When thinking about ultra-exclusive cars, the complexity and the time-consuming build process of the hyper-exotic Bugatti Veyron comes to mind. Only about 80 Bugatti Veyrons are produced each year.

However, the world’s most expensive automobile is not necessarily the most exclusive. The Mosler MT900S Photon beats it with only one unit to be produced for 2012.

Complementing its exclusivity are its performance figures. Weighing in at a miniscule sub-2,500 pounds, the supercar produces 535-hp from its 7-liter V8 engine, and is capable of reaching 60 mph in less than three seconds as well as a top speed well over 200 mph.

While the Mosler street-legal racing car has preserved an exterior design more than a decade old, the new Photon features the latest aero enhancements to keep its appearance current. While the 2012 Mosler MT900S Photon is all but called for, you may still contact Jacob Mosler at 561-818-4039 to be placed on the list. Prices for the Mosler Photon begin at $479,000.

GALLERY: Mosler MT900S Photon

Lotus is preparing for the Geneva debut of its latest Lotus Evora GTE with Formula 1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen in tow.

While specs and information on the new Team Lotus F1 inspired sports car are limited, the Evora GTE concept revealed last year is already a winner in the looks department. Last year, our editor-in-chief Colum Wood got to experience the Evora GTE first hand when it unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and said the “Lotus Evora GTE Road Car concept makes the Porsche GT3 look like a chick car.”

A blend between a standard Evora and the GTE-class racing cars, the road-going Evora GTE not only produces 420-hp, but also dropped some 165 pounds from the standard model. Now with the new F1 tie-in, we should expect unique racing livery and extra hardware to deliver a more focused driving experience.

Look out for its official debut on March 6th at the Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora GTE

Last month we reported rumors of an open-top Bugatti Super Sport headed for Geneva, and as it turns out, the rumors prove to be true.

Introducing the Grand Sport Vitesse, the latest and arguably greatest Bugatti Veyron roadster. The Grand Sport Vitesse will receive the same 8-liter W16 engine as the Veyron Super Sport. Its top-of-the-line power plant produces 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to greater force-induction from enlarged quad-turbos. To allow the Vitesse to manage the extra punch, Bugatti has further stiffened its chassis.

Regarding the new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer said, “The rapid success of the Super Sport convinced us to increase the performance of there Bugatti roadster. Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate the Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible.”

While the world’s fastest targa-top may not have the required aero to match the 268 mph top speed of the $2.4 million Veyron Super Sport, the infinite headroom provided in the Vitesse will definitely cost a significant premium. Look for more details as we get closer to the new Bugatti’s official debut at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest grand touring SL63 AMG hardtop convertible ahead of a planned debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Weighing 275 pounds less than the outgoing model, the new SL63 offers the laughter-inducing, hand-built M157 bi-turbo 5.5 V8 engine mated to the MCT seven-speed automatic transmission. The MCT features a trick start-up clutch that runs in an oil bath rather than a conventional torque converter. The inherent low centrifugal mass allows the transmission to engage extremely quickly.

Other hardware add-ons by AMG include 6-piston brakes that bite onto huge 15.3 inch compound discs at the front and 14.3-inch integral discs with single-piston floating calipers in the rear. An adjustable AMG sports suspension (sport or comfort) based on the Mercedes-Benz active damping system and speed-sensitive steering provide the handling needed to match the power. Custom driving dynamics are available as well, from “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), and “M” (Manual). In “C”, an engine stop-start feature works to control fuel consumption.

Power in the SL63 starts at 530 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, capable of 4.2 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. If more oomph is desired, the AMG Performance package provides an extra bump in output to 557 hp and 664 lb-ft, 4.1 seconds to 60 mph and a higher top speed limited to 186 mph.

Despite the dynamite hardware, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go with an elegant and quiet exterior. Other than daytime LED, custom sport exhausts, and 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch also available), there’s little to differentiate the AMG from the standard SL. The AMG will also be available with the optional Sky Control panoramic glass roof found in the standard convertible.

As for the interior, the SL AMG receives rich Nappa leather AMG sport seats, an integrated AMG DRIVE UNIT infotainment system with harmon/kardon Logic 7 audio, and an unique AMG instrument cluster.

Find out more about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG as we get closer to the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG

A Ferrari FF caught fire near the Shanghai World Expo Avenue in China this past weekend.

According to China’s WZRB, eyewitnesses saw the FF cruising along until it started to smoke and eventually caught fire. The driver was notified of the hazard and turned off the road, gathering his things from the car before calling the fire department.

“They called the police, but the fire spread very rapidly, and when firefighters arrived, the vehicle had been surrounded by fire and was almost totally destroyed,” a witness told WZRB.

Worth about 5.3 million Chinese Yuan, or $840,000 USD, this is not the first FF to set itself on fire. Another FF suffered a similar fate last June, likely caused by defective heat reflectors surrounding the FF’s exhaust. Judging from the pictures from the latest incident, the same defect may be to blame.

GALLERY: Ferrari FF fire

Jeremy Clarkson was invited to the BBC1′s The One Show’ last November where he remarked that the striking public sector workers should be shot. Striking controversy once again, Clarkson’s comment caused more than 30,000 complaints to the BBC and almost 800 to media regulator Ofcom.

Responding to the public reaction, Ofcom held an investigation to decide whether the show had broken any rules on taste and decency. Finally, Ofcom has announced that the program is cleared of breaching broadcasting regulations, defending that viewers should be familiar with Jeremy Clarkson’s “provocative and outspoken nature.”

Ofcom director Christopher Woolard stated in a four-page letter that, “The editorial nature of the program as a whole would have prepared viewers for the type of comments Jeremy Clarkson would be likely to make” and when considering Clarkson’s “well-established public persona,” Clarkson’s comment wasn’t overly offensive.

Woolard also added that, “The audience for this edition of The One Show would have expected Jeremy Clarkson to make potentially controversial or offensive statements… his comments were not an expression of seriously held beliefs or views that should be literally interpreted.”

In the past, Jeremy Clarkson has always been known to make a wide range of brash remarks. By now, victims to Clarkson’s insensitivity will have to accept this is only Clarkson being himself.

Check out Jeremy Clarkson’s controversial segment on The One Show after the jump:
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Keeping its entry sports car current, Aston Martin has announced the most comprehensive enhancement program for the V8 Vantage since 2008.

For hardware, the latest V8 Vantage will retain its six-speed manual transmission but will receive an all-new Shortshift II seven-speed automatic designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin. According to Aston Martin, an additional gear will provide the new Vantage with closer ratios, lower final drive, and a quicker, more refined shift quality.

Other upgrades include a refined chassis, quicker steering, bigger two-piece six piston brakes, and wider tires by 10mm. As for appearance, the V8 Vantage gets a Vantage S treatment with a lowered front bumper with aero splitter that features a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes. Finally, sculpted side sills and a new drag-reducing rear diffuser are also added to complete the look.

Next, the V8 Vantage S remains the top of the line Aston Martin V8, producing 430-hp and 361 lb.-ft of torque. The Vantage S further differentiates itself by receiving a louder sports exhaust system unique to the S in order to further define its sporting nature. As for its exterior treatment the S receives a carbon fiber motorsport-derived aero package.

Finally, the Vantage S interior will feature luxurious hand-stitched leather upholstery. Moving on the the V12 line-up, the V12 Vantage remains unchanged and will be joined by the latest V12 Zagato exotic, created as an homage to the DBGT Zagato made 50 years ago. Now less than 12 months from official release, the stunning V12 Zagato will debut at extremely limited availability. Be sure to check out the official unveiling of the new Aston Martin Vantage line-up at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Watch AutoGuide’s Vantage S Review below:

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Earlier this month we reported that Honda had launched a recall for 347 Accords and Crosstours subject to the possibility of side curtain airbag failure. The devices may fail to deploy at the moment of strong impact, putting passengers at a higher risk of physical harm.

The failure lies in incorrect propellant used in the side bags. Most recently, Honda announced the recall has been expanded to include additional Accords and Crosstour models as well as select 2012 Civic and Acura MDX. The number of affected vehicles grew to 974.

Owners of affected Hondas should receive recall letters mailed February 24th. The recalls will be carried out free of charge at authorized dealerships.

Almost sixty years ago, wealthy boat-racing privateer Achille Castoldi created the Arno XI hydroplane racing boat powered by a Ferrari engine.

The engine is a 4.5 liter 12-cylinder Ferrari engine similar to that found in the Type 375 grand prix car that was driven to victory by Jose Froilan Gonzalez at the 1951 Silverstone GP. Modified for record breaking marine duty, the engine ran on methanol to allow higher compression ratios for the additional twin-superchargers to deliver more than 500-hp.

In 1953, the Arno XI piloted by Castoldi averaged speeds exceeding 150 mph. Castoldi followed up to break the “24 nautical miles” record in the 800 kg category when the ARNO XI averaged 102.13 mph. As the Italian Powerboat Federation later changed speedboating categories, this record remains unbroken. Apparently, Ferrari is familiar with winning on land and at sea.

Now this beautiful and historic hydroplane can be yours. The RM Auction will put the Arno XI on the block during RM’s Monaco sale on May 11th and 12th. According to RM, the Arno XI is complete with “an extensive history file” that contains period photos, as well as hand written notes from Ferrari engineer Gioacchino Colombo. According to experts, the boat is expected to be valued between $1.3 million to $1.9 million.

Chrysler has announced the withdrawal of its Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.

A loan signed in 2007 by former President George W. Bush, the ATVM program was designed to provide financial aid to companies to pursue development of advanced, high-mileage power train technologies in order to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Chrysler first applied for this federal loan shortly after it restructured from its 2009 bankruptcy. Initially a $7 billion proposal, distribution of ATVM loans have critically stalled as politicians argue about the program.

It seems that Chrysler is tired of waiting, having applied more than two year ago. Sergio Marchionne was outspoken of his displeasure. When Chrysler made the decision to withdraw, the ATVM had already cut its loan proposal to a figure of $3.5 billion, half of what Chrysler initially desired.

“Why am I bothering if the loan was going to be either rejected or sharply reduced,” he said.

Despite Marchionne’s disappointment does not, however, mean the company will abandon eco-friendly technology. In fact, Chrysler laid plans to fund its own research and development for hybrids, plug-ins and other advanced technologies.

“The company remains confident in its strategy to bring competitive, fuel-efficient vehicles and technologies to market on schedule. This decision will not impact Chrysler’s ability to achieve its previously announced business plan targets.”

“I am disappointed that Chrysler withdrew its Section 136 application. I regret that the DOE and Chrysler were not able to come to an agreement that clearly would have benefitted American workers and manufacturers,” said U.S. Representative John Dingell.

Dingell took notice of Chrysler’s strong performance in 2011 and it’s sales figures that improved better than the industry average. Chrysler has also repaid its U.S. and Canadian loans in full and even created 9,400 new jobs. Simply, John Dingell believed that Chrysler “would have been a perfect candidate for the loan program.”

Finally, Dingell said, “Although Chrysler has withdrawn its loan application, DOE must start acting decisively so we can fulfill the President’s goal of out-competing the rest of the world.”

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]