Full Power mode brings 311 HP and 313 lb-ft torque, GT provides 252 HP and 268 lb-ft and in Eco Mode 222 HP and 236 lb-ft. That Eco Mode also gets better fuel economy than a normal VW Passat CC 2.0 TSI — up to 33 highway, 27 city. Inside VW has installed tasteful Recaro seating, piano black accents and cool white piping. Those big wheels over Brembo brakes don't look out of place either. Full details in the press release below.

2008 SEMA: VOLKSWAGEN CC ECO PERFORMANCE CONCEPT
311 HP Super CC ups the performance ante in luxury for the people
LAS VEGAS – Powerful performance meets luxury in the Super CC performance concept Volkswagen unveiled at the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
The Performance CC brings a sleek exterior treatment highlighted by black chrome exterior accents, grey pearl paint with custom front and rear bumper, side panels and machined aluminum spoiler. The black treatment continues inside with high-gloss piano black accents offset by matte black graphics. Customer black leather Recaro seats and matching floor mats are highlighted with white piping.
While the Performance CC looks striking, the upgrades will get hearts racing, the 2.0L TSI engine has been upgraded with an APR stage 3 turbocharger system with three performance levels. In Full Power mode the Performance CC brings 311 hp and 313 lbs. ft. torque; GT mode offers 252 hp and 268 lbs. ft. of torque; and in the Eco mode 222 hp and 236 lbs. ft. of torque. Also included is the APR stainless steel performance exhaust system. Key fact to take note of is that in the Eco performance mode, horsepower went up, as well as fuel economy. A production 2.0T CC automatic gets 28 hwy/19 city and our CC in Eco mode gets 33 hwy, 27 city. Even the full power mode showed a fuel economy increase!
The Performance CC sits on custom designed 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels and high performance 245/30 R20 Yokahama tires with an H&R street coil over sport suspension kit. With all this power to handle, Volkswagen has upgraded the brakes to provide extra power to stop. The Performance CC features 14-inch Brembo brakes with 4-piston Aluminum Alloy Brake Calipers and 355x32mm 2-Piece Floating Cross Drilled Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats.
The Performance CC was designed by the Volkswagen Design Center in California with assistance from APR, LLC (www.goapr.com), Recaro, H&R Suspension and Brembo North America.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen’s ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen Group of America is headquartered in Herndon, Va. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Eos, Routan, Tiguan and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

[Source: VW]

TOYOTA TUNDRA DIESEL DUALLY PROJECT TRUCK
“Road Warrior” exterior combined with luxury Interior

Making a bold and adventurous statement about the contrasts between rugged “Road Warrior” performance and opulent luxury, a Toyota Tundra CrewMax diesel dually project truck, which made its debut at the 2007 SEMA Show, is back again for SEMA 2008 in Toyota Vehicle Coral.

At its core, the Tundra light duty pickup’s stock engine was replaced with a medium duty diesel powerplant plucked from a 35,000-pound commercial truck. The 8.0-liter inline six-cylinder high-torque engine, made by Toyota affiliate Hino, is mated with an Eaton five-speed manual transmission and a Hino back end. Toyota Motorsports Technical Group heavily modified the Tundra to accommodate the beefed-up driveline.

A host of custom exterior treatments point to the off-the-charts muscle under the hood. Prominent examples include forged aluminum alloy 22.5-inch wheels custom made by Alcoa, a diamond plate-lined bed, a charcoal gray metallic flat paint finish and a fifth-wheel hitch rated at 24,000 pounds. The muscular theme on the outside shifts dramatically to that of luxury on the inside with hand-sewn ginger leather seats, suede pillars and headliner and dual rear captain’s chairs with individual DVD entertainment systems.

PARTNERS:
Engineering by Motorsports Technical Group
Interior by Fast Ed’s Interiors
Paint by Focus on Cars
Wheels by Alcoa
Power steps and fuel door by Amp Research
Sound system by Kenwood
Sound installation by Beach Auto Sound
Lighting by PIAA
Exhaust by Magnaflow
5th wheel hitch by Reese

[Source: Toyota]

TUNDRA/DUCATI TRANSPORTER

The Ducati Desmosedici RR is the only street legal MotoGP bike ever produced. The ultimate track day bike requires the ultimate transport; that’s where Toyota comes in with the 2009 Tundra Ducati Desmosedici transporter. The Tundra/Ducati Transporter is built on a Tundra CrewMax, which has been modified to accept a 6.5-inch bed. The transporter is tied thematically to the bike, incorporating Ducati Corse style along with high tech materials and execution to create synergies for two companies obsessed with quality and performance. Additional features include major bed innovations such as flip up bedsides, a motorized loading ramp by Rampage, integrated tool and spares storage, and popup solar panels for accessory power. Performance is enhanced through the full catalog of TRD Performance
parts such as supercharger, exhaust, intake, suspension and brakes. The interior treatment by Fast Ed’s Interiors combines high tech style with Italian flair.

TUNDRA/DUCATI TRANSPORTER FEATURES

• Ducati Corse Exterior by Focus On Cars
• Custom fabricated seats, sewn carpet, suede headliner by Fast Ed’s
Interiors
• Seat Massagers by In Seat Solutions-Relaxor Massage Products
• Rampage Powerlift Ramp
• Alcoa 22” custom forged aluminum wheels
• Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico tires
• CarriageWorks Rear Roll Pan
• Toyota Racing Development Performance Parts
o TRD Boost Gauge and Pod
o Big Brake Kit
o 5.7L Supercharger (500HP/550TQ
o TRD Lowering Kit
o TRD Dual Exhaust
o TRD Sway Bar
• USAG 526V ToolBox (Official Tool Supplier to Ducati)
• RockBlocker protective light films
• VIS Racing Carbon Fiber hood

Ducati
• 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR Motorcycle
• Ducati Corse Racing Suit by Dainese
• Ducati Corse Helmet by Arai
• Ducati Corse Boots
• Ducati Corse Gloves

[Source: Toyota]

While the performance is enough to take your breath away, the styling is nothing to sneeze at either. With a slick hood that straddles the line between garish and awesome, a set of bigger wheels and tasteful side skirts, there's nothing to complain about in the looks department. If any of this ends up on the market, there are going to be some shocked BMW drivers around.

HYUNDAI TECHNICAL CENTER AND RKSPORT GIVE GENESIS SEDAN ATTITUDE BOOST, EFFICIENCY GAINS AT SEMA SHOW 2008

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 11/04/2008

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) and RKSport, Inc. teamed up to develop a customized, high-performance Genesis sedan for the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. HATCI contributed a supercharged Tau V8 engine with cylinder deactivation technology that boosts output to 460-horsepower and improves fuel economy by up to 8 percent. RKSport customized the recently launched rear-wheel drive Genesis inside and out to help make it one of the main attractions at Hyundai’s booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 4 – Nov. 7, 2008.

“The 2009 Hyundai Genesis provides us a great opportunity to expand on the overall concepts originally designed by Hyundai engineers,” says Bob Smith, owner, RKSport. “We plan to maximize the performance abilities of the Genesis and are looking forward to developing a must-see car at this year’s SEMA show.”

The RKSport/HATCI Genesis is designed with an understated elegance. The Platinum Silver color scheme highlights the body kit, exterior components, clean lines and contours of the vehicle. Under the skin, the car is powered by Hyundai’s state of the art 4.6-liter Tau engine, which produces 460-horsepower with the help of an IHI screw-type supercharger and 11 pounds of boost for performance driving. The car reaches 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and clicks through the quarter mile gate in 13.58 seconds at 108 mph.

The vehicle also boasts advanced cylinder deactivation technology, which further improves efficiency and fuel savings at cruising speeds. In fact, this Genesis powered by a supercharged Tau delivers an estimated 18 miles per gallon in city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway which match the fuel economy number of the Genesis 3.8-liter V6.

“The Tau is Hyundai’s first-ever V8 engine and it offers great performance characteristics today with even more potential in the future,” says John Juriga, HATCI powertrain director. “The company designed the Tau with future technologies in mind protecting for boosting, direct injection, cylinder deactivation and more. Advanced technology is a cornerstone of our plans to improve efficiency and fuel economy across our lineup.”

Styling modifications to the RKSport/HATCI Genesis include a modified hood, polyurethane front lower fascia, rear lower fascia, left and right side skirts, plus a composite rear roof spoiler and trunk spoiler. RKSport partnered with well-known aftermarket companies to add TSW alloy wheels, a Baer performance brake package, K&N performance air intake, Eibach lowering springs and a Magnaflow performance exhaust.

POWERPLANT

Although Hyundai has not announced any production intentions for a supercharged version of the Tau V8, HATCI is often tasked by the company with special projects. The team at HATCI has been working on combining a boosted Tau with cylinder deactivation for more than a year and was more than happy to supply the powerplant in the RKSport show car.

Hyundai’s reputation for value is based on efficiency in design, engineering and manufacturing that provides value to the customer, so the HATCI team set about their boosted Tau project with the intention of improving overall fuel efficiency and power. They added cylinder deactivation to improve the fuel economy when highway cruising at light pedal inputs. This Tau engine achieves cylinder deactivation on four cylinders through the addition of latching roller finger followers with oil control solenoids, which de-latch at cruising speeds, thus deactivating intake and exhaust valves. The advanced engine control module regulates cylinder deactivation when the vehicle is not in need of eight-cylinder power. But when the hammer is dropped, this Tau takes on a new personality activating all eight cylinders and stirring in 11 pounds of boost courtesy of an IHI supercharger.

HATCI started with a stock Tau 4.6-liter V8 with a goal of improving performance, but maintaining the engine’s inherent durability and efficiency. To help handle the increased power planned for the boosted engine, several key components were optimized. The cracked metal rods are nearly stock, but feature a robust optimized geometry adding mass in high load areas around the pin bore and shank. The pistons also have a unique design and help provide the optimal reduced 9:1 compression ratio, down from the naturally aspirated model’s 10.2:1. The forged crank shaft is stock. Oil squirters were added to cool the undersides of the pistons during operation.

IHI supplied their screw-type supercharger to pump air to the enhanced engine. The “big mouth” intake increases efficiency of air flow through the unit. HATCI mounted the fuel runners directly to the supercharger to improve the packaging efficiency of the unit. This allowed them to maintain injector spacing and orientation. The intercooler mounts beneath the supercharger in the engine’s “V” despite its inherently tight head-to-head width. The throttle body is located after the supercharger with a Y-adapter feeding air to the plenum. This compact design was part of HATCI’s engineering brief – not only to boost the engine, but to do it with practicality and efficiency. Indeed, the tidy engine and blower assembly tuck neatly under a stock Genesis hood.

Adding power under the hood required some additional enhancements throughout the powertrain. The ZF 6-speed automatic, already a world-class transmission, was built to nominal specifications. Detroit Clutch and Gear provided a beefier two-piece drive shaft with larger, reinforced u-joints. HATCI fabricators replaced the stock exhaust system with a 3-inch OD stainless steel system complete with large-port catalytic converters.

HYUNDAI GENESIS

The Genesis sedan is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers two powertrains, including a 3.8-liter V6 engine and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau produces 375 horsepower, leading all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter while delivering 25 mile per gallon. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, ZF six-speed transmission, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints. Additionally, all Hyundai Genesis have standard iPod connectivity.

RKSPORT, INC.

Established in 1993 by R.K. (Bob) Smith, RKSport’s products are founded on appearance, performance, style and functionality from RK’s extensive racing background. Located in Murrieta, Calif., RKSport manufactures its own brand of high performing and aesthetically pleasing polyurethane and composite material products. RKSport also builds tooling and private label products for several well-known companies around the globe. For more information about RKSport visit www.rksport.com.

HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC. (HATCI)

Established in 1986 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, HATCI is responsible for testing and certification of all Hyundai products sold in North America. HATCI is now headquartered in a 200,000 square foot technical center in Superior Township, Michigan, near Ann Arbor. In addition to testing and certification, HATCI provides engineering, design and on-going product development for several Hyundai products in the North America.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

[Source: Hyundai]

BUILDING THE RHYS MILLEN RACING HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4, 2008 – In February, Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) approached Hyundai Motor America with a unique concept to introduce the all-new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to the aftermarket and racing enthusiasts prior to its spring 2009 on-sale date. The RMR-designed "Art of Speed" Genesis Coupe called for a vehicle with the visual impact to win awards at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show while boasting sufficient performance to put the driver in the winner's circle the following weekend. Backed by Rhys Millen's reputation both on the track and in the aftermarket, Hyundai delivered its first prototype Genesis Coupe 2.0T to the RMR shop on August 8, allowing just 12 weeks of build time before the doors opened at SEMA in Las Vegas on November 4.

A crew of six RMR employees promptly stripped the car to bare metal. At the same time, the crew began custom-fabricating new aftermarket parts and accessories for the Genesis Coupe which are certain to be among the first available in the aftermarket once Hyundai's newest addition takes to the streets next year.

In the weeks that followed, RMR developed a machine that retains the distinct, bold look of the Genesis Coupe, but adds flair with custom components on the exterior, a radically altered racing-spec interior and serious performance enhancements from under the hood all the way to the pavement.

INTERIOR
The interior of the "Art of Speed" Genesis Coupe is unrecognizable from its origins as a well-appointed 2+2 coupe designed with everyday driving in mind. All comfort and convenience features are removed to make way for a custom-fabricated eight-point safety cage and firewall which reinforce the Genesis Coupe's already stiff chassis. By removing the roof, the RMR fabricators welded every aspect of the safety cage to the frame of the car. The braces on the A and B pillars also tie into the strength of the body. The safety cage is required for racing and a single Sparco racing seat further protects the driver in the overhauled cockpit.

CARBON FIBER BODY PANELS

Millen quickly decided to take the already light weight Genesis Coupe and make it even lighter. A second Genesis Coupe was used to construct molds which allowed body panels to be replicated out of carbon fiber. The carbon fiber panels range from 50 percent to 80 percent lighter than the sheet metal they replaced. This weight-saving approach is carried throughout the car without compromising its powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside line. The hood, deck lid, roof, doors, fenders, front fascia and side skirts are all built out of carbon fiber. For example, a factory Hyundai Genesis Coupe door weighs 68 pounds but modifications made by RMR reduce the door weight to just 8.5 pounds.

The side skirts have functional flat rocker panels with ducts to pull air out from underneath car. A functional splitter on the front fascia and a built-in diffuser create pressure without drag. A rear diffuser with long tunnels keeps the air moving underneath the car. Downforce has been further increased by an APR GTC-500 rear wing that is fully adjustable and was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The hood is vented to dissipate heat and Aerocatch hood latches are used for safety.

The rear widebody fenders are made out of fiberglass and blend seamlessly into the vehicle design with a creative painting concept.

SUSPENSION

The RMR Genesis Coupe utilizes a KW coilover suspension with two-way adjustable damping technology. Adjustable chrome molly sway bars dial the suspension in further for true track performance. RMR Racing also fabricated adjustable lower control arms.

RMR TURBO KIT

The spirited 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which comes standard on the Genesis Coupe 2.0T is enhanced by a Turbonetics turbocharger, waistgate and blow-off valve to provide extra horsepower and torque. RMR also designed a custom intake manifold to ensure better engine breathing.

WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES
To ensure that the enhanced power plant translates all the way to road performance, RMR added 18 by 9.5-inch front and 18 by 10.5-inch rear SSR type-F competition lightweight wheels and Bridgestone Potenza soft compound race slicks. The wheels surround the factory Brembo brake calipers which are already ideal for racing.

PAINT SCHEME
The paint scheme is a combination of Hyundai blue, silver and unpainted black carbon fiber with its signature weave pattern. Most of the upper steel body components including rear fender and A and B pillars are painted Hyundai blue. The front fascia is blue and silver with carbon fiber accents. The hood is black and blue. The carbon fiber doors have silver accents and the silver is carried down to the side skirts and into the rear fender.

RMR PARTS
All of the parts for the RMR Genesis Coupe are built with a modular design. A customer could put on all the parts at once or add them one at a time. The carbon fiber decklid, hood, rocker panels, rear fenders, front fascia, front fenders and rear diffuser all have molds and will fit the factory mounts and could be sold in the future.

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
• Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive sports car
• 310-horsepower (est.) from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 with premium fuel
• Standard 220-horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder with premium fuel
• Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model

RHYS MILLEN RACING

R. Millen Motor Sports Sales (RMR) was founded 12 years ago by Rhys Millen to fulfill a huge demand for quality aftermarket products created by the Millen Racing heritage. Similar to motor sport clothing merchandise to a race fan, RMR offers proven race products to street customers primarily based on its motor sports associations. Since its creation, RMR has built itself up become one of the industries most respected tuners for Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi. In addition to RMR's excellent relationship with auto manufacturers, the company has custom built many private vehicles for celebrities such as basketball star Dennis Rodman, actor Jason Priestley and rock star Alex Van Halen. RMR has also built cars and worked closely with the producers of the blockbuster hit franchise "The Fast and the Furious."

RMR currently offers more than 100 products that are designed and produced in its facility or private labeled exclusively for RMR. These parts are carefully designed to provide the customer with quick and easy installation instructions with the highest quality. In many cases, its parts have met or exceeded factory specifications allowing dealers to warranty their installation keeping the cars under the factory warranty.

[Source: Hyundai, Streetfire]

Something Strange in the Neighborhood
As a tribute to the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the original theatrical release of the blockbuster film “Ghostbusters,” the original ECTO-1 vehicle used in the 1984 movie will be on display.

Recently restored at Cinema Vehicle Services in North Hollywood, Calif., the ECTO-1 has been fully upgraded with Sony Xplod gear. The “ectomobile” features Sony’s slim series subwoofers, a DVD A/V system, iPod adapter, and Sony marine amps and speakers. It also has a Sony MP3 player, 10-disc CD changer and NV-U83T navigation system installed.

“A classic piece of film history, the ECTO-1 is truly one of a kind,” Kahn said. “The vehicle is perfect for showcasing all that we have to offer in mobile A/V, as no other manufacturer can bring the excitement of new technology and a blockbuster film to SEMA like Sony can.”

The ECTO-1, Sony’s Hip Hop Live tour truck and nine additional custom models can all be found at the company’s outdoor feature car booth #72005.

[Source: Sony]

Tiguan Performance Concept
Stylish, powerful and rockin' are three words that describe the Tiguan Performance. An upgraded exterior body kit, a three-stage turbo kit ringing out 312 hp and 319 lbs. ft of torque and a custom designed and built sound system from Rockford Fosgate leave this Tiguan looking great, driving great and sounding great.

[World Car Fans]

COBRA JET THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE MUSTANG FR500 SERIES OF RACE CARS FROM FORD RACING

DEARBORN, Mich, Nov. 4, 2008 – With the addition of the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang, Ford Racing will have once again expanded its current stable of race-ready Mustang race cars.

This time, however, the Mustang is designed for drag racing.

The Mustang FR500CJ, known simply as the Cobra Jet, will be officially unveiled Nov. 4 at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It joins its road racing brethren: the Mustang FR500S, the Mustang FR500C and the Mustang FR500GT.

“The Cobra Jet is the newest offspring of the Ford Racing lineup of race cars,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. “We started with the FR500C in 2005 and then followed by the FR500S in 2007.

“All along the way, we worked with Brian Wolfe, who, at the time, was really in the calibration activity. He oversaw worldwide calibrations, and he was a big supporter of Ford Racing, both professionally and personally,” Allison said. “He had always kind of asked us about our plans to do a drag race car and the time had just come early this year to, indeed, take all of the lessons we learned, all the processes, all of the relationships that we have inside with the plant and with the team and put together a sportsmen-destined drag race Mustang. Clearly, what we did in 1968 is the impetus for it, and we felt that it was time to bring back the Cobra Jet.”

The Cobra Jet is the drag racing equivalent of the Mustang FR500S, allowing those interested in NHRA sportsmen drag racing the opportunity to get involved with an affordable vehicle that can compete right off of the truck and run in the 10-second range.

“We are talking about designing and building competition-ready race cars,” added Allison. “These are not just the simple parts that we sometimes create. This is a full-fledged, ready to race vehicle. There is a lot of engineering that goes into the preparation, development, testing, and release of these cars. There’s a full team of engineers from Ford Racing who have been involved on the engineering side of the Ford Racing Mustangs, led by Andy Slankard who leads the group. On the Cobra Jet, that group was personally directed and overseen by Brian Wolfe because of his personal background of racing in the sportsmen class. So he’s been hands-on involved in the very specifications of the 40th anniversary Cobra Jet. ”

In addition to the Cobra Jet, the other Ford Racing Mustangs provide customers a racing ladder, all within one manufacturer, to climb up through the ranks of professional racing. The Ford Racing Mustang ladder in road racing begins with the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park featuring specially prepared school Mustangs.

The next step on the ladder is the Mustang FR500S, which is delivered as a race-ready vehicle complete with a racing seat and safety harnesses, and provides competitors with a base to hone their driving skills and an exciting year-long schedule to race against other semi-pro drivers in the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup.

Moving further up the ladder puts racers behind the wheel of the Mustang FR500C, which competes in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, and the FR500GT4, which competes in the GT4 European Cup. Both Mustangs are proven winners with each car having won championships in its first year of competition. The FR500C led drivers to championships in 2005 and 2008, while the FR500GT4 has won two titles in the GT4 European Cup in 2007 and 2008.

At the top of the ladder sit both the Mustang FR500GT and FR500GT3, which represent the ultimate race-bred road racing Mustang. The FR500GT is being homologated for Grand-Am Rolex GT and other applications, while the FR500GT3 has already competed in select FIA GT3 European Championship races.

Customers or competitors looking for more information on how to get behind the wheel of their own Cobra Jet Mustang should visit www.fordracingparts.com.

FORD RACING COBRA JET MUSTANG
The Legend Continues
(M-FR500-CJ)

In 1968, Ford took the NHRA Winternationals by storm with the Cobra Jet Mustang. Only 50 factory lightweights were built, and in its first appearance, the Cobra Jet won. Forty years after this historic event, Ford Racing is happy to announce that the legend continues with a new NHRA-legal race car – the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang!

The 2008 Ford Racing Cobra Jet (FR500CJ) is a factory-built race car (serialized but no VIN), ready for the drag strip with only minor additional prep required. It is available for order from any Ford dealer as a Ford Racing part. Following are key Ford Racing components to help define this exciting new race car:

Functional

* 5.4 Cobra Jet engine
* Cobra Jet cold air kit
* Throttle body
* A/C deleted
* Crankshaft damper
* Cobra Jet bell housing
* 6-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission with SFI bell housing
* Stainless steel long-tube racing headers
* 9" rear axle assembly
* One piece driveshaft drive shaft
* Single hoop drive shaft loop
* Cobra Jet rear control arms and anti-roll bar
* Ford Racing adjustable dampers
* Drag race spring kit
* Cobra Jet wheels — 15" x 4" (front), 15" x 10" (rear)

Exterior

* Painted Cobra Jet body in white
* Cobra Jet hood scoop
* Cobra Jet Lexan backlight
* Flush quarter window louvers

Interior

* 5" pedestal tachometer
* SVT Mustang short-throw shifter with black shift knob and handle
* Cobra Jet seat package

Visit www.fordracingparts.com for more information.

[Source: Ford]

[Source: TLC ICON]

The Group 2 package includes the following all designed and developed by Classic Design Concepts:

-Composite front fenders & "Billboard" graphic flares with restyled wheel arches to accommodate the increased tire width
-10" wide front and 11.5" wide rear three piece wheels with 275 and 315 series Pirelli tires
-Front aerodynamic canards
-stainless wire mesh
-Aluminum hood
-Classic Design Concepts Cold air "shaker" system
-Sequential tail lights

Classic Design Concepts will be bringing 2 Challengers, a Black SRT8 with a Vortech supercharger good for 560hp, Pypes performance exhaust and 15" Baer Brakes with 6 piston calipers at all four corners and KW suspension. The White R/T includes a Procharger Supercharger, Pypes Performance exhaust, Baer 15" rotors and 6 piston calipers at all four corners with GfG forged three piece wheels and KW suspension, interior by Aleah Leather Specialists, paint protection by CGM detroit and Rockford Fosgate subwoofers and Amplifiers.

Classic Design Concepts will be in the north hall of SEMA, booth #11919 www.classicdesignconcepts.com

[Source: Classic Design Concepts]

Each one puts its own twist on the Camaro-to-come, with the Dale Jr. version going for a tawdry two-tone paint job, a NASCAR-style ducktail spoiler and big fat tires. The LS7 gets the best-of-the-best 6.2 Liter V8 with VVT and a dry-sump oiler. The interesting concepts (to us anyway) are the Black and the GS Racecar. The Black goes for a sinister appearance backed up by the new 300 HP V6, making it the choice for lurking about and handing the Fast and Furious crowd its handling lunch. The GS Racecar is actually an early prototype for the Grand Am Koni Challenge GS racing series and pays homage to Mark Donahue's '69 Trans Am race car with the iconic blue-and-yellow paint scheme. It's got the bits to back up the look too, with a fully seam-welded chassis, a complete roll cage, LS3 V8 and a Tremec 6060 six-speed, three-inch exhaust and race-prepped suspension. Tasty.

CAMARO STEALS THE SHOW WITH FOUR DISTINCTIVE CONCEPTS AT SEMA
* Camaro LS7 Concept – the spirit of COPO lives with a GM Performance Parts LS7 crate engine that delivers more than 500 hp
* Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept – customized to Dale Jr.’s style
* Camaro Black Concept – a sinister-looking exercise in bold design
* Camaro GS Racecar Concept – an homage to a road racing legend

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet introduces a quartet of stunning concepts based on the all-new, 2010 Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Show. The concepts join regular-production and accessorized models, along with a dream collection of vintage Camaros – including rare COPO, Indy Pace Car and early Z28 models – to mark the introduction of Chevy’s re-born sports car. The Camaro is the official car of the 2008 SEMA show.

Each of the concepts represents a different interpretation of the new Camaro’s performance, styling and personalization possibilities, from no-holds-barred high-performance to carefully crafted, street-savvy customizing.

“The new Camaro is a 21st century sports car for the young and young at heart,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “Wherever your automotive passion lies, the Camaro complements it with world-class design and an exciting driving experience. The concepts unveiled at SEMA accentuate those qualities and trigger the imaginations of countless enthusiasts.”

In addition to the concept and classic Camaros, a production 2010 model showed off the range of appearance, performance and convenience accessories that will be available from Chevrolet when the car hits dealerships early next year. The accessories allow customers to personalize their vehicle with genuine Chevy components that are designed, tested and warranted to the same standards as the Camaro itself.

As for the Camaro concepts, they show the extreme possibilities of what the new sports car can offer. See below for highlights on all four vehicles.

Camaro LS7 Concept: Designed to highlight the capability of the new Camaro as a weekend bracket warrior, the Camaro LS7 Concept combines the power of a GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine and targeted bolt-on upgrades to deliver the wheels-up spirit of the legendary COPO Camaros.

Made famous by Chevy dealers like Don Yenko and Fred Gibb in the late 1960s, the COPO cars were ordered for one thing: drag racing. They were quickly outfitted after delivery with the requisite tires, safety equipment and other accessories necessary for competition in popular Stock-class drag racing series.

The LS7 Concept honors the COPO ethos with features such as drag strip-ready rubber on the rear wheels – and unlike many of the stripped-down racers from 40 years ago, this strip-ready competitor serves double duty as both a racecar and a daily driver.

The LS7 crate engine (part number 17802397) uses a high-performance replacement camshaft from GM Performance Parts (part number 12480033) to help it produce approximately 550 horsepower. Complementing upgrades include GM Performance Parts-developed headers and air intake system that will be offered at the Camaro’s launch in early 2009. The LS7 also is modified with a wet-sump oiling system; the production engine features a dry-sump system that requires an external oil tank.

Backing the LS7 engine is a production Tremec 6060 six-speed manual with a GM Performance Parts Hurst shifter. Additional drivetrain details include:

* Brembo four-wheel disc brake package
* Lowered ride height
* Custom 20-inch wheels
* Driveshaft safety loop
* GM Performance Parts exhaust system

The Camaro LS7 concept is painted Victory Red, with matte black accents on the hood and taillamp panel. “LS7” logos are strategically placed and warn those in the know this Camaro means business when the Christmas tree lights count down to green. It’s all business on the spartan interior, too, with base trim and few accessories to minimize overall mass for a quicker elapsed time.

Although the Camaro LS7 Concept is just that – a concept – its duplication by enterprising enthusiasts and racers is enabled by GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine package. It delivers a fully assembled, production version of the engine, complete from the intake manifold to oil pan. An oil reservoir for the standard dry sump system and GM Performance Parts’ LS7 engine controller (part number 19166567) are all that’s necessary to get the engine running in an enthusiast’s project vehicle – well, that and a chassis capable of handling more than 500 lb.-ft. of torque!

Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept: NASCAR star Dale Jr. is fan of vintage Camaros – he cruises around in a Pro Touring-style ’72 Camaro powered by a GM Performance Parts LS crate engine – and the heritage-inspired design of the 2010 Camaro appeals to him like a checkered flag at Daytona. His vision for the car was channeled to GM’s designers and crafted in a multi-color combination of style, capability and comfort.

They started with a new Camaro SS that uses the standard 6.2L V-8, but modified to use E85. Taking advantage of E85’s favorable octane rating, the engine was calibrated to deliver a few extra horsepower, with the exhaust exiting through GM Performance Parts’ new headers. It’s backed by the SS’s available six-speed manual transmission and GM Accessories’ short-throw Hurst shifter. Additional performance enhancements include a Brembo brake package and a lowered ride height, giving Dale Jr.’s Camaro a sleeker look to match its road-hugging capability.

A custom gray-over-white paint scheme blends the high-performance drivetrain with serious style. It is accented with an orange stripe separating the gray and white sections. Also generating attention on the exterior is a set of 21-inch, five-spoke wheels inspired by the Camaro Convertible Concept. They feature dark-painted center sections on the spokes that complement the body’s gray color. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero ZR-rated performance tires.

Additional exterior details include:

* Chevy Accessories grille
* Chevy Accessories ground effects and rear diffuser
* Chevy Accessories exhaust system
* Early Camaro-style “dovetail” rear spoiler
* Production high-intensity discharge headlamps
* Production RS taillamps

Similarly, the interior is outfitted for performance and style, including:

* Custom-trimmed leather-and-suede-covered seats with accent stitching
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob, door armrests and center console lid, with accent stitching
* Carbon-fiber treatment on the instrument panel and door panel inserts
* Racing-style aluminum pedals
* Production-optional four-pack auxiliary gauge cluster
* Revised gauge cluster with unique graphics and colors
* Custom sill plates

Dale Jr. also specified Chevy Accessories’ upgraded audio system for the Camaro, which is matched with a Boston Acoustics speaker system, including amps and subwoofers.

Camaro GS Racecar Concept: One of the most iconic cars of the legendary Trans Am road racing series was the distinctive blue-and-yellow Camaro of Mark Donohue. He was a dominant racer in the series and drove his #6 1969 model to the series championship that year.

With the assistance of GM’s High Performance Vehicle Operations, North Carolina-based Riley Technologies re-created the look and feel of that standout racecar with a tribute that looks, sounds and drives like it’s ready to do battle with its contemporary pony car competitors. In fact, the heritage-inspired racer is more than concept. It is an early prototype for the Grand Am Koni Challenge GS racing class. Racecars like the GS Concept are offered and manufactured by Riley Technologies for the 2009 Grand-Am season.

The GS Concept features the race-ready suspension, reinforced chassis and drivetrain conform to the specifications required of racecars certified for the series. In fact, this racecar has already logged many hours on the racetrack as Riley team members worked to dial-in the chassis and powertrain. Additional features include:

* Seam-welded production Camaro body-in-white
* Carbon fiber hood, trunk lid, doors and fenders
* Production LS3 V-8 engine (used with solid engine mounts)
* Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission with close-ratio gearing
* Three-inch exhaust system with Coast Fab mufflers
* C&R racing aluminum radiator
* Upgraded engine oil cooler
* Transmission and differential coolers

The GS Racecar Concept is shown at SEMA just as it was last driven off the track, with the grime, brake dust and body imperfections commensurate with a day’s worth of racing. Indeed, it isn’t a car that spent hundreds of hours in a body shop in a quest of sheet metal perfection. It displays the bruises of competition and wears them as badges of honor.

Like Donohue’s ’69 Camaro racecar, the GS Racecar Concept wears a deep blue paint scheme that is accented with yellow graphics, a yellow-painted interior and yellow racing wheels.

Camaro Black Concept: It’s hard to go unnoticed in a 2010 Camaro, but the Camaro Black Concept suggests a stealthy approach to street style. From its matte black-finished hood and ground effects to its dark wheels and red-glowing HID headlamp halo rings, the Camaro Black Concept is a sinister-looking urban tuner vehicle.

The Camaro Black Concept prowls the streets with the following equipment:

* Chevy Accessories ground effects package and rear diffuser
* High-intensity discharge headlamps with unique red “halo ring” color
* Revised, darker grille finish
* RS tail lamps with dark-tinted lenses
* Color-matched exterior badging
* SS-model spoiler
* Matte black hood finish
* Tinted glass
* Chevy Accessories 21-inch wheels with darkened finish
* Brembo four-wheel disc brake package

The interior also carries a slightly sinister ambience, with:

* Red LED instrument lighting and red footwell ambient lighting
* Black chrome trim accents
* Dark-finished accents, including the shift knob, radio face, steering wheel ring, gauge trim and door handles
* Custom sill plates
* Leather-covered seats with grey accent stitching

The Camaro Black Concept also features Chevy Accessories’ premium audio upgrade package, along with MTX speakers.

Under the hood is the production 3.6L V-6 that produces 300 horsepower. A Chevy Accessories engine cover provides a suitable accent.

CHEVY CAMARO GETS PERSONAL WITH FULL ARRAY OF ACCESSORIES AND PERFORMANCE PARTS
LAS VEGAS – The Chevy Camaro has always been a car that owners love to personalize. The all-new, 2010 Camaro carries on that tradition with a diverse lineup of accessories and performance components ready at launch.

Ranging from interior accessories and audio/electronic upgrades to exterior styling accessories, 21-inch wheel-and-tire kits and parts that enhance performance, the Camaro “add-on” portfolio offers something for every taste and budget. The accessories and performance parts can be ordered and installed at the dealership and, in some cases, their cost can be rolled into the vehicle’s financing for a seamless, one-stop personalization experience.

Camaro designers and engineers worked from the earliest stages of vehicle development to design, test and validate the accessories and performance parts to GM production-vehicle specifications. They are manufactured with production-quality materials, too, so customers are assured of original-equipment-quality parts with the best fit and finish for their Camaro. The performance parts are 50-state legal, for worry-free emissions compliance.

Here’s a look at the all-new portfolio of Camaro accessories and performance parts:

Interior trim kits – For Camaros equipped with the factory illumination package, Camaro’s accessory interior trim kits offer colors that enable owners to match or contrast the vehicle’s exterior color. They’re available in yellow, orange, white and silver.

Interior accessories – A variety of accessories bolster both the style and convenience of the Camaro’s cabin, while helping maintain its original condition. They include floor mats, sill plates and more. The deluxe carpeted floor mats feature embroidered Camaro logos, while the sill plates add a distinctive appearance and added protection when entering the car. A cargo-area floor mat, cargo net and a smoker’s package are also available.

Audio and electronics – Customers can take the Camaro’s technology to a higher level with upgraded audio and lighting systems, as well as remote starting. The upgraded audio system brings greater features and capability, while a peripheral device interface module allows portable players to play through the audio system. Remote starting brings the convenience of letting the vehicle heat up on a cold morning or cool down on a hot day. Also, Camaro’s accessory footwell and cupholder lighting kit delivers customizable, colored ambient lighting for a premium, high-tech interior appearance.

Car covers – Protecting the Camaro from the elements and UV rays is easy with custom-contoured car covers. They are designed to fit the Camaro’s contours and are available in red or black – each with stylish, heritage-inspired black stripes.

Exterior accessories – Customers can create a unique look for their Camaro with a diverse lineup of exterior accessories, from a grille insert and satin nickel fuel door to color-matched splash guards and a complete ground effects kit. And don’t forget to check out the stylish, wing-style rear spoiler.

The ground effects package creates a dramatic, ground-hugging look for the Camaro, and comes in a great, Metallic Grey color that accents the car’s original color. The wing-style rear spoiler complements the ground effects’ competition-ready appearance. All Camaro exterior accessories are designed and manufactured to the same quality and durability standards as regular-production components.

Stripe kits – The heritage-inspired 2010 Camaro is accented perfectly with accessory stripe kits. They give the Camaro a classic look and contemporary style. Available styles include hockey stick-style, hood and hockey stick-style and rally-style stripes in a variety of colors.

Wheels and tires – The 2010 Camaro comes with a family of attractive, 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels, but Camaro enthusiasts can take it a step further with great-looking, racing-inspired 21-inch wheels and complementing performance tires. The wheel design features a contemporary split five-spoke center that is available in two finishes. The first is a black-painted finish and the other has a machined-aluminum finish with black accents. They are offered in an 8.5-inch width for V-6 models; and 8.5-inch front and 9.5-inch rear widths for SS models.

Center caps, chrome lug nuts and necessary tire pressure monitor sensors are available seperately. For convenience, complete kits of wheels, tires, center caps, lug nuts and pressure sensors are available.

Performance parts – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) designers and engineers worked with the Camaro engineers to develop emissions-legal bolt-on components that would accentuate and enhance overall performance.

GMPP developed air box, header and exhaust kits, as well as complementing short-throw shifters for manual-transmission applications. Also available are color-coordinated engine covers that add a dash of color-coordinated style under the hood.All the components are 50-state emissions legal, with CARB EO numbers where required.

Details of the performance parts include:

* Air box kits include an open-element, performance air filter for lower restriction and a great-looking, performance-style housing, with a chrome lid for a true tuner appearance. They’re available for V-6 and V-8 applications
* Exhaust kits upgrade the look and sound of the Camaro and are offered in quieter street-legal systems and off-road-only kits. Different applications are designed to work with or without the Camaro accessory ground effects package
* Headers enable exhaust gases to be carried away from the engine quicker, boosting the engine’s airflow efficiency and overall performance. GMPP’s bolt-on header kit for V-8 engines is emissions-legal and a simple bolt-in replacement for the factory exhaust manifolds. Match them with one of GMPP’s exhaust kits for even greater performance
* Short-throw shifter. A greater feeling of control comes with a precise, quick-acting shifter, and GMPP’s kits for both V-6 and V-8 models deliver sharper and quicker throws between gears. They were developed with legendary shifter manufacturer Hurst, so they complement great performance with classic styling
* Engine cover kits give the Camaro’s V-6 and V-8 engines a stylish, show-quality upgrade. They’re available to match most exterior colors, allowing customers to complement or contrast the color to suit individual style. They are easy to install and don’t interfere with oil fill or other common maintenance access points

[Source: GM]

LINCOLN MKS, FORD FOCUS STAND OUT AT SEMA

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 31, 2008 – With its sleek design and strong wheel base, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS is opening doors in the aftermarket for customization enthusiasts looking for a full-size sedan to make their own.

To demonstrate the personalization potential of Lincoln’s new flagship sedan, Ford will shine the spotlight on three MKS project vehicles at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which will be held Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas.

“The MKS has many different facets,” said Ford designer Melvin Betancourt. “You can hot rod it, add a body kit and still maintain that luxury feel, or you can simply dress it up with a nice set of wheels.”

Custom rims are hot in the aftermarket, and unlike many of its competitors in the full-size luxury segment, the MKS was designed to accommodate larger wheels. The stock vehicle comes with 18-inch wheels, and 19- and 20-inch wheels are optional.

“The larger wheelbase gives the option to migrate to a more aggressive, sporty appearance,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager. “It gives customers a way to make the vehicle unique for themselves.”

Ernie Bunnell, owner of 3dCarbon, had 22-inch NC Forged aluminum wheels custom designed for his 3dCarbon MKS. He also dressed the vehicle in a five-piece custom body kit.

“The styling of the MKS is very appealing to begin with, but the body kit makes a dramatic difference,” he said. “It really jazzes it up and gives it a more European feel.”

A “more European feel” is also what Robert K. Smith, president and CEO of RKSport, was trying to achieve with the MKS he customized for the SEMA show.

“We did the car in silver with 20-inch wheels and black rims, and we also brought the car down to a lower profile as far as ride height is concerned to make it more European-looking,” he said.

To give the car a more muscular feel, Smith says he added an extractor hood with carbon fiber components that look a little more aggressive than the stock hood. He finished off the look with a black Roadwire leather interior.

“The interior on the MKS is extremely nice,” he said. “We applied a bit of silver in the seating area and in the door panels to contrast with the exterior and give it a little more pizzazz.”

In addition to the MKS, the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe will also have a presence at the SEMA show with three project vehicles designed to show that a fuel-efficient small car – it gets 35 mpg on the highway — doesn’t have to fall short on performance and style.

“Based on feedback from our customers, we redesigned the Coupe for 2009 to include new front and rear fascias, a new roof-line spoiler and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES model,” said Sam De La Garza, Focus marketing manager. “The vehicle is positioned for the youth market as a good value for the money in terms of power and overall feature content, which really gives us a good step in the right direction for this car in the aftermarket.”

Stout Performance worked together with the Barber Driving Experience (BDX) to customize a Focus Coupe for the SEMA show. Chris Stout says he chose the Focus because it offers a very good platform to build upon.

“It’s lightweight. The chassis is very stiff, and the suspension geometry is world-class to the point that it was copied by a few other manufacturers,” he said.

Stout, who is also an instructor for BDX, says he plans to use the vehicle to teach performance driving on the tracks.

“We added a six-point roll cage, which not only makes the car safer for occupants but it stiffens the chassis a bit, which is what you need on a road course,” he said. “We modified the suspension, and we added an F2 Turbo kit for power. So you get better compression, better dampening and a lot more power.”

Bunnell, who also customized a Focus for the SEMA show, enhanced the exterior styling with wheels and a custom body kit.

“We added 19-inch wheels and a five-piece body kit that gives the car a sporty look that’s lower to the ground without actually lowering the vehicle per se,” he said.

In addition to the new MKS and Focus Coupe, Ford will feature other vehicles at SEMA, including the Lincoln MKX, the Ford Edge, Escape and the new Transit Connect. This year’s project vehicles include:

2009 Lincoln MKS by 3dCarbon

Lincoln’s newest luxury vehicle, the 2009 MKS, defines the future of luxury with a sleek, road-hugging stance and elegant design that exudes power and luxury. Now, this breakthrough American luxury car gets a touch of European flare and luxury styling courtesy of 3dCarbon’s “Euro Series” styling kit.

Outfitted with 3dCarbon’s five-piece body kit and NC Forged wheels, this MKS looks ready to drive off the showroom directly onto the autobahn. The dramatic 5-piece “Euro Series” styling kit includes front air dam, side skirts, rear lower skirt, and deck lid spoiler.

2009 Lincoln MKS by Godfather Customs

Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS is already a vehicle that’s in a league of its own. Godfather Customs has moved this singular luxury car even further from the rest of the field with their own version of the MKS.

Building upon the luxurious Lincoln sedan, Godfather added even more refinement to the interior with an OEM integration that allows full control of the audio and video systems. An additional three video screens provide back seat drivers with their own access to state-of-the-art navigation. At the same time the superior audio quality has been further enhanced with the addition of Excelon components. On the outside, signature 22-inch wheels and tires make a statement that can’t be ignored. With this edition, Godfather Customs moves the MKS from luxurious elegance to pure extravagance.

2009 Lincoln MKS by RKSport

Not all cars are created equal. Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS offers a unique, personalized driving and ownership experience that represents the ultimate convergence of performance and luxury.

RKSport started with the signature styling and performance powertrain and added a unique look and enhanced performance that make the 2009 Lincoln MKS even more distinctive to own and exciting to drive. Wherever it goes, this car will make a statement about the discerning owner and provide a personalized luxury performance experience second to none.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe by 3dCarbon

Small cars are big news and the 2009 Ford Focus is a solid contender in this fast growing, quickly evolving segment. 3dCarbon brings their experience and expertise to this important market with the introduction of the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe “Euro Series” Styling Kit.

This radically modified “Euro Series” Focus is outfitted in 3dCarbon’s all-new five-piece styling kit that includes a front air dam, side skirts, rear lower skirt and deck lid spoiler. Add high-performance BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires mounted on R1 Racing GTR-4 wheels and you’ve got a small car that delivers on the promise of its sporty European good looks. This modified Focus makes for a vehicle that exudes confidence with a brash stance and aerodynamic, road-hugging attitude. On the inside, it features fine and fun touches that include Katzkin leather trim, a suede headliner and Sundial tinted windows.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe by Stout Performance and Barber Driving Experience

The 2009 Ford Focus is built to deliver serious fun. Starting with this capable platform, Stout Performance worked with the Barber Driver Experience to create a vehicle also built for serious competition.

This modified Focus offers dual purpose use, both as a contender in time attack races and as vehicle for the Barber Driving Experience performance driving instruction. It features functional aerodynamics, chassis stiffening via a roll cage, and a high output powerplant. With only mods that are in the spirit of street class competition, this specially prepared Focus will be a true contender on the race course.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe by FSWerks

The 2009 Focus SES coupe has a sharp new look and a long list of equipment designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Focus SES is the coupe for those who want it all…great fuel economy, attention-getting style and responsive performance.

Drawing on years of performance tuning success, the FSWerks crew has taken the newly restyled Focus coupe and transformed it into a head turning example of performance and cutting edge style. It has a bold, bad, attention-grabbing look and the guts to with it, delivering more than double the horsepower and torque of the sporty Focus SES. Yet, this high performance, high-profile coupe is still refined enough for daily driving in comfort and style.

(No photo available at publication)

2008 Lincoln MKX by Street Concepts

The 2008 Lincoln MKX combines capability with luxury and performance in a head-turning package that gets noticed wherever it goes. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive system helps drivers handle the curves and keep a grip on things in any weather while traveling in style and comfort.

The Street Concepts version adds some serious attitude to the Lincoln MKX with 22-inch MOZ Wheels, Continental Tires, 3DCarbon’s body kit and monochrome blackout exterior treatment. On the inside, it entertains and connects with a complete Kenwood audio and video system that includes a Visulogic VMOD unit for wireless internet within the vehicle. For added driving excitement, this proven performer gets a sweet-sounding Magna flow cat back exhaust system and easy breathing K&N air intake system.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid by EcoTrek

For those who really care about saving gas and saving our planet, Ford made Escape Hybrid the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet. Now for the ultimate environmentalist, EcoTrek offers a Ford Escape Hybrid with the ultimate “Environmental Integration” package.

In this uniquely green vehicle, EcoTrek augments the earth-friendly features of Ford’s revolutionary hybrid SUV with premium components made from recycled and recyclable materials. The interior includes rugged yet luxurious faux leather suede seat covers and carpeted floor mats made from recycled plastics. Key exterior parts, including the tires, wheels, running boards and the skid plate, are all made from reusable materials. Despite this serious commitment to being green, the Escape Hybrid from EcoTrek is also equipped for ultimate fun with enhanced off-road capability and a Hobie watercraft used to assist San Francisco’s Heal the Bay efforts.

2009 Ford Escape by HPA Motorsports Inc.

For active people with demanding lifestyles, the 2009 Ford Escape delivers driving fun and practical utility in the city or in the wilderness. The “Sport” Edition 2009 Ford Escape from HPA Motorsports takes this unique blend of off-road potential and urban performance to the extreme.

Custom wide body flares and brawny exterior styling cues present a street stance worthy of the sure-footed “intelligent” 4WD system. The finely tuned suspension delivers no-compromise handling on or off the road while passengers can chill out and enjoy the comfortable ride with today’s hottest in-car-entertainment.

Ford Transit Connect Concept by H&R Special Springs, LP

The award-winning Transit Connect has established a reputation as the best small cargo van in Europe. In the summer of 2009 this segment busting versatile workhorse will be coming to America.

H&R has taken the popular Ford Transit Connect, redefined it into a get-up-and-go stylin’ street van like no other. Their Transit Connect has been lowered 3 inches in the front, and 4 inches in the rear, enhancing the visual impact of the huge 19-inch tires and wheels. Piloti shoes drew on their design expertise to create a unique interior that employs fine high fashion materials showcasing a palette of colors and textures with the finest workmanship. This unique treatment of a breakthrough vehicle explores the range of customization possibilities for Transit Connect.

2009 Ford Edge "Sport" Edition by Steeda

The 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers a factory-quality, customized crossover for buyers who want added attitude. This customized version of America’s best-selling crossover is available from Ford dealers with many of the appearance mods seen here, including 22-inch polished aluminum rims, an attractive 8-piece body kit, blackout headlamps and taillamps, a dark brushed interior center stack, bold contrast stitching on the shift knob and steering wheel, and the Edge Sport badging.

Drawing on two decades of experience working exclusively with Ford products, Steeda took the 2009 Ford Edge Sport to another level. A host of performance mods provide added power and even sportier handling. On the inside, leather seats and billeted trim deliver increased comfort and amped-up attitude. Unique Steeda graphics let the whole world know that this Edge Sport is something very special.

[Source: Ford]

Before we even talk about how the thing drives, it's worth noting the almost ridiculous level of build quality on this conversion. If you didn't know better, you'd think the HEMI was original equipment; in fact, thanks to AEV's connections to Chrysler, it's built using a lot of the same suppliers Chrysler uses. The wiring harness comes pre-tested and everything plugs up to the point that if you patch in a technician's scanner, it'll read as a Wrangler with a HEMI. It's literally as good as if it came from the factory.

But what the HEMI Wrangler is all about is performance, and let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat: The price of admission for the AEV conversion kit is worth the exhaust note alone. Firing up that big V8 fills the little cabin with intoxicating levels of awesomeness. Out on the asphalt, the big bad JT actually rides really well for what is in essence a purpose-built rock crawler. That's not to say anyone will mistake it for a sports car, but it certainly will get you where you're going quickly. Since this is Michigan and not Moab, the most off-roading we could do in our short test drive involved some back-country dirt roads — the kind that would swallow a passenger car into its ruts and holes, but only rough enough to test the assembly quality of a rock hopper and not much more.

Up against this measly test, the Wrangler didn't even flinch, providing an almost disturbingly smooth ride. Even with the huge tires, the excellent turning radius found on a stock Wrangler is unaffected. Ride and drive, exhaust note, nice leather seats — that stuff is all well and good, but you know what's really fun? Four-wheel dirt burnouts. Not that we did any of those, or dirt road brake stands. We'd never do stuff like that. But if we did, we would probably report AEV's HEMI V8 conversion turns a stock Wrangler Rubicon, which is pretty good on it's own, into a fire-breathing, mud-spitting, swaggering, snorting, off-road superstar.

PRESS RELEASE:

Most custom shops have a backyard BBQ for friends when they want to show off a new car. Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) in Van Nuys, California took that concept to a new level on Saturday, October 18, when it debuted one of the most radical custom show cars of the modern era to a packed house of automotive icons, celebrities and media. While smoke rose from the floor and a massive twin supercharged engine crackled in the background, GAS president Beau Boeckmann unveiled Scythe, a one-of-a-kind machine packed with the most advanced onboard technology ever showcased in an automotive application. Other highlights from the evening included the unveiling of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's long-lost Orbitron show car, a charity silent auction with proceeds going to three local charities and performances by a variety of top-tier rap and rock stars culminating in an all-star jam session between Ozzy Osbourne and members of Guns N' Roses, The Cult, Jane's Addiction and more.

"With Scythe, we set out to showcase all of our unique fabrication abilities here at GAS," Boeckmann says. "From the hand-made composite body and voice-activated onboard computer system, to the twin-supercharged 1,005 horsepower engine, this car was built to make a statement. In the 1950's and '60s, show cars were meant to shock and amaze people, and we wanted the same effect from Scythe but with a high-tech twist. This isn't a hollow concept car, it's a fully functional, incredibly fast and usable machine with a talking onboard computer and over a thousand horsepower running on methanol."

Scythe exemplifies the melding of old-world coachbuilding techniques and cutting-edge digital technology. The GAS team started with a proven performance platform, a 2008 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. After the body panels were removed, the unibody structure was covered in clay, which was sculpted to match renderings drawn by famed Kustom Kulture icon Ed "Newt" Newton. Molds were pulled from the clay sculpture, and composite body panels were formed and fitted to the Mustang pan. Reverse opening vertical doors, a wrap-around pillarless glass cockpit with no B- or C-pillars and custom headlights and taillights surrounded by hand-made aluminum trim are the highlights of the unique design.

The interior features some of the most sophisticated technology ever installed in a vehicle. Scythe features an onboard Shuttle XPC computer that manages every function of the car and is controlled entirely by voice commands. Simply speak to the electronic personal assistant in your own words and through a digital uplink to a 3G network Scythe will provide real-time weather, traffic, sports, stock market and news information and maintain your daily calendar. Other onboard electronics include flush mounted exterior cameras that offer 24-hour monitoring via cell phone or internet and a voice-activated iPod compatible JL Audio 5.1 Surround Sound system allows the driver to choose artist, song or music type verbally.

Scythe also offers unparalleled power and performance. Hand-built by GAS, the twin Magnuson supercharged 5.0L racing engine with custom ported 24-valve SOHC cylinder heads pump out up to 1,005 horsepower. A GAS custom fabricated intake manifold, custom performance grind camshafts and a custom electronic shifter complete the powertrain of this one of a kind vehicle. Other performance advances include a custom Air Ride Technologies suspension system by GAS and an onboard CPU which constantly adjusts ride height for maximum performance. Dual driving positions with retractable motorized steering wheels allows for left and ride side driving control of the vehicle and custom GAS designed brakes using Wilwood 16.5" rotors and 6-piston calipers on all four corners make Scythe stop on a dime.

About Galpin Auto Sports

Galpin Auto Sports, located at 15600 Roscoe Blvd. in Van Nuys offers customizing and personalizing services on all new and pre-owned vehicles including collector and classic cars and is the official garage for MTV's Pimp My Ride. For more information on Galpin Auto Sports' unique products and services, please contact G.A.S. General Manager, Steve McCord (smccord@galpin.com), at (877)-GO-GAS-GO or visit the website at www.galpinautosports.com.

[Autoblog]