Only available for 2007, Ducati has treated Ducati lovers with a special edition 1098 Tricolore Edition that compounds on its heritage.
The Ducati ‘Tricolore’ tradition began in 1985 with the stunning 750 F1 and then continued with the limited edition 851. The latest ‘Tricolore’ is a 1098 S with the additional features of frame and wheels finished in traditional ‘racing gold’ colours. – Source Ducati.com
As I go to the bank every day, I see a IS350 parked outside every day – its a stunning piece no doubt.
So this weekend I took some time to go look at one and fell completely in love with it – not so far in love that I drove one home, but I am thinking of doing so.
The appearance is small and compact, but not to the point to where your feeling like its a coupe – just the right size for me as I slipped in and out of it with ease. The interior is nothing short of what you would expect from a Lex – high quality and craftmanship.
Driving one, I could feel the 306Hp beating under the hood as it responded well to being gassed and it also had nice steering response.
This is one fine ride.
How do you like it, is the question that comes to mind here. Old school or new school?
I happen to like both which is why the Vette is my vehicle of choice these days, albeit, new school Z06.
Originally created as a concept by the Father of Corvettes, Zora Duntov as a special perfomance package dubbed the RPO Z06 – It was the beginning of something special for Cheverolet’s racing heritage.
Back then, the only engine option available on the Z06 was the L84 327-cubic-inch displacement engine rated at 360 horsepower which costed less than $7K.
The Automobile Manufacturers Association had encouraged a ban on racing in 1957, which the GM chairman strongly supported, so prior to the 63 Z06 – you had to look really carefully at the order form as performance parts were offered and readily available, but you had to search really hard for them. With the introduction of the 1963 Corvette Z06 RPO, you just had to check one box and be done.
With the racing ban lifted, Duntov moved on to bigger fish creating the Stingray Corvette for the streets and the Gran Sport for the tracks – the Z06 eventually moved over, per se.
Until 2001 – when GM released the Z06 as a third option. Originally optioned as a LS6 with 385 horsepower, later to be modified and rated at405 horsepower a year later.
For 2007 – you will have to do some multiplication of the original 63′ Z06 price, times 10 to get into a new Z06. Priced at $70K plus, you get 505-hp, 7.0-liter LS7 V8 with plenty of creature comforts surrounded in plastic, leather and carpet.
For me, I like new school – but it would be nice to go old school for the weekends perhaps.
Just when I was just starting to like the unique roundness of the 360 Modena after 5 years of having it grow on me, 2004 comes along and Ferrari goes and drops the F430 on us – It didn’t take me long to wink at this beauty as it had that edgy-aggressive look that the 360 Modena didn’t have.
Small, compacted and 180+ top speed fast – the F430, considered by some to be an entry level Ferrari is perhaps one of the better made Ferrari’s ever. With big brother Enzo looks on the front nose and rear tail lights, the F430 is easier to drive, cheaper to service and most importantly – capable of given the same thrill as an Enzo – albeit, with a much less wow factor.
With a price tag of $209K – you get a precision crafted missle that comes with exotic leather in the cabin, 6 speed paddle shift tranny, 19 inch wheels, your choice of coupe or convertible all with 483 horsepower.
If the standard versions 483 horsepower isn’t enough – then opt for the Challenge Stradale version which has 520 horsepower.
Remember that party we talked about with the Aston Martin DBS – well come on into the party if you have the keys to one of these.
I’ve never really been a big fan of any Aston Martin – maybe the older 67 DBS, but that’s about it.
However, when I saw Casino Royale – I was feeling the DBS then, maybe not in the customary AM color, I much prefer either black or white on a car like this.
By todays horsepower standards – the DBS’ 500 horsepower is a little underpowered in comparison to other exotics. It seems as if 500 horsepower only gets you an invite to the party, but you need more to actually get in as some manufacturers are dishing horsepower like its bottled water. But 500 horsepower is definitely a license to thrill.
Many changes separate the DBS from the standard DB9 – power increase of the V-12 from 450 up to 500, manual 6 speed instead of the six speed auto paddle shift, lower ride height, 20 inch alloys and a nice aggressive body kit which includes a rear deck spoiler.
Inside the cockpit – race bucket style seats, quilted suede and more carbon fibre than you can shake a stick at.
Estimated price for this Bond Girl sexy magnet is estimated at $195K – that definitely gets you a spot at the door at the party.
As I am getting excited over Ducati’s new 1098 Tricolore, I thought I would show a little love to the beloved and out going 1997 Parts Unlimited 999s. I will be doing a piece on the 1098 Tricolore in the upcoming days as soon as I pick my jaw up off the floor.
At first glance you would think this is a track bike, take another look – see the turn signals and mirrors. Created by Ducati resemble that of the Ben Bostrom’s AMA Parts Unlimited Team Ducati – the mistake is forgivable as it not an easy spot in photos.
Although its a Parts Unlimited bike, nothing could be further from the truth as far as production goes – the US only received 150 of these puppies at a going rate of $20K large.
To ensure their exclusivity, each bikes tail section was signed by both Bostrom and Neil Hodgson. Word has it that they were shipped to dealers without the sections so the pieces could be flown to Cali for the signatures.
Based on the standard 999, the “s” signifies that there is some modifications, albeit minor, they include a three horsepower increase, radial-mount front brake caliper and a fully adjustable front and rear Ohlins suspension.
Its a damn nice bike for sure.
Some more stats for those who like numbers more than they like riding.
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, L-twin Testatretta 4 desmodromic valves/cylinder |
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Bore x stroke | 100mm x 63.5mm |
| Carburetion | Marelli electronic fuel injection 54mm throttle bodies |
| Rake | Adjustable: 23.5 degrees or 24.5 degrees |
| Front suspension | Ohlins 43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Ohlins monoshock, fully adjustable |
| Front brakes | Two 320mm semi-floating discs 4-piston, 4-pad radial-mount caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 240mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Tires | 120/70-17 front, 190/50-17 rear |
| Wheelbase | 55.9 inches |
| Weight (minus liquids and battery) | 410 pounds |
| Production | Limited to 150, sold in U.S. only |
| MSRP | $19,999 |
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