Honda also revealed a Civic Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Concept sedan that represents a new approach on performance improvement. With more consumer concern about fuel prices, future customers may want to maximize the performance of their vehicles without compromising fuel economy. Honda Access America, Honda's accessory development company, took on that challenge. Through aerodynamic improvements to the next generation HFP body kit, super-light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a lighter HFP exhaust system and an upgraded HFP suspension kit, this concept offers the possibility of improving both fuel economy and performance. In fact, a very similar package has proven its worth on the race tracks of Japan on the Civic Type R race car, which campaigned in a spec series called the Super Taikyu Series.

The company is taking deposits for the regular version of the Scorpion (just $150,000), which offers 450 HP from the twin-turbocharged V6, and the much greener Scorpion HX ($250,000), which should be good for 600 HP and includes all manner of luxuries. We've heard of this technology before, though we remain skeptical until we see hard scientific proof. Video of the car and a press release below.

Scorpion Ronn Motor Company @ SEMA 2008

Ronn Motor Company Partners With duPont Registry to Debut Eco-Exotic ScorpionTM Supercar at SEMA

Debuting November 4th, Austin-Based Auto Company Revolutionizes Supercar Category at Show Famous for Debuting Groundbreaking Technology

AUSTIN, TX—(Marketwire) - Ronn Motor Company, Inc. (RMC) (PINKSHEETS: RNNM) is proud to announce the highly anticipated introduction of the world's first eco-exotic supercar with the Scorpion™ making its world debut at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, November 4th - 7th. The first supercar of its kind to ever be created, the Scorpion™ is set to be unveiled at a show famously known for displaying the very best in groundbreaking automotive products and new technology. On the eve of the world premiere, the gasoline-hydrogen hybrid has caught the attention of a wide gamut of enthusiasts, ranging from exotic car fans to green fuel aficionados, including renowned authority in luxury, duPont Registry, which will be honoring the eco-exotic at its own SEMA booth with its esteemed Publisher's Choice award.

"One of the missions of the duPont Registry is to bring our readers the very best in automotive luxury and to make sure they are aware of new, unique cars such as the Scorpion™ from Ronn Motor Company," said Thomas duPont, Founder and Publisher of the duPont Registry. "We are extremely proud to have the Scorpion™ with us at SEMA and think this wonderful car aptly addresses several issues the world faces today while simultaneously delivering a beautifully designed, astoundingly high performing exotic."

Designed by RMC and engineered by acclaimed design firm, MetalCrafters, with a flowing, sensually lined low slung body; the $150,000 (U.S.) twin-turbo 450-horsepower Scorpion™ supercar features the latest in green fuel technology through its proprietary H2Go™ Hydrogen On-Demand system. With an aesthetically pleasing look joined with supercar performance and environmentally friendly technology, Ronn Motors is set to create a new breed of high-performance exotic automobiles made for enthusiasts looking for an exotic without compromise.

"Ronn Motor Company is proud to announce that the world introduction of our Scorpion™ eco-exotic will take place at such a celebrated automobile event like SEMA," commented President and Chief Operating Officer Ronn Maxwell. "The SEMA show presents the perfect platform for us, and we couldn't be more excited for the Scorpion™ to be introduced there at the duPont Registry booth. Our hope with the Scorpion™ is to implement a paradigm shift not only in how the industry looks at supercars, but at cars in general."

The Scorpion™ will be displayed at the duPont Registry booth at the SEMA show, where Publisher Tom duPont will personally unveil the supercar to an enthusiastic gathering of leading automobile publications and members of the media as well as car aficionados. As recipient of the duPont Registry: A Buyers Gallery of Fine Automobiles® Publisher's Choice Award, the Scorpion™ was judged by the magazine as embodying forward-thinking technology and styling as acknowledged by Founder and Publisher Tom duPont.

The Scorpion™ supercar will be limited to 200 production units, retailing for $150,000 (U.S.). Deliveries of the vehicles are slated for the first quarter of 2009.

That's right, those are roller blade wheels. Carbon fiber gets expensive and rather than just replacing the paint on the rear of the Challenger those wheels should help the muscle car smoothly glide on 1990s technology. Maybe a Moon Boot-based system may end up on an off-road Ram.
Let's just hope they'll also have a Dodge Ram full of tires to tow it around. Details from Chrysler below.

Mopar® Unveils 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA

Las Vegas, Nov 4, 2008 - Mopar®, Chrysler LLC’s global service and parts division, is bringing the all-new Dodge Challenger to the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. Mopar will unveil the much-anticipated 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger today at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

Team Mopar driver and two-time Formula Drift (FD) champion Samuel Hübinette, who will steer the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger during the 2009 season, participated in the reveal. Hübinette’s team owner Shaun Carlson, owner of NuFormz Racing, was also in attendance. Carlson spearheaded the build of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at his NuFormz Racing shop in Ontario, Calif.

The unveiling of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA continues Mopar’s long commitment to the rising motorsport of drifting. Mopar and Hübinette teamed up to capture the inaugural FD championship in 2004, with Hübinette also taking the 2006 FD title. Hübinette has claimed nine career FD victories, a series high, spreading the word about Mopar power to the younger demographic of race fans that follow drifting.

“The debut of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger solidifies the Mopar theme — if you can dream it, you can build it with Mopar,” said Steve Shugg, Director of Sales and Marketing – Mopar, Chrysler LLC. “Mopar is reaching out to today’s car enthusiast by combining its storied racing heritage with a variety of performance and accessory products that allow customers to make a personal statement with their vehicle.”

Shaun Carlson and Samuel Hübinette on the 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger
The creation of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger was no easy task for Carlson and his NuFormz Racing crew.

“We learned a lot from building the Mopar Drift Dodge Charger, which Sam drove during the 2007 season, and transferred that knowledge to the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger,” said Carlson. ”When we decided to bring out a new competition drift car, what better platform than the new Dodge Challenger. It has cool styling, great aerodynamics and it’s a car that we feel is going to create a lot of buzz among fans of the FD Series.”

The Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger underwent modifications, including a variety of safety components such as a full roll-cage and a five-point harness. A front carbon-fiber splitter and rear carbon-fiber wing were added for improved aero dynamics, and weight was trimmed off the Dodge Challenger SRT8 chassis by utilizing a custom carbon-fiber body by NuFormz Racing.

“One of the biggest modifications was making the car light,” Carlson remarked. “Much of the body is now carbon-fiber, which cut quite a bit of weight. We’ve been able to put a lot of time, effort and hard work into this car. It’s going to be strong.”

The powerplant of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger features a Mopar A8 aluminum engine built by Gary Stanton Racing Engines, with Mopar W9 raised port heads, pumping out an estimated 850 hp and 849 lb-ft of torque to BFGoodrich tires. Additional Mopar components include Mopar front and rear sway bars on the suspension.

“This is going to be an exciting time, bringing out another car and another platform,” said Hübinette, who in 2009 will mark his sixth year as a member of Team Mopar. “All that we learned from building the Dodge Charger drift car is transformed into this car and really makes it competitive. The Dodge Challenger is definitely the hot vehicle right now — everybody’s talking about it. Having the vehicle built as a competition drift car is just going to add even more excitement. We’re pumped up about launching this car, doing some testing over the winter and getting it ready to rock, and then taking home some victories next year.”

[Source: Chrysler]

Check out the way the harnesses are mounted. By attaching the shoulder belts to a point lower than the shoulders, the driver and passenger’s spines will be compressed in the event of the car running into something. This will crush the vertebrae and could even lead to paralysis in extreme cases.

Other modifications include tastelessly applied decals, plus the usual assortment of big wings, big wheels, lowered suspension and fancy brakes. We’re not sure what’s going on inside the GT-RR’s engine bay, but judging by Bespoke Venture’s online selection of engine upgrades, it’s probably plenty.

I was walking by and saw the folks from KNIGHT pulling the sheet off the $295,000 XV in the middle of the SEMA parking lot. As they were pulling it off I noticed them trying to start the uber-luxurious black barge but it sounded like the engine wouldn't turn over. Perhaps the battery was dead? Frankly we don't know; however, we were manhandled and pushed away from taking any more pics by a short swarthy man with a ‘stache, so we won't be returning to find out if they got their act together in time for the official unveil.

Kumho describes its tires as having “semi-run-flat capability," though we're pretty sure since there's basically no air in them anyway, they're running semi-flat all the time. Judge for yourself: The actual press release, on which we can find no signs of cocaine, follows.

KUMHO LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST 15 SERIES TYRE

Ever the innovator, Kumho is launching the world’s first ultra low profile 15 Series tyre at the 2008 SEMA (Speciality Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas this week (November 4-7).

The 385/15ZR22 size ECSTA SPT KU31 has been developed as a conversion option for such exotic sports cars as the Ferrari F430, Dodge Viper, and Corvette Z06.

The company has used cutting-edge computer simulation technology to optimise the sidewall structure, thereby preventing the formation of standing waves or ripples in the contact patch – a problem that can occur with the build up of heat at high speeds.

The new tyre also benefits from a semi run flat capability, ensuring it remains firmly fixed to the rim even after a puncture or general loss of pressure.

“The world’s first 15 Series tyre is a perfect example of what we have achieved through our ongoing commitment to research and development,” said Sae-chul Oh, Kumho’s President and CEO. “This is one of many innovations by our company which include aroma, coloured smoke and X-speed tyres. We will maintain our position at the cutting edge of tyre technology as we race towards our goal of becoming one of the world’s top five tyre makers.”

[source: Kumho]

“NELLY” FLEX UNVEILED AT SEMA SHOW

Nelly's Customized 2009 Ford Flex to be Unveiled at SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2008 – Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly will see his brand new customized 2009 Ford Flex for the first time today when the vehicle is unveiled on the Ford stand at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old rapper, singer and actor says Ford’s newest crossover caught his eye for the first time in July when it was on display at a Ford-sponsored event in Atlanta.

“When I saw it, I said ‘Yo, that’s hot! How can I get one of those?’” he recalled. “I thought it was a real unique vehicle.”

Later that night, Nelly shared his excitement about the car with his good friend, hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, who has a customized Flex of his own. That’s when the metaphorical wheels started turning.

"I've been partnering with Ford on some amazing vehicles since 2005," said Funkmaster Flex. When Nelly reached out on wanting a custom Flex of his own, I knew it was going to be 'on and poppin.' From our initial meeting with him at my warehouse in the Bronx to follow-up conversations that we had about this vehicle, there was no doubt that we could deliver something that would ultimately be true to Nelly and his own style".

"When it comes to a vehicle looking sweet, this crossover is beyond sweet," said Flex of the crossover. "This vehicle is one where you can be hot coming off the dealership lot—which is a plus, but when you know that you can customize it afterwards and turn a car that's a 10 into a 20—that's super hot." It was even more exciting for me to be able to work with Nelly and introduce him to the Ford team of designers to create a vehicle all his own. It was definitely an experience."

Usha Raghavachari, Ford's Crossover Marketing Communications Manager, attended the initial event in Atlanta and says she was delighted to see how enthusiastic Nelly was about the Flex.

“He is a huge hip hop star who transcends the traditional audience. The fact that he is attracted to Flex is testament to its head-turning design,” she said.

Nelly says he was thrilled about the idea of “building” his own Flex.

“I’m what they call a ‘premiere stuntastic stuntman,’ and so you know when it comes to cars, I’m pretty inclined to go overboard,” he said. “I wanted to really turn the vehicle into mine. You can do so much with it, and I think that’s the best thing about it.”

After meeting with Nelly and getting a feel for his taste, Ford Designer Melvin Betancourt began sketching.

“Just from talking with Nelly, we knew that he wanted a custom-color blue car with a white roof, a great sound system, 22-inch wheels, an exhaust system with a little bit of a rumble on it, and a personalized interior,” said Betancourt, who worked with Catalyst Industrial Marking, Inc. to build the vehicle. “He wanted our input on the other elements of the customization.”

One of the first ideas they had, says Betancourt, was to design a custom appliqué for the roof.

“We created an art form that we feel reflects Nelly’s personality,” he said. “It’s a bird, which is a symbol of freedom — the ability to do whatever you want in life — and it has a very modern feel to it, which is very Flex.”

The wheels had to stand out. So the team chose NC Forged “6 Spoke” 3-piece aluminum, 22-inch wheels with NC floating center caps.

“Wheels are usually either all-chrome or all-painted. We did custom chrome rims with a brushed aluminum center, which is very unusual,” he said. “We also wanted a wild, crazy offset on the wheels, so we went with a 4½-inch rim in the back and a 3-inch rim in the front, which creates a staggered look.”

Betancourt says the inspiration for the interior of the vehicle came largely from the exterior.

“The outside of the car reflects his personality, so it was a matter of bringing the some of the same elements inside,” he said.

The team selected a black Tuscany leather interior with Katzkin® seats and contrast blue stitching that picks up the unique exterior color of the car. They also replaced all the wood grain trim inside the car with the same artwork appliqué featured on the roof.

In addition, Nelly’s Flex features the industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™ technology and a CIM LIIV™ wireless Internet entertainment system, which enables passengers to enjoy web surfing, online games, e-mail, downloaded movies, music and live television.

Nelly says one of the things that really attracts him to the Ford Flex is the vehicle’s potential to transcend the generation gap.

“It used to be that parents and kids didn’t like the same thing. Families are getting a lot younger, and now it’s kind of a friendship between parents and kids,” he explained. “When you can have a vehicle that both can rock their own way, I think you have something there that’s very special.”

Raghavachari agrees.

“Flex has successfully attracted a wide variety of people to Ford, with over half our customers being completely new to the Ford brand,” she said. “This car helps our customers make a real statement about themselves and allows us to make a statement about where Ford is headed in terms of design and innovation."

[Ford]

Placentia, Calif. (November 3, 2008) — Photos of the new 2009 Hurst/Hemi Challenger – which is currently being prepped for its debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas – are now online. Hurst Performance Vehicles will launch its new website, www.HurstPerformanceVehicles.com, tomorrow morning. The new site will function as a virtual showroom for the upcoming 2009 Hurst/Hemi® Challenger, as well as other Hurst Performance Vehicles due to be announced in the near future.

In the coming months the website will feature photos, specs, drive reports and more on the Hurst/Hemi Challenger program. The website will also be updated with photos and video from the 2008 SEMA show press conference being held on Tuesday, November 4, at 3:30pm.

“We’re very excited about the upcoming debut at SEMA, and the new site will deliver all the images, information and excitement of the press conference to our friends, customers and enthusiasts that couldn’t attend the show,” said Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst Performance.

Please check the website for updates from the 2008 SEMA show, including photos of the Hurst/Hemi® Challenger unveiling and the latest news from the Hurst Performance press conference.

Founded in 1958, Hurst Performance is one of the most recognized and revered names in the automotive performance arena. The Hurst brand has long been synonymous with speed, performance and quality, with an impressive track-record of pioneering high performance products and vehicles for all forms of motorsports and hot-rodding. Hurst was one of the first specialty companies to partner with the OEMs and bring enthusiasts limited edition performance vehicles like the legendary Hurst/Olds 442.

[via Hurst Performance Vehicles]

GMPP has bumped up the output from the 2.0-liter Ecotec to 290 HP via intake tweaks, a performance cat-back exhaust and a Stage 2 tuning kit. Lowered and firmed-up suspension sits beneath, and the package is finished off with a Hydro Blue racing stripe. We've liked the idea of a Solstice coupe since we saw the first one — it's too bad chances are slim we'll ever see one in showrooms. We'll bring you shots from the SEMA show floor starting later today. [GM via eGMCarTech]

Subaru Creates Ultimate Off-Road Forester with SEMA Mountain Rescue Vehicle

* Designed as an over-the-top First Responder Vehicle for Ski Areas
* All-New Forester Named MOTOR TREND SUV of the Year for 2009

Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Mountain Rescue Forester(R) Vehicle, built for the National Ski Patrol (NSP). It will debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show that runs at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. Working with Subaru of America, Detroit-based Specialized Vehicles built the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept as the ultimate first responder vehicle, bolstering its trail-driving capability and equipping it with essential Ski Patrol rescue gear.

Based on the 2009 MOTOR TREND SUV of the Year Subaru Forester 2.5XT turbo crossover utility vehicle, the Forester Mountain Rescue Vehicle is designed to help Ski Patrol crews conduct rescues in difficult terrain and weather conditions. The men and women of Ski Patrol risk their lives in the mountains, fighting avalanches, performing daring rescues and keeping unruly skiers and snowboarders from endangering others on the slopes.

Ready for Rescue Missions

Subaru and skiing have gone together since 1974, when skiers first discovered the all-weather traction of Subaru models with 4-wheel drive. In stock form, the 2009 Forester 2.5XT combines Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, more than other crossover SUVs, which are typically in the 6.5-7 in. range. The Forester Mountain Rescue Concept delivers more than 14 in. of ground clearance through an Air Lift custom adjustable ride height air suspension system. Added off-road and snow traction is provided by Yokohama Geolandar MTS 30 x 9.5-in. tires on special 15-in. Subaru custom-reversed near-zero offset steel wheels.

For extra protection on the trails, the Forester Mountain Rescue Concept is equipped with custom front and rear skid plates by DeeZee and custom Trail Armor by Bushwacker, including fender flares, lower door cladding, a rear gate guard and tail light guards. Skiers won't have trouble seeing the Forester Mountain Rescue Vehicle coming: an emergency light package, augmented by Subaru Genuine Accessory Baja Sport Activity Lights, ensures visibility from a distance and in all types of weather.

To illuminate a rescue site, the vehicle is equipped with roof mounted Visi Light LED spotlights - five in front and two in the rear - by Hamsar Diversco. Topping off the concept vehicle's distinctive styling, a DeeZee custom grille guard helps protect the Sport Mesh Grille from Subaru Genuine Accessories.

Once on the rescue site, the Ski Patrol crew can use an Ultimate Performance 9.5i Thermometric 9,500-lb. winch by WARN. Remote rear door openers and external quick-access utility compartments play a vital role when time is of the essence. Extra wide round crossbars help secure the Subaru Yakima ski carriers, which on this vehicle hold Nordica snow skis. A rescue toboggan from Cascade rounds out the rescue equipment.

Subaru is proud to be the official vehicle of the NSP, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado and dedicated to serving the public and the ski industry by providing education on emergency care and safety. Subaru has been the Official Vehicle of the NSP for many years and for good reason - Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, robust construction and durability make any Subaru ideally suited to tough winter conditions.

[Subaru via WCF]

[4WheelsNews]

FORD TO SHOWCASE NEW F-150'S VERSATILITY AT SEMA

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2008 – America's best-selling pickups for 31 consecutive years are also the most accessorized vehicles in the aftermarket, and this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show brings new options aplenty for the 2009 Ford F-150.

Four F-150 project trucks – running the gamut from a rolling work shop to a functional fun machine – debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which runs Nov. 4-7.

The F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor Concept was designed to be the "ultimate contractor's truck," according to Jennifer Ervin, director of Business Development for DEWALT.

"At DEWALT, we are obsessed with developing innovative solutions for the professional contractor that will deliver productivity on the job site," she said. "We have thoroughly thought through how a contractor uses his or her truck on the job, and we've worked hard to integrate every application into the truck."

The DEWALT Contractor includes features such as a built-in charger for battery-powered tools that is hidden in the center console, a customized storage area beneath the second-row seat and Ford Works Solutions™ Tool Link™ from DEWALT.

"Tool Link will enable contractors to know if they have the right tools for the job in the truck when they leave in the morning, and it also helps prevent loss of tools at the end of the day," said Ervin.

Mike Duval, owner of X'Treme Toyz, had something else in mind for the F-150 he dubbed "Fahrenheit F-150°."

"I ride motorcycles, mountain bikes and four wheelers, and I like to go camping," he said. "I wanted to transform the truck into a functional, fun vehicle for outdoorsmen like myself."

In addition to "hot flame" exterior graphics, the Fahrenheit F-150° includes features including a 9,000 lb. winch hidden behind the license plate at the front and rear of the truck; a bike rack across the top rail; and a Bedslide sliding cargo drawer equipped with a toolbox, tire and small compressor.

"You can basically put all of your toys in the truck, hook up the trailer and go," said Duval. "And with the winch on both ends of the truck, you can get pulled in either direction if you get stuck."

Duval says he usually "goes crazy" with the interiors of his show cars, but he didn't see a reason to tamper with the interior of the 2009 F-150.

"I didn't do a whole lot to the interior because the factory did such a fantastic job with the vehicle right out of the gate," he said. "It's got a great stereo system, Ford SYNC™ and a variety of other creature comforts."

In addition to a well-appointed interior, the 2009 F-150 offers customizers like Duval a variety of different options straight from the factory to build upon. The vehicle is available with three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels — a total of 35 different configurations in all.

Ford Designer Melvin Betancourt says he believes the F-150 is so popular in the aftermarket because in addition to all the "built-in" options available on the vehicle, there are still countless ways for customization enthusiasts to change it up.

"Whether it's adding big tires for off-roading or lowering the truck to give it more of a street performance look, the F-150 is like a blank canvas that you can do almost anything with," said Betancourt. "It all depends on the personality of the owner."

The 2009 Ford F-150s featured at this year's SEMA show include:

2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor
When there is a job to do, Ford F-Series trucks are the leading choice for the men and women who need to get it done. The 2009 Ford F-150 continues this work truck leadership with even more capability and smart pickup features than ever before.

The Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor turns the 2009 F-150 into the ultimate tough truck for any job site with features that will drive productivity and help contractors achieve their peak performance. This rugged, durable, hard-working truck is equipped with powertrain mods to improve performance and efficiency plus a long list of custom features that turn it into a rolling work shop. To ensure that they have the right tool at their fingertips for any job, contractors can effectively store and manage their tool inventory through Tool Link and Customized On Board Storage.

2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 by X-Treme Toyz
The 2009 Ford F-150 FX-4 is "Built Ford Tough" for hard work or for rough play. Starting with this extremely capable pickup X-Treme Toyz turns up the heat with its "Fahrenheit F-150."

This highly functional fun machine is totally tricked out for the active outdoor lifestyle enthusiast. With a radically rugged-looking exterior, a luxuriously refined interior plus a full array of functional upgrades and accessories, this truck will put true weekend warriors in the zone. It lets them play rough all day, hose off the mud, then hit the nightspots in style.

2009 Ford F-150 by Street Scene Equipment
The new Ford F-150 Lariat is built for those who don't believe in compromises. It combines "Built Ford Tough" performance and capability with a surprising level of comfort and luxury.

Drawing on years of experience and success in the sport truck market, Street Scene Equipment has taken the no-compromise attitude of the 2009 F-150 Lariat Supercrew to the next level. The result is the perfect combination of head-turning style and tough performance with the level of comfort now expected by today's demanding truck owners. Whether it's putting in a hard day at work, towing a large boat to the lake for a weekend of family fun or a taking friends to a black tie event, the Ford F-150 by Street Scene will get you noticed and get you there in comfort and luxury.

Hi-Pa Drive™ F-150
What's been taken out of this Ford F-150 hinges on what's been put in. The engine, drive train, gear box and all the related parts have been replaced it with the game-changing Hi-Pa Drive™ system. The four electric in-wheel motors that power the fully-electric Hi-Pa Drive F-150 will deliver more than 600 horsepower as well as more torque than the 320 horsepower V-8 engine it replaced. Hi-Pa Drive is helping car designers eliminate oil dependency, carbon emissions and costs, while adding more power, room, performance and design options.

[Ford]

Project IS F by Five Axis

Following its stunning debut in 2007, the Five Axis Project IS F went back to the shop for another makeover, this time in the engine compartment. With 416 hp on tap right out of the box, the standard IS F is no slouch. But the Project IS F concept brief included exploring the performance potential of its direct-injected 5.0-liter V8, so it now sports 5.8 liters while receiving ported and flowed cylinder heads, a new exhaust system and changes to the electronic controls. The upshot is enough power and torque to put an evil grin on even the most jaded enthusiast’s face

IS 350 with F-Sport Accessories

The IS 250/350 is Lexus’ entry point into the luxury sport sedan arena. It’s a tuner-friendly and robust platform that responds extremely well to performance upgrades. This car is fully loaded with all the offerings from the F-Sport performance accessory catalog. It also sports a new concept ground-effects body kit designed to complement the increased performance and aggressive stance provided by the F-Sport components.

IS F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance

Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance teamed to create this subtle yet aggressive makeover of the already aggressive IS F. The subtle part involves the numerous bodywork changes, which enhance rather than rethink the lines of the IS F, making it look even more muscular in the process. ‘Aggressive’ can be applied to the engine which gets the full twin-turbo treatment. Fox expects the changes will yield something north of 600 horsepower.

IS F by Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN

Import Tuner Magazine and TEIN suspension company put their collective heads and expertise together to create an IS F that’s focused on track performance, while still remaining practical for the street. Weight reduction, added chassis stiffness, special suspension and big sticky tires take care of the corners, while a comprehensive nitrous system boosts the engine for bursts of overtaking power. Coming soon to a track near you.

IS F by 0-60 Magazine

With track performance a common theme among IS F builders, 0-60 Magazine ups the ante on their IS F project with a supercharger to tease out another load of horses from the big V8. Carbon fiber body components reduce weight while lowering the center of gravity and a custom roll cage adds stiffness and protection. A beefy brake-
upgrade kit was added to balance the performance equation.

IS F by MotorworldHype.com

MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce some unwanted mass and a well-rounded package of suspension, brake, engine and cosmetic changes provide sharper responses in all directions.

LX 570 by ICON 4x4 Design

ICON specializes in 4x4s that are typically off-road oriented. But they envisioned something different for the plush yet rugged LX 570. Their approach here is to give the LX a clean and stealthy appearance through clever use of colors and trim, then top with performance improvements to further enhance the appeal of Lexus’ premier luxury utility vehicle.

[Source: Lexus]

SEMA SHOW 2008: BANKS TO SHOW 200+ MPH DIESEL DRAGSTER & MORE SEMA
Debuts: Banks Marine Engine, SpeedBrake™ & EconoMind® Tuner

Azusa, Calif. 10.24.08 - - Banks Power, the nation’s pre-eminent producer of complete aftermarket packages that not only power up, but bolster fuel mileage as well in both diesel- and gasoline-powered light trucks, motorhomes, and SUVs; will have some new attention-catching “items” on its stand at the 2008 SEMA Show.

First, foremost (and pretty darn obvious) will be the latest weapon in Gale Banks’ “arsenal” of diesel-powered record assault vehicles; his brand new Sidewinder Top Dragster. At almost 300 inches long and powered by a Banks-equipped GM Duramax 6.6 liter V-8; the dart-shaped, projectile is aimed squarely at being the first diesel dragster to make consistent, backed-up 200+ mile per hour runs in the quarter mile.

SPECIAL MEDIA INVITATION:
PLEASE JOIN US AT THE BANKS EXHIBIT
TO BE AMONG THE FIRST TO SEE THE
BANKS POWER TOP DRAGSTER
The introduction of this exciting new machine is set for
10:15am on Wednesday, November 5
(Banks Exhibit - Central Hall - Space 23721)

Company President Gale Banks will be on hand to present the machine
(which boasts power readings of well over 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 pounds-feet of torque)
to the media and talk about the future racing plans
for his latest Banks Sidewinder!

Sharing space in the Banks display will be the new Banks Marine Engine that’s also based on the muscular GM Duramax. Designed to be a state-of-the-art, high performance diesel engine for use in a wide range of boat types; the 6.6 liter diesel engine will be available from Banks in multiple ratings and configurations depending on application and customer requirements. This is the engine that elicited such a positive buzz at the Miami Boat Show earlier in the year. It too will be seen by SEMA show goers for the first time at this show.

Additionally Banks will have all of its latest consumer products on hand including the new EconoMind Tuner®. Designed and produced with the words fuel efficiency foremost on everyone’s mind, this latest electronic marvel from Banks helps vehicles to get every last mile out of every drop of fuel, as well as allowing those same vehicles to “flex their muscles” on demand or when encountering steep grades.

Also on view at SEMA will be Banks’ brand-new revolutionary SpeedBrake™ for the GM Duramax LBZ & LMM engine. The patented, all-electronic unit is completely adjustable for individual preference as well as for all road and load conditions. During extensive testing this system exceeded expectations and far outperformed any other so-called “competitive products” in all braking functions. In fact, no other company offers anything like the functionality of this exclusive Banks SPEED CONTROL.

The gargantuan SEMA trade show, held annually in Las Vegas, attracts over a million members of the multi-billion dollar automotive aftermarket industry, takes place this year on November 4-7, and is anchored at the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center. Gale Banks Engineering has just begun its NEXT fifty years of design, engineering, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing excellence.

From its founding in 1958, Banks Power has been continuously involved in applying the tough lessons learned in all-out competition to improve street products for everyday users. Generally speaking, Banks customers do not actually need to go 200 or more miles an hour. But most feel that getting the best of power and mileage out of Banks’ unflinching quest for speed is a pretty good spin-off.

[Banks Engineering]