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Custom Cars

Aussie Man Builds Big-Block Batman Tumbler With Nitrous, Videotapes Entire Build Process

Beginning in 2006, Aussie superhero Grant Hodgson started off with a dream, a dream of being the Batman, and he's been building a faithful replica of the Tumbler ever since. This time it comes with a build blog. Grant's version looks to be even closer to the real deal than the one built by Bob Dullam, featuring a 560 HP GM 454 CID V8, Turbo 400 automatic transmission, Argo V drive and a reinforced 35-spline Detroit Locker nine-inch rear end. The best part is that we get to watch it in action and watch the fabrication. Oh, did we mention it's got nitrous too? Yeah. Build image and more below the jump. More »

paris motor show

Citroen Hypnos Hybrid Crossover Concept Channels FURTHUR

With the Hypnos crossover concept, Citroën is trying to explore ways to “make technology more human and approachable.” And, while the 200 HP hybrid powertrain said to deliver 60+ MPG is certainly laudable, we’ve received unconfirmed reports of a rehab facility in the south of France that's taken in the entire Citroën Design Department. Of course, the Hypnos is just the latest in a long history of wacky concepts from the French automaker. Hit the jump for their official explanation of the Hypnos and a gallery of some of the best Citroën concepts from recent years. More »

custom cars

Amazing Suzuki Samurai Six Wheeler For Sale On Craigslist

We have got to find out more about this incredible six-wheeled Suzuki Samurai posted for sale on Craigslist in Lansing, Michigan. According to the seller, it's diesel-powered and operates with hydrostatic drive so all wheels are powered — somewhat reminiscent of an Argo 6x6. It's not surprising the seller is looking to trade for something a bit faster; we're betting it's a legendary mudding machine, but snail-slow on the road.(Hat tip to mytdawg) [Craigslist]

bmw 8-series

BMW M-Division Working On New 8-Series

As has been expected for some time, BMW is indeed working on a new 8-Series to sit atop the BMW range. Expected to look much like the CS Concept, the coupe-shaped sedan is now reportedly being developed by BMW's special M-division. After all, the 8-Series will be going up against the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. But don't expect to see it wearing the tri-color 'M' badge. In an interview with Drive.com.au, BMW M president Ludwig Willisch explained: “It’s a car that doesn’t have any resemblance to the other cars built by BMW AG, so it was decided to give the project to us.” More »

Brabus B63 S

Brabus B63 S Package Takes Mercedes C63 AMG To 530 HP

It's Mercedes C63 AMG tuning season around these parts, as we now bring you the Brabus B63 S to complement yesterday's RENNtech version. So what hath the Brabus folks wrought? It's not quite RENNtech output, but by adding free-flow catalytic converters, high-flow air filters and tweaking the ECU with new ignition and injection maps, Brabus bumps the 6.2-liter V8 from 457 HP to 530 HP, sends torque from 442 to 479 lb-ft and gives you enough to propel the newly tuned beast to a top speed of 197 MPH. Should you need more, Brabus also offers a selection of fine limited slip differentials to satisfy the most discerning tuning connoisseur; match one up with a similarly varied selection of multi-piston brake upgrades to achieve your desired level of "whoa." Full release after the jump.

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2010 chevy camaro

2010 Chevy Camaro, Not At All Tuned By Hamann

This photoshopped 2010 Chevy Camaro might be digitally wearing plates from the German tuning shop Hamann Motorsport, it's most assuredly not the real thing. Hamann spends a lot of time customizing the latest and greatest from the likes of BMW, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini into highly-wound cars with names like "Hamann Flash," "Hamann Cyclone" and "Hamann Conquistador," but they're not so much known for tuning cars from Chevy. We think that's all going to change once they see this piece of work. OK, probably not, as this is actually just a poorly done p-shop from a deviant artist with the handle of Morfiuss. When not busy trying to prove Keanu Reeves is "The One," the Croatian p-shops cars — like this Camaro — that will never exist. Especially because everyone knows Hamann's really busy working on a Chevy Aveo for SEMA with a cat-back quad-piped exhaust. We hear they'll be calling it the "Hamann Budget." Click here for a high-res shot. (Hat tip to Tobias!) [deviantart via musclecars.at]

China Clone Cars

The Top Six Chinese Car Clones

Now that the Beijing Olympics are over and the need to reduce the capital’s smog is gone, Chinese car makers can get back to doing what they do best: copying successful western car designs while cranking out the clones super cheap. We admire China’s style; why fuss over safety, performance or emissions when all consumers really want is a look? MonsterAuto.ca gives us their six favorite Chinese car clones, along with useful comparo shots so you don't find yourself leaving the Benz dealer in a BYD F8. MonsterAuto

2010 chevy volt

GM: Chevy Volt Spotted On Transformers 2 Set Is Not Final Production Model

The video and images of a Chevy Volt on the set of Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen showed a car very similar to the Volt that GM has been lifting the skirt on. But now GM is saying the dark-blue car is "not the final version at this stage." GM spokesman Rob Peterson told Inside Line that it is "representative of the production vehicle," which makes sense as we've now learned that this prop is just a re-bodied Malibu. Though it should be noted that he wasn't even aware the car was out in California on the movie set.


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plug-in prius

Toyota Dealer Takes Deposits For Plug-In Prius That Doesn't Exist; Toyota Applauds Their "Excitement"

According to Toyota's Open Road blog, Magnussen’s Toyota in Palo Alto, California was "doing what Toyota encourages its dealers to do:" Take customers' money. The Silicon Valley dealership had apparently been deluged with requests for a plug-in Prius hybrid; knowing Toyota was working on such a vehicle, Magnussen's decided to take "deposits" for plug-in Prii, despite the fact that Toyota had not yet announced any timetable for retail sales. Irv Miller, Toyota VP of Corporate Communications, then attempted to spin away Magnussen's shady business practices as a simple case of a dealer trying to make its customers happy. Some choice quotes after the jump. More »

Police Cars

Volvo Claims V70 Police Package First Turn-Key Police Car

Volvo announced this week that they are going to start production of a version of their V70 wagon pre-fitted for service in the British Police Force. The company claims the "turn-key" police car will be the first offered, at least in Britain. Typically, police vehicles must be custom painted and outfitted before seeing service. This was true for our Charger Police Car which lacked almost every amenity. The hot-looking V70 comes painted and equipped with a lightbar, radio prep/wiring, larger brakes, speed detection system and other necessary options. It may not have the firepower of the Peacemaker APC, but we imagine this hot police wagon gets better gas mileage. Full press release below the jump.


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2009 lexus is250

The 2009 Lexus IS250 Gets Updated, Apparently

According to World Car Fans, there's something new about the 2009 Lexus IS250. We're having a tough time determining exactly what changes were made from the previous generation — it looks like there's been a minor change to the front splitter, those look like new wheels and the side mirrors appear to be a touch more stretched out from their base than the current model. Actually, we're told it's all these things — plus some new interior colors and revised stability software. Up next, watch as we wait in breathless anticipation for the press release "Lexus releases Toaster 2.0, the kitchen appliance with leather upholstery and bitchin' focus group upgrades."

[WCF]

paris motor show

Hyundai To Unveil i20, i20 i-blue Concept, ix55 SUV And Santa Fe Hybrid In Paris

We're finally seeing some official shots of the Hyundai i20, the Euro-market grocery getter that will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show next month. The i20 is expected to arrive with 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter gasoline engine options as well as a 1.4-liter common-rail diesel for the petrolphobic. In the i20 i-blue Concept, the diesel has been tweaked for maximum emissions and economy: a CO2 output of just 99g/km and 68 MPG estimated. Finally, Hyundai plans to introduce a repackaged Santa Fe Veracruz as the ix55, along with a Santa Fe Hybrid boasting an estimated 44 MPG. Full press release below the jump.

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alternative energy

Driving The Detroit Electric Lotus Elise And Proton Persona

Our favorite Malaysian automotive journalist, Paul Tan, has driven Detroit Electric's new battery-powered Lotus Elise. Partnering with Malaysian automaker Proton (the parent company of Lotus), Detroit Electric is attempting to revive itself by electrifying cars like this Lotus Elise and some Proton sedans and hatchbacks. The Detroit Electric Elise sports a 200 HP electric motor and a range of 200 miles from a 6.5 hour charge; in other words, the Tesla Roadster, which is also based on the Elise, had better watch its back. More »

politics

Presidential Candidates Accused Of Automotive Flip-Flopping

This just in: Barack Obama is a filthy polluter. Thanks to in-depth research into his controversial past, we can exclusively reveal that the Democratic candidate once drove a V8 engine-equipped Chrysler 300 before switching to his greener-than-thou Ford Escape Hybrid. But what does Joe “Pinko” Biden drive? And what about everyone’s favorite Real American Hero, John McCain, and his national security expert, mom-of-the-year VP, Sarah Palin? More »

novelties

The Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro R/C Car Uses Vacuum To Drive On Walls And Ceilings

Ever tried to drive an R/C car on the wall only to come face-to-face with that stupidest of Newton's laws — gravity? No more! Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro R/C cars channel Jim Hall and his Chaparral 2J design, using a small fan to create enough suction to allow the little radio-controlled critters to cruise right up a flat wall and even across the ceiling. We're not sure if you can shut the things down mid-cruise, allowing you to launch off the ceiling ballistic-missile-style right into someone's head, but we're sure hoping so. And for just $44, ask yourself: Can you afford not to have one? [Dvice]

paris motor show

Toyota To Reveal New Avensis, Production iQ And AWD Urban Cruiser At Paris Motor Show

Toyota's just dropped what we should expect to see from them at next month's 2008 Paris Motor Show. We're told the super number one best awesome automaker from the land of the rising sun plans to reveal the new third-generation of the Toyota Avensis (the car's platform is the same as that of the Scion tC), the production version of the iQ concept first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and lastly, the AWD Toyota Urban Cruiser. More details in the press release below the jump.

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custom cars

Lada Niva Transformed With Martini Livery

Call it amusing, call it ridiculous, but whatever you call it, reader James has applied the classic Martini livery to his Lada Niva weekend toy, and we call it awesome. The little Ruskie brute wears the vinyl graphics with all the class and sophistication of the rally and race cars of yore. Check out the complete application process in the gallery below, and sit back imagining a weekend bombing around the rugged countryside in this pocket-sized beast.


barack obama

Illinois Woman Wants To Sell You Obama's 2000 Grand Cherokee

Liz Murphy of Naperville, Illinois discovered while signing papers on a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee that the vehicle had been owned by then state senator Barack Obama. Local paper The Naperville Sun reports that Murphy was happy to discover her Jeep had been celebrity-owned, but now that Obama has a chance at the White House, she's hoping to cash in a little. Murphy plans to sell the Grand Cherokee after the November elections with an eye toward getting at least above the average trade-in value. She also reports that Obama's firm handshake is evidenced on the interior of the Jeep, as a left-hand mark is imprinted on the steering wheel. Says Murphy, "Every once in a while I'll run my hands over the top of the steering wheel and say, 'Wow, this guy had a grip.'" While we're optimistic, the jury is still out. [Jeepz.com]