MCA ALA 50: Monaco's homegrown supercar

Monaco is a name and a place synonymous with fast cars. Between the obscenely wealthy residents and high-profile races like the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo rally, the tiny Mediterranean principality probably has more horsepower per acre than any other place on earth. The glitz and glamor has left little room for industry, however, so the high performance machinery regularly seen on the boutique and casino-strewn streets of Monte Carlo has all been imported. All those Ferraris and Aston Martins may, however, face some stiff competition soon from a homegrown enterprise launching a Monaco-made supercar of its own.

The Monte Carlo Automobile ALA 50 was unveiled by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in celebration of his 50th birthday this past March. Not unlike Bugatti or Spyker, the new Monegasque supercar (seriously, that's what you call someone from Monaco) revives the name of the principality's first automaker, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. As expected, the chassis and bodywork (looking something like a cross between a Mosler and a GM EV-1) are constructed entirely of carbon fiber, while motivation comes from a 650hp V8 built by two F1 engine gurus. MCA hopes to campaign the car with three Monegasque drivers at Le Mans in 2010. We'll be watching.

By autoblog

Carchops.com take on the Aptera

If you're a wiz with image altering software and crazy about cars then chances are you know all about the world of photochopping. Maybe you even have a folder stored on your computer filled with your attempts to improve on the exterior designs of top auto designers. If you think you got skillz and can improve on the design of the Aptera Typ-1 (pictured above) then you should click your bad self on over to Carchops.com and pit your revisionary talent against some of the best car photochoppers teh internets has to offer. That's right, the Aptera has been selected as the subject matter for the Carchops Official Chop Off for May 2008. One entry per customer and you have to post on their forum before the 25th to let them know you're going to unleash.

If you're teh suxors with software and need pointers from your nephew on how to chop Jay Leno's head into a Tesla don't be sad. You can join me in checking out the entries when they appear in the forum on May 31, between 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM. If you want to give some suggestions (please don't add mirrors, for example), join the forum for free and let them know how you would do it if you weren't so lame busy. Top prize is respect.

By autobloggreen