The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China in part to protect the Chinese Empire or its prototypical states against intrusions by various nomadic groups or military incursions by various warlike peoples or forces. Several walls were being built as early as the 7th century BC;[5] these, later joined together and made bigger, stronger, and unified are now collectively referred to as the Great Wall.[6] Especially famous is the wall built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Little of that wall remains. Since then, the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt, maintained, enhanced; the majority of the existing wall was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty.
Other purposes of the Great Wall have included border controls, allowing the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road, regulation or encouragement of trade and the control of immigration and emigration. Furthermore, the defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watch towers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, and the fact that the path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor.



Characteristics

Before the use of bricks, the Great Wall was mainly built from rammed earth, stones, and wood. During the Ming Dynasty, however, bricks were heavily used in many areas of the wall, as were materials such as tiles, lime, and stone. The size and weight of the bricks made them easier to work with than earth and stone, so construction quickened. Additionally, bricks could bear more weight and endure better than rammed earth. Stone can hold under its own weight better than brick, but is more difficult to use. Consequently, stones cut in rectangular shapes were used for the foundation, inner and outer brims, and gateways of the wall. Battlements line the uppermost portion of the vast majority of the wall, with defensive gaps a little over 30 cm (12 in) tall, and about 23 cm (9.1 in) wide.

One of the earliest known references to this myth appears in a letter written in 1754 by the English antiquary William Stukeley. Stukeley wrote that, "This mighty wall of four score miles in length (Hadrian's Wall) is only exceeded by the Chinese Wall, which makes a considerable figure upon the terrestrial globe, and may be discerned at the moon."[31] The claim was also mentioned by Henry Norman in 1895 where he states "besides its age it enjoys the reputation of being the only work of human hands on the globe visible from the moon."[32] The issue of "canals" on Mars was prominent in the late 19th century and may have led to the belief that long, thin objects were visible from space.[33] The claim that the Great Wall is visible also appears in 1932's Ripley's Believe it or Not strip[34] and in Richard Halliburton's 1938 book Second Book of Marvels.
The claim the Great Wall is visible has been debunked many times,[35] but is still ingrained in popular culture.[36] The wall is a maximum 9.1 m (30 ft) wide, and is about the same color as the soil surrounding it. Based on the optics of resolving power (distance versus the width of the iris: a few millimeters for the human eye, meters for large telescopes) only an object of reasonable contrast to its surroundings which is 70 mi (110 km) or more in diameter (1 arc-minute) would be visible to the unaided eye from the moon, whose average distance from Earth is 384,393 km (238,851 mi). The apparent width of the Great Wall from the moon is the same as that of a human hair viewed from 2 miles (3.2 km) away. To see the wall from the moon would require spatial resolution 17,000 times better than normal (20/20) vision.[37] Unsurprisingly, no lunar astronaut has ever claimed to have seen the Great Wall from the moon.

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World’s Top 10 Most Expensive Cell Phones

World’s Top 10 Most Expensive Cell Phones in 2012

10. Nokia Lamborghini 8800 Sirocco: Price is not published

This Lamborghini 8800 Sirocco cell phone has 3 bands GSM coverage so that it can be used in 5 continents. It’s just like usual mobile phone that it has internal memory, TFT display color and the camera. This cell phone is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire coated glass. I guess the things that made it expensive is the Lamborghini tag attached to this phone. It has a wallpapers, screensaver and ringtones and documentary video about Lamborghini.

9. Gold Edition Nokia 8800: $2,700

This cell phone is just like standard of Nokia 8800. Just the outlook casing of the cell phone is encased with gold. This casing will capture attention from the people around of course. It’s has a standard of a smart phone. Such as 62,000 color TFT (208 x 208) display screen along with a SVGA .5 MP camera. MMS, SMS, USB, Java, WAP, Infrared, Bluetooth and Edge connectivity are present. Other standard features like FM Radio, Mp3 Player, 64 polyphonic and Video Recording are also present.

8. Motorola V220 Special Edition: $51,800

This luxury cell phone is coming from Motorola cell phone producer. THe Motorolla Special v220 edition. It’s tagged for $51,800 and was designed by Peter Aloisson, Austrian designer. It’s pretty much feminine in looks. All features are standard except that this cell phone is studded with 1200 diamonds on the front panel as well as 18 carat gold is laid in the keyboard.

7. Vertu Diamond: $88,000

Vertu diamond cell phone is featuring tiny diamond dotted all over the body and the keypad that carries eight carat of diamond. The body is created from finest platinum and underpinned with ruby bearings. It’s also equipped with similar ceramic originally intended for space shuttle. You have to provide $88,000 to own this cell phone. 200 cell phones of this model have sold worldwide.

6. iPhone Princess Plus: $176,400

Another design of Peter Aloisson. The name is coming from the princess shaped diamond cut that studded all over the casing. 138 diamonds out of 318 shaped in this style. The others is shaped in brilliant-cut pattern. This cell phone totally use 17.75 carats of diamonds and 18 Carats of white gold. This version of iPhone are sold for $176,400.

5. VIPN Black Diamond Smartphone: $300,000

The body of this cell phone is made from titan and polycarbonate and spots a cutting edge mirror that finish cladding, adorned with diamonds. It’s designed by Jaren Goh. The cell phone itself is using an intel 400 Mhz processor, 4 mega pixel with 256 TFT screen. This cell phone was designed by Jaren Goh.

4. Vertu Signature Cobra: $310,000

This cell phone is produced by Boucheron, a French jeweler. Vertu Cobra phone is a limited edition cell phone that so far only 8 ever made. this cell phone is featuring ne carat round diamond, two carat pear cut diamond, two emerald eyes and 439 rubies that used to give a cobra look of the phone. Totally this cell phone is using 21 carats of diamond and rubies.

3. Diamond Crypto Smartphone: $1.3 million

This cell phone is produced by JSC Ancort that originally designed by luxury accecories designer Peter Aloisson. This expensive smart phone is encased with a platinum base and has 50 diamonds and 8 of them is a rare blue diamonds. The navigation key and the Ancort logo are of 18 Carat of rose gold. This cell phone was built on Windows CE.

2. GoldVish Le Million: $1.3 million

Goldvish LeMillion is designed by Emmanuel Gueit. The uniquness of this cell phone is certified by Guinness World  Records in 2008. The cell phones use a VVS1 (only microscopically flawed) diamonds with 18 Carat of white gold. The features of the cell phone is pretty standard with 2 GB storage, FM radio, digital camera, MP3 playback and bluetooth are the internal features of the cell phone. This cell phone just available by individual order.

1. Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme: $3.2 million

This luxury gadgets is coming from the designer Stuart Hughes. It’s the world’s most expensive cell phone unveiled in 2009. Goldstriker iPhone is encrusted with 271 grams of 22 carat pure solid gold. More than 200 diamonds added on the cell phone. Apple logo on the back features 53 gems and home button is covered with a single 7.1 carat diamond. The iPhone 3GS Supreme decorated as well in a chest carved from granite and Kashmir gold along with a lining made from top Nubuck grain leather.

CN Tower Toronto

CN Tower  Toronto

CN Tower (Canada National Tower) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Toronto CN Tower is visited by 2 million people every year. Built in 1976 the tallest building on the planet is a source of pride to all Canadians. The CN Tower was build for more practical reason - the expanding of downtown and the building of skyscrapers started to cause telecommunication problems. The CN tower solved these problems. It is soaring 553 meters (1815 feet) in the sky and has 2 observation decks, 360 rotating restaurant, the Horizons Café and probably the most important of all, the Glass Floor. The Glass floor was specially designed and you will have the most bizarre experience if you dare to step on it. The world will be literary at your feet! The glass is replaced every year and is very safe. Nobody has ever fallen down. It has been said that 14 hippos can sit on it and it will not break, so don’t worry about it. It is located on the lower observation deck at 1,122 feet. The Look out is located on the lower observation deck at 346m (1,136 feet) and one of the 6 high speed elevators takes you there for only 58 seconds.The Sky Pod is the smaller observatory located at 447 meters (1465 feet) and is the World's highest man-made observatory. The view from there is magnificent (on a clear day you can see . On a windy day you can experience a movement because the tower was designed to be flexible and wind resistant. The 360 Restaurantmakes one full rotation for 72 minutes. I recommend visiting the restaurant in the evening. The view is spectacular.Every year in October an Annual stair climb in support of the United Way is conducted. The participants climb 1776 steps to the top of CN Tower.How to get to CN Tower : Subway Yonge-University-Spadina to Union Station Opening Hours : Daily form 9am -10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am - 10.30 pm

 

1. The CN Tower at 553.33 meters (1,815 ft., 5 inches) was once the tallest building, tower, and freestanding structure, but as of 2010 retains the title of world's tallest tower.
2. Construction on the CN Tower began on February 6, 1973 and wrapped up about 40 months later in June 1976.
3. 1,537 workers toiled five days a week, 24 hours a day to build the CN Tower.
4. The CN Tower was built at an original cost of $63 million.
5. On April 2, 1975, onlookers gazed up in amazement as a giant Erickson Air-crane Silorsky helicopter placed the final piece of the CN Tower's antenna into place, officially making it the world's tallest building.
6. The CN Tower was built to withstand an earthquake of 8.5 on the Richter scale (the Kobe earthquake in 1995 was 7.2 on the Richter scale). The upper reaches of the CN Tower were built to withstand winds up to 418 km/h (260 mph).
7. In 1995, the CN Tower is designated a Wonder of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
8. Lightning strikes the CN Tower an average of 75 times per year. Long copper strips run down the CN Tower to grounding rods buried below ground to prevent damage.
9. The CN Tower dims unnecessary exterior lights during bird migration seasons to prevent bird injuries.
10. The CN Tower is an incredible 2.79 cm (1.1 inches) within plumb, or, true vertical.
11. Six glass-faced elevators travel at 22 km/hour (15 miles/hour) to reach the observation deck in 58 seconds.
12. On a clear day, visitors to the CN Tower's observation deck can see over 160 kilometers (100 miles) -- that's all the way to Niagara Falls and across Lake Ontario to New York State.
13. The CN Tower has a hollow 1200' hexagonal core providing stability and flexibility to the full height tower.
14. The CN Tower's Glass Floor was the first of its kind when it was opened in June 1994. It is 23.8 square meters (256 sq. ft.) of solid glass and 5 times stronger than the required weight-bearing standard for commercial floors. If 14 large hippos could fit in the elevator and get up to the Observation Deck, the Glass Floor could withstand their weight.
15. The 360 Restaurant makes a complete rotation every 72 minutes giving diners a changing view of Toronto more than 1,000 feet below.

The original plan for the tower envisioned a tripod consisting of three independent cylindrical "pillars" linked at various heights by structural bridges. Had it been built, this design would have been considerably shorter, with the metal antenna located roughly where the concrete section between the main level and the Sky Pod lies today. As the design effort continued, it evolved into the current design with a single continuous hexagonal core to the Sky Pod, with three support legs blended into the hexagon below the main level, forming a large Y-shape structure at the ground level.

The idea for the main level in its current form evolved around this time, but the Sky Pod was not part of the plans until some time later. One engineer in particular felt that visitors would feel the higher observation deck would be worth paying extra for, and the costs in terms of construction were not prohibitive. It was also some time around this point that it was realized that the tower could become the world's tallest structure, and plans were changed to incorporate subtle modifications throughout the structure to this end.

 In August 1974, construction of the main level commenced. Using 45 hydraulic jacks attached to cables strung from a temporary steel crown anchored to the top of the tower, twelve giant steel and wooden bracket forms were slowly raised, ultimately taking about a week to crawl up to their final position. These forms were used to create the brackets that support the main level, as well as a base for the construction of the main level itself. The Sky Pod was built of concrete poured into a wooden frame attached to rebar at the lower level deck, and then reinforced with a large steel compression band around the outside.

Getting to the CN Tower on Foot from Downtown Toronto:

Despite being a hard-to-miss landmark, the actual entrance to the CN Tower can be a little confusing, especially for those with strollers or who need wheelchair access.

At the foot of John Street on the south side of Front Street is a set of stairs that takes you to the entrance of the CN Tower. To the right of those stairs is a wide ramp that leads to both the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower entrance.

For those who need wheelchair access, halfway up the ramp on the left are glass doors that lead to an elevator that takes you down to the CN Tower entrance. These doors are not well marked, so keep your eyes peeled.

Getting to the CN Tower by Subway:

By subway, get off at Union Station, exit at Front Street and head west.

Getting to the CN Tower by VIA Train or Go Train:

Via trains - coming in from other Canadian cities - and Go trains arriving from more local places, like Hamilton - arrive at Union Station, a 5-min walk to the CN Tower.

Getting to the CN Tower by Car from Outside Toronto:

From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

From the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit at Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

From the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

Parking near the CN Tower:

Parking in downtown Toronto, like in most big cities, is frustrating and expensive. That said, public parking lots are well-marked and plentiful around the CN Tower. If you're willing to walk 10 mins, you'll find parking prices drop significantly west of Spadina.

Visiting the CN Tower with Kids:

• Admission to CN Tower for children under 3 is free.
• CN Tower is a bustling place with lots of walking -- or waiting in line. Bringing a stroller for younger children is a good idea. Parents can take children in their strollers to all parts of the CN Tower, including the highest observation point -- Sky Pod -- and the fine-dining 360 Restaurant.
• Change stations and family washrooms are available throughout the CN Tower.
• Highchairs are available at 360 Restaurant and Horizons.

CN Tower Admission (as of 2010):

Total Tower Experience:

• Look Out + Glass Floor + Skypod + Movie + Motion Simulator Ride (Must be 107 centimetres, or 42 inches, to ride)
• Express Elevation
• All Ages: Cdn$32.99

Observation Experience:

• Look Out + Glass Floor + Skypod
• $20.99 - $26.99
• Look Out + Glass Floor Only:
• $14.99 - $21.99

Attractions Experience:

• Look Out + Glass Floor + Motion Simulator Ride or Movie
• $20.99 - $26.99
  If you plan on visiting other Toronto attractions, consider city pass. Admission to CN Tower and five other popular Toronto attractions is included in one price, saving visitors about $40.

CN Tower Hours:

• CN Tower is open every day except December 25th.
• The tower is open every day from 9am - 11pm..

Food Available at the CN Tower:

Marketplace is a fully licensed family eating area on the ground level with fast food and snacks.

A kiosk on the Look Out level offers nice sandwiches for $7, drinks, ice cream and other snacks.

Horizons is the less formal dining establishment on the Look Out level of the CN Tower. Nevertheless, it's a lot better quality than you'd expect for a tourist attraction restaurant. Far from cafeteria dining, Horizons has all window seating on the Look Out of the CN Tower and a sizeable menu including appetizers and full entrées such as quesadillas, panini, salads, chicken, and a nice selection of beers and wine.

The CN Tower restaurant, 360, is more than just a spectacular view. The recipient of several culinary awards, 360 also features an extraordinary wine list of more than 550 international and Canadian wines. Diners at 360 do not pay regular admission price and get preferential elevator service to the restaurant more than 350 metres (1,150 ft) above.

You might also like:

• Burj Al Arab
• Eiffel Tower

Bugatti Veyron

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Interior

Bugatti Veyron (2005)

Manufacturer	Bugatti Automobiles and Volkswagen Group (parent company)
Production	2005–2011 (last 16.4 sold) 2008–present (Grand Sport) 2010–present (Super Sport)
Assembly	Molsheim, Alsace, France
Predecessor	Bugatti EB110
Class	Sports car
Body style	Standard: 2-door coupé Variant: targa top
Layout	Longitudinal mid-engine, permanent 4WD
Engine	Standard: 8.0 L (488 cu in) W16 quad-turbocharged 1,001 PS (736 kW; 987 bhp)[1] Super Sport: 1,200 PS (883 kW; 1,184 bhp)[1][2]
Transmission	7-speed DSG sequential
Wheelbase	2,710 mm (106.7 in)
Length	4,462 mm (175.7 in)
Width	1,998 mm (78.7 in)
Height	1,159 mm (45.6 in)
Kerb weight	1,888 kg (4,162 lb)
Designer	Jozef Kaban[3]

World's Fastest Top 5 car

1.Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Have you ever felt like saying “I feel the need, the need for speed!” The2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport gives you just that.
The fastest production, road legal vehicle in the world made its American debut on August 2010 at the Pebble Beach Concourse. This new offering from Bugatti went into production towards the end of 2010. The first five cars that came off the line has been sold as a limited “World Record Editions.” At a cost of over 2.4 million dollars (2.08 million Euros at time of purchased) each, the first five immediately sold out. This World Record Edition is a replica of the car that clocked 267.9 miles per hour at Volkswagens Ehra-Lessien test tracks in Germany.
The conditions were perfect when the new Bugatti Veyron Super Sport broke the record. SSC Ultimate Aero previously set the 256 mph record in 2007, in order to better the earlier Bugatti Veyron, but then, Bugatti came back with a vengeance by beating the record by at least 11mph.
Bugatti Automobiles SAS and the Volkswagen Group led the design and development of the Veyron. Hartmut Warkuss is the chief designer, while Jozef Kabaň of Volkswagen is responsible for its exterior design. In naming this outstanding vehicle, they have combined two giants in the car industry,Pierre Veyron and Ettore Bugatti.
Italian Ettore Bugatti founded his automobile company in 1909. Bugatti’s vehicles were much in demand for its engineering and stylish lines and finish. Story has it that only a select number of people had the privilege of owning a Bugatti, you were royalty or high up in the social class to own one. One other distinction Bugatti has is that it won the first ever Monaco Grand Prix. Performance
The Veyron Super Sport gets its power from a 16 cylinder engine helped by 4 bi-turbochargers with a displacement of 487.8 cu in. Because each cylinder has four valves, this means the Veyron SS has a total of 64 valves. The engine configuration is that same as combining two V8 engines which make it look like a W than a V. This generates a total of 1200 horsepower, nearly 200 hp more that the previous model.
It uses a dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox that is computer controlled automatic having seven gear ratios. The gear box is built by Ricardo of England. Given the opportunity, you can either drive the Veyron SS in fully automatic or semi-automatic mode. To replace a transmission on this car will cost you $172,000.00 dollars.
Another feature in the Bugatti Veyron SS that makes it stand out is that it uses ten radiators, which help to keep the car cool after generating all that heat and speed. One radiator each for the engine oil, differential oil, transmission oil, and the AC system; at the same time there are three radiators each for the engine and the inter-coolers. Michelin designed special tires to meet the specs for which the Veyron was designed, high speeds. When replacing a set of tires for the Veyron SS, it costs $ 36,000.00 for a set of four.
Braking for the Veyron SS is made by SGL Carbon, which is a carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composite disc. This type of brakes is suitable for less brake fading which works best for the Bugatti Veyron.
The Bugatti hits 0-62 mph in less than 3 seconds at 2.4 seconds. The progression in hitting given metrics for the Veyron SS include 150mph at 10 second, 186 mph at under 15 seconds, and in less than a minute, you could be going as fast as 245 mph.

Pierre Veyron, a Frenchman, was a racing driver that won the 1939 Le Mans 24 Hour race driving a Bugatti made vehicle.
When attempting to drive this car at top speeds, the driver must put it in top speed mode through the use of a special key. Once you have toggled the top speed key, you go through a checklist to prepare both driver and car to make a run at a top speed. The car dips down to a ground clearance of 2.6 inches, spoilers in the rear retract, and the front air diffusers are shut, then off you go.
Exterior
The body design by Jozef Kabaň includes the use of carbon fiber material which has been refined to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The entire body of is made of all-carbon monococque which provides added torsion rigidity. This also contributes to a lighter Bugatti Veyron which saves about 110 lbs. The silhouette of the Veyron SS is unmistakably sleek and sporty. Two NACA ducts located on the roof help deliver air into the engine at the same time giving it a certain appeal.
The signature “horseshoe grille” remains unchanged at the front. Reshaped, expanded front air intakes provide for added elegance surrounding the wheel arch. The rear looks much sportier mainly due to the twin diffuser which matches nicely with the centralized exhaust system.
Interior
Exquisite. This one word says it all for this latest from Bugatti. True to its reputation, the simplicity in which the seats are designed hugs both driver and passenger in safety. There aren’t many bells and whistles inside, simple and direct to the point. The instrument panel has everything the driver needs. You can select your own type of upholstery for the seats and even add a monogram of your initials to it. It is very much like a cockpit of an airplane. The insignia of Bugatti, EB, is evident throughout the vehicle, inside and out, not that you will, but this is a reminder for the driver, the car he or she is driving.
Specifications
General Info
Vehicle Type: SuperCar Base Price: $2,400,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 25 gallons (94.6 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 8 city / 13 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 175.7 in. (446 cm) Width: 78.7 in. (199.8 cm)
Height: 47.4 in. (120 cm) Curb Weight: 4486 lbs (2035 kg)
Wheel Base: 106.7 in. (271 cm) Ground Clearance: 4.9 in. (12.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 2 people
Performance
Engine: 8.0L W16-Cylinder, 64v DOHC Quad Turbocharger Displacement: 7993 cc
Horsepower: 1200 HP Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 1106 lb-ft Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch direct-shift Auto
0-60 mph: 2.40 seconds 1/4 Mile: 10.2 seconds @ 142.9 mph
0-100 mph: 5.00 seconds Maximum Speed: 268 mph (431 kmph)

                               

                                 2.Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Performance Engineering is tops in modifying engines. They can take an ultra sleek super automobile, and push it towards perfection. With Hennessey you can experience the best of the best.
At first glance, the Venom GT looks like the Lotus Exige. The Venom is an explosive fusion of British flair and American power. The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT received a make-over.
Performance
The exterior design looks like it comes out of Bruce Wayne’s or Tony Starks garage, but the car’s road power makes it a superhero in itself. The Hennessey Venom GT has for an engine a 6.2-liter LS9 twin-turbo V-8, similar to the engine on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 one of the fastest production cars released. Airflow management was initially done on CAD. They used it to simulate airflow to improve the engine and body design.
The hood of the car cannot be accessed, although it contains two radiators with fans that help maintain the engine cool. Hennessey stresses the idea that the cooler the engine, the more horsepower you get. The car is offered in a mid-engine rear drive power-train with horsepower ranging from 725 to 1200. The drive train is provided by a Ricardo 6 speed transmission. The shifter is patterned after the Lotus, but upcoming models will see a switch to the Ford GT styled shifter.
Rumors abound that the Hennessey Venom GT has either tied or broken the record of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sports record of 267 mph. We have yet to hear from reliable sources to make the record official.
Exterior & Interior
The size of the Venom GT is smidge bigger than the Lotus Exige. The Hennessey Venom GT retains the Exige’s lightweight stylings. The carbon fiber material used on the Venom GT contributes to its lightweight physique. The math is easy: less weight is equivalent to better performance. Founder John Hennessey said that what he wanted to make was a car that all about performance, he didn’t want to worry about interior styling’s. Most of the cars weight is the engine. The Hennessey Venom GT was built from scratch putting in the best components from brains to brawn of American engineering.
The adjustable rear wing provides added aerodynamic performance when needed. The body is built to withstand force produced by vehicles that produce 1500 horsepower or more. The wheels are equipped with brake calipers made by Brembo which provide excellent traction control. Test drivers have commented that the chassis is rigid but firm, making the ride smooth and easy on the body. The smooth response of the Venom after making turns make the transition easy on both the vehicle and driver, it just helps prove it to be just as advertised, a supercar.
Currently, the new Venom GT has yet to be given permission to be driven on US streets and highways. Most of the testing and showing of this car have been across the pond in the UK.
The simplicity of the interior is just that, it contains the necessary instrumentation accessories to ride the Venom GT with confidence. The Venom has a built-in roll cage providing protection to both driver and passenger. Alcantara leather lines the inside of this supercar, from the panels, seating, and the steering wheel. Giving it a more than a muscle car look. It does have AC, AM/FM radio, and yes even a docking station for those with iPods. An added feature is the removable steering wheel to aid taller folks easier access getting in and out of the car.
The Competition
The Hennessey Venom GT has few peers, some try to come close but few do. During a “shoot-out” in 2007 to find out who reached the 200 mph barrier the fastest, the predecessor of this current Venom, the Hennessey Venom 1000 twin turbo found itself stacked up against the Bugatti Veyron 16.4,Lamborghini Murcielago, Corvette Lingenfelter, the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, and the Ruft RT12. Only four vehicles made the final attempt, and the Hennessey Venom 1000 had the best record at 20.3 seconds in reaching the 200 mph mark, followed by the Veyron at 24.2 seconds, then the Lingenfelter Corvette at 26.5 seconds, and finally the Ruft Rt12 at 35.5.
The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT with 725 horsepower is priced considerably less than the 1,200HP version. Total production of the car is limited to 29, with only 10 units made per year. For 2012, only 5 vehicles will be made, they require a lead time of six months to build one unit.
Specifications
General Info
Vehicle Type: SuperCar Base Price: $950,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) Body Material: Carbon Fiber Composite
Dimensions
Length: 183.2 in. (465.5 cm) Width: 77.1 in. (196 cm)
Wheel Base: 110.2 in. (280 cm) Curb Weight: 2685 lbs (1220 kg)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 2 people
Performance
Engine: 6.2-liter LS9 V8 Twin Turbo Compression Ratio: 8.8: 1
Horsepower: 725 to 1200 HP RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 1155 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Transmission: Ricardo 6-Speed Manual
Front Wheel Size: 9.5” x 20” Rear Wheel Size: 12.5” x 20”
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds 1/4 Mile: 9.9 seconds
0-200 mph: 15.9 seconds Est. Maximum Speed: 275 mph (442.4 kmh)

                                                           3.Koenigsegg Agera R

It is common knowledge that Koenigsegg makes some of the fastest supercars around. And the latest import from Sweden, the 2011 Koenigsegg Agera R is no exception.

Just how fast is this exotic two-door hyper-machine? Well, suffice it to say that the Agera R is hot on the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s tail clocking in at a blisteringly fast 0-168 mph in just 14.53 seconds. Although not yet completely verified, this performance proves that it won’t be long before Koenigsegg overtakes Bugatti and claim for itself the title of being the world’s fastest supercar.

This new car which only debuted at the Geneva Motor Show is so hot that the Royal Family of Oman snatched one up even before it was revealed at the said show. If this is any indication of the kind of future the Agera R will have in the world of supercars, then surely the renowned Bugatti Veyron Super Sport may soon relinquish its throne in favor of the Agera R.

So what makes the Koenigsegg Agera R sizzle?

Performance

Powering the Agera R is a Koenigsegg-developed 5.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine. This robust behemoth generates a mind-blowing 1,115hp at 6,900 rpm all the way to 7,250 rpm. All this power is coupled with an impressive 885lb-ft of torque at 4100rpm. All this impeccable figures translates to a demonic 0-60mph acceleration of just 2.9 seconds!

And the wonders of this car do not stop at the engine specifications alone.

For instance, the Agera R can run on multiple fuel types such as E85 and E100 bio-fuels, as well as regular 95 octane gas. The bio-fuels gives the car maximum horsepower as power output is reduced by about 100hp and 100lb-ft torque when regular fuel is used. Still, that feature is quite surprising by any standards.

Another note-worthy feature of the car is its suspension system. Koenigsegg names it the Triplex rear suspension. This ingenious suspension set up connects a shock absorber and coil spring to each rear wheel. This configuration enables the car to be raised or lowered on demand because each wheel can affect the other as the extra spring partners in series with the normal suspension and dampers to achieve the desired height.

The Agera R is such a unique and powerful supercar that Koenigsegg had to design the wheels and tires specifically for it. The geniuses at Koenigsegg made wheels that act as air-turbines to keep the brakes cool. The tires were made by Michelin specifically for the Agera R to slay the Veyron SS as each tire is capable of reaching 260 mph.

Exterior & Interior

If the beast that powers the Agera R is not enough to make your heart goes racing, then surely its interior and jaw-dropping exterior surely will. Let’s start with the car’s over-all look. The Agera R as shown at the Geneva show reminds one of a cross between the Lotus driven by James Bond as he cruised the Swiss Alps and another movie icon, Speed Racer.

The Agera R is equipped with an intelligently designed and dynamic rear wing. Unlike other wings that lift automatically at high speeds, the Agera R’s wing uses the wind pressure created at high speed to force the wing downward to create wind resistance. Through this, Koenigsegg was able to come up with a smarter and lighter wing that instantly compensates for headwind or tailwind.

Luxury is paramount at the Agera R’s interiors. Satnav, MP3/USB compatibility, climate control, plush leather etc. and more come standard on the Agera R. Quite notable though is its “Top Speed” mode accessible via the infotainSpecifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Base Price: $1,600,000.00

Dimensions

Length: 169 in. (429 cm) Width: 78.6 in. (199 cm)

Height: 44.1 in. (112 cm) Wheel Base: 104.8 in. (266 cm)

Curb Weight: 3163 lbs (1435 kg) Ground Clearance: 3.94 in. (10 cm)

Luggage Capacity: NA cu ft Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 5.0 liter Twin Turbo V8 Compression Ratio: 9.0: 1

Horsepower: 1115 HP Max RPM: 6900 RPM

Torque: 885 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm Transmission: 7-Speed Dual clutch

0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds Top Speed: 260 mph

ment system.

4.SSC Ultimate Aero

There are a lot of ways that you can define theSSC Ultimate Aero. But it can be summed up this way. There used to be a time that it is indeed the ultimate. Simply known as the world’s fastest car from 2007 to 2010 (and that is even verified by no less than Guinness!), it is perhaps one of the boldest automotive creations ever made.
Shelby SuperCars, a brand of car better known for its replicas of exotic cars, is founded by Jerod Shelby. While by no means connected to the legendary Carroll Shelby, Jerod have somehow managed to create a legend of his own, thanks to his creation, the SSC Ultimate Aero.
History
This car traces its roots in 2004, when a prototype based on a Lamborghini Diablo replica chassis was equipped with a Corvette C5R engine and the same 6 speed manual gearbox seen on the Dodge Viper. Eventually, the SSC Aero was born in 2006. Equipped with a Chevrolet small block engine, together with a supercharger that generates up to 8 psi of boost, it is known to produce 1062 horsepower.
Performance
Even better is the SSC Ultimate Aero. Essentially a modified version of the Aero, displacement of this same Chevrolet engine was increased to 6.3 liters and supercharger boost was increased to 14 psi. The results were simply unbelievable: almost 1200 horsepower and more than 1100 Newton meters of torque. Subsequent modifications such as twin-turbos and a new engine block, has allowed the output of the Ultimate Aero to increase even further. In 2009, the output was rated at 1287 horsepower, easily the world’s most powerful car engine. Other modifications result into a 20% increase in engine airflow (resulting in better cooling) and a new AeroBrake system wherein the spoiler helps in stopping the car together with the brakes. All of these components, thanks to some sophisticated engineering involving carbon fiber and titanium, among other materials, allow this car to hit the scales at around 1300 kilos, an astounding weight considering its immense power.
Records
So how does the SSC Ultimate Aero perform? Well, the natural thing with cars with such gaudy stats is to go for some really huge feats. Feats such as creating the world speed record by a production automobile. Prior testing at a NASA facility at Virginia uncovers that the Ultimate Aero is capable of achieving speeds of more than 250 mph. But of course, it has to be sent to a track to test if it got what it takes to beat the Bugatti Veyron’s speed record. And so, in September 13 2007, the SSC Ultimate Aero made its run for the record. Using FIA rules of getting the average speed from 2 runs in opposite directions, it got an average top speed of 256 mph, enough to obtain the world record that even Guinness recognizes as legit. This car held the record for almost 3 years until the Super Sport, an updated version of the Veyron, set a 267 mph top speed.
There is no denying the SSC Ultimate Aero’s potential. Once the world’s ultimate car, it should remain as one of the best supercars that ever existed.
Specifications
General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Base Price: $970,000.00
Dimensions
Length: 176.2 in. (447.5 cm) Width: 82.7 in. (210 cm)
Height: 43.0 in. (109 cm) Wheel Base: 105.2 in. (267 cm)
Dry Weight: 2750 lbs (1247 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.0 in. (10 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 2.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 2 people
Performance
Engine: SSC Designed V8 Displacement: 387.2 cu in
Horsepower: 1287 HP Max RPM: 6075 RPM
Torque: 1112 lb-ft @ 6150 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 2.78 seconds Tested Max. Speed: 257.4 mph (414 km/h)

                                                         5.Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Steve Saleen is known as a tuner of American cars, particularly of Fords. Then some time during the 1990s, he developed a concept wherein his goal was to create a true American supercar. This marked the beginning of the story of the Saleen S7, one of the fastest cars that ever came out of American soil. During its release in 2002, it is deemed as one of the most technically advanced cars in the world, and one of the distinctions that it had then was it was the only American street-legal car that packs over 500 horsepower in stock trim. Sure, the S7 got some serious love from both enthusiasts and critics alike, praising its unbelievable quickness and technological advancements. But how time quickly passes! Within 3 years, automotive engineering worldwide has improved so much that 500+ horsepower is now much easily attainable than when it first appeared. Now, the world beating American supercar has a lot of competition, and if they don’t do something, they just might fall behind the wayside of the supercar wars. Noticing this, Saleen has a plan. His team upgraded the S7 to the point that it has become a whole new car, ready to take on new challenges. This car is the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo.
Performance
Of course, the headliner for this car is in the name: twin turbochargers are now equipped to the already formidable 7000 cc V8 engine found in the S7 (more on the engine later). But, there are more changes in this car than just the engine. If you Braking
A completely revised suspension makes this car firmer during braking, accelerating, and turning. A dual stage shock absorber allows variable spring rates during different speeds, progressively getting sharper handling as it gains speed. The large brakes co-developed by Saleen and Brembo for this car, 15 inch discs in the front and 14 inch discs in the rear provide some serious stopping strength.
Engine
And then, there is the engine. The same in house developed 7000cc V8 engine makes its way to the S7 Twin Turbo, and it possesses a lot of state of the art equipment from the intake down to the exhaust. 2 turbochargers capable of pressurizing air up to 5.5 psi, are mounted at the high performance exhaust system, boosting performance to another level.
would look closely, in order to improve aerodynamics, modified front fenders, as well as new diffusers and spoilers were installed. The result: a 40 percent decrease in drag and a 60 percent increase in down force.
During the addition of the turbos, the hydraulic lifters of the engine are replaced by solid lifters. All these modifications are enough to raise the engine’s output to an unbelievable 750 horsepower and 700 lb/ft of torque. And amazingly, this is still a clean engine, featuring an extensive emission control system and is compliant to OBD-II standards.
With all these raw stats, it is pretty obvious that the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo can beat even the most extreme of hyper-cars. Somehow, the already advanced S7 was able to surpass itself, and was able to redeem its lofty place as one of the absolute best sports cars today, and maybe of all time.
Specifications
General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Base Price: $555,000.00
Dimensions
Length: 188.8 in. (479 cm) Width: 78.4 in. (199 cm)
Height: 41 in. (104 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Curb Weight: 2950 lbs (1338 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Performance
Engine: Twin Turbo V8 Displacement: 7000 cc
Horsepower: 750 HP Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 700 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds Top Speed: 248 mph (399 km/h)
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