Lately, we have been getting to see more and more of the latest bold and beautiful creation from Ferrari, as the California has gone from concept to reality. This baby boasts a 460 horsepower 4.3 Liter V8 and is the first production car from the factory at Maranello to utilize direct injection while still adhering to the racing tradition of using a flat-plane crankshaft to provide torque. The Ferrari California is also the first from Ferrari to debut the production application of a dual clutch gearbox. The seven speed unit is mounted in a rear trans-axle configuration and should definitely provide smoother shifting between gears and much improved performance over the existing hydraulic units that Ferrari currently uses in its other models. Expected 0 to 60 mph acceleration times for the Ferrari California should come in under 4.0 seconds.

The California, by Ferrari, is also the company’s first convertible to sport a retractable hardtop. From the flowing lines of the hood scoop and headlights to the dramatic sweep of the rear fenders, as well as the vents behind the front wheels, the California conspicuously draws on the heritage of the original 1960′s 250 GT California. At the same time, it’s design is decidedly modern Ferrari with current design elements drawn from the latest F430 and 599 models. This car has the capacity to be a crossover between the all-out racing inspired models such as the F430 and a more subtle, luxury touring vehicle – albeit one with enough bite under the hood to make any car owner envious of the driver behind the wheel of this baby!

The sales for the Dodge Viper are down – but that doesn’t stop buyers from putting in their bids to purchase the whole operation. Jim Press – Chrysler President – stated that the line is long – which leaves us no doubt that they can get a substantial amount from the sports car.

One of the more powerful companies that have expressed interest are ROUSH and Saleen. Saleen’s interest is no surprise to many because they already have a hand in producing the Viper, same as with the Ford Mustang. Chrysler estimated that they could make close to $50 million or even three time that much from one of these.

Chrysler plans to have the operation sold by 2011 and has hired the financial firm Lazard Limited to handle the sale. Whoever purchases the Viper line has the opportunity to expand on the V10 sports car platform that it is built on. Whether or not this is possible is something that we are not sure of. The fact that there are already coupes, convertibles, and hard-core track day versions in the line-up. You can bet that we will be there to have all the details.

The Renault Ondelios is a truly unique concept that will be officially revealed to the public during the Paris Motor Show. It is a “far out” concept design that is truly futuristic with its elongated and smooth lines.

The dark-colored carbon fiber body and two gull-wing doors swing up and the side sills lower to become steps, thus easing ingress into the six-seat CUV of tomorrow. Passengers will find slim line seats inside that recline like a business class seat with footrests, as well as personal entertainment devices on the back of each cantilevered headrest. The dash is smooth and built with controls that light up from underneath the surface and the various outboard cameras are projected at the base of the raked windshield.

Underneath the hood of the Ondelios is a 2.0 liter dCi hybrid engine that is supported by two electric motors that are placed at each end. Renault bragged that the hybrid concept will come with a 7 speed double clutch transmission and can rev from 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds.

Audi showed off their one-type prototype version of the S5 – which they have dubbed the ‘Evo’. It is equipped with a 4.2 liter V8 engine as well as a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission.

It seems as if the stock S5’s engine went from producing 354 – 420 horsepower in the Evo form and takes advantage of the Quattro 4wheel-drive layout. The interior of the car has three driving modes that include, sport, comfort, and dynamic and which modify shift and suspension times.

Many believe that the Evo is a running test mule that will make way for a more powerful RS version of the S5. We will be keeping our eyes open to see what new information we can give you as it reaches us.

BMW Sauber has finished their investigation into the KERS accident where one of their mechanics was shocked so hard that he was thrown to the ground after only touching the car. They concluded that it was an accident in which the KERS control unit malfunctioned.

They went on to say that no one was ever seriously hurt or in actual danger. The driver Christian Klein was actually safe from being shocked due to his gloves and race suit.

Many of the mechanics (at least one in general) are happy to know that BMW has fixed the problem. Let’s hope so because the BMW team will be running the KERS system during next year’s race season.