The Ascari KZ1 has been in development since 2000, offering an S62 BMW M5 V8 engine that produces 500hp @ 7000rpm and 405.7 ft. lb torque @ 4500rpm – launching it from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds. With only 50 produced, the KZ1 costs a hefty $434,471.

From Techeblog

 

Toyota has just announced that it will upgrade the LF-A’s 4.8L V10 engine to 5.0L — delivering an incredible 500hp with a top speed of 200mph — and use a carbon fiber chassis instead of the original aluminum. The car weighs just 2,600 pounds and will make its debut as a pace car in the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix.

Toyota has decided to make major changes to its Lexus LF-A concept in order to make it the “most luxurious, best handling and safest supercar ever,” reports AutoExpress magazine.

[via LeftLaneNews]
From Techeblog

 

BOB is a hybrid home that combines functionality and stylish looks into a van-sized package. Drivetrain components — such as the engine and gearbox — are located underneath the front seats. Fold down walls and roof ensure maximum floor space. Couple more pics after the jump.

Unlike other mobile homes, BOB’s internal elements don’t need to be lined up one after the other with a tiny circulation path running through the middle. At the end of a hard day driving BOB lays out and relaxes to create over triple his original foot print.

[via YankoDesign]

From Techeblog

 

 

 

Finally, 007’s Aston Martin DBS has been revealed, and it looks quite impressive to say the least. This car will make its debut in “Casino Royale” — set for release November, 2006. View all pics after the jump.

Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: “This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car. It signals an evolutionary development of Aston Martin’s world renowned style and elegance.”

From Techeblog

 

For sheer portable entertainment, check out the Viliv N-70. It features a 7-inch widescreen display, built-in GPS navigation system, T-DMB tuner (optional), mp3/video/image playback, stereo speakers, CF/SD memory card slot, and a wireless remote. Available in “Basic”, “Plus”, or “Premium” versions, the N-70 will soon be released in Korea with prices starting at $637.

[via Akihabara]
From Techeblog

Hmmm, what uses will people find for a license plate holder that displays scrollable messages? You can enter up to 120 characters into one message, and the plate holder stores up to 5 messages.

Programming the plate is easy to do even while you are in the car by using the wireless remote. There’s no display on the remote itself, so it may be hard to see what words you’re spelling out.

Available now for $49.99.

License Plate Flash Frame [perpetual kid via Oh gizmo!]
From Gizmodo

The ballsy blokes suspected to have stolen two of Becks‘ BMW X5s did so by using software on a laptop to hack into the car’s computer. Once in, they opened the doors, started the ignition, and drove away with the feeling you only get when you steal from a guy who can afford it—not that we know what that feels like, or condone theft in any way.

The software, which takes 20 minutes to get past the car’s built in protection, is going real popular real fast as carmakers are starting to rely solely on software to protect their autos.

However, we suspect the thieves were actually in there looking for Posh and Beck’s “home videos”, and when they couldn’t find it the first time they tried their luck again. You know where to reach us!

Gone in 20 Minutes: using laptops to steal cars [Leftlane News]
from Gizmodo