Porsche 911

For some car companies, evolution involves making radical changes at regular intervals to their products in order to maintain their appeal. However, that's not the way it works at Porsche, whose notoriously fast cars get updated at a notoriously glacial pace, at least in terms of style, even while sometimes major advancements occur under the skin.

Even so, the slight changes that will find their way to the iconic Carrera within the next year or so are not so insignificant as to make it past the watchful eye of our European spy photographers, one of whom exasperated a Porsche test driver (who was stupid enough to venture onto Germany's public roads in a future Carrera) by following him about while snapping away.

Specifically, what he got was a pretty, blue, badge-less 2009 Carrera S clearly showing off new quad-element HID headlamps nestled within the Carrera's not-new ovoid surrounds. Beneath the familiar frog eyes are enlarged air intakes into which the turn signals are integrated (thankfully in a horizontal arrangement, as opposed to the fang-like design on the 2008 Cayenne). A subtle lower lip extends from the chin spoiler and continues all the way down the bodysides and into the rear bumper. Said bumper has been revised to accommodate wider-set tailpipes and, unfortunately, droopy Cayenne-style LED taillamps. At least there will be a red bar running between the lights, a curious favorite of Porschephiles.

The most notable mechanical change we expect in the 2009 911 is increased horsepower and torque, thanks to direct injection. Sources indicate the 3.6-liter 911 Carrera stands to get a 20-horsepower and 15 foot-pound bump to 345 horsepower and 288 pound-feet. The 3.8-liter 911 Carrera S could get a 30-horsepower and 15 foot-pound bump to 385 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. Even more interesting is the almost certain availability of the long-awaited “PDK” seven-speed dual-clutch sequential-manual transmission with launch control. A limited-slip differential is purported to be standard on all-wheel-drive 911s and available on rear-drivers.

Rumors indicate an available touch-screen, hard-disk-based navigation system with iPod and Bluetooth interfaces. From a German car company? We’ll believe that when we see it. Our source indicates an on-sale date of late September 2008.

2011 Bentley Mulsanne

On August 2009 at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in California was presented newest most expensive car by Bentley Motors. 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is devoted to the 80th anniversary of Bentley that was firstly created with 8L engine in London in 1930. Bentley Mulsanne is a perfect example of the luxury, style, power and respectability. It’s production will start in 2010 at the Bentley factory in Crewe. And next you’ll get an opportunity to by this not cheap car. Just after the Bentley Mulsanne premiere, the first one was sold at the auction for $500 000.

The Mulsanne is a clean sheet redesign of Bentley’s ever-enduring flagship and according to Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen, when they sat down to figure out everything they wanted to change on the Arnage, by the time they were finished, nearly nothing remained. The Mulsanne is about eleven inches longer than the Flying Spur and rides on a new, bespoke chassis that sits so low on its wheels you can barely get a finger between the top of the front tire and the wheel well.

Novitec Rosso

As though the Scuderia Spider 16M, whose production was limited to just 499 units, weren’t exclusive enough, Ferrari decided to take it a step further. This is where Novitec Rosso, the world’s top refiner of sports cars, comes in.

In the capable hands of Novitec Rosso, Ferrari’s Scuderia Spider 16M was fitted with the trademark Novitec Rosso Race bi-compressor engine with a horsepower of 696 bhp at 8,400 rpm and torque of 503 lb.-ft. at 6,300 rpm. Thus, the 2009 Novitec Scuderia Spider 16M was born. The new engine enables the Scuderia Spider to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and to rocket to a top speed of more than 205 mph.

Because of the high-performing engine, Novitec Rosso specially manufactured a heat-insulated intake manifold that has larger cross-sections to provide the engine with pre-compressed air. Those who would like to further enhance their Spiders can choose from sporty options like sport springs, a lift system for the front axle, 20-inch wheels, and various exterior and interior accessories.