1998 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK GTR Roadster - snap this up

When Mercedes-Benz first unveiled its CLK GTR Roadster in 1998 it sold for an astonishing $1.5 million dollars, making it the most expensive production car ever, a figure only recently exceeded by the Ferrari FXX.
 
Bonhams Festival of Speed sale will offer the very first example of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster ever built, estimated at £1,400,000-1,800,000.
James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: "The car was retained by the Mercedes-Benz company until 2014 when it was acquired by the current owner. It is effectively a new car with just eight kilometres on the odometer, and it is the only one of the six roadsters to be finished in black. We rarely see a car with these credentials come to market."
 
An open topped variant of the already super-exclusive CLK GTR Coupe – only 25 road going cars were ever produced – the Roadster was made in a very limited edition indeed. The company had the simple but effective idea of removing the roof and installing two roll-over bars and additional strengthening, plus the Roadster engine boasted an engine increased to 640bhp (40 horsepower more than the Coupé) and a Formula 1-style, sequential six-speed transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.
 
At the end of the 1996 racing season, Mercedes-Benz switched from racing touring cars to sports cars, a decision that left precious little time to develop a challenger for the FIA's (International Automobile Federation) new GT Championship. The latter's regulations stipulated that 'GT1' category cars had to be production based, so development was entrusted to Mercedes-Benz's official performance division, AMG. Amazingly, just 128 days after design work had commenced in December 1996, the first Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR took to the track at Jarama in April 1997 for its initial test.
 
The CLK GTR first won at the challenging Nurburgring in June 1997, going on to win five more of the 11 rounds to take the GT Championship in its debut year. With a new CLK LM (Le Mans) waiting in the wings, the CLK GTR raced just twice in 1998, before being retired from active duty after little more than a season's racing, but with an impeccable record.

During 1998 and 1999, Mercedes-Benz duly completed 25 road going CLK GTRs. These closely resembled the racing version but had 'only' 550bhp and dispensed with the racer's separate rear wing in favour of a body-integral design. They were also better equipped and kitted out with more creature comforts than the racer. With a headline-grabbing price tag of over $1,000,000, the CLK GTR's exclusivity was surpassed only by its incredible performance.
 
Bonhams Festival of Speed Sale takes place on 26 June in Goodwood, Chichester. For more information visit https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/.
 

Lamborghini presents the 1968 Miura Roadster and the 2013 Veneno Roadster

Lamborghini's One-Off Roadsters at Techno Classica 2015 in Essen

On the occasion of this year’s Techno Classica in Essen, Automobili Lamborghini presents two truly special cars in Pavilion 7 under the theme "One-Off Roadsters by Lamborghini".

1968 Miura Roadster

Lamborghini’s 1968 Miura Roadster, an open-top version of the legendary Lamborghini Miura, is the only one of its kind in the world. The car on display, privately owned, can be admired in its original color and equipment.

Lamborghini’s 2013 Veneno Roadster

Lamborghini’s 2013 Veneno Roadster is an open-top racing prototype fully homologated for road use, captivating in its extreme design and breathtaking performance. The car on display comes from a large collection of classic Lamborghini models preserved in the Lamborghini Museum at the company headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Lamborghini Miura Roadster 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster 1968 The Lamborghini Miura Roadster, as a concept car carrying chassis number 3498, made its first appearance at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968.

An evolution of the Miura P 400, it confirms the ambition of Ferruccio Lamborghini, who just five years after establishing the company continued to propose innovative new models. Despite the public’s enthusiasm, the Miura Roadster never went into production. It remains one of a kind in the world and is thus counted among the most significant classic Lamborghini models.

The aerodynamic body of the Miura Roadster was designed by Nuccio Bertone along with young designer Marcello Gandini following in-depth aerodynamic and aesthetic research. It differed from the design of the Coupé in a number of ways. The larger side air intakes ensured optimized inflow of outside air to the 4.0 liter 350 HP V12 mid-engine, for the first time mounted transversally. The lower roll bar, re-shaped rear bodywork, and total absence of the roof and side windows make the Miura Roadster perfect for savoring the exhilaration of high speed driving in fair weather.

In 1969 the Miura Roadster was purchased by the New York-based International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO). Then coated with a zinc-based paint and equipped with other zinc elements, it was presented with the name Zn 75 at a variety of expositions around the world with the aim to convince public opinion on the versatile and modern nature of zinc use in the automotive industry. After changing hands a number of times, the Miura Roadster is now privately owned. Faithfully restored with the utmost attention to detail, the car on display was returned to its original condition, including the luminous light blue metallic paint and the white interior with red carpeting.

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster 2013 Lamborghini Veneno Roadster 2013 The Veneno Roadster is consistent with the design philosophy of all the super sports cars that come out of Sant’Agata Bolognese: optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability, giving the Roadster the dynamic experience of a racing car prototype, though it is fully homologated for the road.

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is equipped with a 6.5 liter 12-cylinder powertrain. With maximum power of 750 HP, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and top speed is 355 km/h. The lightweight structure in carbon fiber assures a dry weight of just 1490 kg, a determining factor in its extraordinary performance features. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is one of the most exclusive automobiles in the world: in 2014 no more than nine examples were sold, each with a price tag of 3.3 million euros (excluding tax).

Visitors to the Essen show can admire the Veneno Roadster in the special color "Rosso Efesto" developed expressly for this car.

Spy - New movie with Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law and Rose Byrne

SPY

Release: 21 May 2015

Directed by: Paul Feig

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Miranda Hart

Genre: Comedy / Action

Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency's most dangerous missions. But when her partner (Jude Law) falls off the grid and another top agent (Jason Statham) is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster.

Derek Zoolander and Hansel walk the runway

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 10: Derek Zoolander and Hansel walk the runway at the Valentino Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week at Espace Ephemere Tuileries on March 10, 2015 in Paris, France. ZOOLANDER 2 will open in theaters in the U.S. on February 12, 2016. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Paramount Pictures)

20,000 Women Set to See 50 SHADES OF GREY [video]

Fifty Shades of Grey, the global phenomenon and hit erotica trilogy, is to date the largest and fastest selling Chicks at the Flicks film ever with over 20,000 women set roll up on opening night to in Event, BCC and Greater Union Cinema nationally.

With the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy novels having sold over 45 million copies in the U.S. and an additional 27 million copies in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries, and translated into 51 languages, it is no surprise over 300 sessions have sold-out at Event, BCC and Greater Union Cinemas nationally of which 150 are Chicks at the Flicks - Fifty Shades of Grey is set to join other films such as the Twilight Sagas and The Hunger Games Trilogies having the highest advance ticket sales of all time, showing consumers are keen to book their seats early.

Chick at the Flicks (AHL)

Not only do guests to Chicks at the Flicks get to watch the hotly anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey and enjoy the chance for a catch up with the girls, but they can indulge in a swag of girly experiences including beauty stalls, entertainment, and glamorous prize giveaways. All guests to ‘Chicks at the Flicks’ will also receive a fantastic goodie bag brimming with yummy food and fabulous beauty products.

"We are thrilled with the ticket sales of 50 shades of grey with ticket sales already breaking records," said Ian Sutherland, Group Director Marketing, Amalgamated Holdings Limited. “It is great to see movie goers pre-booking in Gold Class our luxury cinema experience and at Chicks at the Flicks, the ultimate girls movie experience!’

“We will continue to add more sessions of the film where possible to meet demand and ensure we are offering our movie goers the ultimate cinema experience with big screens, big sound and unparalleled comfort through Vmax and Gold Class”, Sutherland continued.

Fifty Shades of Grey opens across Australia on February 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day which makes for the perfect date night in Gold Class and for those girls eager to catch the movie first with ultimate girly experience, there are special Chicks at the Flicks screenings at selected cinemas on opening night.

Check out the new look portal for more information about the changes to Cine Buzz Rewards -

www.eventcinemas.com.au/cinebuzz

Toyota 86 cult sportscar

FANS CELEBRATE TOYOTA 86 CULT SPORTS CAR

More than 800 fans of the Toyota 86 shared their passion for the cult sports car at the Festival of 86 held in Sydney at the weekend.

Enthusiasts flocked to the two-day club event from around Australia - by plane from as far away as Townsville while many drove their 86 from Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.

The car's global chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada, said he believed the Festival of 86 - held to celebrate the second anniversary of the car's Australian launch - had attracted the biggest gathering for the 86 nameplate outside Japan.

"I am very excited to join Australian fans of the 86," he said. "You have made this car a great success with more than 12,000 sold in this country, which is the third highest in the world after Japan and the United States. It's amazing."

Tada-san was mobbed by the car's passionate fans, spending most of the two days signing autographs on everything from components, including the car's dash panel and engine cover, to model cars, T-shirts, owner manuals and posters.

Leading the tally of those who registered to attend were close to 400 owners of the Toyota 86, a further 50 owners of the AE86 - the spiritual predecessor of the modern car - and a similar number of Subaru BRZ owners.

High-profile guests included four-times Australian rally champion and 86 owner Neal Bates and drift champion Beau Yates whose 86 drift monster was in hot demand.

Many of the owners at the event have embraced the spirit of the 86 by personalising their cars - including several who have spent tens of thousands of dollars on special body wraps, wheels, suspension and other components.

Toyota Australia supported the event and added to the excitement by revealing it is planning a one-make motorsport series for the popular car, which has been Australia's best-selling sports car in 2013 and so far this year.

The company's executive director sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said Toyota expected to make a formal announcement of the 86 motorsport competition in the first half of next year and start the series in 2016.

"The concept is a pro-am with amateur drivers from across Australia competing against selected professional drivers," Mr Cramb said.

Tada-san said the 86 was ideal as an entry into motorsport because it is compact, light-weight, affordable and, above all, fun to drive.

How far does your #foamroam ?

#FOAMROAM

How far does your Foam roam? We know everyone loves our takeaway cups – now is the time to show your creativity and you could win free coffee for a year! Show us your innovative pic on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, tag Foam Coffee Bar and include #FoamRoam. Competition ends 31 December. See in store for T&C.

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