The Zenvo ST-1. Image: Gaurang Patkar

If I had to name one of the most expensive and powerful supercars you’ve probably never heard of, I’d likely choose the Zenvo ST-1. Designed to be a supercar you can still drive every day, the ST-1 boasts an 1100 horsepower V-8 and a price tag of $1.8 million. If you want one, you’d better act quickly, since only three Zenvo ST-1 50S models will be brought into the United States.

Since you’re probably tired of football by now, and about to slip into a tryptophan induced-coma from eating too much Thanksgiving turkey, enjoy the video from Jay Leno’s Garage below. It’s as close as most of us will ever come to seeing a Zenvo ST-1.

The Pagani Huayra. Image: Pagani Automobiles

Just in case you’re not up to speed on Italian supercars, let me sum it up like this: there’s Pagani, and then there’s everything else. Their Zonda R (which isn’t road legal) set a Nürburgring lap time of 6:47.50, besting the Ferrari 599XX in the process. Even their Zonda F Clubsport street car can lap the ‘Ring in 7:24.44, making it faster than a Ferrari Enzo. Unlike other supercars, which are mostly built by large companies owned by larger corporations, Paganis are built by hand, with a disturbing amount of time spent sweating the details.

Want an example? There are 1,200 titanium bolts on a Huaryra, and each one is stamped with the Pagani logo. The instrument faces are made by artisans who usually build the finest watches, and they cost Pagani nearly $6,000 per set. That’s ten times the cost of “standard” instrument faces, which would work just as well but not look nearly as good.

And that’s the magic that Horatio Pagani brings to the automotive world. More than any other automaker in the world, Pagani sweats the details, and there is absolutely no such thing as “good enough” in its vocabulary. Horatio Pagani’s idol is Leonardo da Vinci, and it’s impossible to watch the video below without seeing the parallels between the two mad geniuses.

This may be the only episode of Jay Leno’s Garage where Jay doesn’t get to drive the star of the video. Since the Pagani Huayra isn’t yet road-legal in the United States (thanks to a requirement for advanced airbags even in low-production, specialty vehicles) Jay gets driven around by none other than Horatio Pagani himself, and it’s impossible to watch the video without coming away awed at the car and it’s creator.

Some would say that no car can possibly be worth $1.3 million (roughly the price or a new Pagani Huayra), but I beg to differ. There isn’t much in life that approaches perfection, and the few things that do command an appropriate price.

Source: Jay Leno’s Garage

In preparation for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hennessey Performance Engineering recently brought their 1,200 horsepower Venom GT to the UK for testing. The unholy marriage of a stretched Lotus Exige chassis and a tuned, 6.2-liter Chevy LS-2 V-8, the Venom comes with traction control and ABS, and that’s bout it for safety and stability systems. If that’s still too much, owners can turn off the traction control completely, although we’re not sure that’s a good idea in a 1,200 horsepower car that weighs just 2,700 pounds. Despite the impressive job of suspension tuning done by development driver John Heinricey (who also helped develop the Cadillac CTS-V and set the record Nürburgring lap), the Venom GT requires your full attention behind the wheel. Make a mistake, and the Venom GT is ready, willing and able to ensure it’s your last.

The video below does a great job of taking you through the design and development of the Venom GT, and even includes footage of the car testing in the U.K.. We would have liked to see some laps from the driver’s perspective, or maybe even a top speed run or two. Still, the Venom represents an all-new supercar, with the same design principles as the original Shelby Cobra. If you want one, the price of admission starts at $725,000 for the supercharged version or $850,000 for the higher-horsepower twin-turbo variant.

Source: FgearTV’s You Tube Channel

These two things are more alike than you realize...

I’ve been married for a long time, and yes, it’s to the same woman. In my case that’s a good thing, since she puts up with all my bad habits and we seem to get along just fine. I’ve also been driving cars for a long time, which makes me something of an expert on both cars and relationships. I won’t call myself an expert on women, because the most important rule you can learn as a guy is that particle physics is far more understandable than women. Try to picture rebuilding a six speed gearbox blindfolded, with your toes, while shocked at random intervals by a cattle prod, and that should give you an idea of the average woman’s complexity.

That said, there are some remarkable similarities between cars and women. Below are my top five, but feel free to hit me up with ones I may have missed. This is an equal opportunity site and I know we have female readers, so tell me how guys are like cars (example: we won’t do a thing unless our tank is full).

The hotter they are, the less likely you can afford them

Sure Italian supermodels are the stuff of fantasy, but unless you’ve got a Gulfstream V parked in the hangar (and no, that isn’t a euphemism) you can’t afford one. In fact, if you’ve got a Gulfstream in your hangar, you really can’t afford one.

If they go fast, sooner or later they’ll break your heart

Neil Young had it wrong: fading away is much better than burning out. The faster something is (whether it’s got legs, wings or wheels), the more likely it is to break your heart. It’s never a matter of if, only a matter of when.

Foreign models have different maintenance requirements

Know this going in: foreign models have quirks that you may not be accustomed to. Be patient, and listen to what they’re trying to tell you. Sometimes, different is expensive, but many times different is simply eye-opening.

Ignore them long enough and they’ll leave you high and dry

This also applies to anything with legs, wheels or wings. Why did my Scirocco leave me stranded at the worst possible times? Because I didn’t take care of it the way I should have. Relationships work the same way, although the parts costs and towing bills tend to be higher.

Regular servicing is the key to a long, happy relationship

Follow the instruction manual, but if you didn’t get one with your particular model remember this: more frequent service, with high quality parts, is far better than infrequent service (with shoddy parts).

Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars.  As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone.  So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

Lancia Scorpion

Matte black Volvo V70R

Opel GT and Opel Kadett Coupe

Volvo P1800S

Saab 9-3 Viggens

Ferrari 360 Modena and 328GTS

Citroën 2CV and Smart Roadster Coupe

Gorgeous Audi Quattro

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Twin-charged Audi A1

Volvo S60Rs

Saab 99 Turbo

Badass Volvos: PV544 and 142

DKW Junior de Luxe - DKW/Dampf-Kraft-Wagen became one of the four companies that comprised the "Audi NSU Auto Union AG" (now known as Audi AG).

Triumph TR8 and TR6s

Saab 96 V4 convertible - must have been a custom job.

Bimmer Beauties

Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

Citroën H Van and DS

Audi A7

Honda Z600 / 600 Coupe

Saab Sonetts

Datsun SPL311 Roadster

Opel GT

Image: Mercedes-Benz

If you were one of those kids in high school in high school who got picked on for being smart, and never got to date a cheerleader. chances are good you applied yourself in college to become a successful lawyer, doctor or accountant. Chances are also good that you’ve managed to balance your finances well, and now that your 20th high school reunion is looming, you’re looking for the ideal ride to show up with your former-supermodel-wife in. Look no further, because nothing says “I’m more successful than you” quite like the roadster version of Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

Don’t even ask how much it costs, because Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released that data just yet. We do know that the topless version of the SLS AMG comes with an aluminum spaceframe body, a 563 horsepower, 6.3-liter V8 and a dual clutch transmission, and we also know it’s capable of hitting a top speed of 197 miles per hour, although I don’t think I’d want to attempt that with the top down.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

As for technology and amenities, think “best of everything” and you get the picture. There’s Mercedes’ “Airscarf” technology to keep the back of your neck warm on cold days. There’s heated leather seats, of course, but even the rollover bars are leather trimmed and designed specifically to reduce cockpit turbulence. The audio system is from none other than Bang and Olufsen, and AMG’s Performance Media telemetrics system will give you real time data on engine horsepower and torque, 0-60 or quarter mile acceleration time, lateral and linear acceleration and a handy lap timer.

If you want one, now is the time to lay your money down at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer. Deliveries will begin this fall, which should be just in time for high school reunion season.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

For many automotive enthusiasts seeing a true supercar in person can be a life changing experience. For example, I remember being completely blown away when I first laid eyes on a 1972 Lamborghini Miura. The car was simply stunning from every angle and over time, has influenced how I view cars today. Over the years supercars have not only become faster, but safer and more refined as well. It wasn’t until the 1990′s though that this un-obtainium breed of automobile really came into its own. Things like advanced turbocharging methods, enhanced suspension components and new safety features thrust the supercar into realms the world had never seen. These machines were also pivotal in setting the stage for how all future supercars would be judged. Their style and performance, although at times controversial, helped manufacturers push the limits of what was possible in road going street cars and in turn, helped automakers advance entire product lines. Even though some of these machines are going on 20 years old, that doesn’t change the fact that they are still the things that childhood dreams are made of. Click through for the “Top 10 Supercars of the 1990′s”.

• Jaguar XJ220: 1992 – 1994

By the numbers:
- 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 / 542 HP, 475 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, top speed 217 mph
-.98 G skidpad

• Ferrari F50: 1995 – 1997

By the numbers:
- 4.7 Liter V12 /513 HP, 347 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 3.7 sec, top speed of 207 mph
- 1.03 G skid

• Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR: 1998 – 1999

- 6.0 Liter V12 / 600 HP, 516 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, top speed of 191 mph
- 1.00 G skidpad

• Lamborghini Diablo: 1990 – 1998

- 6.0 Liter V12 / 492 HP, 428 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 4.0 sec, top speed of 207 mph
- .91 G skidpad

• Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion: 1997

- 3.6 Liter Twin-Turbo Flat-Six / 544 HP, 442 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 3.65 sec, top speed of 174 mph
- 1.03 G skidpad

• Vector W8: 1990 – 1992

- 6.0 Liter Twin-Turbo V8 / 625 HP, 630 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 4.2 sec, top speed of 220 mph
- .97 G skidpad

• Bugatti EB 110 SuperSport: 1992 – 1995

- 3.5 Liter Quad-Turbo V12 / 592 HP, 470 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 3.2 sec, top speed of 230 mph
- N/A skidpad

• McLaren F1: 1992 – 1998

- 6.0 Liter V12 / 627 HP, 480 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 3.2 sec, top speed of 243 mph
- .86 G skidpad

• Dodge Viper GTS Coupe: 1996 – 2002

- 8.0 Liter V10 / 450 HP, 490 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 4.4 sec, top speed of 192 mph
- .98 G skidpad

• Nissan R390 GT1: 1997 – 1998

- 3.5 Liter Twin-Turbo V8 / 549 HP, 470 ft-lbs
- 0-60 in 2.9 sec, top speed of 200 mph
- N/A skidpad

Image: Maybach

The richest man in the world is Mexico’s Carlos Slim Helu, who made his estimated $74 billion in telecommunications. I’m not sure where Mr. Helu lives, but I know this: sooner or later, he has to exit his secure compound and head out with the unwashed masses. When he does so, he’s now got a new choice of armored transportation befitting his net worth: Maybach has announced an armored version of their 62, called the Maybach Guard. Like the Maybach 62, the Maybach Guard offers a near-endless level of customization to suit an owners tastes. Unlike other armored limousines, the Maybach Guard isn’t a heavy, waddling pig at speed. In fact, Maybach is quick to point out that the specially developed armor plating adds just 893 pounds to the car and has no effect on handling. Even acceleration remains impressive, with 62 miles per hour coming up from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds. It’s the world’s fastest armored limo, too, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Now THAT'S a plush safe room. Image: Maybach

Maybach doesn’t provide the same level of detail on the Maybach Guard’s armoring, so we can’t tell you what it will stop and what it won’t. Since the car is really aimed at heads of state, that may be deliberate on Maybach’s part, but I think it’s safe to say that the car will withstand anything an armored BMW 7 Series or an armored Audi A 8 will, and then some. As you’d expect, pricing isn’t mentioned, because if you’re concerned about it you’re probably not a serious buyer.

Source: Autoblog

If you follow Ferrari and Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo, then you know that not long ago the company was toying with the idea of bringing an SUV to market. The initial problem was that Ferrari was having a difficult time figuring out how to make a full-size SUV fit the “Ferrari” image. Montezemolo has a goal of transforming Ferrari by introducing a new car to the public that is different from anything yet produced by the brand. The new car is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a few months, but as yet nobody outside Ferrari really knows exactly what it will be. Rumors speculate that an all-wheel-drive Shooting Brake will replace the now aging 612 Scaglietti, thus shaking up what we all know to be Ferrari in a traditional sense.

In my opinion the introduction of a car like the one you see here would only help Ferrari, as it would not only interject some much needed life blood into the brand, but open them up to a larger audience.

Source: Autoblog.it

The Bugatti Super Sport tops the list.

If you ever see me giving stock tips on RideLust, be afraid. I’m not a “play the stock market” kind of guy, and every spare dollar I’ve ever made has gone into cars, bikes, racing or travel (usually centered around cars, bikes or racing). With that in mind, you have a certain right to be skeptical when Forbes publishes a list of the most expensive cars. First, it’s only a snapshot in time, as new supercars are introduced every year. Next, there’s no clarification on where the prices are from, so I assume they’re a manufacturer’s list price, translated in to U.S. dollars. That’s hardly an accurate representation, as cars typically sell for higher prices in the EU than they do in the United States. Finally, any car’s price is based on supply and demand: since the entire run of Bugatti Veyron Super Sports has been spoken for, good luck finding one at the list price of $2.6 million.

Here’s Forbes’ list of the ten most expensive cars for 2010. I know that some of them don’t yet exist (like the Ferrari F70), so pricing is sheer speculation. Likewise, the list has a few glaring omissions (like the $550,000 Gumpert Apollo), so take it for what it’s worth. Just remember that there’s a reason we don’t give you investment advice on RideLust.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, $2.6 million

Koenigsegg Agera, $1.5 million

Maybach Laudaulet, $1.405 million

Pagani Zonda C9, $1.3 million

Ferrari F70, $870,000

SSC Ultimate Aero, $750,000

LeBlanc Mirabeau, $728,000

Ferrari SA Aperta, $520,000

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, $455,400

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, $447,000