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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, 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: Tuners, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Supercars, Porsche, Ruf
Despite the fact that Lotus seems to have the inside line on electric sportscars, longtime Porsche tuning firm Ruf has chosen the Cayman for its new electric supercar. Comparisons to the Tesla Roadster are sure to come up, and we're happy to oblige. Compared to the latest Tesla drivetrain, the Ruf is expected to debut with a bit less overall power (150kW compared to 185kW) but will have considerably more twisting force (650Nm versus 375Nm). In other words, if the Ruf were a hatchet, the Tesla may be a scalpal, so to speak. A lithium-ion battery pack of unknown output will provide power to the motor. We don't yet know if the Ruf will sport multiple gears, but it seems distinctly possible in order to attain its planned top speed of around 125 miles per hour. We'd bet that any comparisons between the two electric sportscars will end at price, as the Ruf is sure to command an even heftier sum than the $100k Tesla Roadster. We'll find out next month what that price is and if it's worth it. Uh never mind... of course it'll be worth it.
NOTE: the photo above is of the RUF CT3 supercar, which is not based on the Cayman but sure does look like it.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Tuners, Supercars, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Earnings/Financials
Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Viper ACR
While most of us would be more than happy to own just one Viper, some lucky company will soon take the entire operation off the hands of Chrysler, LLC. We hear there are multiple interested parties, and according to Vice Chairman Tom Lasorda, Chrysler is looking to begin real negotiations within the next few weeks. It's hard to imagine a Viper coming from a manufacturer other than Dodge, but there has been talk that the iconic American sportscar could be gobbled up by a well-known tuning firm, or even a group of investors. Whatever happens, we just hope that the Viper -- as a car or as a brand -- continues showing its formidable fangs and doesn't end up a mere shed skin of its former self. You can check out our First Drive of the Viper ACR or our In the Autoblog Garage review of the Viper SRT-10 to see just what we think about Dodge's supercar.
Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR
Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10
[Source: Just-Auto - sub req'd]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, Tuners, SUVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Jeep
Click above for high-res shots of the Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept
Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm, MOPAR, will be showing off a mildly customized version of the Jeep Patriot called the Back Country at next month's Paris Motor Show. The run-of-the-mill Patriot and Compass models, which share a platform with the Dodge Caliber, have had their interiors redone a bit for the new '09 model year and the small improvements appear to make a major difference, at least in appearance. We'll reserve final judgement until we get inside one for ourselves. At the upcoming Paris Motor Show, attendees will see a few mods to the new model, including an Optic Green paint color, blacked-out B-pillars, and a new "platinum chrome" light bar on the outside. MOPAR makes good use of its own accessories catalog with a cargo basket on the roof that sports extra off-road lights, splash gaurds and some 18-inch five-spoke alloys. Joining the refreshed interior are satin chrome details and a scuba-like fabric covering parts of the seats. This concept above goes to show that the Patriot is a decent looker and just a few minor tweaks away from being a real Jeep. Now, if they'd just take care of that Compass...
Gallery: Jeep Patriot Back Country
[Source: Carscoop]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed 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: Tuners, Supercars, Chevrolet
It always happens this way. Shortly after a new performance car is released to the public, it will find its way to a dyno shortly thereafter. When that new vehicle is the new performance king of the automotive world, aka the 2009 Corvette ZR1, our collective interest is piqued. So, how does it fare on the rollers? Two separate 'Vettes were tested, and the average output was about 535 horsepower at the rear wheels. After factoring in the normal 15-percent drivetrain losses for a rear-wheel drive car, that's pretty darn close to the claimed 638. After a bit of tinkering the team got that number up near 570, saying it's running a bit rich from the factory. Click here for the full graph.
Until the V-Spec GT-R is unveiled the ZR1's most natural competitor might be the normal Nissan GT-R; despite the pricing disparity between the two, they are the two most amazing performance bargains currently on the market. For what it's worth, the GT-R seems to be averaging about 420 horsepower at the wheels. Apples to oranges? Sure, but it's always fun to throw a little more fuel on the fire. If we didn't do it, you know it would come up in the comments. And so it will, have fun.
[Source: Corvette Blogger]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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: Tuners, Etc., Porsche, Rendered Speculation
Click above for high-res gallery of the 9ff Porsche Panamera
Somebody's got to beat back the ugly afflicting the four-door Porsche Panamera when it arrives. 9ff, the Dortmund, Germany-based firm, is actively recruiting orders for its tuned version of the highly anticipated curve-ball from Porsche. There are no details or pictures on the 9ff website, though there is a rendering showing a slightly abstract version of how a warmed up Zuffenhausen sedan may look. While we're sure the car will be an awesome performer, 9ff will push the envelope even further. It's a brilliant bit of marketing -- basically selling shares in the tuner's Panamera program before the car has arrived. If enough orders come in, the company will be flush with cash to develop the fastest, most hideously nasty looking car to ever wear the Porsche crest. Yes, even worse than the Cayenne and its nostril fetish.
Gallery: 9ff Porsche Panamera
[Source: 9ff, MotorGears]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Motorsports, Tuners, Lifestyle, Event Alert
In these tight economic times, the project car budget typically gets left on the cutting room floor. Fortunately for addicted enthusiasts there are resources, such as Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, to prove that it is still possible to put together a prize winning ride for only a few bills. Just in time to save the wavering automotive habit of frugal individuals comes the Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge. For the past nine years, the magazine crew dedicated to amateur motorsports has organized an annual competition of cars built around a budget equal to the current year in dollars. It may sound impossibly restrictive, but some competitors even come in under the cap. The 2007 champion, a Chevrolet Corvette sucker-car, managed to top the field for less than two grand. The monetary limitation forces creative and innovative back-yard engineering amongst the entrants.
The $2008 Challenge will take place October 3 - 4 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, FL. The cars will spend a grueling two days dueling it out on the autocross course, drag strip and even the parking lot for a car show. Competitors should also be brushed up on their accounting skills since they are required to keep an itemized list of all their expenses. This detail keeps the event fair and also offers the magazine's readership inspiration to create their own budget racers. Follow the jump to for the official press release.
[Source: Grassroots Motorsports]
Continue reading Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge headed to Florida
Read | 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]
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