes the same magnetic ride technology as the ZR1 and it too also features both a sport and comfort setting.

The R8's greenhouse is quite expansive for a coupe, which adds to its comforting allure. You won't feel cramped even if you're over 6-foot tall, and ingress/egress can be accomplished without embarrassment. Though the interior already looks great in standard Audi trim, you can order Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim to elevate the feel of what is genuinely a well-engineered supercar.

Five reasons to buy:

1. An exotic without pretension

2. Excellent all-wheel-drive system

3. Superhero styling

4. Relatively affordable

5. Sporty, everyday comfort

2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster (MSRP $382,400)

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster

Think exotic car, and the likely image that'll pop into your head will be that of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster. Nothing about this car is subtle from its lane-wide size, bevel-edged body styling, or angry V-12 bark; and that's what makes this open-top car so spectacular.

Leave all thoughts of practically behind if what you desire is the LP640. Named after its 640 metric horsepower (632 bhp SAE), the LP640 is a road-going jet fighter that gulps copious amounts of fuel (EPA 8 mpg city/13 mpg hwy) but can accelerate to 100 mph in only 7.5 seconds. And when it comes time to slow down, this Lamborghini stops quicker than cars half its size and weight — by that we mean the Lotus Elise or Exige.

Like the Audi R8, the LP640 Roadster can be outfitted with a gated 6-speed manual or a sequential 6-speed transmission that comes with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. A mid-mounted engine and all- wheel drive are characteristics shared with the R8, which benefit them both in any weather condition.

Aside from its striking head-turning appearance on the road, the LP640 attracts even more onlookers when its unique scissor-style doors open vertically. The interior that's revealed is the wonderfully understated, with fixed-bucket seats that look to be permanently reclined, although the overall design looks more German than Italian.

Five reasons to buy:

1. Ferocious road presence

2. As fast as it looks

3. Comfortable, understated interior

4. Racecar-handling dynamics

5. That open top

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series (MSRP est $300,000)

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

With more power on tap than the half-million-dollar Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (now discontinued), the SL65 AMG Black Series is the most radical Mercedes on the road today.

You could chalk it up to the bi-turbo V-12 that resides under the hood, producing 661 bhp and a staggering 738 lb.-ft. of torque. But what's most tantalizing about the Black Series is its racecar-inspired bodywork, with fenders that push the limits of a car's legal width. Even compared with the already ultra- wide body of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, the Black Series is an additional 1.2 inches wider. And it's not all for show as the extra fender width allows for those wide wheels to stay within the confines of the bodywork.

Although it has the performance of a racecar, the Black Series is relatively docile to drive, given you're prudent with the throttle. It comes equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission that's a good compromise between smooth shifting and sporty response. This makes the car better suited for a comfortably brisk road drive than an all-out track day.

Only 350 examples of this future collector's item will be built, and only 175 will make it here to the U.S. market. Get yours now, if you can!

Five reasons to buy:

1. Ultimate exclusivity

2. DTM wide-body racecar style

3. Obscene power and torque

4. Stable handling

5. Ultra plush interior

So whether you end up sitting on a winning lottery ticket or have worked tirelessly for a long time to afford such a car, make sure your fantasy ride is a sound investment. All five of the cars wev'e featured here are from reputable marques, and they're bound to stay stylish and valuable for generations to come. They might also be the last of their breed, as we appear headed toward a new era of the automobile.

2009 Aston Martin DBS "James Bond theme"

Introduction

The dormant 2009 Aston Martin DBS fires up and comes alive, its ferocious 510-horsepower V12 awakening with a sharp blip and a mighty roar like the crack of a whip inciting an avalanche. Your grin widens; your eyes glow. The boisterous horns of the James Bond theme blare in your head. If this ever got old, it would be time to sell everything off and pursue a higher calling.

The DBS is a modified version of Aston's sexy DB9, with bulging fenders and a more chiseled fascia that give the impression that it can kick your teeth in if you challenge it. The difference between the two is like pretty boy Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig's tough guy in a dinner jacket, yet both appeal in their own way. A 510-hp V12 (a 40-hp increase) lurks under the DBS's lightweight carbon-fiber hood, and with a curb weight of only 3,737 pounds (143 less than the DB9), it can hit 60 mph in about 4 seconds. The handling is slicker and the entire car feels more like a dedicated driving machine.

Yet, while the DBS is clearly a tough guy, there's more to the "dinner jacket" than its styling. The interior is swathed in made-to-order leather, Alcantara and subtle accent trim of aluminum, carbon fiber and/or piano-black wood. For 2009, the DBS can be optioned with a pair of vestigial rear seats that replace the standard rear parcel shelves. With either rear setup, the DBS is really intended for two people who'll be surprisingly comfortable over long journeys, with front seats that strike a brilliant balance between comfort and support. Road trip comfort is also aided by a surprisingly compliant suspension given the car's sporting nature.

When it comes to the exotic segment, the few models available each chisel out their own particular niche, making direct comparisons pointless. If a Bentley Continental GT Speed, Ferrari 599 Fiorano, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti or Lamborghini Gallardo also tickle your fancy, there's little apples-to-apples fodder to share. Having said that, Aston's own DB9 is much cheaper and offers nearly as much performance as the DBS. In the end, it all depends on how much money you want to spend and what type of exotic automotive experience you desire. When it comes to the 2009 Aston Martin DBS, it's expensive, but it's hard to imagine being disappointed by the sights and sounds of this truly unique automotive experience.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Aston Martin DBS sports car comes in one body style (a convertible arrives next model year). Two seats are standard, with a pair of rear parcel shelves that can be replaced by two tiny optional seats. Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, an electronically adjustable suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding outside mirrors, cruise control, an eight-way power driver seat with memory settings, a four-way power passenger seat, a tilt-telescoping steering column, heated front seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a battery deactivation switch (for long-term disuse), Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system and a premium stereo with in-dash six-CD changer and iPod integration.

Major options include the rear seats, forged aluminum wheels (versus heavier cast aluminum), satellite radio and an incredible 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system. There are a number of customization options, including piano black interior trim and special-order paint colors.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Aston Martin DBS is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 510 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifter manual mode is optional. Aston Martin estimates the DBS will accelerate from "naught" to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, meaning it's a good bet it'll get to 60 mph on our test track in close to 4 seconds flat.

Safety

The DBS comes with a fair amount of safety equipment for an exotic sports car. Stability and traction control are standard, along with antilock carbon-ceramic disc brakes. Side airbags and front and rear parking sensors are standard. There are no side curtain airbags. "Casino Royale" showed you can flip a DBS nine times and allegedly survive, but there haven't been any official government crash tests conducted as of yet.

Interior Design and Special Features

Like all Aston Martins, the 2009 DBS is one of the finest examples of interior craftsmanship. It's difficult to find a surface not covered in soft leather or Alcantara faux suede. Subtle carbon-fiber trim lines areas of the doors, while tasteful alloy trim and must-have optional piano-black trim adorn the center console. The elegant key fob (or Emotion Control Unit) that seamlessly slides into the dash is partly made from sapphire crystal. When it comes to controls, easily deciphered buttons combine with a central LCD screen layout borrowed from Volvo to create a user-friendly and attractive interface. The gauges are a different story. Not only do the speedometer and tachometer strangely rotate in opposite directions (the tach goes the wrong way), but the speedo features such a huge range of numbers, you have to rely on the redundant digital readout in the trip computer.

Surprisingly, space is quite good in the DBS. Even tall drivers will find plenty of head- and legroom, although the passenger seat annoyingly doesn't adjust for height. When so equipped, the rear seats are only usable for tiny people. We'd stick with the parcel shelves to bolster the decently sized 9-cubic-foot trunk.

Driving Impressions

The 2009 Aston Martin DBS is striking for how easy it is to drive. The clutch is light and short in travel, while the shifter snick-snicks through the gates with precision. The steering is light and the cabin's decent visibility makes it feel less onerous than some other exotics. Not only is it easy to handle, it's also surprisingly comfortable. Although the ride is firmer than the DB9's, the DBS is never punishing.

The DBS may be easy and comfortable, but with 510 hp flowing to the rear wheels of a 3,737-pound sport coupe, it is a car that must be shown respect. Even a dollop of excessive throttle will get the tail wagging mid-turn, so unless you're a drifting specialist, it's wise to constantly observe the age-old mantra of slow in, fast out. The DBS is also not a canyon carver like a Ferrari 599, as it prefers long, high-speed sweepers to tight hairpins. In either setting, though, that light steering proves to be a slight detriment, lacking the feel and weight of a Ferrari or Porsche's steering. If you want a balance between comfort and hard-core driving histrionics, the DBS is it.

Unveiling Latest Aston Martin V12 Vantage Specifications

Aston Martin has given us a preview of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, based on the successful V8 Vantage model. Under the hood is a 6.0 liter V12 putting out 510 horsepower and a massive 570Nm of torque, which can take the coupe up to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. A concept version of the car was unveiled in late 2007, and this production version will be revealed just over a year later at the Geneva motorshow in March 2009.

Externally, the V12 Vantage looks similiar to the V8 Vantage, but under the hood there have been some engineering changes especially at the front to fit the larger engine. The rear suspension gets a more compact dual-rate spring design to accommodate the wider rear wheels. The transaxle gearbox’s (tranxle = mounted at the rear, to help with weight distribution) final ratio has also been modified from 3.909:1 to 3.71:1, to allow a higher top speed and lower cruising engine speed as made available by the higher torque levels. It also has an LSD.

There are two driving modes - a regular normal mode and a Sport mode that can be activated at the touch of a button. This gives the driver sharper throttle response and a sportier exhaust note. A revised stability control system allows the driver to either leave it on, enter a more lenient “track mode”, or completely switch it off, much like BMW with its DSC, DTC and DSC off modes.

The V12 Vantage’s standard brakes are Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes, which are cooled by air ducts positioned within the front grille. These brakes are a massive 398mm in diameter with 6 pistons at the front and 360mm at the rear with 4 pistons. They are also 12.5kg lighter than regular brakes while being tougher and having better heat dissipation properties.

This is the Aston Martin equivalent of say, shoehorning the large 5.0 liter V10 engine from the M5 into the BMW M3. Given that even in Malaysia the difference in price between the M3 and the M3 is just a little over RM100k, why not just go out and buy an M5, or in this case an Aston Martin DBS?



Body:
Two door, two seat coupe body
Bonded aluminium structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body
Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (dipped beam)
Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)
LED rear lamps

Engine:
All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12
Compression ratio 10.9:1
Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Maximum Power
510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) at 6500 rpm

Maximum Torque
570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm

Acceleration
0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds
0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds

Maximum Speed
190 mph (305 km/h)

Fuel Economy
Urban 11.64 mpg 24.26 l/100km
Extra Urban 24.05 mpg 11.74 l/100km
Combined 17.28 mpg 16.35 l/100km
CO2 388 g/km

Transmission:
Rear mid-mounted six speed manual gearbox. Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Limited slip differential
Final Drive Ratio 3.71:1

Steering:
Rack and pinion
Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers

Wheels
Front: 9″ x 19″
Rear: 11″ x 19″

Tyres:
Front: Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19
Rear: Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19

Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 398 mm diameter with six piston callipers
Rear: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 360 mm diameter with four piston callipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control

Dimensions
Length: 4380 mm (172.5″)
Width: 1865 mm (73.5″) (excluding door mirrors)
2025 mm (80″) (including door mirrors)
Height: 1241 mm (49″)
Wheelbase: 2600 mm (107.9″)
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres (17.6 Imp. Gal. / 21.1 US Gal)
Weight: 1680 kgs (3704 lb)

Interior:
Carbon fibre door pulls
Memory seats and exterior mirrors (3 positions)
Sports seats with 10 way electric adjustment, including height, tilt and lumbar
adjustment
Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
Side airbags (Sports seats only)
Heated rear screen
Automatic temperature control
Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
Trip computer
Cruise control
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*
Bluetooth telephone preparation*
Powerfold exterior mirrors
Rear parking sensors
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
Tyre pressure monitoring*
Alarm and immobiliser
Remote-control central door locking and boot release
Battery disconnect switch
Tracking device (UK only)

In Car Entertainment
160W Aston Martin Audio System
MP3 player connectivity

Options
Lightweight seats with 6 way adjustment, including front and rear height adjust. (Does not include side airbags or Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch)
700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®
Piano Black facia trim
Graphite Alloy facia trim
Personalised sill plaques
Garage door opener (Europe only)
Tracking device**
First aid kit
Ashtray and cigar lighter
Boot mounted umbrella
Front parking sensors
Heated seats (Sports seats only)
ISOFIX and fixed-height passenger seat (Sports seat only)
Battery conditioner

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

Ever since its purchase by Aston Martin in 1947, the Lagonda brand has played second fiddle to the firm's sports cars. That may well change, as Aston Martin's announced it intends to revive the brand, offering this - the 2009 Lagonda concept - as proof of its intent.
Certainly, it doesn't look like an Aston Martin, but apart from the 1964 Rapide (built from the Aston Martin DB4) and seven sedans built from the 1975 DBS coupe, few ever have. Some, like the wildly angular 1976 model, have pushed the envelope of automotive styling.
We suppose we could say the same about the 2009 Lagonda concept. If there's any hint of DBS or One-77 in the styling, we're not seeing it. In fact, we're barely seeing any traditional Lagonda cues, apart from the large grille, thick C-pillar, and rotund trunk lid. Some elements, like the headlamps and taillamps, bear a surprising resemblance to those on recent Kia designs.

Aston calls the Lagonda a "four-seat international tourer," which we take to mean as a crossover. Indeed, the Lagonda is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and its short overhangs, tall stance, and large 22-inch wheels suggest it's made to traverse surfaces other than tarmac. We're told the concept uses a V-12 for power; we'd guess it's the same 6.0-liter V-12 found in the DB9.
We'd imagine a production Lagonda to make do with a number of components culled from Aston Martin's parts bin, but possibly even Mercedes-Benz's. Rumor has it the German luxury division has been tapped to provide its expertise - and possibly even a vehicle platform - for Lagonda's use.