Motor Trend races a Ferrari 458 Italia against a Ducati 1198S

In the annals of Italian automakers, Ferrari is without question at the top of that list having produced some of the world’s fastest, most powerful, and most iconic vehicles known to man. And when it seems that the company has exhausted all of its efforts in their supercar line-up, they come out and release the 458 Italia, an absolute gem of a supercar that’s already considered one of the all-time greats – recalls notwithsanding.

So when Motor Trend wanted to do a little showdown with the 458 Italia, they predictable reached out to its cross-town rival Lamborghini to set a duel between the Maranello stallion against the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. To everyone’s surprise, Lamborghini declined the invitation, leaving the 458 Italia with no opponent to go toe-to-toe with.

Fortunately, Motor Trend had a back-up plan with another iconic Italian brand with the only caveat being that this brand runs on two wheels. Whereas Lamborghini failed to answer the call, Ducati and it’s 1198S street racer were up for the challenge.

Ferrari collector adds a one of a kind matte red Ferrari 599 GTO to his collection

Remember the Gemballa MIG-U1 based on the Ferrari Enzo? Apparently, the owner of that car has extreme passion for Ferrari models because he has moved on to a very real, and very exclusive, matte red Ferrari 599 GTO. According to Ferrari president Luca de Montezemolo, this is the first and last model to be offered in this color straight from the factory.

There are no other details available about this exclusive 599 GTO, but we doubt there will be any changes made under the hood. We expect the owner will be just as happy with the same V12 engine delivering a total of 670 HP at 8250 rpm with a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm as found int he standard model. Who wouldn’t? This engine launches the GTO from 0-60mph in just 3.35 seconds, while top speed goes up to 208 mph. To top it all off, this Ferrari can lap the Fiorano test track in one minute and 24 seconds. It seems the matte red look is completely befitting of this elegant speedster.

So now this guy has the Gemballa MIG-U1 and a one of a kind matte red Ferrari 599 GTO. All that’s left is for him to take them out to the Nurburgring to test Ferrari’s affirmations.

Renntech makes the Mercedes SLS AMG snort like a raging bull

Anytime you have a car that has become the apple of an auto tuners’ eye, you should give yourself a pat on the back and revel in the unbridled attention you’re new exotic is getting.

We figure that’s what the brass over at Mercedes are doing now, congratulating themselves over the enormous success of the SLS AMG. We’ve already seen it subjected to performance upgrades from here to the other side of the world so it really doesn’t surprise us anymore to see that another aftermarket company has taken a stab in outfitting the SLS AMG with a new package.

This time around, it’s our boys over at RennTech giving the SLS AMG a new performance exhaust that features a secondary catalytic bypass and x-pipe, tuned with their new ECU tuning software and producing, as RennTech puts it, ‘an intoxicating growl’.

More than the new exhaust system, RennTech also gave the SLS AMG a few exterior upgrades, including a carbon fiber front splitter that increases the downforce and overall functionality of the car. There’s also a new carbon fiber rear diffuser that also increases the SLS AMG’s downforce while also improving the air drag.

If you want to learn more about these upgrades on the SLS AMG, RennTech wants you to contact their sales department directly where, we figure, they’re going to give you the full lowdown on their new package for the already awesome SLS AMG.

In the meantime, check out the video of the RennTech-improved supercar in action.

Range Rover Sport by Startech

Fresh off of their tuning package for the venerable Land Rover Defender, celebrated tuning firm Startech has released yet another program for the British SUV brand, this time for the Range Rover Sport. The vehicle was recently revealed at the 2010 Essen Motor Show.

The styling program includes a bevy of new features, turning the Range Rover Sport into a stunning piece of black machinery. Among the exterior features are an aggressive front fascia, a revised rear apron with a new and integrated exhaust ports, a removable section on the rear that allows easy access to the SUV’s trailer hitch. Startech also added LED daytime running lights on the vehicle and outfitted it with a new set of 22” light allow wheels.

In the interior, Startech also went nuts with the upgrades, putting front and rear inside door panels in all factory leather colors, a new sports steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates that have illuminated Startech logos, aluminum pedals, and high-quality floor mats with color-coordinated leather borders. On top of that, the aftermarket tuning firm is also offering a bespoke customization upgrade for those who want their SUVs upgraded to the brim. Included in the bespoke program are items like premium-grade leather upholstery, exclusive and exotic wood trim sets, and rear tray tables, among other things.

Top Gear USA: Dodge Viper ACR-X Review

Top Gear USA may have wrapped up the second episode of their very first season, but due to geographical ramifications, many may have missed their first review. In Episode One of Top Gear USA, the boys tested the most powerful Viper in the line-up: the ACR-X.

In this video, you’ll see the USA’s version of the Stig as he whips the Viper around the new Top Gear USA track. The track is 1.6 miles long and consists of several turns as well as a few straightaways for optimal speed.

As a reminder, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the same SRT developed 8.4 Liter V10 as the standard super car, except that a set of factory tuned headers and a less restrictive exhaust system give the ACR-X a 40 HP kick in the pants meaning that there is a total of 640 HP on tap. Combine that with a weight savings of 160 pounds, despite the addition of a roll cage, and you’ve got an even more challenging track ready machine. On the market, the ACR-X is priced at $110,000.

Check out the video to see just how the Dodge Viper ACR-X did in the hands of the Stig when put up against the Top Gear USA test track.