DMC Duro introduced - based on the Bentley Continental GT

 

Has 672 HP (494 kW

DMC has introduced their new Duro which is based on the Bentley Continental GT.
Dubbed a "mouth watering fashinista on four wheels," the Duro has a carbon fiber body kit that includes new bumpers, revised side skirts and a rear wing. There's also a carbon fiber diffuser and 22-inch diamond-forged wheels with 295/25/22 tires.
 
Interior pictures were not released, but customers can order a bespoke cabin with premium leather upholstery and carbon fiber or exotic wood trim.
 
For added performance, the engine has been outfitted with an optimized ECU, a titanium exhaust system and high-flow air filters. These changes produce 672 HP (494 kW) and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

Source: DMC
via WORLDCARFANS

2014 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang introduced

Priced from $97,990

Ford has taken the wraps off the 2014 Cobra Jet Mustang.

Designed to compete in NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing, the 2014 model has an all-new three-speed transmission, a parachute mount and two new exterior colors - flat black and Gotta Have-it Green. The model is also equipped with an electric power steering system, a track-oriented suspension, Recaro FIA race seats and a roll cage.

Detailed performance specifications were not released, but Ford says the model has a 5.0-liter V8 engine which has been equipped with a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger.

The Cobra Jet is currently available for order and production is slated to begin in July. Only 50 units will be built and pricing starts at $97,990.

Source: Ford Racing via Motor Authority via Worldcarfans

Mercedes SL pagoda

Mercedes SL Pagoda. Penned by designer Paul Bracq, the W113 SL had big shoes to fill: it had the incredible task of succeeding the original and instantly iconic 300 SL Gullwing. But you can’t copy a legend, so Bracq designed one of his own. Straight lines replaced curves and a low-slung roof was replaced by a high top design that gave the car its nickname: the Pagoda.

Norton Commando 750 Fastback: Command and Conquer

"Most of us associate the word 'fastback' with slope-roofed cars such as Bullitt Mustangs," says Simon de Burton, but here he recalls a childhood dream machine in the form of a fastback with two wheels.

With hindsight, the word 'commando' played a significant part in my childhood. For a start, I had those chunky-soled shoes with a compass hidden in the heel called Clark's Commandos; then there was my much-worn commando 'uniform' and, of course, my Action Man commando figure (no, it wasn't a doll).

But most important of all was my brother's jet-black Norton Commando which he used to ride around on, dressed in a bespoke white leather lounge suit which had extra-long arms designed to overcome the inelegance of having bare wrists while stretching for the handlebars. I was six and he was 21, and for what seems like the entire summer of 1970 the highlight of my day was listening to the thrap of the upswept, conical exhausts as he caned the stone-cold engine up the road in a hopeless attempt not to be late for work. 


When the bike was dormant in the garage, I used to take every opportunity I could to go and look at it. Once or twice, using an Atco lawnmower as a mounting block, I even managed to climb aboard. I could choose between touching the footrests or reaching the handlebars and was amazed that anyone could actually control a machine which seemed so fearsome even when it was asleep. No wonder it was called Commando. Back then, the Commando was the bees' knees of bikes with a 58bhp engine derived from the old Atlas, super-cool looks and a genuine top end of 115mph. 

What really set it apart from all the rest, however, was its Isolastic frame, a space-age sounding invention which basically meant the engine was supported by rubber mounts to absorb the teeth-shattering vibration inherent in an over-bored big twin. In fairness, there was a bit more to it than that, because the frame had an extra large spine which helped keep everything rigid and, with Roadholder forks and state-of-the-art Girling shocks, the Commando handled with true Norton panache. Fans with rose-tinted goggles said vibration was virtually eliminated; it wasn't, of course, but the ride was certainly smoother than anything previously experienced - so here was a great-looking British bike which was comfortable, handled, and went like stink.


The home market, meanwhile, got the unsuccessful Combat model which had flat handlebars and a more racey riding position - but the 'original' Commando was the oddly cool Fastback, the only version available for the first two years of production, from '67 - '69. Most of us associate the word 'fastback' with slope-roofed cars such as Bullitt Mustangs, but Norton's interpretation involved adding an elongated tail unit behind the seat, which itself extended along the sides of the fuel tank. Designer Bob Trigg's intention was probably to make the bike look sporty and modern, but many people thought it just looked wrong so, in 1969, the more conventional-looking Commando Roadster was offered alongside the Fastback, upgraded in 1971 as the 'Fastback Long Range' (bigger petrol tank) and, a year later, as the Fastback MKIV (Combat engine).

Now, of course, the Fastback's quirky styling only adds to its collectability and many Norton aficionados say it's the only one to have...

Related Links Further details about the Norton Commander Fastback shown here can be found in the :Classic Driver Marketplace.

Text: Simon de Burton(ClassicDriver)
Photos: Godin Banks / Norton