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Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA, Tuners, Videos, Ford
Click above to watch video after the jump
Back in the first Ponycar era, a Ford Mustang packed with a Cobra Jet V8 was a mighty drag strip warrior. Better still was the Super Cobra Jet, augmenting the CJ's enhanced breathing with a stouter lower end. Either way, a 428-powered Mustang would tear off elapsed times in the high 13s - still fast today. Since the current Mustang is a headlong dive into nostalgia, it stands to reason that Ford's working up a new Cobra Jet and eyeing drag racing domination yet again. We have no details other than a video after the jump that shows an obviously tweaked Mustang making a quarter mile run at Milan Dragway in Michigan, but the actual car will be coming to SEMA very soon, so Ford Racing is likely making sure that nothing blows up once the package is offered for sale. We've sent in our resume for the job of drag-race test driver; shoot, you don't even have to steer!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Racing tests FR500CJ "Cobra Jet" Mustang
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Etc., Lifestyle, Australia
Click above for more images of the Track Tvan
If you're one of those take-no-prisoners off-road types, then we've found the perfect camper trailer for you. It's called the Tvan, and it's made by Track Trailer. The company, Australian-based and located outside Melbourne, has been in business since 1982. Their Tvan model is specially engineered to eliminate the problems found with conventional flip-over type campers (which stow the tent on the bed). With the Tvan, the tent is stowed in the rear hatch allowing your bed to be kept clean and dry. Even better, a hard roof over your head ensures a better night sleep.
As Track is experienced building military trailers, much of their heavy-duty technology finds its way into the Tvan. Features such as an asymmetric link suspension with Koni shock absorbers, 10 inches of wheel travel, and a 30-degree departure angle allow the trailer to follow the tow vehicle over nearly every terrain. With a hot dip galvanized steel frame, it is also built to take abuse and last. Of course, the kitchen appointments are stainless steel with abundant power outlets, lights, and ventilation to take the edge off of roughing it. It even comes with a 70-liter "food grade" water tank as standard equipment. Now, we found you the camper, you just have to figure out how to get it here... unfortunately, the Australian company isn't shipping to the States.
Gallery: Track Trailer Tvan
[Source: Squob]Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Lamborghini
Click above for high-res gallery of the IMSA Murcielago Spyder
Not many cars can compete with the Lamborghini Murcielago Spyder's ability to attract attention. With 640 horsepower on tap, not many cars can keep up with it either. Even German tuner IMSA questioned whether the car could be improved, but, of course, that didn't stop them from trying. They have developed an engine package that pumps the V12 up to 708 horsepower, knocking off a tenth in the sprint to 60 mph and raising top speed to 217 mph. IMSA adds its GTR widebody kit as well that includes a new front bumper, side skirts with widened intakes, a carbon fiber diffuser and rear spoiler. Inside, the carbon fiber and leather seats have been color-matched to the exterior. It's not necessarily everyone's taste, but it is wickedly fast and sure to attract attention. Full details are in the press release after the jump, and plenty of high resolution photos are in the gallery below.
Gallery: IMSA Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Spyder
[Source: IMSA via SeriousWheels.com]
Continue reading IMSA makes the Murcielago LP640 Spyder even more outrageous
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Dodge
Click above for a high resolution image
Steve Saleen's fledgling new company, SMS Supercars, is getting ready to officially debut its first production car and has released a few more photos and information regarding the 570 and 570X Challenger. According to the new press release, the two models are targeted to start at $60,000 and $70,000, respectively. Yes, that's quite a chunk of change, but SMS is making it worthwhile with an extensive list of upgrades. Starting with the powertrain, the SMS 296 supercharger pushes massive amounts of air to the 5.7L HEMI, and true enthusiasts will be glad to know that a proper 6-speed manual transmission will be doing the shifting. Both models also get a high performance suspension, exhaust, 20-inch wheels, and 14-inch front and 12-inch rear brakes. For the exterior, SMS replaces the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and hood, and adds a rear spoiler. The 570X model also receives carbon fiber front and rear splitters, a carbon fiber diffuser, and a rear wing that replaces the spoiler. The interior receives upgrades as well, including two-tone leather sport seats, leather door inserts, a leather grip shifter, 200-mph gauge cluster, and auxiliary gauges for the supercharger. Each vehicle will also be personally signed by Steve Saleen. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below.
Gallery: SMS 570 Challenger
[Source: SMS Supercars]
Continue reading SMS releases new images, price range for 570 and 570X Challenger
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Toyota
Click either image for a gallery of Toyota's Vegas-bound Venzas
When you think about the Toyota Venza, we doubt the first thing that comes to mind is customization. But that hasn't stopped Toyota from tapping Street Image, Inc. and long-time partner Five Axis to create a duo of Venza project cars for November's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The two low-slung crossovers (don't call them wagons) attempt to highlight and accentuate the active lifestyles of the Venza's core demographic, beginning with the Street Image variant (above) that boasts an upgraded engine and brakes, massive rollers, a lowered ride height, body kit, a black/burgundy interior and a sat-nav-equipped entertainment system. Toyota says the Street Image SportLux version attempts "to give the occupants the feel of a refined sports car while retaining the Venza's utility and functionality." We say, good luck.
Five Axis makes a slightly more compelling case for customizing the Venza with a stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport everything from bicycles to skis. New front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and pot-hole averse 20x10.5-inch wheels round out the exterior mods on the Venza AS V.We'll be checking out both models in Vegas in a few weeks, but check the gallery below now for a preview.
Gallery: SEMA Preview: Five Axis and Street Image Toyota Venzas
[Source: Toyota Open Road Blog]Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet
Click above for high-res gallery of the Katech Corvette Z06 ClubSport
We loved the look and concept of Katech's Corvette Z06 ClubSport that we showed you last month, as did many of our readers. The emphasis on light weight components and track-ready components make it suitable for both street and racing duties, plus it's one of the most beautiful renditions of the Corvette we've seen to date. Our only complaint was that Katech provided just one photo to drool over. Fortunately, they remedied the situation by sending us a set of beautiful high-resolution photos, which we've added to the gallery below. You can also view more info on the car in the press release after the jump in case you missed it the first time around.
Gallery: Katech Corvette Z06 ClubSport
[Source: Katech]
Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Katech Corvette Z06 ClubSport
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket
Click above for a high resolution image
It seems that many of the employees that departed Saleen Inc. after Steve left the company last summer have remained in contact and have reassembled at a new company called TECHCO that will focus on providing innovative high performance aftermarket products. They are operating out of a 150,000 square foot facility in Anaheim, CA with extensive in-house equipment for design, development, fabrication, and assembly. Their flagship product is a twin-screw supercharger system with applications for the Dodge/Chrysler 5.7L/6.1L V8, Ford's 4.6L V8, and the LS engines in the C5 and C6 Corvettes. TECHCO are currently taking orders and plan to deliver the first kits in October. More information on the company as well as details of their supercharger are in the press release after the jump.
Continue reading Former Saleen employees join up with new TECHCO aftermarket company
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Aston Martin
Click above for a gallery of the Hamann Aston Martin V8 Vantage
We were totally buying Hamann's line about "form follows function," right up until the point we saw the roof scoop on the tuner's Aston Martin V8 Vantage package. That aside, the kit from Hamann is one of the most comprehensive we've seen, implementing an array of aerodynamic, handing and engine mods to take the baby Aston to the next level.
On the aero side, Hamann festooned the Vantage with a new lower front fascia with two-piece spoilers, added a pair of sideskirts, a three-piece rear diffuser and a small, if not entirely stealthy, rear spoiler. You can get all these bits, or a different lip spoiler, in either carbon fiber or fiberglass, along with a roof scoop allowing you to channel your LeMans ambitions in poseurific style.
The engine benefits from a retuned ECU that can boost power of the outgoing Aston's 4.3-liter V8 to 358 hp (23 hp more than stock) or the 2009 model's 4.7-liter V8 to 426 hp (30 hp more than stock). A stainless steel exhaust is supposedly good for another 20 hp, but it's unclear whether the same gains can be attained without tweaking the Vantage's computer.
The handling has been shored up with a set of Hamann's three-piece 21-inch wheels and new springs that drop the Vantage by 30 mm up front and 20 mm in the rear, while the interior receives a new aluminum pedal set, bespoke floor mats and optional custom leather trim.
Check out all the details in the press release after the jump and peruse the gallery below.
Gallery: Hamann Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Coupes, Hyundai
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Street Concepts Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai's trifecta of SEMA-bound Genesis Coupes is complete, and the latest tuned, rear-wheel-drive two-door comes courtesy of Street Concepts. Unlike the turbo'd models from RMR and HKS, the Street Concepts Coupe is packing the 3.8-liter V6 fitted with a custom cold-air intake and a Magnaflow exhaust. According to Street Concepts' owner, Shawn Williams, their aim is to "maximize the driving capabilities of the Genesis Coupe while striving for a level of practicality..."
To that end, the only performance mods - outside of aiding the V6's breathing - include a modified suspension, Brembo brakes and 19-inch Volk wheels shod in performance rubber. The exterior benefits from a black camo and "stealth fighter-inspired paint design," along with tinted head and taillights, APR rear wing and custom grille. Inside, carbon fiber trim joins a pair of Cobra seats with black suede accents and an Infinity audio system.
With the Coupes covered, we're waiting to see who Hyundai tapped to tune its three Genesis sedans. We're sure they won't be nearly as entertaining on the track, but a few VIP-styled sedans could do a lot to stoke the image of the Genesis. Press release below the fold.
Gallery: Street Concepts Genesis Coupe
Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Aston Martin
Click above for a high resolution image
Believe it or not, the Aston Martin you see above is really a previous generation Ford Mustang. Built by Canada-based Exclusive Motor Cars, the extensive conversion included stretching the wheelbase, widening the track, fitting a custom interior, and adding 34 composite body panels to convert the coupe into one of the most believable replicars we've ever seen.
Look familiar? You might remember seeing the car when we discovered it back in January, but it has since received some upgrades straight out of James Bond's V12 Vanquish in "Die Another Day". Of course, the hood-mounted machine guns and the rocket launcher in the grill won't be blowing up Bond villains any time soon, but you have to admit they're pretty cool. They even retract neatly into the bodywork with the simple touch of a button. The good news is that you can have one of your own through the car's distributor, Hillbank Motorsports. The bad news? It will cost you somewhere north of $100,000. We were fortunate enough to see the car in person, and took plenty of photos and a video showing the trick hide-away weapons. Hit the jump to see it in action.
Gallery: Exclusive Motor Cars Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Replica
Continue reading Best Mustang variant EVER: James Bond Aston Martin replica with working "toys"
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet
More news on the 2010 Chevy Camaro has been revealed after the Camaro SS made its live debut at Indy Bash 2008. According to this thread on the Camaro5.com forums, dealers will begin taking orders for Chevy's new sportscar on October 13th, though pricing may still not be available at that time. Also revealed are a list of performance and appearance accessories that includes a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, ground effects package, many different kinds of stripes, different engines covers for both the V6 and V8 models and performance parts like a cold air intake, catback exhaust, shorty headers and Hurst short throw shifter. Interior accessories include the obligatory carbon trim kit, a body-colored lighted trim kit, floormats and a nostalgic looking subwoofer, while a selection of chrome and painted wheels will also be offered. Check the link below for more images that reveal exactly how fast and furious you can make the new Camaro look. Thanks for the tip, everyone!
[Source: Camaro5.com]Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Pontiac
Click above for a high resolution image
The Firehawk name is well known by GM performance buffs, having graced some of the highest performing Firebird models from 1991 until 2002. Built by New Jersey based SLP (Street Legal Performance), the Firehawk models received various levels of performance upgrades and could hang with the best of American muscle during its day: the later models could run 0 to 60 mph in around five seconds and passing the 1/4 mile in the mid 13's. While the Firebird wasn't revived along with the Camaro, SLP has decided to use the G8 to revive the Firehawk name with three special edition cars based on the V6 and V8 models as well as a supercharged version. The cars will be sold through Pontiac dealers and will carry a full warranty. Sound great, right? Current Firebird Firehawk owners don't think so. After hearing the news on LS1Tech.com, many of the members were outraged that the Firehawk name would be watered down on something besides a Firebird, in particular a four door sedan. In all fairness, SLP owns the Firehawk name and can use it how it wants, so we'll reserve judgment until the car is actually unveiled and we can see how it performs. Thanks for the tip, Russ!
[Source: LS1Tech.com]
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Special/Limited Editions
Athletic governing bodies are coming down hard on steroids and HGH, which has probably led to a glut on the market. Performance West Group appears to have bought up the entire surplus and injected it into a Ford F-350 dually in order to create the Striker. Part pickup and part Ford Mustang GT500KR, the Striker will be intimidating other vehicles at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas.
The greatest tuning minds of our generation are assisting PWG with the project. Gale Banks is tuning the PowerStroke V8 engine above its 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. Hulst Customs is fabricating the bodywork. American Lightweight will be providing the aluminum 24" wheels. Katzkin Leather and Sony are doing duty inside to make sure you enjoy what will surely be a monster system in beauteous comfort.
PWG will then drape the entire thing in Striker Silver and Badass Blue and then probably let it loose to kill things. The rationalist in us wants to ask "What the...?" The auto junkie in us wants to stick it in the driveway and let it reek of testosterone. And then transform into a Decepticon. Which means we can't wait for SEMA.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Audi
Click above for a gallery of high-res images
MTM has been adding horsepower to Audis for more than 20 years, and they have put that experience into developing a new twin-screw supercharger system that pairs up to the 4.2-liter V8 in the Audi R8. The addition of forced induction brings total output to 552 hp, coincidentally matching the output of the R8's cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. In addition to the supercharger kit, MTM also offers a complete line of products for the R8 including brake upgrades, 20" forged wheels, high-flow exhaust system, and a variety of exterior style upgrades. A gallery of high resolution images can be found below and hit the jump for the complete spec sheet.
Gallery: MTM Audi R8R
Continue reading MTM supercharges the Audi R8
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for more shots of the HXC Cuda conversion
When Chrysler gave its Plymouth brand the axe, many storied name-plates were orphaned -- none of them more legendary than the Hemi 'Cuda. As the Mopar brand began teasing the world with its pony car revival, otherwise known as the Dodge Challenger, a great many fans of the classic Barracuda were left wishing that their childhood dreams of driving off the showroom floor in a brand new Hemi-powered Plymouth muscle car could finally be fulfilled. And so they might. HXC Performance is currently hard at work designing a retrofit kit that would transform the Dodge Challenger into a proper Plymouth 'Cuda. Many aficionado's believe that the 1971 'Cuda was the best looking year, and it's on this model that HXC chose to base its conversion. Included is a new grille, fender "gills" (which were only used in '71), Shaker hood, tail lights and a new rear valance.
To up the performance ante of the standard HEMI-powered R/T model, a Brembo brake package and suspension upgrade will also be included, as will a few engine option packages that can bump the power up to 475 horsepower. Mustang and Camaro owners may now have one more reason to keep an eye on their rear-view mirrors, mimicking countless scenes from the muscle car glory years of the early '70s.
Gallery: HXC Performance Cuda
[Source: HXC Performance via Motor Gears]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments