By Christopher Tan

Tyre-maker Pirelli has launched the 36th edition of its collectible calendar. Shot over 10 days by celebrated wildlife photographer Peter Beard in Botswana, Africa, the 2009 calendar features a heady mix of leggy models, majestic elephants and a rugged landscape. Born into a wealthy family, Beard, 70, counts many celebrities, such as the Rolling Stones, as long-time friends.

Pirelli sends its calendars to an undisclosed number of associates and clients every year.

PORSCHE PANAMERA UNVEILED

This is the Panamera (below), the four-door grand tourer Porsche has been keeping under wraps for months. It will be launched in the second half of next year. Measuring about 5m long and nearly 2m wide, it will be powered by a new range of V6 and V8 engines, with a Turbo seen here as the flagship.

The car will have Porsche's latest super-fast and silky smooth dual-clutch transmission. Its boot will accommodate at least two golf bags.

WHEEL DEALS

ST701, an online version of The Straits Times' Classifieds, has just revamped its motoring section. It now has a lot more content, user-friendly search functions and more interactivity. Go to http://cars.st701.com

VOLVO'S NEW LOOK

This could well be what the next Volvo S60 (above) - slated to launch in 2010 - looks like. Volvo will unveil this concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January next year. The concept has a radically new profile, with a coupe-like stance and "double- wave" shoulders. Check out the new headlights too.

FASTER, LIGHTER, MORE FRUGAL
Just months after unveiling the Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini presents its convertible version. The LP560-4 Spyder (below) is powered by a 5.2-litre V10 producing 560 horsepower. The car weighs 40kg lighter than its predecessor, thus improving performance. It takes only four seconds to hit 100kmh. At the same time, Lamborghini claims the car's fuel consumption is improved by 18%.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 29, 2008.

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