Lorinser Nardo3 SL

If you’re looking for the ultimate bad-boy ride, Lorinser may have your number with the Nardo3 SL, a pumped-up version of the Mercedes-Benz SL 2- seater.

Named after the famed high-speed Italian oval, the Nardo3 is simply a beast. The German tuner has worked its magic on the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12, boosting output to an amazing 660 bhp and promising a top speed of 220 mph. Even more awe inspiring is the 747 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Lorinser Nardo3 has been fitted with all sorts of aerodynamic devices that not only keep the car firmly planted to pavement when traveling triple digit speeds, but also adds to the outlaw aura. The front and rear fascias have been modified with extra inlets to improve airflow to the engine and brakes.

There’s also a new scoop ahead of the rear wheels and a corresponding exhaust outlet behind the rear wheels that also aids in brake cooling.All this muscle does not come at the expense of comfort. All the cockpit amenities that you’ve come to expect from this Mercedes-Benz flagship have been left intact.

Not only is the car fast, it is exclusive. Only 50 copies will be produced by the German tuner.

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

In 2007, Rolls-Royce sold 20 percent more cars than the year before. Since BMW took over one of the most traditional British brands in 1998, only Emily (the nickname of the Flying Lady that adorns the cars’ grilles) remains. Today, Rolls-Royce resides in Goodwood, U.K., manufacturing its Phantom models. After this summer, this Phantom Coupe will be added to the model mix.

Based on the Drophead Coupe soft-top, and sharing most of its dimensions, the closed version comes with upgraded suspension and will therefore be the sportiest Rolls in the range. It also retains the Drophead’s unique suicide-style doors. The engine and corresponding power remain the same, but its 453 bhp and 531 lb.-ft. of torque from the 6.75-liter V-12 should be more than adequate. It delivers power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Incidentally, the fuel capacity has been increased by 25 percent over the convertible version. The lower tailgate can be positioned to create a seating platform for two adults, called the “picnic boot.”

The Phantom Coupe is a massive automobile in the grandest of tradition. Riding on a 130.7-in. wheelbase, the new coupe measures 220.8 in. in overall length and has 21-in. wheels. Priced at Euro 360,000 (the U.S. price has yet to be given), the Phantom Coupe is for the lucky few

2009 Maserati GranTurismo S

One year after the GranTurismo coupe’s debut, it’s time to rev the car up a bit. The new GT S version can be recognized by its sinister alloy wheels and by its extra howl, coming from the exhaust pipes of the larger 4.7-liter V-8, up from the original 4.2 liters, which now packs a 440-bhp punch (up from 405).

Also new is an electro-actuated transaxle-mounted gearbox with sequential paddle shifters and an automatic clutch. The so-called MC-Shift system was adapted from Maserati’s exotic MC-12 mid-engine racer.

The GranTurismo S also benefits from new brakes, developed in conjunction with Brembo initially for the larger Quattroporte S sedan. The revised braking package feature front rotors made with a dualcast technology, which casts the units out of iron and aluminum. These discs are paired with aluminum mono-block calipers with six pistons.

The GranTurismo rides on a 115.9-in. wheelbase and is 192.3 in. in overall length. The GranTurismo’s sexy shape was created by the Italian design house of Pininfarina.

In addition to minor detail changes on the car’s body, the interior has been freshened with the use of Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara inserts distinguished by horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

2009 Bentley Brooklands

It's tough to get more "automotively English" than Bentley and Brooklands.

The former is, of course, the famous automaker while the latter is a historic- if-now-defunct high-speed race track near London. Put the two names together in 2008 and you have a new coupe that is the sum of 6.75, 530, 774, 3, 5.0 and 340,990.

How does it add up?

You begin with the chassis of the Bentley Azure convertible, already stiffened to be a luxury drop top. Add a steel coupe roof while retaining in all but one piece of the convertible structure, and you have a very rigid automobile. Make certain that top matches the lower body, give it an air of luxury and style and add the name Brooklands.

Now here come the numbers. Take the rather traditional Bentley V-8, displacing 6.75 liters, add a pair of turbochargers and the appropriate internal changes needed, and you come away with 530 horsepower and 774 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3 is an approximate number, but represents the Brookland's weight in tons with driver and passenger. That 5.0 is the number of seconds to get the big Brooklands to 60 mph. You've probably guessed that $340,990 is the base price of the Brooklands coupe. With options and taxes you may be closer to $400,000.

It is a beautifully done machine, from its hand-finished body seams to the highly polished solid wood trim to the military straight stitching. Bentley says this is the most commodious coupe cabin in the world, and it feels like it when you're stretched out in back enjoying the countryside blur by.

With the exception of new uprights to allow for the optional ($30,000) carbon- ceramic brakes, the suspension pieces also carry over from the Azure, though tuned to sportier — as in firmer and flatter — performance.

It is a mighty thing to stomp the gas, feel the back end slew a bit as the power bites and rushes the great machine forward. Once the road starts winding, the Brooklands is surprisingly agile though it is somewhat light-steering. Mind you, as it edges right, then left down the road, you will never forget this is one big, heavy machine... nothing cat like about it. But as a piece of traditional British automotive power, it is impressive.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Another eagerly awaited car bowing at the Geneva show is the all-new Mercedes- Benz SL63 high-performance roadster.

This AMG-built 6.3-liter V-8 powerplant should produce in excess of 500 horsepower and will most likely be mated to Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic transmission featuring AMG Speedshift steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Highlights to the latest iteration of this venerable German top-down two-door SL-Class include a sportier, new-look front fascia and hood, McLaren SLR-style side vents, a restyled cabin, and Airscarf – a head and neck warming system integrated into the headrests to allow for more top-down touring in the cooler seasons.

But this classy yet athletic-looking machine gets an even more aggressive look for the SL63 model. Lightweight 5-spoke alloys are shod with large-diameter, low- profile performance rubber for improved handling. And that aforementioned “fish gille”-styled side vent on the standard car is replaced by a larger, sturdier- looking one piece appliqué featuring bold “6.3 AMG” scripting. At the back, a more pronounced rear undertray, quad exhaust tips and a lip spoiler running across the trunk from taillight to taillight lets those caught in its wake as it rapidly passes by know that this isn’t any ordinary SL.

Prices for the new SL-Class should range between $100,000 (V-8 engine) and $140,000 (V-12-equiiped), with the new SL63 likely slotting in somewhere in between (though most likely closer to the upper echelon).

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560/4

Presented in Geneva, the refreshed Gallardo will come with the designation LP560/4, which describes its beefed-up V-10 (now at 5204 cc) that delivers 560 horsepower (an increase of 40) and its all-wheel drive. Lamborghini claims it will run to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, while its top speed will be 6 mph higher, at 202.

The new LP designation, similar to that used on the Murciélago, refers to the engine’s longitudinal and posterior positioning in the car. The engine upgrades, which include direct injection and a flat plane crankshaft, come courtesy of Lamborghini’s parent, Audi AG. Similar technology was employed on the V-10 engine in the Audi RS6 sports sedan.

The revamped Gallardo is also distinguished by styling changes front and rear and new alloy wheels. The front end is more aggressive, with slightly larger intakes. The interior remains virtually unchanged, except for a few new switches on the center console.

The first LP560/4s will arrive in the U.S. in August, alongside the current Superleggera version, which is sold out until spring of 2009. Lambo’s top model—the Murciélago—will remain largely unchanged for the next two years, although a Superveloce version (to be unveiled at the Paris show in October) is expected next year.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Those expecting to see a new entry-level Ferrari at Geneva, possibly called the Dino, were disappointed. But we do hear such a car may be possible at the Paris show later this year. In the meantime, Ferrari unveiled an updated version of its 2+2, the 612 Scaglietti.

Although the exterior appearance remains largely the same, many of the updates are beneath the car’s sexy skin. The new premium GT now comes with a modified F1 semiautomatic gearbox, which features sequential paddle shifters and an automatic clutch. The new setup promises faster upshifts and ear-pleasing throttle-blip downshifts. The steering wheel is also fitted with a revised Manettino switch, which allows the driver to configure the car’s engine output for extra power and the level at which stability - and traction-control systems intervene as well as firmness of the adjustable suspension.

The 612, originally introduced in 2004, rides on a 116.1-in. wheelbase, and its all-aluminum body measures 193.0 inches in overall length. The engine is a 5.7- liter V-12 producing 532 bhp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. Ferrari claims the 612 is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The 2009 Scaglietti will be available late this summer.