BRABUS B63 S
550 hp / 404 kW and a Top Speed of up to 330 km/h for all Mercedes 63 AMG Models

Even more power for all Mercedes 63 AMG models: BRABUS presents its B63 S engine tuning, which boosts power output of the high-revving 6.2-liter V8 to 550 hp / 404 kW and peak torque to 650 Nm. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h a CLS 63 AMG with B63 S tuning turns in performance worthy of a true super sports car.

The BRABUS power kit comprises newly programmed engine electronics with special mapping for injection and ignition. But that's not all: The intake side features a sport air filter for improved supply of combustion air. The exhaust side features high-performance metal catalysts with low back pressure that also ensure that the tuned V8 engine meets stringent EURO IV emission limits.

In order to transfer the increased power to the road with minimum slip BRABUS recommends the BRABUS locking differential for all Mercedes 63 models with rear wheel drive. The diff lock has a locking rate of up to 40 percent.

The BRABUS B63 S performance kit is available for all Mercedes 63 AMG models. With 550 hp / 404 kW the ML 63 accelerates in 4.9 seconds from 0 -100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 275 km/h in combination with the BRABUS V/max unit.

This extraordinary performance represents a good argument for modifications to tires, suspension and brakes. Depending on the Mercedes 63 AMG model in question BRABUS offers custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to size 11Jx23 with tires up to 315/25 R 23 in size. To further improve the already excellent handling characteristics BRABUS has developed a control module for the ABC suspensions that lowers the ride height by some 20 millimeters. BRABUS sport stabilizers reduce body roll and optimize turn-in.

The BRABUS high-performance brake system offers stopping power and endurance normally only found in purebred sports cars. It is available for all Mercedes 63 AMG models, upon customer request even in a special version with ceramic discs. The front axle features 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear axle is fitted with six-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm brake discs.

The list of BRABUS exclusive interior accessories ranges from genuine carbon-fiber trim and scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial.

Upon customer request the company-own upholstery shop crafts especially exclusive BRABUS interiors from a combination of especially soft yet highly durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

[Brabus via Carscoop]

RENNtech Tunes The AMG C63

40 years ago, the hottest, fastest sedan you could buy was Mercedes-Benz' 300SEL 6.3. By placing its largest engine in a mid-sized car, Mercedes' engineers created a luxurious sedan capable of out-performing some of the quickest sportscars of its day. The 6.3 remains a landmark sports sedan that continues to influence Mercedes' design direction. Nowhere is the influence of the 6.3 more evident than in AMG's current line of sports sedans. AMG's newest cars carry the first purpose-built, "all-AMG" engine design in the company's history, and the "63" designation they wear (S63, E63, etc.) is a direct reference to the 6.3.

Last year, Mercedes revisited the "bigger engine, smaller car" formula and introduced the C63 AMG. Powered by the same 6.2 liter V8 as its bigger, more expensive S and E class siblings, the C63 promised heart-stopping performance at a bargain price ... but, somewhere between concept and production, something happened: the C63 put out a "mere" 451 hp.

While the C63 is certainly no slouch, it didn't make the same 507 or 518 horsepower that its E and S class siblings made. Some of the power difference can legitimately be blamed on more restrictive intake and exhaust paths - after all, the big V8 is a tight fit in the smaller C class, but this fails to explain how the same engine, when found under the hood of a CLK63 AMG Cabrio, makes 475 hp.

Where did that 24 hp go?

"Mercedes restricted the car," explains Hartmut Feyhl. "So, our first step in extracting more power from the C63 is to de-restrict the car." Of course, in this modern age of software encryption and electronic obstacles, that kind of "de-restricting" is easier said than done - which is why Feyhl is exactly the man you want to talk to when it's time to take your C63 to the next level.

Hartmut Feyhl was technical director at AMG North America before forming his own company, RENNtech, in 1989. Since then, Feyhl built a reputation as one of the world's premier tuners and America's foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz high performance.

It should come as no surprise, then, that RENNtech's first offering for the C63 was an effective ECU software upgrade (ECU1) to unleash the same "factory" 475 hp and 465 lb-ft (up from 451 and 443) as the CLK.

It should also come as no surprise, then, that RENNtech didn't leave it at that! "In a sense, the C63 is a return to the roots for Mercedes, and for AMG, and also for RENNtech," says Feyhl. "It is a very special car, as the C class has grown to about the same size as the 6.3 and the W124 Hammer, but with much more power. We want to see how far we can go with this car."

With that in mind, RENNtech has introduced a comprehensive line of performance products to turn the AMG C63s of the world into more focused trackday performers, starting with the car you see here.

To get the most from the C63, RENNtech began with the ECU2 high-performance software. Much more than a (relatively) simple de-restriction, this flavor of RENNtech's software optimizes every aspect of engine performance, building massive amounts of torque across the low-to-mid rpm range and boosting the C63's top speed to 187 mph. When combined with RENNtech's stainless-steel long-tube headers and new, track-oriented sound/performance pipes, the RENNtech software produces 548 peak horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

RENNtech sharpens the C63's handling reflexes with a fully adjustable sport suspension and adjustable front and rear camber bushings that allow customers to "dial-in" ride height and shock damping while the camber bushings help maintain proper camber and alignment for maximum grip (RENNtech considers these camber bushings a must-have item for serious performance drivers).

To rein in the C63's newfound horsepower, RENNtech offers maximum stopping power in the form 15.2" 2 PC rotors clamped by RENNtech calipers. Along with stainless steel braided lines front and rear, these brakes improve overall feel and driver confidence at speed. Additional cooling from RENNtech's carbon-fiber brake ducts further reduce fade - another must-have upgrade for competitive driving styles.

In the past, few would have considered a car like the C63 a truly capable trackday ride, but with the success of track events like the AMG Challenge and SLR.Club Trophy, it is clear that there are a growing AMG drivers who want to experience their car on the track. "We are all racers," says Feyhl, "and when we find ourselves on a track, we want to be competitive."

With almost 100 hp over the stock C63, RENNtech-tuned C63s will probably be competitive enough for most people - but keep in mind that this is RENNtech (birthplace of the "real" 722 SLR, where a 900 lb-ft twin-turbo V12 sedan is a daily occurrence) and that 2009 marks RENNtech's 20th anniversary ... does Herr Feyhl have some kind of "birthday party" in mind for RENNtech that involves the C63 and ties all this rich history and tradition together?

Probably!

[Source: RENNtech]

Is it a new Autobot logo? Is it a new Corvette logo? Nope, it's a stingray, baby. What this means — only time will tell, we're sure.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

LeMans Prototype 2 (LMP2) saw great success for Andretti Green Racing and the Acura racing program as the AGR team finished first and Acura took all three podium spots. The one, two, three finish also catapulted Acura past Porsche in the manufacturers championship as well. We're betting there was a fair bit of off-colored language amongst the Porsche teams following that result.

This year's race provided a little post-race drama to go along with the action on the track. The first car to cross the line in the LeMans Prototype 1 class (LMP1) was, no surprise, the diesel-powered Audi R10, the beastly dominator of the class since it's debut. However after the post race weigh in, the car was disqualified after it was discovered to be 2 pounds under weight.

No surprise in the results in the GT1 races; with the only four entries being two Corvette C6Rs and two Aston Martin DBR9s, the result was almost over before it began. One of the Astons nosed into the wall on the first lap and for the remainder the C6R's dominated. Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta bested teammates Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen for the first time since late March, and the DBR9 of Terry Borcheller finished third.

GT2 saw a one-two finish this year from Flying Lizard racing, the guys who ended up with a Porsche 911-flambe last year. Their win comes as the third one-two finish of the year and pushed them further ahead into the season points lead. A couple Ford GT40's are in the pack this year and while they sounded great, one nailed the wall and the other finished slow.

Belle Isle Grand Prix Results
1. (5) James Rossiter, England; Franck Montagny, Brignoles France; Acura ARX-01B (1, P2), 104.
2. (1) Scott Sharp, Jupiter, FL; David Brabham, Australia; Acura ARX-01B (2, P2), 104.
3. Simon Pagenaud, France; Gil de Ferran, Brazil; Acura ARX-01B (3, P2), 104.
4. (6) Romain Dumas, France; Timo Bernhard, Germany; Porsche RS Spyder (4, P2), 104.
5. (7) Patrick Long, Oak Park, CA; Ryan Briscoe, Australia; Porsche RS Spyder (5, P2), 104.
6. (3) Guy Smith, England; Chris Dyson, Pleasant Valley, NY; Porsche RS Spyder (6, P2), 103.
7. (11) Ben Devlin, England; Gerardo Bonilla, Orlando, FL; Lola B07 46 Mazda (7, P2), 103.
8. (10) Marino Franchitti, Scotland; Butch Leitzinger, State College, PA; Porsche RS Spyder (8, P2), 102.
9. (17) Oliver Gavin, England; Olivier Beretta, Monaco; Corvette C6.R (1, GT1), 100.
10. (13) Jan Magnussen, Denmark; Johnny O'Connell, Flowery Branch, GA; Corvette C6.R (2, GT1), 100.
11. (14) Wolf Henzler, Germany; Jörg Bergmeister, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (1, GT2), 98.
12. (18) Patrick Pilet, France; Johannes van Overbeek, San Francisco, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (2, GT2), 98.
13. (15) Jaime Melo, Brazil; Mika Salo, Finland; Ferrari F430 GT (3, GT2), 98.
14. (22) Lonnie Pechnik, Pacific Grove, CA; Martin Ragginger, Austria; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (4, GT2), 98.
15. (19) Robert Bell, UK; Harrison Brix, San Jose, CA; Ferrari F430 GT (5, GT2), 98.
16. (26) Jim Tafel, Alpharetta, GA; Alex Figge, Hollywood, CA; Ferrari F430 GT (6, GT2), 95.
17. (28) Joel Feinberg, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Chris Hall, Daytona, FL; Dodge Viper Comp Coupe (7, GT2), 94.
18. (20) Terry Borcheller, Vero Beach, FL; Chapman Ducote, Miami, FL; Aston Martin DBR9 (3, GT1), 93.
19. (16) Dominik Farnbacher, Germany; Dirk Mueller, Germany; Ferrari F430 GT (8, GT2), 92.
20. (27) David Murry, Cumming, GA; Andrea Robertson, Ray, MI; David Robertson, Ray, MI; Doran Ford GT-R (9, GT2), 89.
21. (21) Tom Milner, Leesburg, VA; Tom Sutherland, Los Gatos, CA; Panoz Esperante Ford (10, GT2), 87, Accident.
22. (12) Jon Field, Dublin, OH; Clint Field, Dublin, OH; Richard Berry, Evergreen, CO; Lola B06/10 AER (1, P1), 83.
23. (4) Luis Diaz, Mexico; Adrian Fernandez, Mexico; Acura ARX-01B (9, P2), 83.
24. (25) Tim Pappas, Boston, MA; Anthony Lazzaro, Acworth, GA; Doran Ford GT-R (11, GT2), 49, Accident.
25. (24) Marc Basseng, Germany; Nicky Pastorelli, Netherlands; Francisco Pastorelli, Netherlands; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (12, GT2), 38, Mechanical.
26. (8) Lucas Luhr, Germany; Marco Werner, Germany; Audi AG R10/TDI (2, P1), 21, Accident.
27. (23) Paul Drayson, London, UK; Jonny Cocker, UK; Aston Martin Vantage (13, GT2), 1, Accident.
28. (9) Emanuele Pirro, Italy; Marcel Fässler, Switzerland; Audi AG R10/TDI (3, P1), 104, DQ.

[ALMS]
Partial photo credit to Alex Conley

Currently on sale is a set of Volvo C30 wheels from the next Fast and Furious movie, but the auction includes prototype Dodge Challenger pistol-grip shifters, original mid-engine Corvette sketches from the 70's, a BMW sculpture and a Bob Bondurant racing class. Further details can be had at The Garage Blog and you can check out the current auction over at eBay.

How many acres is that hood? The standard engine for the '70 Newport was a 383 with 290 horsepower, but the Chrysler dealer could get you a 350-horse 440. Get the 300 Hurst and you got 370 horsepower from your 440. Sadly, a 4-speed manual transmission was not available from the factory.


There's the usual rust you see around the rear windows on Northern California Detroit cars with vinyl tops, thanks to the rainy winters here. Otherwise, the car seems very solid. It looks good driving and sounds even better.


At 4,100 pounds, this car isn't quite as heavy as its vast size suggests. Hey, it's only 200 pounds heavier than the new Camaro SS! Still, prehistoric engine technology and a 3-speed slushbox means it probably swills gas like the oil wells will never run dry.

Among the many questions are whether the next Corvette offer a twin-turbo direct-injection V6? The answer? Maybe. How about a range of smaller V8 engines? Perhaps. Then there's the age-old question: Will the engine will be moved to the middle, behind the driver? No. Here's what PopMech has to say about an engine moving amidship:

"One thing we know with certainty is that the mid-engine Corvette—the one that pops up as a production possibility every decade or so—remains just a wistful idea. "The mid-engine Corvette is simply too expensive," says auto analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics. "It would need costly new tooling and offers little weight savings because it requires an extra, metal-intensive firewall."

The rest of those questions and more are answered speculated upon for your enjoyment. Although we're still on a high from our ZR1 first drive, we probably should be worrying about what's next, shouldn't we? [Popular Mechanics]

We are pleased to introduce to the Corvette enthusiasts of the world, the new Rossi 66. Taking the most graceful lines of the 1966 C2 split window Corvette, we have crafted an entirely new body designed and engineered specifically for the current C6/Z06/ZR1 platform. We believe the result speaks for itself!

The Rossi 66 was entirely designed and engineered digitally and is the culmination of nearly 100 years of combined experience amongst three of the most experienced automotive designer, sculptor, and engineer in the business. Emphasis added...this is NOT a kit car!

The Rossi 66 will be built to order from a new C6, a C6/Z06/ZR1 or a customer supplied C6 donor chassis to be transformed in our own facilities. The initial offering is a three door coupe with a fully functioning convertible to be developed in the near future. Along with those two variants, there will also be various stages of Sport and Competition versions up to and including a GT2 class type for full on-track racing applications.

As we all know, the substantial capabilities of the C6 chassis and the vast respective tuning suppliers will allow infinite possibilities for a broad range of customer tastes. Partnership with these existing C6 tuners may be negotiated in the future. Also offered from Rossi will be custom designed one-piece/multi-piece light weight Rossi forged wheels, Rossi big brake kits, Rossi custom exhaust system, Rossi appointed interior trims and seating along with many other custom accessories designed specifically for this brand.

The parent corporation, Blue Fusion, has been a Tier One surfacing supplier for Ford Motor Company for over 15 years and is both ISO9001 and Ford Q1 certified (higher than ISO rating scale). Production tolerances will be of the highest in the automotive industry. This includes Class-A surfacing and the fit and finish will be competitive with the best of modern production releases.

Our debut target is to introduce a full running production vehicle to be displayed at SEMA 2008 (investment capitol dependent). The design is near completion and tooling is set to begin next month in September. Investment opportunities are available so if this of interest to someone you know, please don't hesitate to spread the news. The Rossi 66 is available for orders as of today!

For more information regarding either Blue Fusion or the Rossi 66 and it's pricing, please contact David R. Robison at davidr@fusion2k.com.

These cars had water-cooled, side-valve, inline-four engines displacing a mighty 569 cubic centimeters. Of course, it was mounted in the front of the car, driving the rear wheels, like a proper car, which left the rear open for Fiat to make a wagon version like this, for hauling whatever you could manage to squeeze in the back. It's somewhat hard to really comprehend just how small the car is from these photos, as the Fiat has all the proportions of a much larger vehicle, but it's safe to say that its dimensions are about half that of a modern mid-size SUV. It makes you wonder how well a car like this might sell if it were on the market today.

For one, the new IS will get new wheels, more colors and a revised stability control system for the introductory model. More important is the news that the Lexus IS convertible is closer to a reality as Lexus has apparently trademarked the names IS250C, IS300C and IS350C. While we hope C stands for Wagon, we're not holding our breath.

[My.IS, Motor Authority via Motive Forums]

GM's Corvette Centennial Design Concept coincides, as you'd expect, with GM's 100-year birthday party. The concept's meant to be a means of merging design elements of the past with the next century of GM design. As such, the concept car is expected to hearken back to a number of key design elements from GM power cars but not, as some have speculated, be a first-look at the design of a new C7 Corvette.

Although the concept will have long, sweeping Corvette-like lines, all it takes is one look at the front end's Camaro-like wide open mouth to see it draws inspiration from something more than just a Corvette Stingray. Coming around to the back, and the very non-Corvette-like rear end lacks any of the obvious cues you'd expect from a next-generation Corvette. The concept has a very distinct four-pipe exhaust in the center of the back end, and a sharp concave taillight housing — both are nothing like any Corvette ever seen.

Except for those rear haunches. They will be, as we've already seen in our exclusive spy photos, almost cartoon-like in their size. They're Corvette-like, but only inasmuch as they're caricatures of it. But, they'll be necessary to house the ginormous rear tires the Corvette Centennial Design Concept's sporting.

No, anyone thinking this design's a showcase of what the next-generation Corvette will look like needs to get their glasses checked. It's so much more than that.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

As any cop car should, the team also has the Chevy Caprice 9C1 rigged up with a big ol' flashing light. Although this is certainly not standard-issue, and looks more like it's off the top of a cellphone tower, or maybe a small coastal lighthouse. But that's to be expected when your mission statement, "to enslave and torture," follows Barricade's "to punish and enslave."

After the nine-foot-tall leggy models pulled the wraps off the GTR, buyer number one Rollie Purifoy pulled the car into the crush of an enthusiastic crowd, giving us an opportunity to spend a couple of minutes talking to company owner Jeff Nowicki. Understandably, Jeff was pretty happy with the end result of over a year of hard work. And why shouldn't he be? Instead of tacking on styling like most aftermarket niche builders, Jeff and his team took the approach of enhancing the Corvette shape with unique styling elements that have the effect of turning the 'Vette up to eleven.

Though many levels of engine tune are available, this first model is based off the Z06, and snorts out 535 HP with 530 lb-ft of torque breathing through a beautiful-sounding Corsa exhaust. It certainly does sound like an eleven.

Let's be honest here though for a moment — this is a $35,000 custom-built body option. You can drop it onto any C6 version of your choosing, making a car with a price range of $75,000 all the way up to more than $100,000. That's not exactly chicken scratch and certainly not an option Joe Sixpack will be taking, but for those few who know what they want and have the cash to buy it, this is a damn impressive-looking car.

The level of fit and finish points to the fact that this is more than just a rebodied car, and the level of design cohesion drew compliments from even the GM Corvette team members in attendance. It's the little touches — like the relocation of the electric door opener from the trailing edge of the door to the wheel well — that make this one of the most badass aftermarket Corvettes we've ever seen, and we congratulate the team at Specter Werkes for a job well done.

SPECTER WERKES/SPORTS UNVEILS C6 CORVETTE GTR #1   TROY, Mich. - Specter Werkes/Sports unveiled the first C6 Corvette GTR at Cauley Ferrari, in West Bloomfield, Mich. Wearing signature wide bodywork, suspension upgrades and equipped with a Matrix II LS3 V-8 rated at 535 emissions-legal horsepower, it was built for Rollie Purifoy, of Purifoy Chevrolet, in Fort Lupton, Colo.

The all-new, C6-based Corvette GTR retains the intrinsic character of the Corvette, augmenting it with appearance, performance and luxury enhancements. It is a distinctive and exclusive sports car with exceptional capability, whether on the street or track.

The GTR package is available on all C6 Corvette models, including the base coupe and convertible, the Z06 and ZR1. Orders are being accepted immediately, with product and ordering information available at www.spectergtr.com or 248-583-9559.
 
"We are very proud to launch the C6 Corvette GTR with Rollie Purifoy, from Purifoy Chevrolet, and Jeff Cauley, from Cauley Chevrolet and Cauley Ferrari," said Jeff Nowicki, Specter Werkes/Sports founder. "The new GTR offers enthusiasts everything they're looking for in a sports car - performance, great looks and guaranteed exclusivity."
 
The GTR's expressive, widened bodywork is complemented with the use of exposed carbon fiber details. Standard and optional GTR features include:
Unique GTR bodywork, including:
*Front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia, carbon fiber rear diffuser, carbon fiber mirror caps, Cleartastic paint protection, paint and assembly
*Custom GTR headlamp bezels with exposed carbon fiber appearance
*Unique tail lamps and center high-mounted stop lamp
*Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires; 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
*Forgeline or HRE wheels; 19-inch in the front and 20-inch in the rear
*StopTech ST60 front brakes and ST40 rear brakes
*Carbon fiber fuel rail covers and carbon fiber, low-restriction air box
*Hotchkis stablilizer bar kit
*GTR-embroidered seats and serial-numbered dash plaque
*CORSA/Specter stainless steel performance exhaust system
*GTR badges
      
The Corvette GTR package carries a base price of $34,995, with a variety of high-performance powertrain options available for additional cost. Custom paint treatment is also available. Each vehicle is hand-built, numbered and fully documented for the customer.

Distinctive design
Styling that accents the Corvette's design is a hallmark of Specter Werkes/Sports and the C6 GTR takes that philosophy to the next level, with a completely redesigned body. Like the original C5 GTR, the C6 version is based on widened bodywork that supports the larger wheel/tire combination. It also gives the car a more aggressive stance - as do the racing-inspired front and rear fascias.

"The GTR's design sharpens and embellishes many of the Corvette's design cues, but doesn't eliminate them," said Nowicki. "It is a design that respects and celebrates the Corvette's design heritage, but builds on it to suit the interest of our customers - enthusiasts who are looking for a unique and exclusive product."

At 77 inches, the GTR's bodywork is 4.5 inches wider at the rear fenders (2.25 inches per side) than a regular-production C6 Corvette and 1 inch wider than the Corvette Z06. The physical difference may seem small, but the overall effect, along with a slightly longer overall body length, creates a unique proportion to the GTR that is aggressive and suggests speed even when stationary.

Specter Werkes/Sports replaces the front and rear fenders; front and rear fascias; doors, rocker panels and hood - everything except the roof panel and rear hatch - with special, hand-formed GTR panels. Each car is completely repainted and re-assembled with the new bodywork at Specter Werke's Troy, Mich. facility.

GTR standard equipment also includes a number of exposed carbon fiber details, including:
*Front splitter
*Rear diffuser
*Outside mirror caps
*Headlamp surrounds

A bold, LED-lit rear center-mounted stop lamp is integrated in the rear fascia. It was originally designed for the Cadillac CTS, and gives the GTR an unmistakable rear appearance.

GTR #1 details
C6 Corvette GTR #1 is powered by Specter's emissions-legal Matrix II engine package for the LS3 engine. It is a "stroker" engine package that boosts displacement from 376 cubic inches (6.2L) to 416 cubic inches (6.8L). That is achieved with a Callies 4340-forged crankshaft that delivers a 4.00-inch stroke. Forged rods from Manley and forged pistons from Mahle round out the rotating assembly.

The camshaft is a special grind from Comp Cams and the LS3 heads' combustion chambers were enlarged from 71cc to 72cc in order to maintain an 11:1 compression ratio. With stainless steel long tube headers and a low-restriction air intake, the engine is rated at 535 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The engine also features carbon fiber fuel rail covers and a yellow-painted intake manifold.

The Matrix II LS3 channels power to the pavement via Forgeline VR3P wheels, measuring 19 x 11 inches in the front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear. They wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires (285/30ZR19, front, and 335/25ZR20, rear). Behind the wheels are StopTech brakes, featuring ST60 six-piston calipers and 15-inch slotted rotors in the front and ST40 four-piston calipers and 14-inch slotted rotors in the rear. The calipers' yellow color contrasts with the HRE wheels' black center sections. The GTR also features Hotchkis adjustable stabilizer bars.

On the outside, C6 GTR #1 is painted a gorgeous BASF liquid silver color, the richness of which appears wet to the touch. It is a premium color choice and represents the nearly unlimited paint options available to customers. Inside, GTR-standard embroidered seats and Spinneybeck leather trim details contrast elegantly with the Corvette's black interior. A Specter Werkes/Sports production plaque is mounted on the center console.
 
GTR legacy
The Specter Werkes/Sports GTR was first launched a decade ago and saw the creation of nearly 30 specialized cars that were delivered across the country - including the two most notable GTRs, which were created for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., in 2001.
 
Specter Werkes/Sports is an automotive prototype and fabrication facility based in Troy, Mich. It specializes in race-proven engine performance enhancements and creating specialty accessories for C5 and C6 Corvettes, the Cadillac CTS and more. The company's flagship project is the Corvette GTR.

Since its founding in 1990, Specter Werkes/Sports has been recognized internationally for unparalleled achievements of excellence, helping automotive industry leaders design, model, and prototype innovative, top-of-the-line products at competitive pricing.
 
For more information, contact Specter Werkes/Sports at 248-583-9559 or on the Web: www.spectergtr.com.

10. Reva Electric Car (India)

9. Covini C6W (Italy)

8. Lada 111 Touring (Russia)

7. Renault Trafic Crew Van (French)

6. Geely Beauty Leopard (China)

5. Bolwell Nagari (Australia)

4. SEAT Altea Freetrack (Spain)

3. Ssangyong Rodius (Korea)

2. Mitsuoka Orochi (Japan)

1. Weber Sportscar Faster One (Switzerland)

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Subaru has begun testing its WRX STi Spec C — a rally-inspired take on the WRX that should put it on top of the WRX performance pecking order. The spec C promises to be the most extreme, stripped-down WRX variant, with lighter weight construction likely shedding 150-200 pounds. Engine upgrades are expected, as is a higher-performance braking system hiding behind the spec C's trademark white-painted wheels. Visually, there are subtle differences between the Spec C and standard STi models, most notably the redesigned rear diffuser.

The figures were published by Clean Green Cars, which also pointed out that "Every manufacturer with average new car emissions significantly above 200 g/km of CO2 saw sales slump from January to June." Clearly, voluntary agreements are working. Why oh why then did the EU have to implement non-voluntary emissions targets for 2012? Press release below the jump.

Fiat tops the CO2 league; Porsche is rock bottom

Figures published exclusively by Clean Green Cars today reveal that Fiat and MINI are only mainstream manufacturers whose average tailpipe CO2 is now under 140 g/km. That figure was the target car makers' set themselves a decade ago in their voluntary agreement. Data for 2008 shows how far they have fallen short.

"Some manufacturers have delivered on their promise, but the vast majority have to raise their game significantly," said Jay Nagley of Clean Green Cars. "Porsche has the most work to do: bottom of the league, with CO2 emissions that actually went up slightly in the first half of 2008.

"What is interesting is that, as fuel prices rocket and the new car market falters, car makers with the highest emissions are being punished by the consumer. They have been complaining about pressure from the EU to meet what they say are 'unrealistic' targets. Now they are having to face much stiffer targets from the people that really matter: consumers."

Every manufacturer with average new car emissions significantly above 200 g/km of CO2 saw sales slump from January to June. Even bigger drops were reported last month by the five with the worst average CO2 output.

Porsche and Jeep sales were down by more than a half, Land Rover and Chrysler fell by nearly 30% while Subaru registrations plummeted 17.8%. As the total market only fell by 6.1%, there is clear evidence that high-CO2 cars are being heavily penalised.

1 - 1995 Honda Civic

2 - 1991 Honda Accord

3 - 1989 Toyota Camry

4 - 1997 Ford F-150 Series Pickup

5 - 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup

6 - 1994 Acura Integra

7 - 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

8 - 1994 Nissan Sentra

9 - 1988 Toyota Pickup

10 - 2007 Toyota Corolla

Perhaps the cleverest feature is the three-part windscreen, which helps eliminate the blind spot caused by thick A-pillars. Combined with a tall glasshouse and huge glass roof, it should make for a really light and airy cabin, a good thing in general, but especially for a small people mover trying to make the most of its small interior volume. That interior is reasonably attractive and clever as well, with rear seats that split, fold and slide independently.

Motivation will come in the form of two gasoline engines offering either 95 or 120hp; or two diesel engines with 90 and 110hp. None will be what we'd call fast, but equipped with a manual transmission, should be more than capable of carrying the little Picasso over 100mph, at which speed it'll be perfectly stable and competent because, well, it's European.

This tester seems to be using the same style of breadvan-inspired camo used to disguise the Ferrari California. While we can enjoy a good convertible on a nice sunny day, we'd actually rather have something with the long roofline of this testing mule. But it doesn't really matter, since we won't be able to afford one until that power-folding roof has become a manual folding hardtop, and then someone drives it into an overpass.
[AutoExpress]

10 - Corvette Carnage
Let's start off with a classic, this clip of a C4 Corvette streaking through the desert. Television host John Bunnell says the car is speeding down the road at 165 MPH, but we're not so sure the black 'vette was actually going that fast. Either way, it was fast enough for the driver to lose control while changing lanes, as the Corvette smashed into the back of a truck. The car spun out of control into the desert as it shattered to pieces, but somehow the driver came out unhurt. So, negative points to the television producers for the exaggerated speed, but kudos to the driver for smashing a Corvette and living.

9 - Off-Roadin' Ranger
It doesn't get much more American than a couple of guys runnin' from the law in a stolen pickup with a stolen air compressor rollin' around in the bed. Sure, they lose points for only using a little Ford Ranger, but that's outweighed by the kudos we give 'em for taking the truck off-road. The passenger is especially crazy, even jumping out at one point, running besides the truck, jumping in the bed, then climbing back into the cab all while the truck was in motion. And while we're more interested in the automotive chase, the passenger was pretty good at jumping fences too.

8 - Crazed Naked Woman
Sometimes the cops need a little extra help to chase down a fleeing suspect, as was the case here. But even with an off-duty officer driving his personal pickup truck, the evading SUV was proving hard to catch. An enthusiastic civilian joins the chase trying to help out the cops. We give the good Samaritan kudos for not being afraid to dent up his truck, but he ends up just getting in the way when he tries an improvised roadblock. After going through the dirt, on and off the highway, the SUV is finally caught. But if all that wasn't crazy enough, it turns out the driver being chased was a naked woman. We're not sure if that's hot or not.

7 - Backwards Limo
You'd assume a big stretch limo wouldn't be agile enough to evade the police, but this chauffeur was ready to prove otherwise. This stretched STS was pretty impressive, handling turns and blazing down the expressway. But major kudos go to the driver for slamming the limo into reverse gear after the transmission starts erupting smoke. He then leads the boys in blue on an impressive backwards chase, only coming to an end when the turning radius of the limo is miscalculated going around a sharp turn. Still, that's some serious Cadillac style.

6 - Tweaked Trucker
Anyone that's ever seen Steven Spielberg's film Duel has been rightfully intimidated by free-roaming big rigs. But you really get a new sense of respect for the trucks after watching this one plow through traffic at will. Even spike strips proved ineffective, so the cops had to pull out their guns and shoot out the tires the old fashioned way. Well, at least we learn that truck driving and meth don't mix so well.

5 - Raw Pursuit
This chase is an interesting look at raw, unedited footage from a police car's dashboard-mounted camera. There's no sound effects, no voice over, nothing but the original video. But what the video lacks in hype, it makes up for in uncertainty. You're not sure what's going to happen next as the cops haphazardly chase a stolen police car though night streets and around blind corners.

4 - M3 Gets Away
This E30 M3 running from the cops is an awesome chase on its own right, with an allegedly 15 year-old driver out-maneuvering the pursuing police. But what we find additionally interesting is the production of the footage for television. First off, the stats referenced for the BMW seem off, and are probably for a later model E36 M3. But what we really can't get over is that the clip used towards the end when the BMW is "breaking down" is merely footage from earlier on in the chase that's been slowed down. Either this was a creative editing to make up for a lack of footage of it happening, or maybe the kid in the BMW actually got away. Combine this with a liberal use of added action movie sound effects, and you've got a quintessential made-for-cable tv car chase.

3 - SoCal Close Calls
Following the classic formula for a So-Cal police chase, this SUV weaves its way through traffic with multiple close calls, from highways to local roads. We'd have given kudos to the driver for quickly threading the needle between cars, but then he screws it all up with a lame finish by hitting a small tree at low speed and being tracked down on foot. But then, it looks to be a Toyota Highlander that he was driving, so what can you expect?

2 - Taurus Shootout
This wouldn't be American-style law enforcement without a wild west shootout, and that's exactly what we've got here. Kudos to the cops for continuing the pursuit even after having the entire back side of a Ford Taurus shoved onto the hood of a police car, and then being shot at. We're not sure it was necessary to ram the vehicle at full speed afterwards, but it we give bonus points for the gun flying through the air at the end.

1 - PIT-Proof Mustang
This last chase is perhaps one of the most hoontastic displays of driving ever recorded — with the exception of Killdozer, of course — which unfortunately isn't much of a chase since cops could walk after it (Honorable Mention, nonetheless). No, the driver of this Mustang is hit with a PIT maneuver by the cops twice, each time performing a perfectly controlled 360-degree spin. Even when the cops pin him against the wall, the Mustang finds a way to spin off the highway onto the grass and regain control on a side road. But perhaps the best part of the video is listening to the disbelief of the news reporter as voices in the background laugh and cheer for spinning Mustang. Innocent until proven guilty, right?

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New Engines, Double-Clutch Transmission and Electronically Controlled All-Wheel-Drive

Atlanta, June 25, 2008 - New engines, all-wheel-drive systems, transmissions, interior features and exterior cues will mark the evolutionary advances of the new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models upon their introduction this fall when they join the already announced two-wheel-drive 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S.

Like the improvements to the rear-wheel-drive models, the combined changes for the Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S will result in enhanced performance coupled with better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The output of the 3.6 liter engine in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 increases by 20 horsepower to 345 hp. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with its 3.8 liter engine is equally impressive, with an increase of 30 horsepower to 385 hp.

The revolutionary PDK works in conjunction with direct fuel injection for the flat-six engines and electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system to provide these seemingly diverse improvements to performance, fuel-economy and emissions.

The new generation of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S replaces the former all-wheel drive viscous multiple-plate clutch system with a more dynamic electronically controlled PTM (Porsche Traction Management) system. This system, originally developed for the Porsche 911 Turbo and adapted for the normally aspirated variants, combines the driving pleasure typical of Porsche with a high level of driving stability, traction and agility, which is further enhanced by a (now standard) mechanical locking rear axle differential.

Standard on all versions of the new model are a proven six-speed manual transmission. As an alternative, the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S are available with the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch, which replaces the Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The PDK offers faster gearshifts and better fuel efficiency. The PDK gearbox comes with seven gears shifting hydraulically without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling force.

The new generation of the Porsche 911 series visually stands out through discreet, but striking, modifications to the front and rear lighting. The new models come with BI-XENON™ headlights and new LED daytime driving lights. The redesigned rear-light clusters feature LED technology. For the first time in a 911, Porsche offers dynamic bending lights as an option, which moves in the direction the steering wheel and the car is turning.

The Porsche Carrera 4 models retain a rear muscular stance, as before, 1.73-inches wider than the two-wheel drive version. A new reflector trim bar between the LED rear lights gives the rear end of the new car even more character.

The most compelling interior upgrade is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 which features a touchscreen for simplified operation of the audio system as well as the optional hard-disk-drive navigation system. Other important additions to PCM 3.0 are the new options of XM radio with XM NavTraffic capability, Bluetooth® connectivity, iPOD® port, USB port and auxiliary jack.

The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S Coupe and Cabriolet models will be introduced in the U.S. on October 25, 2008. The 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is priced at $81,700, while both the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and 911 Carrera 4S Coupe are $92,300. The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is $102,900.

Our sources at Ford say that Mr. Mulally has already made the decision to convert at least three truck/SUV production facilities in North America as soon as possible to produce Ford models currently sold in Europe, where Ford is renowned for its small cars. The timeline Mulally prefers, according to insiders, is "yesterday". He has made up his mind and is pushing forward.

1. It's expensive
Retooling is not cheap. We don't have an estimate for what it would cost to convert three Truck/SUV plants into full-time small car production, but it doesn't take a room of accountants to figure out that it would be an incredibly large investment involving establishing and expanding supplier relationships.

2. Ford is already moving in that direction
Ford is already working out its plans to build Fiestas in Mexico for North American consumption. We'd also point out the Ford Transit Connect is on its way over, as well.

3. Inferior American Ford Focus is selling fairly well
Though the American Ford Focus is inferior to the European Focus, it's still selling well, especially with SYNC-equipped models. Plus, the 2011 Ford Focus is going to be C1-based, as we already know.

4. It's not a horrible idea
Though we liked the 2009 Ford Flex, we're not overwhelmed with Ford's short-term battle plan. The company seems to be doing a slightly better job of prepping for the future, but prescience isn't exactly a quality we associate with the automaker.

With all that being said, it could happen. It isn't the craziest thing we've ever heard, but we're not holding our breath. [AutoSavant]