2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe

2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe

Standard Engine:
5.4L V8, 32 valve, 500 hp @ 6000 rpm

* 6 speed manual transmission
* 14 mpg city / 20 mpg hwy more info
* Green Rating: Unavailable

Learn about the Green Rating

Optional Engine(s):
5.4L V8, 32 valve, 540 hp @ 6250 rpm

* 6 speed manual transmission
* Not Available city / Not Available hwy more info
* Green Rating: Unavailable

Price about $42,330
Estimated Market Price

$41,858
National Average: Invoice $38,244
wanna Buy it?

Camaro 2010 wallpaper

Camaro 2010 wallpaper available here

ASMA Design turns evil eye towards Merc SL-Class

ASMA's latest adventures in bodykitting have been described as "working their magic," though that magic part seems like a stretch. If you think your Mercedes SL is nice, but would really benefit from some overwrought body mods, ASMA now has a collection of appliques that will fill the void. Ostentatiously ugly, without being outright hideous, ASMA's tweaks include a cow-catcheresque fascia, a ride height reduction, side sills, and a piece-de-resistance rear diffuser that would make a study hall doodler cringe. Of course the wheels have been sized up to something more akin to the hull diameter of a Trident submarine, and they're chrome, natch. Like any good train wreck, we just can't turn away

[Source: emercedesbenz]

SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5

We've talked about Abt Sportsline's sweet range of upgraded VW and Audi offerings before, but now we have some additional good news. As you probably know if you're reading this blog, Abt offers lots of mods for the A4 and A5, including relatively subtle body kits, new wheels, a sport suspension, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and a variety of power upgrades. You really can't go wrong when you start with such good rolling stock, but some tuners manage to botch it anyhow. In the case of the Audi A5, the manufacturer already does a pretty good job with the upragdes when it turns it into an S5, but Abt goes a step or two further with pretty good results.

The Abt AS5 is one hot sports coupe, even in a refrigerator white that might seem uninspring at first glance. The one we saw here at SEMA was actually over at the Hlton. It popped up during one of the afterparties that always makes this such a fun show to attend. In this case it was at the GGI European Tuning bash where the shop was announcing their new distribution deal with the German tuner. GGI European Tuning is already the exclusive North American importer for Carlsson, Hartge and Sportec, but now they can add Abt Sportsline to the marquee. It's already one of our favorite coupes, so knowing it might be easier to get a nicely modded version in the States makes us even happier.

Porsche PDK can turn off front-wheel-drive in Carrera 4

The Porsche PDK system is a revolutionary new dual-clutch transmission that gives does lightning fast shifts without the need to move your left foot. That's not the only cool trick up the new Carerra's sleeve when equipped with PDK. The guys at Garage 419 found out from Porsche engineers that front-wheel drive can be disabled entirely by lifting up the parking brake a single notch. Once you lift up that brake, the four-wheel-drive Carerra 4 becomes a Carrera 2 and power slides and donuts are yours to discover. Follow the jump to view Garage 419's video review of the new 997. News about the front-drive shutoff is available at the two-minute mark, but the entire video is worth watching.

C6-based retro Corvette C3R

While it can be argued that the current Corvette is the best ever built, there are those who would say the C6 is, well, homogenized. Safe. Boring, even, at least in the looks department.

Christian Cyrulewski would be among those who are visually disinterested in the current Corvette. But instead of grousing about it over a beer or six with the local Corvette club, he's taken matters into his own hands and come up with the C3R. In his words, that stands for "third-generation retro Corvette based on the sixth-generation (C6) platform."

Christian's website is short on details but rife with renderings of a curvaceous custom Corvette based on the latest platform out of Bowling Green. Top Speed says Christian plans to cruise the Woodward Dream Cruise next year in a C3R prototype, and if there's enough interest, could offer a kit version of the car. Like your retro-styled muscle cars with actual muscle? Top Speed says Christian also plans a 427-powered version of the kit complete with side pipes.

[Source: Top Speed]

Hyundai Genesis sedan to get 8-speed automatic

Hyundai is making a serious run at such stalwart luxury marques as Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW with the Genesis sedan. The Korean automaker is already competing directly with those established players using its current range of engines and transmissions, with the 4.6-liter V8 being mated to the same 6-speed ZF automatic tranny that sees duty in various Bimmers and Jaguars. Sometime around 2010, Hyundai will have a new 8-speed automatic ready for public consumption that being developing in-house, and it will surely see the light of day in the Genesis mated up to Hyundai's latest V8 engine. That development will trump Mercedes by one gear and match the number of ratios offered by Lexus. BMW is expected to rely on a new unit from ZF, its longtime supplier, that should also feature eight forward gears. In the never-ending quest for increased performance and fuel efficiency, plus a bit of one-upmanship, expect more automakers to pair their largest powerplants with an ever-increasing number of cogs.


[Source: Green Car Advisor via AutoblogGreen]

Toyota uses Ninja Kittens to sell Corollas in Australia

Toyota typically doesn't go out of its way to be creative when advertising its cars for sale in the U.S. (Saved by Zero, anyone?), but that doesn't mean the Japanese automaker lacks a sense of humor. Toyota's new commercial for the Australian-spec Corolla hatchback contains bi-pedal kittens kicking ass Jackie Chan-style. The 45-second spot is a bit creepy on all counts, and could definitely use some kung fu sound effects. We're trying to figure out who the target audience is for this puss-tastic commercial, because the Corolla-driving heroin basically beats up a bunch of cat-people, takes their fish and drives off. Maybe the Pet Smart crowd has a lot of pent-up feelings towards sardines.

SEMA 2008: Drag-racing limbo truck confuses, amuses

How low can you go? When we first walked past this booth at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, we thought the convention hall floor had turned to quicksand. We are in the desert after all. Then we figured out what we were really seeing: a completely slammed truck that could win just about any quarter-mile limbo contest. It's literally knee-high to a grasshopper and powered by an Apollo rocket. Draggers, Inc., Go-EZ and Air-Zenith all share responsibility for this incredible piece of pickup passion. It's right-hand drive, lower than low and has one heck of a huge motor in it, and that's about all we know.

SEMA 2008: Dream Police Tactical Vehicle

The award-winning team at RealWheels Corporation put together another killer theme vehicle for this year's SEMA show. Starting off with a Chevy Avalanche, the team layered on some BASF paint and added a ProCharger blower, Corsa exhaust, Superlift suspension, GWG 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo tires, Katzkin leather interior, custom bodywork and grille, auxiliary lights and brush guards and a whole bunch of A/V equipment. Oh, and there's a guitar; drumsticks; fog machine; laser lighting; airbrushed graphics of Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson, and Bun E. Carlos; band vinyls and a Rockband video game, all to remind us that this is, after all, the Cheap Trick Dream Police Tactical Vehicle. Our absolute favorite touches include the checkerboard wheels and interior trim and those sweet sideview mirrors (look closely). This Budokan baddie is the ultimate reunion tour crowd control vehicle. We'll just call it That '70s Truck.

SEMA 2008: Cobra Jet Mustang arrives straight from dragstrip, 400-hp figure explained

Ford apparently brought the FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang to SEMA straight from one of its testing sessions, because there was still plenty of shredded Goodyear rubber lining the fenders behind the rear wheels. The graphics package looks fantastic in person, and we're jealous of the 50 lucky owners who have already placed their orders for the car.

Many of you have been wondering, and we've asked the question ourselves, why the Cobra Jet is "only" rated at 400 horsepower. After all, the GT500, which also features a 5.4L supercharged V8, puts out 500. We asked around at Ford and found that the Cobra Jet has been de-tuned to meet specifications needed for NHRA's AA Stock class. The official horsepower figure has yet to be finalized, but expect it to be right around 400 as quoted before.

Stop by AmericanMuscle.com and check out their large selection of Mustang Halo Headlights.

Lamborghini Estoque - details on the production version

AutoCar revealed today the first details on the production version Estoque. Right now the car is in final stages of approval, but current plans have the bull’s sedan entering development at Sant’Agata early next year with sales to begin at the end of 2011 for under £150,000. The Gallardo, which sell for a similar price in the U.K., sells for about $200,000 here.

The production Estoque will run the same all-wheel drive system as the Gallardo as well as utilize its 5.2-liter direct injection V10 engine that will give the sedan 500bhp and 450lb ft of torque. Top speed is rumored to be limited to 186 mph. The engine will be mated to a new seven-speed twin clutch gearbox – a first for Lamborghini, which currently offers manual and auto-manual ‘E-Gear’ transmissions.

Lamborghini is also considering several other engines for the sedan. Possible powertrains include a hybrid unit and V8 twin-turbos in both gas and diesel forms. Although these engine will likely be sourced from Audi, Lamborghini insists the Estoque will be more than just an A8 on steroids.

[Source: Autocar]

Aston One-77: short, wide and fast, with only 5 coming to U.S.

Despite a slowing economy, Aston Martin is not shying away from tackling some high-priced territory. Its Rapide four-door coupe is on the way, the as-yet un-named convertible DBS is due imminently, development of the V12 Vantage continues, and it's re-launching the Lagonda marque with some new luxury machinery. All the while the next DB9 and Vantage are tipped to go up-market, but not before the ultra-premium One-77 lands in the hands of a few very fortunate customers. Only six in the U.S. to be exact, with just five destined to stay in the UK out of the total production run of 77. That leaves 66 for the rest of the world, and just where they'll all end up is open to speculation, but expect a fair few to be destined for emerging luxury markets in Asia especially.

Although the One-77 won't be officially unveiled in full until next year – we got a partial preview last month in Paris – the first batch of pictures is already out, and initial specs have now found their way onto the internet. CEO Ulrich Bez has confirmed that power will come from an artfully-crafted derivative of the company's existing 6-liter V12, bored and stroked to 7 liters and producing somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. All that power will have to move just 1500kg, lighter than the 1630kg V8 Vantage, the 1760kg DB9 and even the lightweight 1690kg DBS. Despite the One-77's imposing silhouette, at 4576mm it will actually measure 133mm shorter than the DB9, but 196mm longer than the compact Vantage, while at a stout 1223mm high and a lane-dominating 1900mm wide, the supercar will also be shorter and wider than either the Vantage or the DB9. Bez claims that an all-out performance battle with the Bugatti Veyron isn't the point of the One-77, but a top speed well in excess of 200 mph is all but guaranteed.

[Source: Autocar]

SEMA 2008: Galpin Scythe Concept makes no excuses

Standing out among the conservatively-styled vehicles at the Ford booth is the Galpin Scythe Concept that we spotted a few months ago while it was being built. We had the chance to sit down with Beau Boeckmann, president of Galpin Auto Sports, who filled us in on the details on the Scythe and how it as built.

For starters, the Galpin crew completely stripped a 2008 Mustang GT convertible down to the chassis. It was then built back up with a molded fiberglass body, Air Ride suspension system, and massive 16.5" Wilwood brakes. Under the hood (partially) is a methanol-burning twin-supercharged 5.0L V8 that puts out a little over 1000 horsepower. Boeckmann knows that the styling of the Scythe is controversial and that not everyone will like it, but he hopes that people will appreciate at least some aspect of the car. Truthfully, it has some pretty trick features including a steering wheel that can move from one side of the car to the other and a voice-activated computer system that can control nearly all aspects of the car. Unlike other "concepts," every feature on the Scythe is fully functional, and the car has been driven on the street.

SEMA 2008: Choppin' Block '31 Studebaker Model 54

Toyo Tires has one of the coolest booths at SEMA this year. We already showed you the Tetsu Bentley they have on display, but they also have a sweet Evo and GT-R, a custom Cayenne and this beautiful hot rod. It's based on a 1931 Studebaker Model 54, but features a few modifications... to put it mildly. Motivation comes courtesy of a Chevy 350 with an Edelbrock intake, three, two-barrel carbs with open stacks, and a "Zoomie" open header exhaust system. The custom chassis rides on an equally custom air-ride suspension and Centerline smoothies wrapped in Toyo Proxes. As you can probably tell from the pics, it also has a totally customized body and interior that makes it one of the most attractive cars at the show.

SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you

it's not attractive, it's ridiculously tough, it's called in to deal with nasty situations and it kills things, all of which tend to be the traits of vehicles that earn the moniker "warthog." Based on the Gurkha military vehicle, the 10,000-pound, Ford F-350 Super Duty-based Knight XV is armored to an unspecified degree, but looks like it will stop more than a pea-shooter. It's got a 6.8-liter V10 that packs 400 hp and 500 lb-ft to keep you moving, and inboard ABS brakes to get you stopped. Those tires are 40-inchers wrapped around 20-inch aircraft-grade wheels. Oh, and it also runs on E85, which means it's more environmentally friendly than any other warthog. Except the hairy one.

SEMA 2008: The Batsmart

George Barris has officially gone batty. While he is one of the men generally acknowledged for creating the original Batmobile, he hasn't shown anything with those trademark wings since Joel Schumacher almost ruined the franchise. And then we passed this in the North Hall at SEMA today. Maybe it was Catwoman standing next to it, but the Batsmart instantly takes us back with those trademark high-mounted rear wings, a rear jet exhaust, roof-mounted flutes and vertical doors. We don't have many details, but we really don't need them. Just look at it – it's a smart fortwo wearing a Batmobile costume for Halloween!

Maybe gas has risen to $11 a gallon in Gotham and this is the best Bruce Wayne can do. Who knows? We've actually heard that 40 lucky Bat fans will be able to get their hands on one of these in the near future. The standard package won't include the roof flutes or rear chutes and exhaust, but they will be available options. Keep your eye on smart42parts.com website for updates. Meanwhile, we don't think our modern day Caped Crusader has any plans to replace his Tumbler with this toddler.

SEMA 2008: First tuned Mazda6 comes from Troy Lee Designs

The redesigned Mazda6 is hitting dealers as we speak, and the Japanese automaker turned to the famous vanguards of style at Troy Lee Designs to tweak one for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this year. TLD laid down the custom green paint job with help from L&G Enterprises and PPG for the paint itself, while Funktion USA added body mods like the carbon fiber splitter up front and rear wing. Lest you think this tuned Mazda6 is just a show stand prop, it's also been fitted with 18-inch black Momo Strike wheels, Hoosier tires (nice touch), a custom suspension by Eibach Springs and big brake kit by Wilwood with 6-piston clampers and cross-drilled rotors. There's no word on whether or not the TLD Mazda6 has any engine upgrades, but it's not like the stock 3.7L V6 is lacking Zoom-Zoom with its best-in-class 272 horsepower.

SEMA 2008: Mobil1 Porsche 996 Turbo

The 996 Porsche Turbo is old news, but that didn't stop Theory Communication and Design and iForged Wheels from whipping up a version that makes us quiver slightly, even though it's green. Artisan stuffed 650 horses under that rear wing with its turbo upgrade package, and the TechArt GT Street wide body rear kit has a beautiful carbon diffuser and ample ports for viewing the intercoolers. The car's speed is held in check by yellow Brembo calipers restrained behind iForged wheels, and your own speed will be held in check by the 5-point harness on the Porsche-logoed Sparco seats.

SEMA 2008: STS Twin Turbo C6 Corvette a matte monster

The Squires Turbo Systems twin-turbo C6 Z06 gives the former most-powerful Vette model a boost to 700 horsepower at a very reasonable 7 pounds of boost, which, depending on how sorted the Bilstein-shocked suspension is, could give it a good shot at sticking with a stock ZR-1. The most unique thing about this car is that STS mounts the turbos remotely, at the rear of the car. That placement keeps the engine bay freer and adds a host of technical perks like lower temps under the hood and cooler oil going to the turbo. And according to STS, some customers have even gotten better gas mileage. Strangely, though, for all of that new performance, the brakes look untouched.

SEMA 2008: VW Tiguan Performance Concept rocks the house CUV

The Volkswagen Tiguan, already a hot little CUV, added some bodywork and an APR turbo to go with its Super CC and Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept show car siblings, and then threw in a Rockford Fosgate system to raise the bar further. The little big guy wears fender flares connected by side steps and contrasting rocker panels. Inside is a two-tone leather job with some very attractive speaker enclosures in the doors. Under the hood goes APR's 3-stage turbo to boost output to 295 hp and 300 lb-ft. And out back: a 1,400-watt Rockford Fosgate system with dual 10-inchers taking up the rear floor. And as we learned at the press conference, you can play a guitar through the amp. Of course, you can't store anything back there, but this is SEMA, not a PTA meeting.

SEMA 2008: Galpin Accord Concept is loud outside and in

The Galpin Accord Concept is actually pretty tasteful for a Galpin Auto Sports vehicle, and even if the bright blue paint job doesn't get you more attention on the street than you can handle, the two tunnel-sized exhausts out back will do the trick. The carbon fiber roof and plinth for a rear wing will also get you all kinds of cred in certain parts of town. And while information is scarce, the Stoptech brakes up front will help you come back from the edge when the car's actual limits are exceeded. We don't what's hiding under that carbon fiber hood, but we'll take it on faith that the intercooler up front isn't just for show and that something turbo'd lies within. And then, because apparently racers can't hear the stereo when they're hard on the gas, the back seat has been replaced with a speaker array.

SEMA 2008: Yokohama tire dealers compete in blackjack tournament to win Superformance MkIII Cobra

While many tire manufacturers are cutting back at SEMA this year (come on Michelin, where's our supercar display?), others are pushing forward with new products and generating lots of excitement. Yokohama decided to try positive reinforcement with its dealers and set up a blackjack tournament for its top retailers with the grand prize being a brand new Superformance MkIII Cobra replica worth $70,000. The car comes complete with Yokohama S.drive tires, 245/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear as well as a Roush 327ci V8 with 425 horsepower. We didn't stay long enough to see who won the tournament, but we do know that at least one Yokohama tire dealer will leave Las Vegas very, very happy.

SEMA 2008: Cadillac-Powered VRS

As you can tell from our furious posting frequency, there's a lot of stuff at SEMA. Often, you encounter some well-publicized car and your reaction is "Oh... harumph." And then there are the sadly infrequent times when you make your way to the back of a ginormous hall and turn the corner to find a tiny booth holding one of those "Oh... wow..." treasures. That's what happened when we dropped by the Helios Coatings booth and discovered the Cadillac-powered VRS (V Sport Rod).

Probably everything on this car except the fuel filler cap is custom or has been customized. A how-low-can-you-go custom-designed fiberglass body wraps itself around a 6.0-liter, 400 hp Cadillac engine. The engine cover runs from that hot-rod nose all the way to the bulkhead and then continues in one sweep to form the center console. The console works much like your phone, going dark when not in use and lighting up again when you touch it. And yes, that's an iPhone slotted in there. And at the corners are 20-inchers up front and 22-inchers out back suspended by aircraft strut suspension arms and wearing six-pot calipers front and rear.

SEMA 2008: Scion concepts aplenty

This is Scion's fifth year as a SEMA attendee, and it's arguably their best. Being the younger, hipper, tunier Toyota it makes sense they show up here with six concepts to spark customers' imaginations. To that end, they've brought several fun and outrageous customs from designers such as Mark Arcenal, Eddie Hahm (above), Drag Cartel, John Pangilinan, Rogue Status, MV Designz, Raging Bull, Blaine Fontana, Kenton Parker, Jeff Soto, and Christian Rado.

There are three xBs, an xD and a few tCs in the official booth alone. Scion distributed three tCs to customizers for the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge, with the winner to be announced during SEMA. Our absolute favorite is the one done up by Eddie Hahm of "Fast Eddie's Garage" fame. He took it retro and created an homage to a time when hot rodding meant more than mounting dubs and a bodykit. Fatlace founder Mark Arcenal dreamt up a DTM racer, while John Pangilinan made an even more butch looking tC with his widebody design. Personally, we really enjoyed the most elaborately detailed model, the Ruthless Cartell xD with its completely chopped roof, but it's strictly for show. The trucklet xDt was pretty novel too. Check out the gallery and pick out your favorite.

First real world pics of Nissan 370Z surface

After a year of renderings, rumors and spy shots, Nissan finally provided an official glimpse of the new 370Z. Unfortunately, the only images released were a few computer-generated stills and a handful of screen captures from the next Need for Speed game. Now, we've gotten our hands on the first live pics of the Nissan 370Z, captured at an undisclosed event ahead of its reveal at the LA Auto Show later this month.

While the CG images give us a general idea of the shapes employed on the new Z, it's not until you lay eyes on a few live shots (or better yet, see it in person) to let the details sink in. The new head and taillight treatments are sure to be divisive, but the new 3.7-liter V6 – rumored to put out around 330 hp – can't be argued with.

[Source: 370Ztech.com]

SEMA 2008: The return of Ugliest. Mustang. Ever.

Many of you didn't even believe the car was real. For some reason the guys over at Rich Evans Designs were willing to once again face public humiliation and brought out what they call the "Hardcore Knight" Mustang to SEMA once again. We thought we noticed some differences, and looking back at the photos from last year, we can see they added a few extra spikes (for good measure) to the roof line and the mirrors. Everything else remains relatively the same, including the belief that they can actually sell versions of the car to the public. Rich Evan's web site claims that they will be producing 100 limited edition cars and up to 1000 of the 19-piece component kits to make your own. We wish him the best of luck.

Stop by AmericanMuscle.com and check out their large inventory of Mustang Chin Spoilers.

SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport"

Santa Ana-based MV Designz took Toyota's overtly practical RAV4 and kicked the majority of the 'ute's functionality out the hatch. With a custom wide body kit, front and rear fascias, LED headlamps, hood and panoramic glass roof, the RAV4 Performance Sport comes off as a prop reject from the stillborn Judge Dredd sequel, and the 22x9.5 (front) and 22x10 (rear) USW wheels and lowered suspension won't do it any dynamic favors. No word on engine mods outside of a new exhaust, but with the added aerodynamic drag and an interior stocked with Alpine goodies, we'd guess that the base V6 will have a hard time living up to Toyota's line about the RAV4 Performance Sport being "ready to set new speed records."

SEMA 2008: Ring Bros bring the goods once again with 1969 RAZOR Camaro

We first heard of the Ring Brothers back in 2006 when they brought their REACTOR Mustang to the ROUSH booth. That car was nothing less than stunning, and we've made sure to check out any of their custom creations since then. On display this year is the RAZOR Camaro that won the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year for 2008, making it the second year in a row that the Ring Brothers have earned the award. The RAZOR features numerous examples of the Ring Bro's custom billet components, a carbon fiber hood and rear deck lid, Budnik wheels, custom paintwork, and a GM ZL1 crate motor. Even if you're not a fan of the car or the styling, it's impossible to not appreciate the workmanship of the car.

SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

Lexus is really getting into this whole SEMA thing. Besides the IS F, plenty of which we'll be showing you shortly, there was this slick GS 460 done up by long-time Toyota collaborator Five Axis. The Project GS is Troy Sumitomo's follow-up to last year's sweet IS F. It features a Five Axis widebody conversion slathered in PPG custom formulated Satin Titanium Pearl paint with onyx and papaya accents, a custom fabricated exhaust with dual finishers by Five Axis, Five:AD ONYX 20-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan concept tires, sport shocks, performance lowering springs and a high-performance Big Brake Kit. While the front fascia is a bit too Mazda concept-ish, the overall look is slick and stealth. Matte finishes are probably just at the end of their useful lifespan, but these guys do it right.

SEMA 2008: Tetsu GTR needs to stay in Vegas

The Tetsu GTR is actually a perfect SEMA car. Rather than showing what people should do with their tunable treasures, it shows you what you could do (but shouldn't). Starting out with a perfectly capable and tasteful Bentley Continental GT, the ASI crew went berserk. It features a custom carbon fiber wide-body kit that makes the Continental GT look like a DTM art car, and that two-tone matte paint scheme with leaf graphics on the hood is definitely attention-getting. There's even a custom graphic on the 22-inch black wheels that matches the theme. Fortunately, only 29 Tetsu GTRs will be produced. Well, at least those owners can take solace in knowing their vehicles will be boosted to 800 horsepower. That guarantees at least half of them will end up damaged beyond repair within a week of ownership.

SEMA 2008: Subaru trots out Forester XTI concept and tweaked WRX

Even though our lust for Japan's forbidden fruit has been sated by three generations of the Subaru STI and Mitsubishi EVO – and now, the Nissan GT-R – one guilty pleasure is still out of reach. The Subaru Forester STI has always held a special place in our hearts, combining a healthy dose of practicality with a dash of rally-bred performance, and that's carried over to the Forester XTI concept. Packing the WRX STI's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder putting out 315 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, a cat-back exhaust, reworked suspension, STI wheels and a deep red/black paint job, the Forester XTI is begging to go into production. Here's hoping Subaru wises up and gives it the green light.



Joining the Forester on the show stand is a five-door 2009 WRX tweaked by Subaru Performance Tuning (left) with a cat-back exhaust, short-throw shifter, OZ Botticelli III 19-inch wheels, a lower chassis brace and strut tower brace. The 2.5-liter four has gotten a 10-hp boost in output (from 265 to 275 hp) and an additional seven lb-ft of torque, and sitting beside that guy is the STI that's making its big screen debut in the next installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

Latest 2010 Ford Mustang teaser gives up goods on interior

Ford has zoomed its camera lens out a bit to finally show us a view of the 2010 Mustang's entire interior. The Dearborn-based automaker appears to be modernizing its retro duds with the latest edition. There's plenty of genuine aluminum on the dash and black leather giving everything a suitably sporty appearance, though we'll withhold judgment until we actually feel the material quality with our own hands. The center stack looks to have some sort of LCD panel at the top with its controls grouped in a nice tight pattern below. We dig the pleated seats and triangular inner door panels along with the contrasting white stitching, as well. After this latest shot, we'd guess that the Blue Oval team will switch back to the exterior now that there isn't much left to see on the inside. There's just two more agonizing teaser shots left before the 2010 'Stang's official unveiling at the LA Auto Show in a little over 13 days, and we're looking forward to seeing it all in person and up close.

Stop by WheelHQ.com and check out their large inventory of GT500 Wheels.

[Source: Ford]

SEMA 2008: Dodge Rams its new truck down our throats

We noticed that the Chrysler Group is pretty excited about the Challenger after visiting the Mopar Underground display at SEMA this year. We are too, but it's not just Challengers on display in Vegas. There are also a handful of custom '09 Dodge Ram pickups here, as well. We previewed these four Ram truck concepts recently, all tuned by the automaker's in-house Mopar Underground division. Seeing the trucks in person gave us a better understanding and appreciation of each. Where we previously only had sketches and descriptions, now we have live shots and a sense of these pickups' grandeur.



The bright yellow Dodge Ram TRXtreme looks a little less aggressive than the official sketch, but more than capable of tackling the artificial dirt mound set up in the booth. The blue-with-black-stripes Dodge Ram R/T is based on the '09 Ram Sport and looks like a good hauler for a race-spec Challenger. Actually, it looks like it could keep up with a Challenger. The Ram Sportsman, meanwhile, was the one with the "blowing leaves" camouflage paint job, which was so effective that we couldn't find it anywhere in Dodge's display. Last, but definitely not least is the Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package (above). It features a special Mopar Underground body kit with side sill extensions and a chin spoiler, a slight drop in ride height, 22-inch Mopar wheels and a dual-snorkel hood. This 4-door street machine is the one we'd most like to park outside our garage.

SEMA 2008: Mopar Underground Challenger Targa and Blacktop

We hope you're loving the Dodge Challengers here at SEMA as much as we are. When you build a car that's a throwback to such an iconic vehicle, it's easy to anticipate that tuners will try to recreate every example that made the Challenger such a legend way back when. While some of the cars here are great examples of that spirit, these two official ones give us a more modern take on the theme. As we told you when we previewed them last week, the Challenger Targa was built to campaign in the Targa Newfoundland enduro race. It features a 540-hp HEMI V8 with 490 lb-ft of torque, a Tremec six-speed manual and a modified rear diff. It wears the same acid green paint you can order on the Viper and also features a KW race-ready suspension with massive Stop-Tech six-piston calipers and rotors. And it looks even better in person than official photos released last week.

The other interpretation here is the Challenger Blacktop. It retains the stock car's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and uses the six-speed manual gearbox. Most of the modifications focus on style, including the black-on-black racing stripe paint scheme, custom spoilers and front brow. A Mopar coilover kit drops the Blacktop over a set of 22-inch Viper wheels created by Factory Reproductions and wrapped in 265/35/R22 (front) and 305/30/R22 (rear) Dunlop rubber. A Mopar cat-back exhaust and cold air intake are the only modifications to the engine. This car looks just about perfect, but we might opt for some mechanical mods from the Targa to make it move like its looks suggest.

VIDEO: Enzo, MC12, Carrera GT and Zonda at the 'Ring

If you liked Motor Trend's drag race between the Corvette ZR-1, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche 911 GT2 and Nissan GT-R, you're going to love this. Because while MT's roster included some mouthwatering supercars, this video has got the top level of discontinued exotic machinery – Ferrari Enzo, Maserati MC12 and Porsche Carrera GT – all lining up to take their shots at the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, a track-bound supercar so exclusive we might as well call it discontinued too. Each one of these supercars is worth as much as all of the aforementioned Motor Trend machinery combined. And where did this multi-million-dollar road show head to stretch their legs? The Nurburgring, of course. (You didn't think they were going to autocross them around some pylons in a parking lot, did you?) Follow the jump to check out the video, which may be in German but if you know how to say Blitzschnell you'll have no trouble understanding the international language of speed.

[Source: AutoBild.tv via eurocarblog]

SEMA: Save us Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle!

Leave the Saint Bernards at home, honey, we've got something better. The Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle was made for the National Ski Patrol -- an organization we had never heard of until we saw this truck. On its tiptoes it has 14 inches of clearance, and the staid passenger car driving compartment is balanced by the diamond plate floor and steel walls in the rear. Its got more flashing lights than K-Mart, and a 9,500-pound winch in case you need to rescue snowcats. And apparently, when ski time is over, you can hop in the toboggan that's mounted on the roof.

SEMA 2008: Gallardo GTR ready to take on SCCA World Challenge

Lamborghini doesn't exactly have a storied history in motorsports, but that doesn't mean its current lineup doesn't offer a suitable platform to go racing. DP7 Racing has selected the Gallardo GTR to compete in the SCCA World Challenge next year, and they came out to SEMA to show off their newly finished racecar that will take on the likes of Porsches, Corvettes, and Vipers in the GT class. The GTR received the full racecar makeover including a widened carbon fiber body, front splitter and rear diffuser, fully adjustable suspension, Hollinger sequential 6-speed transmission, and CCW aluminum racing wheels. The 5.0L V10 is now producing 570 bhp and 450 lb-ft torque thanks in part to a set of Hedman headers and a Motec engine management system.

SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept

The year's SEMA is as much about economical performance as it is about out-and-out performance. VW threw its hat Passat CC in the latter ring with the Super CC Performance Concept, created by the VW Design Center with the aid of APR, Recaro, H&R, and Brembo. The Super CC gets a grey pearl coat and blacked-out chrome, and pinstripe graphics from the hood to the rear spoiler that actually looks tasty in person.

Under the hood is the 2.0-liter TSI with a 3-stage APR turbo delivering Eco Mode (222 hp, 236 lb-ft.), GT Mode (252 hp, 268 lb-ft.) and Full Power Mode (311 hp, 313 lb-ft.). In Eco Mode, the car still get 33 mpg on the autoroute and 27 in the city. Inside, you sit on black Recaros with white piping. The car sits on wheels we're going to call Walter Paytons, because they are pure sweetness. Hiding behind those wheels are white Brembo calipers that will be torturous to keep clean, but they'll look the business after a wash. And those door handles, mounted low on the door of a dropped car, come up to our knees.

SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept so close to production

The Jetta TDI Cup Series did so well this year that Volkswagen is expanding the series from eight to ten races next year. And now non-racers may have a chance to live the diesel racing dream, and if they do, it will look very similar to the Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today. The diesel-powered sport sedan gets upgraded sway bars and brakes from the Euro-spec Jetta GLI and a "European sport-tuned suspension", along with some cosmetic enhancements like a three-spoke steering wheel, sill plates, and Interlagos sport seats. This is one of those, "If we get the right response we'll might make it" deals, but VW is so open to producing this sport version of the Jetta TDI that it even has a price point already established: under $30,000.

SEMA 2008: Chip Foose unveils his latest creation, the Terracuda

Only Chip Foose could make brown look so good. The story goes that one of his customers brought in a Breitling watch and asked Chip to make his car the same color. This was the result, a 1970 Plymouth Barrauda painted in Terracuda Brown with California Gold stripes, both of which are part of Foose's new line of paints developed with BASF. The Terracuda is much more than just the paint, however, and is up to the high standard that is common among all Foose vehicles. The unibody of the original car was removed and replaced with a custom frame designed by Chip and built by Art Carr, and every panel of the car has been changed in some way. The front axle has been moved forward three inches to create less of an overhang, and the rear bumper has been cut down and tucked in. Under the hood is Mopar's 392ci crate engine that is mated to a Tremec 5-speed transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end. The interior is completely custom as well, with Ferrari leather covering carbon fiber seats. Last of all, a set of Foose-designed wheels were added and painted to match the rest of the car.

SEMA 2008: Take a stroll down Mopar Alley

Every year at SEMA we make sure to stop by Mopar Alley where Chrysler brings out some of its more historically significant vehicles. The Challenger was highlighted and everything from a 1971 Prostock Hemi to the current 2009 R/T were on display. There was even a 1970 Dodge Challenger that was one of five used in the movie Vanishing Point and this particular one was used as the main stunt vehicle. There were some pretty cool Mopar trucks as well, including a 1946 Dodge Power Wagon, the 1979 Dodge Lil Red Express, and a 1989 Jeep Cherokee Sport. We especially loved the 1986 Dodge Ram Baja that was raced in Mexico in 1987.

SEMA 2008: Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept gets rave reviews on show floor

We couldn't help but listen to the comments of other onlookers as we closely inspected the G8 GXP Street Concept in the G8 booth. Every reaction was overwhelmingly positive, from the overall design to the motor. After all, what's not to like? For starters, the standard 6.2L V8 has been replaced with an LSX454 crate motor that uses the LSX Bowtie block, six-bolt LSX cylinder heads and a forged rotating assembly. In total, the 7.4L V8 pushes out a massive 638 horsepower and 600 lb-ft torque that's directed through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The exterior gets a makeover with new front and rear fascias, rocker panels, custom upper and lower grilles and black chrome trim. Inside, the G8 GXP Street Concept also gets custom leather trimmed seats, a new gauge cluster and more black chrome. Yeah, it's basically a four-door ZR1.

Viper still selling like hotcakes, ACR sold out

Chrysler may be burning to the ground like ancient Rome, but its craziest citizen, the Dodge Viper, is out dancing in the streets. Because even while General Motors prepares to ransack Chrysler LLC, the Viper sales are continuing undeterred. Although Chrysler sales overall are reportedly down a whopping 32%, Dodge continues to produce and sell Vipers at a rate of 100 units per month. Not just that, but the Viper ACR – the $105k track-prepped super-snake – is all but entirely sold out... not in spite of the poor economy, but because of it. Chrysler reports that with stock portfolios rapidly losing their value and dollar values plummeting, investors are seeing the Viper ACR – potentially to be discontinued and retaining a high resale value – as a sound investment opportunity. With smile inducing dividends, too.

While GM and Cerberus talk take-over turkey, the fiscal viability of the Viper unit is bound to make it an attractive asset for any number of buyers. So while Chrysler may be counting its days, the Viper is likely to live on for some time yet.

[Source: Inside Line]

SEMA 2008: Group Five Limited twin-turbo G5/R Challenger

Another hot Challenger that caught our eye here is this Group Five twin-turbo G5/R. Although it's hard to appreciate fully on its tilted stand, the car looks incredible in the twin-tone silver and black. From what they tell us, the G5/R package is completely custom, designed "for the true race enthusiast." Group Five is the same team who put together the Challenger Speedster and sells a variety of enhancement packages for Challengers including options like custom fascias, grilles, spoilers, Eibach lowering springs, custom Katzkin Interiors, cold air induction kits, Kooks headers with Corsa cat-back tuned exhaust systems, chip upgrades, Team Performance Products twin turbos and other custom engine packages. Team Performance was actually the group who supplied the car and allowed Group Five to finish in time for the show.

Lewis Hamilton will get a McLaren F1 LM; if he’ll win 2 more titles

It seems that you can put a price on winning three world champion titles. If Lewis Hamilton wins two more world championships , he’ll get his hands on a $8 million supercar. Hamilton’s boss and McLaren CEO Ron Dennis made a deal with F1’s youngest champ that will give Hamilton a ultra-rare McLaren F1 LM supercar. Hamilton told reporters in Sao Paulo on Monday morning that he will be handed the keys with his third drivers’ championship. "We made a deal, three world championships. I will definitely work as hard as I can to get to number three," he said.

The F1 LM is one of the rarest cars in the world. There were only 5 copies made, and the one in question is currently parked in the McLaren racing team’s garage.

[Source:Fi Live]