A few weeks ago, we reported on a story that the stunning Pagani Zonda R had broken the last Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record, held by the equally breath taking Ferrari 599XX.

The ‘other’ Italian hypercar managed an impressive run of 6 minutes and 47 seconds, setting a new record for production models (even though the Zonda R isn’t exactly road-legal).

But no matter the technical details, the feat is extremely impressive.

In order to properly showcase the achievement, Pagani has finally released a video of the Nurburgring record-breaking run, so hit the jump and bask in the fastest lap of the Green Hell (for the moment, at least).

Source: Pagani via Autoblog

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Video: See the Pagani Zonda R’s record-breaking 6:47 Nurburgring lap

As GM teased yesterday, the price for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has finally been revealed.

The extended-range electric vehicle will cost $41,000, price which includes a $720 destination charge. This doesn’t include any tax credits or deductions, as the government can reimburse you up to $7,500, but only after you purchased the car at full price.

Those who want a lease option can pay $350 per month, for a three-year (36 month) long period. Afterwards, they too can have the option of buying the car completely.

For all that money, GM is throwing a lot of options into the base Chevrolet Volt, including a seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a Bose audio system and five years of OnStar service. This also includes the 8-year/100,000 mile warranty that covers the battery system of the ER-EV. There are just a few extra options, including heated seats, chromed wheels, rear parking sensor and three special paint jobs.

According to GM, as production increases, more bare-bone Volt models will be made, with a significantly lower asking price. Until then, early adopters are stuck with the $41k tag.

So, what do you think? Is the Chevrolet Volt worth all that money? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Source: GM

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2011 Chevrolet Volt gets priced at $41,000 or $350/month for a three-year lease

Here’s something you don’t actually see everyday, a pair of supercars with their wheels clamped by police for illegal parking.

The models in question, two customized baby-blue Koeniggsegg CCXR and a Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce, reportedly owned by Arab oil tycoon Ana Al-Thani, were clamped by a very brave police officer in front of London’s famous Harrods department store.

While other details aren’t known, it’s pretty gratifying to see that even supercar-owning oil tycoons aren’t immune to parking laws, especially in a crowded city like London. Hit the jump to see a video of the two clamped exotic supercars.

Source: Thomas Vervuurt via WCF

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Video: Koeniggsegg CCXR and Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV get clamped in London

Yesterday’s Plug In 2010 Conference in San Jose brought some big news for those that are interested in the upcoming Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.

At the convention, Nissan North America’s executive vice president, Carlos Tavares, revealed that the battery pack of the Leaf will be covered by an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty, just like the one offered by GM for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. This value was chosen by those who pre-ordered the Leaf and participated in a survey earlier this month.

What’s even more important is that the Leaf’s rollout plan has been officially revealed. According to it, the all-electric Leaf will be sold this December in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Tennessee. Afterwards, in January of 2011, the car will be launched in Texas and Hawaii.

April of 2011 will see the Nissan Leaf arrive in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama. The rest of the country will see the Japanese electric model arrive by fall of 2011.

Overall, Nissan definitely has set up an ambitious plan with the Leaf EV. If you live int he first five states, official orders will be taken starting this August.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan Leaf gets rollout plan detailed, also boasts 8-year/100,000 mile battery warranty

As we’re sure most of you know by now, the 2011 Ford Explorer SUV has been officially revealed by the Blue Oval at the beginning of the week.

The onslaught of information continued yesterday with the unveil of the online car configurator for the next generation SUV, and now we’re treated with a healthy batch of videos. These showcase all of the new technologies and systems that are available in the 2011 Ford Explorer.

From the Terrain Management System we saw before, to the Blind Spot Information System or the Trailer Control system, all of them are thoroughly explained. Also, don’t forget that we already saw the impressive Curve Control system in action a while back.

Hit the jump to watch these three videos.

Source: Autoblog

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Videos: 2011 Ford Explorer shows off its high tech systems

General Motors has finally decided to put a date on the launch of its new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV).

According to the US carmaker, the Caprice police car will be launched with the detective package in April, 2011. This means that the Caprice will be available in several ‘regular’ paint schemes, but with a complete police-spec interior. The actual police package Caprice will be available beginning with June, 2011.

Orders will be taken starting this October, for the detective package, and in January, for the police-ready Caprice. Police departments interested in purchasing them will need to contact GM at that time.

For those that forgot, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV boasts a 355 HP 6.0-liter V8 engine, capable of sending power through a six-speed automatic to the rear wheels. It is equipped with all the latest police technology, and has a full prisoner divide between the front and the rear seats.

Source: GM

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Chevrolet Caprice police car entering service in April, 2011

It seems that the recent recall epidemic hasn’t spared British carmaker Jaguar, as the company has just announced that it will be recalling 2010 and 2011 XF and XK models over a potential problem with the fuel pump.

5,048 vehicles are affected by the recall, all of them equipped by the 5.0-liter V8 engine. It seems that the in-tank electronic fuel pump may not be properly turned on when the car starts. This can lead to an inadequate amount of fuel being delivered to the thirsty engine.

This can increase the chances of stalling, eventually leading to accidents.

The recall will begin around the end of August, when owners will be notified to head down to their local Jaguar dealership and receive a free software update that will fix the fuel pump problem. Until then, Jaguar XF or XK owners can contact the company at 1-800-452-4827.

Source: NHTSA

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Jaguar recalls XF and XK over fuel pump problem

The Chevrolet Camaro is definitely one impressive muscle car, even though it doesn’t have such a pristine reputation like the Ford Mustang, for example.

But the Camaro does have a very loyal fan base, as highlighted by a unique tuning project led by Canadian Serge Leger. He decided that his Chevy Camaro needed a bit of a performance bump, and set off tuning the hell out of the American muscle car.

After 3,800 man hours, a huge array of performance parts, a new 6.0-liter LSX V8 with a big old turbocharger and around $320,000 spent, his Chevrolet Camaro is now capable of developing more than 1,400 HP with an estimated 900 lb-ft of torque.

Yup, this road-legal model is capable of putting almost any hypercar you can throw at it to shame, at least in terms of pure power.

Source: Camaro5 via Jalopnik

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Chevrolet Camaro reaches 1,400 HP and 900 lb-ft for ‘just’ $320,000

The Range Rover luxury SUV definitely has a lot of high end features and options, more than suitable of satisfying people with deep pockets.

But what if the British model isn’t enough and your wallet craves something even more fancy? Well, Design Q has got you covered, thanks to the Q-VR customization project for the Range Rover.

As you can see above, the new model sits on a lengthened platform and boasts vertical-hinged doors, something along the lines of gullwings. Inside, the Q-VR takes luxury to a new level by adding features more fitting of a private jet than a plane. You’ve got fully-reclining seats, a mini-spa, a drink chiller as well as a cigar humidor.

No pricing details were revealed, but you can clearly guess that not a lot of people will afford to take their Range Rover to Design Q for this customization project.

Source: GizMag via Autoblog

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Design Q’s Q-VR Range Rover takes luxury to a new level