**Click on the images for High Res**

Keep in mind, I’m personally a Lamborghini guy, so I tend to like the “flashier” and more in your face design of Lamborghini Power- but I’ll be the first to admit, the new Scuderia is badass. My buddy who previously owned a “normal” 430 coupe referred to his new Scud as “An angry and pissed off 430″.

Angry and pissed off is definitely the way it sounded as we drove around the Irvine area shooting early on a Saturday morning - but even more impressive than the tone is the sheer presence of it sitting still. The combination of the revised front and rear valences, Scuderia stripe and spartan interior show the business side of this machine - racing business. 

I won’t get into the basic details and specs of the car - you can read that in Road & Track, just know that this thing is damn special and if you happen to get the opportunity, enjoy a cold one on a nice Saturday afternoon

If you want the specs on the BS|SL or want to know what makes it different from a standard SL63, go google it - I won’t get into it, just understand that it’s not nearly the same. Same platform, but entirely different…think Jessica vs Ashley Simpson (body not brains-wise people) LOL. So anyways here we go:

As usual…CLICK on the pics for higher res.

True Widebody…crazy fender flares / centerlock wheels. NICE.

Huge rear fender flare - notice the widened body near the light as well…great craftsmanship.

Fixed Rear pedestal style wing is a bit much IMO, I’ve seen other BS|SL’s with a smaller lip style wing that fit the look of the car better IMO. Nice CF rear diffuser.

Top rear 3/4 angle…you can really see where the body is widened (from a std SL63 aka Ashley) LOL.

Front 3/4 shot.

Full Frontal shot (insert Jessica joke here)

Overall a great car - not sure I’d pay $250K+ for it, but it’s definitely in a class of it’s own. AMG might have been trying a bit too hard here, as I think the CLK DTM was the last true car that really got “right” (hell, it lapped as fast as an Enzo) - The BS|SL gives off too much of a body kit vibe for me personally, although we all know it has an amazing engine & suspension to boot, the thought of someone asking me where I got my bodykit from would irk me at this pricerange….not to mention the wonderfully anchor type drop in value that takes place on all MBZ’s. No, I’m not bitter. LOL.

Rear wrap around window was super slick. A bit smaller inside than a Scion XB IMO, but cool car nonetheless.

A much prettier car in person, I know the styling is controversial - but I actually like the blending of old and new in the 370.

Honda’s new Prius-killer…looks…well, like a Prius LOL. Nothing new here, same info that’s been released in the past 3 months.

This car was quite interesting…perhaps the next gen CRX? Would love to see the revival of the “hot-hatch”

Give the gift of Mercedes for Christmas lol - Yes, those are full size cars in there.

The Brabus GLK…not sure how I feel about the “compact SUV” set just yet.
 
New Lotus…looks like a grown-up, larger Elise/Exige. I was a little disappointed with this car, it’s all about price-point and will be very interested to see the HP output and engine used as Lotus has been using Toyota Celica engines for the Elise/Exige lineup.

Aston DBS…whoa nelly. English beauty right there…spot on…spot on.

Gumpert Apollos - pure track action right here
 
Orange you glad I took these pics? Cheesy, I concur.

I was really disappointed that Ferrari didn’t bring out the “Spud” (Scuderia Spider 16m) a few pics of the Cali (I’m going…going…back…back)

and now for the tuners…

GMG representing as usual…Gallardo? They’re tuning G’s now? Uh oh.
 

DJ & our friends at TeamSpeed Rep’n

Best for last…Mansory’s first display in the US. GAME OVER. Talk about class…these guys are straight killin it. CEC who? Sorry Claus. Apparently Ogara is the distributor for Mansory in the US and they just bought Rinspeed which should be REAL interesting.
 

CLICK on the pics for higher res images:

CLICK the pics if you know what’s best for ya.
 

Knick’s website Luxury4play and a nice OE towhook…
 

Checkout that engine bay…stay tuned for a future article on a similar bay…;)

Back to the show - I noticed a lot of the larger vendors had smaller spaces this year (I didn’t even see Michelin, I believe they may have pulled out) One of the event coordinators I spoke with willingly said towards the end of vendor reg. they were literally trying to GIVE spots to people who pulled out, but to no avail. Some of the placement of vendors made no sense (I’m guessing to try and fill space as much as possible) and the cars…well, let’s just say I didn’t take as many pics as in previous years.

Eric’s Gallardo - Complete custom widebody kit : IForged Booth - CLICK on the pics for higher res.

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny Eric’s individuality. From the Enzo like front (note the Scuderia style side bumper intakes) Reiter GT3 wide front fenders, custom sideskirts, widened rear quarter panels and single exit Murcielago style exhaust - the F1 inspired (and engineered) kit is truly a one off.

CLICKity CLICK on the pics for higher res.
 

So hot…

 BOOM. Throwin it down…older “look” design, but gets the jobby job done.

Toyo Tires Booth - BBS LM’s. YUM.

“Branew” GTR - Dub Booth / Rockin 23″…ummm…pass.

GT Haus GTR on…guess what? BBS LM’s - WHOOMP.

iForged GTR on a clean set of 22’s. The spoke design fits the car nicely. Gotta give props as iForged was one of the first to throw on a set of aftermarket wheels on a GTR earlier this year.

360Forged GTR - although I can’t stand these guys forum marketing (waaaay overdone), I actually think this setup looks clean…let the wheels sell themselves guys.

Eric’s Widebody Gallardo w/LP560 Front & custom rear bumper: I believe this will be in the HRE Booth, car is Twin Turbo’d. (Older pic shown)

Nick’s 430 Scuderia: Another car in the HRE booth, this car has some great OEM parts that you don’t see on most Scuderias - rear trunklid should be awesome. (Older pic shown)

ASI Bentley GT: Toyo Tires booth, not for everyone but it’s definitely something to see. (Actual vehicle pictured

5Axis GS460: Not sure which booth this is landing in, normally not a huge Lexus fan, but Troy and the guys at 5Axis really throw down.

Some of the cars I’m NOT looking forward to seeing:
Nissan GTR’s done wrong…you know it’s gonna happen.
Modified Pontiac/GM vehicles - seriously, is there still a market for this?