Photo Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Powered by a momentous 356cc two-stroke, two-cylinder, air-cooled engine belting out a prodigious 25 HP and 25.3 lb-ft of torque (the 0.3 is important, it's 1.1% of total torque) hooked up to a four speed manual and delivering acceleration best described as suicidal, all while returning a hybrid-embarrassing 66 MPG. This one's outfitted for parts running for Las Vegas-area Subaru's in-house performance shop, where the motto is "Fast Parts, Slow Delivery." We like this very much.

How can we say such a thing? Well, for starters these aren't Hoverounds SEMA-goers brought with them — these are Hoverounds they rented at SEMA. Seriously folks, this is why you're fat.

The 1984 Mugen prototype was packed with go-fast gear including the company's own engine and exhaust tweaks, revised suspension, and a clutch-type LSD. Additionally, the still-handsome body was given a body kit that enhanced the little hatch's profile as well as high-speed stability.

Now compare that to the Honda Fit with Mugen accessories and Honda Accord with Mugan accesories. There are plenty of dealer-installed custom floormats, gear shift knobs, and unappealing fascias and spoilers. What's lacking? Anything to make these two vehicles go considerably faster or drive any better.

"A Hybrid?" I hear you say, "That can't be badass." Well, the military is less concerned about scoring some sweet eco-chick tail and more worried about the amount of gas it uses in remote operating theaters. Not because it can't afford to pay for fill-ups, but because refueling in a war zone can be a tactical nightmare. Thanks to the diesel/electric hybrid, the JAMMA makes 398lb/ft of torque at just 1,800 RPM and can travel up to 450 miles on the ground to teach terrorists a lesson thanks to a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. The odd proportions aren't just designed to squeeze into an Osprey, but also to allow a 360-degree field of fire for the bed-mounted machine guns.

A visionary project dating back to 2005, the TAC-V Joint All-Terrain Modular Mobility Asset (JAMMA) family of vehicles has been developed to be a genuine technology leap over existing military armored all-terrain vehicles in performance, modular functionality and overall capabilities.

The TAC-V JAMMA V-22 ITV variant, the foundation cornerstone of the JAMMA family of vehicles, has been built to satisfy the requirements of special operations user groups. Engineered with the multi-mission, multi-functional V-22 Osprey in mind, the JAMMA V-22 ITV variant is the only armor ready, four occupant, hybrid, high performance off road vehicle in existence that is capable of being internally transported inside that aircraft.

In addition to a multitude of vehicle configurations available in the 60" wide V-22 ITV variant, an 80" wide, extreme off-road performance suspension is available on the same core vehicle, which maximizes the internal cargo space of the H-53 and H-47 aircraft. This wider suspension variant - the JAMMA RECONDO variant - has greatly enhanced off-road performance and load carrying capabilities. The overall functionality, frontline deliverability and performance capabilities of these two variations of the same core JAMMA vehicle greatly surpass any existing vehicle in this size and class.

Some of the unique features of the JAMMA family of vehicles include an armor attachment system that allows threat specific armor to be easily and readily attached to or removed from the vehicle in virtually any environment; stadium seating that allows the driver to be comprehensively armored while also preventing the driver from blocking the fire arcs of the other vehicle occupants; and, optimized occupant roll-over protection with full fields of fire on the move.

In addition to all of its other beneficial attributes, the TAC-V JAMMA V-22 ITV variant is available with a diesel/JP8 engine, or, with a state of the art hybrid driveline that optimizes the vehicle's efficiency and generates 25kW continuous exportable power.

* Width: 60 in. (basic V-22 variant)
* Height: 60 in. (basic V-22 variant)
* Gross Vehicle Weight: 7,500
* Payload: 3,000
* Engine: 6 cyl. Turbo Diesel, Hybrid Electric Motor
* Horsepower: 214 (Diesel), 100 (Hybrid-Electric)
* Torque: 398 lb. ft. @ 1800 RPM
* Drivetrain: 4 wheel drive
* Exportable Power Capacity: 25kW
* Miles per gallon: 21 (targeted across all drive circles)
* Max Road Range (Miles): 450
* Sustainable Highway Speed at GVW: 90 mph
* Operational elevation before performance degradation: Up to 10,000 ft. ASL
* Operational Ambient Temperature range: -30 deg F to 135 deg F

Ringbrothers has been building a lot of stunners lately, and this one might be their finest yet. It eschews virtually every moribund trend on the hot-rodding scene right now and goes its own way. It pays no respect to tradition, which is sometimes refreshing. The '64 Fairlane wears carbon fiber fenders, hood, front and rear bumper, and deck lid spoiler, it also accentuates the now-matte factory chrome faux side intakes with carbon fiber extensions. Inside the entire car is remanufactured to bring it into the modern age, with machined aluminum brackets, tasteful canvas fabrics and a retromodern gauge panel that looks like it came from an automotive design student's wildest fantasies. Where things get really ridiculous is under the hood. Check out the Roush 427 IR motor topped with velocity stacks nestled into an engine bay braced with machined tower and cross-car braces. We're falling all over ourselves at the little details — the matte finish on what used to be chrome, the beautifully reworked steering wheel, the Baer brakes behind three piece wheels... it's a thing of beauty. Bravo gentlemen, bravo.

Check out the build gallery on their website at Ringbrothers

[Trickplate]

Mobsteel took the SHO and added its trademark mobster style with custom front and rear fascias, black-out grille, restyled fender chrome (it's not a side vent, let's not pretend here) and rear bumper trim. Of course, the whole car gets a heavy coat of black. Running gear includes a set of huge 380mm cross-drilled and vented Brembos, Air Runner front and rear air system with custom Mobsteel bags in the back, 22 inch wheels on Pirelli tires turned by a 400 HP tuned 3.5-liter twin turbocharged Ecoboost V6 breathing through a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust.

It's hard to judge any bagged car when it's layin' frame, right now it looks a little goofy with those huge wheels tucked up under the fenders. Considering we've loved everything Mobsteel's ever made, we want to see this car out in the wilds before passing final judgment.

Yes, you read that right, both bodies are heavier than the currently offered versions, thus negating any actual benefit gained by the effort of carbon fiber and negating the entire exercise to one of obnoxious indulgence. We knew SEMA would eventually show its true form.

Thanks to that wing, the Chris Rado Scion tC holds a handful of front-wheel drive track records, most importantly at Willow Springs, where it managed a 1:22.623 time.

Yes, a Toyota Venza with a built-in shower for post-surf rinsing and a TRD brake kit is distinguished not by the seats made of wet-suit material or the built-in WiFi (seen it, done it). Custom headliners aren't completely new, as anyone who has traveled in the back of a stretch Hummer can tell you, but this one may start a new era of tackiness in mainstream custom vehicles.

We spoke with Resilient Tech's Vice Pres of Business Affairs Edward Hall, who filled us in on this interesting new product. The US military Humvees currently operate with a pneumatic tire with a run-flat donut insert. After a "ballistic event" where pressure is lost, the trucks can limp away at 30 MPH for up to 30 miles. The Resilient Technologies NPT is designed to operate at full capacity after an event with no limit to top speed or range.

The honeycomb-shaped wheel with rubber tread are comparable in weight to the current wheel/tire combo installed on Humvees but have a 100,000 mile service life with the option of retreading at the end and are essentially blast proof. The company is currently developing and testing the units with prototype delivery to military testing officials planned for December 2011 with intent is to bid on a big fat juicy contract and ramp up production. In addition to being safer for soldiers with a longer service life, as you can see if you're able to look past the booth professional annoyingly getting in the picture, they also look pretty cool.

Not only is this Miata equipped with a turbocharged rotary mill (Renesis we're told, but we couldn't get the hood up to confirm) but it also has a beautiful carbon fiber fastback kit along with a questionably necessary widebody setup and wing. Looks cool if you're into that kind of thing. We just want some turbocharged rotary wickedness in Miata action.

The strut holding up the hood? It's carbon fiber. Correct. Carbon fiber. How cool is that?

In fact, the more we look at the LFA, the more we gain a little insight into why it took Toyota so long to develop it. Some would call it overkill, but there are a limited number of ways to get someone to pay $400K for a Toyota. Anyone else think the intake looks like the Predators head?

So what do you get for $80 to $85K? Well, for starters you get a supercharger atop the big LS engine under a newly-crafted hood, a shaker scoop atop that and a killer graphic package. You'll also get a 1"-4" lowering kit with sway bar and some Pirelli Pzero's with Gold or Silver machined face snowflake wheels — complete with Phoenix T/A logo. Skraw!

Other exterior embellishments include the fender extractors, an exhaust conversion with splitter tips, a rear fascia clip with tail lamp lenses and bulbs and oh, yes, the sweet rear spoiler.

On the inside, an embroidered head rest and console lid, turned aluminum door panels and inserts along with a matching instrument cluster trim. Combine that with a hurst shifter and a real Pontiac steering wheel and you've got yourself one screamin' Trans Am. Want one? Head over to the folks at TransAmDepot.

The Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis RMR460 isn't just a hack-job to get the Genesis Sedan engine into the Genesis coupe. The engine gets upgraded internals including JE pistons and eight individual throttle bodies to push out 500 HP, it's got a fully re-engineered suspension, a five-speed sequential transmission form Mendeola, carbon rear hatch and spoiler, 20" wheels and Toyo tires, and a top speed of 182 mph! Since Millen is kinda known as a drift racer, we suspect it'll be no time before we see this thing dancing an automotive ballet around a wicked gymkhana course.

This little coupe might look old, but it's an all-new car, with a new old stock body, new suspension and interior bits. What's most intriguing is what's going on under the skin though. Up front is the first front-to-back application of Ford's EcoBoost engine lineup. It's a 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost unit developing 400 HP, 400 lb-ft of torque and, here's the tricky part, mated to an engine plate adapter and then hooked to a Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission. Very nice. We're thinking those little goodies need to make it into the Ford Racing catalog pronto. Detroit Street Rods did a fine job putting this little gem together.

There's also this awesome video to see it in action as it doesn't so much drift around the snow drifts as it plows through them.

Tailgating credentials:

• Slide-out cargo box
• Grill N Chill cooking space
• Infrared barbecue
• "Beverage" tap
• 42-inch flat- panel TV
• Complete sound system

All that's great, but really, we're still fixated on those ridiculous door handle appliques. For further details head over to PickupTrucks.com.

[Toyota PR TwitPic]

After hacking the little trucklet into existence, Leung also massaged the engine with upgraded valves, valve springs, new cam, a port and polish on the head, performance header, new clutch and nitrous system. It debuts on the floor at SEMA this week. [TruckTrend via PickupTrucks.com]

Don't get us wrong, it's not weak-ass in power output, rather it's weak-ass that by putting a 550 HP LS crate supercharged engine under the hood, there's not a chance in hell it'll ever be built. And that's just sad because it'd be cool as hell to see a Raptor vs. Dodge Power Wagon vs. Silverado ZR2 match-up. Ah well, a man can dream, can't he?

Full release below:

Silverado ZR2 concept
At a glance, it's clear the Silverado ZR2 concept wasn't designed to haul flowers back from the nursery. With its widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine, it is ready to hit the berms, dry washes and gullies of the Baja Peninsula.

The Silverado ZR2 is based on an extended cab/short box body. The custom bodywork includes carbon fiber fender flares that stretch outward to cover the 35-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and widened stance. Much of the truck's body is made of carbon fiber, including the front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the past.

The pickup box, which is protected with a spray-on liner, features a unique locking storage system mounted to the extruded aluminum Cargo Management System rails from Chevy Accessories.

Many of the carbon fiber parts, including the hood, are clear-coated, rather than painted, to show off the intricate weave pattern of the high-tech, lightweight material. The parts that aren't clear carbon fiber are painted Dune Metallic, a color that blends with the desert terrain. A large, more prominent grille is also part of the package and is a vision of what designers would like to see in a production or accessory part. It is very functional, feeding cool air to the 550-horsepower LS supercharged crate engine from GM Performance Parts.

The combination of 20-inch BBS RD wheels – reminiscent of historic Chevy truck wheel – and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires connect to the chassis via BDS shocks and a four-inch lift kit to help negotiate those desert trails. The new front fascia dramatically improves approach angle and skid plates protect the chassis.

The interior features more carbon fiber details on the dash, along with black leather and suede-trimmed seats with contrasting stitching to those trail runs more comfortable.

"There's more to this concept than meets the eye," said Dewar. "Some of the components are being explored for possible inclusion in upcoming models."

There aren't any official images of the Raptor XT but there don't really need to be — just take the Raptor R that ran the SCORE Baja 1000 last year and add an interior and glass and you have the Raptor XT. We're not kidding. The Raptor XT comes equipped with a whole host of very serious off-road racing upgrades over the already crazy-capable Raptor. Let's just run down the list:

• 500 HP version of Ford's new 6.2 liter V8
• Full 4130 chromoly roll cage
• Coilover four-link rear suspension with 18" of wheel travel
• Fox Racing tuned front suspension with 15" of travel
• 37" BFG Baja T/A tires with bead locks
• Tubular bumpers
• Auxilary light bar
• Front locking differential in addition to the standard rear locker
• Factory five point harnesses and racing seats

Now the bad news. They're off-road only — no VIN number and no chance to get one. Ford's only going to build a total of 50 of these monsters and finally, they're selling them at a monstrous $99,950. That's a $100k pick-em-up truck. Sure, it's probably cheaper than you can build a fer-real Baja runner, but those two figures together place the Raptor XT into the realm of supermodels and movie stars; It's beautiful to look at, and you can't help but imagine how it performs, but it's not within the realm of possibility to have for yourself.

The latest Cobra Jet maintains the theme of all CJ's in the past — a factory chassis stripped of all non-essentials and outfitted with all the goodies drag racers want to go fast in a straight line. For 2010, Ford's taken things to a whole new level, making the Cobra Jet Mustang so good they're envisioning customers who buy the car and don't have to waste time replacing bits before taking runs down the strip.

What we're looking at here is the "Super" Cobra Jet, the top-of-the-line model with all options and the goodies, this one's even painted a special silver for SEMA, all others will be the traditional white. It's equipped with a 5.4 liter V8 with a 4.0-liter Whipple supercharger with headers, adjustable front and rear shocks, manual steering and an NHRA certified roll cage, competition shifter with trans brake, Hoosier drag radials on Weld wheels, a rear mounted battery and fuel cell, as well as a cut-off switch.

Those things are pretty normal for any drag racer, but the stuff making this factory runner a unique proposition is a little more thoughtful. Instead of just reusing the standard Mustang wiring loom, the CJ's is unique, which affords the Ford Racing guys some unique opportunities. Since there are no airbags in the car, they relocated all the fuses to the glovebox area, which has an easily removable upper cover. Also hidden in there is a computer hookup for convenient data recovery and diagnostics, which is pretty cool on it's own. The IP is otherwise fully instrumented with a lovely row of toggle switches in front of the performance shifter and transmission brake. You'll notice the hand brake lever is missing because that whole system is superfluous.

Speaking of brakes, the Cobra Jet is equipped with manual brakes because most racers prefer them to vacuum boosted brakes, and you can forget about traction control and ABS for that matter — this car doesn't even have side mirrors. This model is again, the top of the line, and will run in Superstock A and B Auto, but there will be other flavors available with different engines, options and race gadgets. Having been bathed in the tire smoke of this fine automobile in the Ford Racing shop's parking lot, we can attest to both the noise and fury of this latest iteration. We at admit to having gone a little weak in the knees a the sound of that big mill at full chat.

What better way to make arguably the most belligerently awesome pickup truck ever built even better than to add a stonking 91 HP to the bottom line?

The power figures for the Raptor's new heart apply only to this truck and are still missing for the standard F-Series lineup, but for this guise it'll do 411 HP @ 5,500 RPM and 434 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. That additional grunt is good for an acceleration kick too, getting the truck from 0-60 MPH 1.5 seconds quicker than the standard truck. The upgrade over the 5.4 liter will cost buyers a very reasonable $3,000 and the order books for the truck open up in December and we're betting dealers are foaming at the mouth. At the moment, there are about 3,000 standing orders with 600 trucks sold and only a 16 day turn on dealer lots, with plenty of indication those orders will be updated for the stronger mill. Astounding figures when the full-size truck market is less than half the 2.5 million annual sales from 2007. Of course, the Raptor is as much for full-size truck stuff as an Impala is for NASCAR racing.

The concept's a joint venture between Toyota and Microsoft Xbox. "We've taken the idea of what would it be like to take an off-road vehicle and still be able to play your favorite video games in remote locations," said David Williams, a Toyota marketing planner.

The Tacoma ATG (TACO ATG for short — and on the license plate) starts with a stock double cab pickup with a 6-foot bed, removes the B-pillars and welds the front and rear doors together to create giant gull-wing doors on both sides of the pickup, creating a "patio-like" shelter for gamers.

Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com has more to say:

"The driver and front passenger seats fold out and back, lining up next to the rear seats, so that four players can compete head-to-head in Microsoft's new Halo ODST multiplayer videogame for the Xbox. Four Samsung 24-inch LCD displays are stowed in the center of the cabin and swing out to give each player their own view of the gaming action.

Spectators can watch the action via a 60-inch Sharp LCD television mounted in the Tacoma's trailer receiver hitch."

But in our minds the best part is the license plate holder. It says "My other car is a Warthog." It's a nice touch...for a completely silly concept truck.

HUMMER FOCUSES ON OUTDOOR RECREATION AND OFF-ROAD RACING AT THE 2009 SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS - With a renewed focus on recreation and off-road racing performance, HUMMER comes to Las Vegas and the 2009 SEMA Show with a group of four special trucks and SUVs demonstrating the purpose-built nature of HUMMER vehicles.

HUMMER introduces two concepts, the H3 Moab, outfitted with a host of off-road performance accessories inspired by its namesake, and the H3T Sportsman - a proposal for the ultimate outdoorsman's truck. In addition, Rod Hall Racing's two-time Baja 1000 full stock-class winning H3 Alpha and Robby Gordon Off-Road's Dakar-proven HUMMER round-out HUMMER's 2009 SEMA Show display.

"HUMMER is refocusing on what made the brand successful, which is building rugged, all-terrain vehicles with capabilities that meet the needs of our customers," said James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. "These concepts not only highlight the off-road performance technology built into our models from the factory, they are inspiration for enthusiasts who want to express themselves via their H3 or H3T."

While none of these specialized HUMMERs are currently targeted for production, they incorporate Genuine HUMMER Accessories and other aftermarket parts available today, allowing owners and enthusiasts to replicate much the concept vehicles' enhanced capability and performance.

H3 Moab

HUMMER is the ultimate vehicle for the independent spirit, and the H3 Moab is no exception. Inspired by trails like Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder, the H3 Moab pays homage to one of the world's greatest landscapes and off-road enthusiasts' playground.

Beginning with the solid off-road foundation of a 300-horsepower, V8-powered H3 Alpha with factory-installed front- and rear- locking differentials, the H3 Moab features a combination of production equipment, available aftermarket components and specialized modifications.

At the heart of the H3 Moab's design is the combination of a Rancho four-inch front suspension lift and a custom rear spring-over conversion inspired by current HUMMER engineering test vehicles. The suspension modifications are supported by Rancho shocks and sure-footed performance is provided by its 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires mounted on custom 17-inch 2-piece Monster Black Competition Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.

The H3's standard underbody protection has been augmented with additional custom shielding and a HUMMER Genuine Accessory brushguard and rocker protection provide the Canyon Metallic exterior paint with defense against the elements. Mounted atop the H3 is a Gobi Ranger roof basket to increase cargo carrying capacity for long overland journeys. The H3 Moab also features HUMMER Genuine Accessory lower grille mounted lamps and six Delta Xenon roof basket-mounted off-road lamps to provide lighting in all conditions.

Rounding out the exterior enhancements are a Predator Motorsports H3 winch mount system with a Warn XD9000 winch and Viking Off-Road synthetic winchline to deliver an integrated recovery solution for any situation encountered on the trail.

Functional additions to the H3 Moab continue into the vehicle's interior with the addition of custom all-weather flooring, HUMMER Genuine Accessory all-weather floor mats and cargo area mat. To aid in trail visibility, front- and rear-facing cameras have been integrated into the vehicle bumpers and display the terrain fore and aft on the navigation radio screen. Integrated into the rear cargo area of the vehicle is a Warn Air-Power SPI, ideal for airing-up tires for the trip home after a long weekend on the trail.

Restoration for Recreation

HUMMER engineers have used the natural proving grounds surrounding Moab, UT since the introduction of HUMMER vehicles. As such, the brand and its owners have been an ongoing partner of Tread Lightly to promote responsible recreation to ensure open access for future generations. To continue this relationship and in conjunction with the introduction of the H3 Moab, HUMMER will make a donation to Tread Lightly for every photo of HUMMER vehicles in Moab posted to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hummer. These funds will be directed towards projects in Moab under the Tread Lightly Restoration for Recreation grant program.

H3T Sportsman

The H3T Sportsman concept demonstrates the ideal midsize truck for the outdoor enthusiast whose weekends are spent in the field or stream. HUMMER designers enhanced the H3T Alpha's inherent functionality with a combination of powertrain modifications, suspension enhancements and a balanced selection of Genuine HUMMER Accessories and aftermarket components.

Starting with a new H3T Alpha, engineers added nearly 70 horsepower to its 5.3L V-8 via components available in the aftermarket. They include LS2 cylinder heads, a higher-lift camshaft and supporting components. Also enhancing performance is a custom, 3.5-inch exhaust system.

Taking a note from playbook of the HUMMER stock-class race program, the H3T rides on 35-inch-tall BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires mounted on HUMMER Accessory 20-inch wheels. The concept also uses racing-proven stock and aftermarket suspension components, including Light Racing JounceShocks and 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks. The modified suspension improves the H3T's inherent off-road capability for traversing all forms of terrain.

To enhance the storage flexibility of the H3T's 5-foot bed and standard bed-rail system, the Sportsman includes right- and left- side lockable storage boxes from HUMMER Genuine Accessories, perfect for securing valuable hunting and fishing gear.

Additionally, the Wildrye Matte custom paint is highlighted by functional HUMMER accessories, including grille-mounted and custom low-profile front- and rear-facing roof-rail mounted Delta off-road lamps, a body-color upper grille and a matte finish fuel door.

A Predator Motorsports H3 winch mount system with a Warn XD9000 winch and Viking Off-Road synthetic winchline and Expert Recovery Kit provide the necessary recovery tools for any situation. On the interior, added HUMMER Genuine Accessories all-weather floor mats and seat covers protect the crew cab's interior from elements.

Robby Gordon Off-Road Dakar HUMMER

HUMMER and Robby Gordon Off-road have joined together again to take on the 2010 Dakar Rally, widely considered to be the most grueling off-road race in the world due to its brutal terrain and extreme environmental conditions. Gordon will lead Team HUMMER from behind the wheel of his HUMMER H3 race truck.

Gordon was the first American to win a stage at Dakar, and he has been passionate about the program ever since. Since forming the relationship and building his Dakar HUMMER for the 2006 Rally, Gordon and Team HUMMER have proven a formidable Dakar challenger. In 2007, he finished first in the OP class and 8th overall. In 2008, Gordon's elite off-road team entered two Robby Gordon Off-Road HUMMERS in the Central Europe Rally. Gordon won two stages and finished tenth overall while the second HUMMER piloted by BJ Baldwin went on to finish seventh overall. Gordon finished the 2009 Dakar Rally in third place overall, an impressive feat in the highly competitive rally race.

Gordon's H3 consists of a custom HUMMER body paired with a specially developed chassis featuring a suspension designed by him and his Off-Road team. The H3 is a tube-chassis vehicle similar to Trophy Trucks raced in the famed Baja 1000, except that it has a fully enclosed air-conditioned cockpit, including windshield and side windows. It is powered by a production-based General Motors V8 engine.

Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha

The Rod Hall Racing HUMMER H3 Alpha represents the ultimate HUMMER stock-class desert racing machine. Piloted by Chad Hall, the H3 Alpha prepares to enter the 2009 SCORE International Baja 1000 in the hyper-competitive full-size stock class. The H3 Alpha was the first stock class vehicle to finish in the 2007 and 2008 Baja 1000 and 2008 Baja 500.

In addition to entering the H3 Alpha in the 2009 Baja 1000, team founder and namesake, Rod Hall will enter his mid-size stock H3. Rod will partner with his eldest son and 2007 Baja 1000 mini-stock class winner Josh Hall.

Rod Hall Racing Team HUMMER competes in the stock class, which features production-based vehicles with stock frames, stock suspension designs and production-based engines. The Team HUMMER H3 Alpha and H3 were built by HUMMER engineers at the Desert Proving Grounds in Arizona. Engineering participation in racing has resulted in various improvements to production components, including suspension bushings, exhaust systems, and wiring harness routing and configuration

Team HUMMER won every stock class season championship in the Best in the Desert and SCORE International racing series in 2008.

So it doesn't have the ridiculous carbon fiber body, but that's okay. It does have performance shocks, 1.5" lower suspension, stiffer rear anti-roll bar, cross-drilled brake rotors, a 9 HP bump from a Ford Racing K&N intake and freer-flowing exhaust and performance Falken tires on fancy wheels. You also get a pretty cool chin spoiler, paint and rear spoiler. The package will be available as a dealer installed option and will most certainly not come close to the RTR-C's $135,000 asking price. [Mustang RTR, Speed Hunters]

The car was built by Autosport Dynamics (ASD) in Charlotte, NC and aside from the crazy dry carbon fiber body, it also features goodies like in-car adjustable shocks, and carbon fiber HRE wheels. If you're interested in some serious weight savings in a Mustang, get your wallet ready cause the ten available for public consumption will cost $135,000. These are just teaser images now, but we'll try to take a look when it debuts this week at SEMA. [Mustang RTR-C, Speedhunters]

CarandDriver has the full scoop and a whole messload of photos above and beyond these couple live shots here. We'll get a more detailed look ourselves when we head to SEMA tomorrow.:

Given the company's penchant for pumping up horsepower, of course Lingenfelter would rework the engine, too. Under the striped hood-there's no huge screaming chicken as of now-sits an aluminum 455-cubic-inch (7.5-liter) V-8 block with a lofty 11.5:1 compression ratio, ported-and-polished Lingenfelter heads from the Corvette Z06's LS7, a forged crankshaft, and high-flow intake. The custom stainless-steel exhaust comes courtesy of Corsa. Power output is quoted at 655 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, up significantly from the 426 hp of a stock manual Camaro SS. Also present are a new twin-disc clutch and flywheel assembly and tougher rear half-shafts to withstand the extra grunt. Handling alterations are limited to the addition of Nitto tires.

[CarandDriver]

Click on the photos to learn more about the individual models.

Westside Auto Group Kizashi Soleil
Integrating vintage European elegance with the high-performance DNA of Suzuki's Hayabusa, Westside Group's Kizashi Soleil (French for ‘masculine sun') incorporates numerous distinct touches, all executed to make an individualistic statement within the unique template supplied by Suzuki's own execution. Vehicle modifications performed by Westside include custom two-toned paint (Napa Merlot/Bronzed Amber), redesigned front and rear fenders, custom air apertures, fabricated grill, shaved and modified door handles and new front fascia. In back, a redesigned rear deck lid equipped with a GT Super Car spoiler, and a redesigned rear bumper is equipped with custom Yoshimura exhaust. Planting the Soleil to the ground are early-release Bridgestone Potenza mounted on R-Worx 7-spoke wheels. The Westside Group Kizashi will be on display in the show car area adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Road Race Motorsport's Platinum Edition Kizashi
As one of the first custom builders to recognize the potential of Suzuki's vehicles, the presence of Road Race at SEMA comes as no surprise. Given the Kizashi platform's promise – and the fluid, almost organic sheet metal clothing it – Road Race supplies its own very unique take on Kizashi.

SEMA visitors can enjoy Road Race's Sport Body kit exterior which employs Carbontrix custom bumpers, rear spats and diffuser. Road Race has crafted a custom grill, vented hood and made the Kizashi its own ‘Platinum Edition' graphics and a blackened roof. These visual modifications are supported by a platform perfectly suited to Las Vegas Motor Speedway or a high-speed drive on I-15 (what happens in Vegas doesn't have to stay in Vegas…).

Progress Technology provided the sport springs and front and rear sway bars. Road Race installed its own chassis stiffeners, and Rotora brings the custom Kizashi to a stop with 330mm slotted rotors up front, supplemented by Road Race's own 260mm slotted rotors in the rear. Under the vented hood, the sweetness continues with a proprietary custom intake system, Zeitronix ZT-2 data logging system and Road Race engine management. The modifications are concealed – until ignition – by a painted-to-match engine cover, and announced by Road Race's own ‘Integrated Sport' dual exhaust system. The Road Race Kizashi can be seen at the Zeitronix Booth #21212.

Delta Tech Engineering Kizashi
Delta Tech Engineering, a specialist in vehicle lighting, started with a gutted – and lightened – Kizashi body shell. While Delta Tech took care of under the hood, with cold air intake and performance exhausts, RK Sport developed a body kit, Katzkin supplied the custom seating, and Koni enhanced the Kizashi's already composed ride with its own coilovers and shocks. Lighting, engineered in house by Delta Tech, is LED and HID. Sound equipment upgrades are provided by Kenwood. The Delta Tech Kizashi may be seen at Booth #23526 in the Central Hall.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Equator
Using Suzuki's award-winning Equator platform as its base, ICON Vehicle Dynamics taps into a variety of Southern California-based suppliers to assemble a more aggressive interpretation of Suzuki's off-road recipe. Under the hood, Doug Thorley long-tube headers and cat-back exhaust amplify the Equator's class-leading 4.0 liter V6. And for off-road exploration, the Equator's suspension is enhanced with ICON's own performance coilovers in front and 2.5-inch piggyback shocks supporting linked to Total Chaos upper control arms.

The enhanced power – and capability – is connected to the less-traveled path with Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires mounted to Trail Ready bead-lock wheels; the Equator's bodywork is protected by Bushwacker fender flares. AMP Research bed extender and LightForce lights add to both utility and safety. ICON's Equator can be seen at SEMA booth #32173.