Cizeta-Moroder V16T (or Cizeta V16T)

While I was browsing for pictures of the Benarrow PB15, by chance I stumbled upon several pictures of the Cizeta-Moroder V16T, and since I couldn't find enough decent shots of the former, I decided to skip the PB15 for now and post the V16T instead.

This Italian sports car was built from 1991 to 1995, and created by automotive engineer Claudio Zampolli in a joint venture with music composer Giorgio Moroder, as the only product ever to come out of the Cizeta company. The car bares the name of both men: Ci-Zeta are the initials of Claudio Zampolli, and the V16T hails from the fact that the engine is a V16 engine, mounted transversely in the central rear position (albeit not a true V16 - this particular engine was comprised of two V8s sharing a single block).

The design was created by Marcello Gandini, and could be considered what the Diablo would have looked like: after Marcello Gandini's design was altered (to put it friendly) by Chrysler (who had control of Lamborghini at the time), Gandini joined forces with the Cizeta company. Besides the design fact, a group of ex-Lamborghini employees also had a big share in creating this Cizeta-Moroder.

Not only was this a fast, exclusive sports car with a top speed of 328km/h (204mph) and an impressive acceleration from 0-100km/h (62mph) in just 4 seconds, it was also quite luxurious. Alas, not a lot of cars were made: with a price tag of about €250.000 (or $300,000) and a production plan of one car every week, still only 8 cars were made (one of those being the initial prototype). Later on, two coupes and a spyder were added, and you can still order a spyder TTJ as of May 2006 - but the price has gone up to a whopping €649.000 (or $849,000).

Giorgio Moroder left the company shortly after the car was shown to the audience, but the name of the car remained the same. The badging however, changed to "Cizeta V16T".

Quite a tale for an extraordinary car - I hope you enjoy these pictures!

Mazda MX-5

A hairdresser's car for some people, iconic roadster for other people - you can say whatever you want about the Mazda MX-5, it has become a real icon. Instantly recognizable and a lovely car to drive.

Here are a couple of pictures of the ever popular icon - enjoy!

Maserati Quattroporte

I've always been a fan of the sporty Maserati models, but Maserati doesn't limit the range  to sports cars. There is also the Quattroporte, a luxury four-door saloon which they call the "Maserati for the business man".

There's a company nearby my place of work, where one of the managers drives a Maserati Quattroporte, and I can honestly say that the Quattroporte is a stunning piece of metal when looked at in the flesh. That's hardly a surprise, because the design was done by Pininfarina, who have a knack for beautiful car design. Not only is it a beautiful car, it sounds very nice as well - the quad exhausts produce a lovely sound for the car lover.

Here are a few pictures of the Quattroporte, I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's a wonderful car.

Opel Mokka

Happy New Year everyone!

To celebrate the start of a new year, I'm going to post the Opel Mokka, an SUV we'll be seeing lots of the coming years. Not the most beautiful SUV out there, but far from the ugliest available in its segment. Hope you like it!