Amazing Luxury Life

Inspired by a Luigi Chinetti-owned 330 LM used in an obscure Fellini film, the Ferrari has unveiled a second made-to-order car, P540 Superfast Aperta is a 599 GTB Fiorano-based one-off Pinfinarina designed for the son of the creator of cable TV. The Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta is based on the chassis of a 599 GTB Fiorano and took 14 months to complete. The P540 is completely road legal and is powered by a 612 hp 6.0-liter V12 engine. Extensive use of carbon fiber allowed the Special Projects engineers to keep weight gain down to only 44 pounds in spite of having to strengthen the open top car.

(1) 2008 AUDI R8 ($110,000). I’ve driven some impressive cars this year, including the $1.4 million Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Yet I was unprepared for the wide-eyed adulation that greeted Audi’s challenger to the Porsche 911. Everywhere the R8 went, cameras clicked and cellphones spread the word. Young dudes in a Dakota pursued the R8 across New Jersey on Interstate 80, sometimes hanging out of the windows in ecstasy. Adoring crowds gathered in parking lots. Isn’t this why people spend $100,000 and more for a trophy car? (Along with the fact that the R8 handles beautifully and makes a growl that stirs your soul.)

2) CADILLAC CTS ($47,590 as tested). Like the Corvette, the CTS proves there’s life left in Detroit. The CTS is not only the best American luxury sedan, it’s a no-apologies rival to models from Europe and Japan. It handles with creamy precision and is as quiet as any Lexus or Benz. A sophisticated interior replaces the old Caddy-shack design.

3) HONDA ACCORD ($21,995-$31,105) The first time I got into this elegant new sedan and drove off, I had to ask myself, “Have I accidentally stolen a BMW?” This latest Accord, all new for 2008, positively oozes style, sophistication and mechanical savvy. Always very good, the new Accord has graduated to great.

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