Exclusive: Hurst announces Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger

Arquivado em Coupes, Dodge, Sports/GTs, Tuners por admin em 02-07-2009

When we last visited the Hurst facility in Irvine, CA, we noticed something unusual. While nearly all of the Challengers were painted in either white or black, a lone Challenger painted in B5 Blue sat tucked away in a corner. When we inquired about the car, we were told that we would find out soon enough. Well, we know now, as Hurst has just unveiled a Competition/Plus package for the Dodge Challenger at the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA.

The Competition/Plus project was started in an effort to provide a more affordable package, as well as appeal to customers who might not necessarily want the classic gold paint schemes. Named after the legendary shifter that helped make Hurst famous, the package includes only the essentials: an Eibach suspension system, Magnaflow exhaust system, Hurst 20-inch alloy wheels, color-matched leather inserts and stitching for the interior, matte black exterior accents, and, of course, a Competition/Plus short throw shifter with the classic white ball. We’re told the package is available on any color of Challenger, whether it’s the B5 Blue pictured here, Hemi Orange, TorRed or any other.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but full details on the car should be released soon. Until then, take a look at our exclusive gallery of photographs that were given the chance to snap a couple of days before the car’s release.

[Source;Autoblog]


Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang

Arquivado em Coupes, Ford, Sports/GTs, Tuners por admin em 02-07-2009

Ford tuning specialists Steeda Autosports have been teasing the 2010 version of their Q-Series Mustang for quite some time, and apparently for some of their customers, it can’t come soon enough. To help deal with requests, the Florida-based company has introduced a Sport Edition model that utilizes an array of parts already in the Steeda catalog. This particular steed is tweaked to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. At $8995, the pricing seems pretty steep, especially without any significant power upgrades, but we have to admit it’s one good looking pony car.

[Source: Muscular Mustangs]

[Source:Autoblog]


In Tune With the Past: Arden re-issues limited-edition AJ18 XK

Arquivado em Jaguar, Sports/GTs, Tuners por admin em 01-07-2009

The thing about limited editions is that there are bound to be at least a few customers disappointed that they couldn’t get their hands on one. That’s the whole point, keeping demand higher than supply and thus ensuring a high price. So it’s a little unusual to see an automaker or aftermarket supplier going back and reopening the supply lines, especially if the model in question has already been replaced. But that’s exactly what British tuning house Arden has done with the AJ18.

Based on the previous-generation XK, Arden debuted this limited-edition track-inspired Jag coupe nearly ten years ago at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, pegging production at just 13 units. A decade gone by, Arden has announced the availability of an additional five examples, bringing the total run up to 18 pieces. What sets the AJ18 apart from the stock XK8 is the carbon-composite aero kit, custom grilles and bumpers, narrow wing mirrors, giant rear wing and 20-inch Sportline rims hiding 370mm brake discs with 6-piston calipers mounted to a lowered Bilstein suspension.

We’d just as soon go out and buy a new XK, dynamically superior as it is to its successor in just about every way, but if you’ve already got a previous-generation model in your driveway and still regret missing your chance to upgrade it to the Arden AJ18, this will probably be your last chance. Probably.

[Source: Carscoop]


Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake

Arquivado em Coupes, Ford, Shelby, Tuners por admin em 26-06-2009

Coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, Shelby Automobiles has released a barrage of new models including a 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake (above). Most of the models are based on the previous generation Mustang, either the Mustang GT, Shelby GT or GT500 that current owners can bring to Shelby to be modified.
First up is the Shelby GT/SC, basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger, upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash. Next is the Shelby GT/SR (right), which is essentially a GT/SC model fitted with additional equipment for racing like BFGoodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.

If you want to Shelbify your regular Mustang GT, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.

Have a GT500 that needs more Shelby stuff on it? You can now go with the GT500SE (Special Edition) package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more. And what if your GT500 is a 2010 model? Well, Shelby is now offering their Super Snake package for the latest GT500 that, among other things, offers a 725-horsepower supercharger upgrade.

Overwhelmed? So are we, but follow the jump to dig through all the upgrades and information for each vehicle.
[Source: Shelby]

Shelby GT/SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel Baer 6 piston extreme brake upgrade
• Shelby grille with letters
• Engine cap set
• Stripe designation
• Shelby gauge pod
• Autometer signature series gauges
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque *
• Specific 18×9 Aluminum Wheels with “Branded” center caps
• BFG “R” compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Functional Deep Draw hood
• 1″ lower front ball joints
• Bump Steer kit
• Caster Camber kit
• Upgraded front lower control arm bushings
• Rear upper and lower control arms and upper control arm bracket
• One piece 3.5″ aluminum drive shaft
• Watts link rear suspension
• Shelby Performance cooling package (not available for Paxton SC intercooler only)
• Front brake duct kit
• Shelby GT/SR Floor Mats
• Shelby GT/SC authenticity certificate

Pricing:
$31,499
Package price reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finish Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional. Pricing does not include tax, fluids or dispoal fees.

Available options:
• Track tuning additional $750
• Performance clutch
• Eibach Pro-2 coil over shocks, struts and sway bar kit
• Borla exhaust
• 3:73 Gear Set
• 6 point race ready roll cage
• Sequential tail lights
• Rear quarter window covers
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• BFG 275/35/18 street tire package

Notes:
Any Shelby GT or GT/SC owner choosing the Shelby GT SR option will receive an “owner appreciation” discount of 10% off of the pre-tax package price.

Shelby GT/SC:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP, finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel brake upgrade package (consisting of)
• Baer Drilled and Slotted rotors
• Baer Brake Pads
• Stainless Steel front and rear brake line kit
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation (Shelby GT/SC)
• “Factory Supercharged” engine bay plaque and authenticity certificate

Pricing:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Black: $12,725
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Polished: $12,999
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Black: $10,899
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Polished: $11,599
(Pricing does not include tax, fluids or disposal fees).

Notes:
This package is specifically targeted at the Shelby GT and Shelby GT-H owner. Current owners who place a reservation deposit prior to December 31, 2009 are eligible for an owner appreciation discount of 10% on the package price.

Shelby GT500SE:

Badged as the Shelby GT 500 SE this will be a “Special Edition” package installed at Shelby Automobile’s and authorized Modification Centers. It will be limited to 500 per model year. All GT500SE’s include a certificate of authenticity.
The Shelby GT500SE consists of the following:

Exterior: (vehicle retains current Factory Striping)
• Carbon fiber front fascia splitter
• Carbon fiber rocker panels
• Body colored mirror covers
• Carbon fiber hood grille inserts
• Deck lid SHELBY letter kit
• GT 500 SE designation on lower front fender
• Sequential tail lights
• Front brake duct kit
• Rear brake duct kit
• GT 500 SE faux gas cap

Interior:
• CSM consecutively numbered plaque in center of dash
• CSM consecutively numbered engine compartment plaque
• GT 500 SE door sill plate with CSM consecutive number
• Light bar with solenoid activated brake light system (convertible)
• GT 500 SE embroidered front floor and trunk mats
• Aesthetic engine cap kit with billet oil stick handle and fluid caps
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Shelby Signature gauges (Boost, Oil and fuel pressure)
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent
• Satin door lock knobs
• GT 500 SE embroidered console cover
• GT 500 SE embroidered head rest covers

Performance:
• Borla exhaust system
• Ford Racing performance suspension
• 20″x9″ Carroll Shelby Wheel Company CS 56 wheels (choice of insert colors, Silver, Black, Chrome (additional cost)
• Pirelli P-zero Tires 255/35 ZR20 (front) and 275/35 ZR20 (rear)

Pricing: Coupe $14,999 Convertible $15,999
(Prices do not reflect applicable sales tax)

Options:
• Kenne Bell 725 HP Supercharger
• Ford Racing 630 HP Supercharger
• Shelby Performance Cooling package
• Two tone interior upgrade package
• Shelby/Kicker Sound System package
• Bear 6 piston Extreme front and rear brake upgrade kit

Notes:
Owners choosing to place a reservation before December 31, 2009 will receive a package discount of 10%.

Shelby SuperCharged (SC) & SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• Short throw shifter
• Shelby Pro-Plus 4 wheel brake system
• Performance Suspension
• Borla dual exhaust
• Shelby chrome bar grille (Shelby Grille with letters and driving lights, SR only)
• Engine cap set
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque
• Specific 18×9 Aluminum Wheels with “Branded” center caps
• BFG “R” compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Shelby Functional Deep Draw hood
• Hood pin kit
• Shelby rear deck lid letters
• Shelby Supercharged Floor Mats

Pricing:
Base Package Price: $19,599
Shelby SR Package Price: $31,499

(Pricing reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finished Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional)

Available options:
• Shelby GT-H Front Fascia
• Shelby Rear Fascia
• Front and Rear Brake Ducts*
• Performance clutch
• Caster Camber Plates*
• One Piece 3.5″ diameter aluminum drive shaft*
• Eibach Pro-2 Coil-Over Shocks and Struts*
• Eibach Pro Sway Bar Kit*
• Baer 6-Piston Extreme Front and Rear Brake Kit*
• 1″ drop Lower Ball Joints*
• Bump Steer Kit*
• Upgraded Lower Control Arm Bushings*
• 6-point Roll Cage
• 3:73 Rear Gear*
• Watts Link Rear Suspension*
• Sequential Taillights
• Rear quarter window covers*
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• Goodyear F1 Supercar 18″ street tire package
* Included with SR.

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake:

In 2010 Shelby Automobiles continues to bring you the Shelby GT500 Super Snake package for your existing Shelby GT500. The upgrade will offer several performance options in excess of 700 horsepower and sleek looks only Shelby can bring you based on Ford’s exciting new GT500 design. This package is limited in volume.

Package Price: $29, 495 (630 HP), $33, 495 (700+ HP)

Standard Features:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 630 HP supercharger
• Shelby/Super Snake hood with pins
• Carbon fiber body components
• SHELBY deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging (front grille and front fenders)
• Sequential tail lights
• Shelby Super Snake striping
• Front and rear brake duct kit
• Quarter window scoops or block-offs
• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque and engine plate
• Shelby Super Snake door sill plates
• Light bar with third brake light (convertible)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper front brake system and rear rotors
• Borla cat-back exhaust system
• Shelby/Ford Racing suspension w/ adjustable damper
• Short-throw shifter
• Cold air intake system
• Custom drive shaft (700+ horsepower package)
• 3.73:1 differential
• 20″ Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires
• Shelby three piece floor mat set
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby signature carbon fiber faced gauges
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent and satin door lock knobs
• Shelby embroidered headrest
• Center console with Shelby logo

Options:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 700+ HP supercharger
• Shelby/Kenne Bell 725 HP supercharger (black or polished)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper rear brake system
• Shelby/Eibach adjustable coilover suspension
• Shelby/Eibach sway bars
• White ball billet short-throw shifter
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade
• Shelby performance cooling package
• Two-tone leather interior upgrade
• Two-tone leather console cover
• Perforated leather seat inserts
• Shelby Super Snake faux rear gas cap

[Source:Autoblog]


New Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe gets a boost from Brabus

Arquivado em Coupes, Mercedes Benz, Tuners por admin em 20-05-2009

f there was one thing we discovered during our time with the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, it was that more power and a reworked suspension could do wonders for the lumbering E. As expected, Brabus has stepped up to the plate to offer a comprehensive tuning package for the latest Mercedes, and as always, it starts with the engine.

The German tuning firm’s has stroked the 5.5-liter engine to 6.1-liters to net a total of 462 hp and 454 lb-ft of torque – up from 383 hp and 391 lb-ft. The result is a 0-60 mph time of 4.7-seconds and a top-speed of 196 mph.

The styling is somewhat subdued compared to Brabus’ other offerings, and includes new front and rear bumpers, 20-inch wheels and vertical front LEDs. Coilovers are available to lower the coupe and firm-up the ride, while six-piston aluminum calipers clamp 14.2-inch vented and cross-drilled brakes up front.

The package runs 39,000 euros (just under $40k), and if you’re living abroad and more interested in oil-burning performance, Brabus is in the process of creating a tuned E250 CDI BlueEfficiency with many of the same upgrades. Hit the jump for all the details.

PRESS RELEASE

The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe just went on sale and BRABUS already presents an extensive tuning program for the new two-door. The pinnacle of the available performance tuning is the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and propels the E 500 (US: E550) to an impressive top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). Also on offer is an aerodynamic-enhancement program that was developed in the wind tunnel. Further highlights are custom-tailored wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, sporty yet comfortable suspension solutions and exclusive interior options.

A rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm are the result of the displacement increase of the four-valve V8 engine from 5.5 to 6.1 liters. 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph): The BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine turns the E 500 Coupe into a true high-performance automobile.

The displacement increase of the eight-cylinder engine sells for 29,000 Euros. It is facilitated by the installation of a billet crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons. Furthermore the four-valve cylinder heads are precision-machined and fitted with custom camshafts. The BRABUS sport exhaust system with high-performance metal catalysts also contributes to the impressive power output as do specially programmed engine electronics.

More driving fun with the turbodiesel models is available with the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra kits. For the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY BRABUS offers its D4 tuning kit. For just 1,390 Euros power output of the common-rail four-cylinder engine jumps from standard 204 hp (201 bhp) / 150 kW to 235 hp (232 bhp) / 173 kW. Peak torque grows to 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

The V6 turbodiesel engine of the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) module produces 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft).

All engines are lubricated with ARAL high-performance motor oil and like all BRABUS components they are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

Stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport exhaust systems are available for all new E-Class models.

The BRABUS designers have also developed a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement package for the two-door E-Class. It is manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality. The BRABUS front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights gives the coupe an even more striking face and reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speeds.

BRABUS adds sporty highlights to the sides with new aluminum front sport quarter panels with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts. New rocker panels visually give the coupe a lower and sleeker stance. They feature LED entrance lights integrated into their undersides. Customers can also choose a version with integrated illuminated BRABUS logo.

The BRABUS rear apron features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts on either side for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

The exclusive BRABUS appearance is rounded out by one-piece or multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 9.5Jx20 in back. High-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA are mounted in size 235/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 265/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

The available BRABUS suspension solutions offer sporty handling combined with excellent ride comfort. They were custom-developed for the various engines available in the new E-Class. The list of options starts with lowering springs and culminates in a complete height-adjustable coil-over sport suspension.

BRABUS also offers a high-performance brake system for the new Mercedes coupe. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 360-mm (14.2 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS will customize the interior of the new E-Class Coupe to customers’ specifications. The list of interior options includes stainless-steel scuff plated with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and an entirely new interior crafted from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

[Source:Autoblog]


SMS Supercars previews 460 and 460X Mustangs

Arquivado em Coupes, Others, Sports/GTs, Super Cars, Tuners por admin em 20-04-2009

If you build it they will come. At least that’s what Steve Saleen is hoping, and with his recent announcement regarding Saleen, Inc’s warranties, we’re guessing many of his loyal customers will indeed come with money in hand to buy his new tricked-out ponycar. Not that people will buy the car based on reputation alone - SMS has made sure that its 460 Mustang has the proper credentials of a Steve Saleen creation. The exterior gets a full makeover including a new front fascia, Red Butterfly Air Induction hood, side splitters, rear fascia, and rear wing complemented by 20-inch, 5-spoke wheels. Two variants are available, a 460 Mustang and a 460X Mustang. The first features a 4.6L supercharged V8 putting out 470 horsepower mated to a 5-speed manual while the latter sports a 5.0L supercharged V8 producing 655 horsepower routed through a 6-speed manual. Both also feature several suspension upgrades including a new watts-linkage system and upgraded front and rear brakes. Follow the jump for more details in the press release from SMS.

PRESS RELEASE

Steve Saleen ponies up, celebrates 25 years in the business and 45 years of Mustangs with 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

Orange County, California. (April 17, 2009) Steve Saleen, his name being synonymous with fast Mustangs, would not be Steve if he kept his hands off Ford’s newest pony. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the launch of the original Mustang in 1964, and in reflection on his 25 year association with America’s iconic sports car, Steve celebrates with Mustang aficionados from around the world in launching first sketches of the 2010 SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs at the 45th Anniversary Celebrations in Birmingham, Alabama.

Instantly recognizable as Steve Saleen’s work, the new SMS 460 Mustangs feature a host of visual and technical highlights that set them apart from the crowd. “I previewed many of the features of my newest Mustang with the 25th anniversary car I showed last year,” says SMS Supercars CEO and President Steve Saleen.

The front fascia treatment, the SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction HoodTM, the front and side splitters, the rear fascia and diffuser with the high down-force rear wing showed the way Steve Saleen is looking at Mustangs today. “You have to go with the times. While the Mustang remains an icon, Ford has done a very good job with the 2010 model. I wanted to interpret it using my signature to create the latest Steve Saleen version of this American favorite.”

The SMS 460 Mustang offers a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring a minimum 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internal and headwork delivers 655 hp and 600 ft-lb out of the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger presented last week at the New York International Auto Show. Transmission options are a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual on the 460 or a 6-speed SMST manual on the top of the line 460X.

Performance for both cars is expectedly striking. The 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in the low 4 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in the lower 4’s. In addition to engine output, handling, roadholding and braking play an equally important role. The 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS brakes front and rear deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping performance.

The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Dash and interior panels are covered in hand-stitched high-quality leather. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available.

More details about Steve Saleen’s latest Mustang will be revealed in the spring of 2009, deliveries are expected to start mid-summer. Customers interested in buying a SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang can either contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400 2121.

SMS Supercars
SMS Supercars is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical
performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS Supercars designs, engineers,
tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of their own products and vehicles.

[Source:Autoblog]


REPORT: Mercedes says it has no plans for new CLK63 AMG

Arquivado em Coupes, Mercedes Benz, Tuners por admin em 14-04-2009

In a move sure to make shoulders slump and people ask “Why is this happening?”, Mercedes will not produce a CLK63 AMG — which would actually be an E Class Coupe AMG. The axing is due to the CLK moving from the C Class platform to the E Class, and Mercedes’ view that a hotted up E Coupe with the 6.3-liter would be too close to the CLS 63 AMG “both in positioning and price

A similarity in price is easy to digest, but the overlap in positioning sounds more like Mercedes is afraid sales of the E-Class Coupe AMG would cannibalize sales of the CLS63 AMG. Even if that’s the case, it’s a shame that Mercedes won’t even consider a limited run, since such a car would be sure to sell just as well, if not better than the E63 AMG Wagon. The decision also vaporizes an E Coupe AMG Black series, and that would have been something special.

[Por:Autoblog]


Vauxhall Insignia Limo too much of a good thing?

Arquivado em Opel, Others, Sedans/Saloons, Tuners por admin em 26-03-2009


Wilcox Limousine in England distributes the Vauxhall Statesman in both six-door, three-row limousine and hearse configurations. The company has already begun eying the new Insignia for dignitary and funeral duty, and the result is rendered above. It’s not all that bad for a limo conversion, but we had no idea that so many people were requesting to be chauffeured to the airport and The Great Beyond in stretched Vauxhalls. On the plus side, you’ll find leather trim, walnut door cappings and a full divider on the inside. “Unbeatable prices” can’t hurt, either. Check out the next Statesman limo and hearse in the gallery below.

[Source:Autoblog]


Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?!

Arquivado em Coupes, Nissan, Others, Sports/GTs, Tuners, japan por admin em 09-03-2009

Let’s get this over with right now: This isn’t really a Nissan GT-R wagon. That said, it is a decidedly artful conversion of the Japanese automaker’s M35 series Stagea wagon, a JDM load-lugger it produced from 2001 to 2007. Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive with a variety of V6 powerplants, the now-dead Stagea has been called the “GT-R Wagon” by many enthusiasts.

Spotted at Nagoya Auto Trend this weekend, this particular Stagea looks to be a super-clean conversion, with a well-integrated R35 GT-R front-end that’s been carried through along the bodysides, with factory-like rocker panel indents and modestly rear quarter panels to keep the theme.

While we don’t have information about what lurks underneath, the folks at GTRBlog speculate that the wagon could have something interesting like a stroked VQ-series V6 with a twin-turbo kit. Given the apparent high level of finish on the outside, we would hope for nothing less. Check out the galleries below for more shots of both the GT-R and Stagea wagons… and if you find any additional information on this particular car, drop us a tip!

[Source:Autoblog]


Gemballa unveils Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Arquivado em Porsche, Super Cars, Tuners por admin em 26-02-2009

Production of Porsche’s Carrera GT may have ended a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean tuners have stopped playing around with them. Techart, 9ff, and edo competition have all come out with different versions of Porsche’s ultimate supercar, but Gemballa’s Mirage GT is perhaps the most well known due to its aggressive bodywork and variety of colors and finishes.

The tuner’s latest version is dubbed “Mirage GT Carbon Edition,” and though details are in short supply, we’re guessing that the package involves plenty of carbon fiber to go along with the two-tone Pearl White and Black paint. Gemballa does provide performance specs for the car, which includes an upgrade to 670 horsepower, 0-100 km/h (62 miles-per-hour) in just 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.7 seconds, and a top speed of 208 mph. We’re hoping the Carbon Edition will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few days, and if it does, we will be sure to bring you plenty of pictures and any additional info.
[source:Autoblog]

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