The sexiest motors of the year

Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé 2008

The two-door, four-seat convertible is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design. Using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe, it marries modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Based on the V8 Vantage the V8 Vantage Roadster features a triple-layered fabric hood that folds flat beneath a tonneau cover into the trunk space. The process takes 18 seconds in either direction and works at speeds of up to 30 mph. The car's performance figures are identical to the Coupe, with a 0-62 mph time of five seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.

Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS bridges the gap between road and track – DB9 and DBR9. Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred.
The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an luxurious interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

2008 Audi R8

The 2008 R8 is a 2-door, 2-passenger sports coupe, available in two trims, the Coupe quattro and the Coupe quattro with Auto R tronic.

Both trims are equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 420-horsepower engine. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2008 R8 is all-new for 2008.
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Ferarri 430 Scuderia 2008

The new Ferrari 430 Scuderia will join the road alongside the F430 coupé and the F430 Spider. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is a truly high-performance 2-seater berlinetta which demonstrates how Ferrari’s Formula 1 know-how is carried across to its production cars
The new model is a special series based on the F430 and is aimed specifically at Ferrari’s most passionate and sports-driving oriented clients. Development was focused on light weight, minimum trimmings and innovative technology.

Lexus ISF 2008

The all-new 2008 Lexus IS F represents an inspired shift forward in high-performance engineering. Driven by a potent 5.0-litre, 400+horsepower V8 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the IS F delivers exhilarating power, seamless acceleration and split second response. Keeping it under control is a newly refined, three- setting sport version of VDIM for outstanding feel and handling. The stunning interior features unique sport seating, aluminized fiberglass trim and blue LED gauges, along with all the expected Lexus luxury and comfort. The fun starts in early 2008.
Nissan GT-R 2008

Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces – gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics – and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.
The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation – whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas – all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

And Finally…..

The Squba

A Swiss company called Rinspeed has recently announced its newest project: an underwater car. Named "sQuba," the car can both drive on roads, and then - at the push of a button - dive up to 10 meters (33 feet) under the sea.

Rinspeed describes sQuba as ‘the world's first real car to drive both on land and underwater’. An electric motor provides rear-wheel drive while on roads. Underwater, two propellers in the stern and two jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle. With zero emissions, the design is even environmentally friendly, eliminating any pollution into the sea.

The two-seater also includes a self-contained on-board oxygen system to supply the driver and passenger with fresh air for breathing.

Rinspeed CEO Frank Rinderknecht admits that part of the inspiration for the underwater car comes from the 1977 James Bond hit "The Spy Who Loved Me." The sQuba car will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008.

And what we can expect for 2009...

Mazda RX-8

Mazda chose the Detroit Auto Show to officially unveil the revised 2009 RX-8. For the 2009 model year the revised RX-8 gets a facelift inside and out. Starting with the exterior the RX-8 gets restyled front and rear bumpers and a new front fascia. Larger exhaust pipes have also been added. Inside the 2009 RX-8 receives new front and rear seats, a revised center IP and a new steering wheel. In addition to the styling changes, Mazda is also offering a new sport package for the 2009 RX-8

Vanessa Wozniak