Jalopnik: custom cars

The Award For Loudest Use Of A Ural 375D Goes To: Power Acoustik Sub Truck

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Imagine you have a Ural 375D at your disposal — basically the Soviet version of the deuce and a half. What do you do with it? If you're sound equipment manufacturer Power Acoustik, you stack it so high with subwoofers, amps and horns, astronauts in orbit can listen in to your books on tape. The tail end of this thing looks like a Soyuz launch vehicle just waiting to blast off. While it's just a demo vehicle, we're pretty sure it would make a rockin' PA system too — for the city of Moscow.

[TechEBlog]

Gramps Preps Groundbreaking 2008 SEMA Entry

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Sweet holy awesome, please let this be the new hot trend that replaces stick-on fender vents. [Chiefrobertowenbro wn's Flickr Photostream]

And The Winner Of The Greatest Use Of Fiero Powertrain: '39 Chevy Rat Rod

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT

The art of chopping up Pontiac Fieros and using their guts in other projects is one which occasionally, if rarely, produces something really unique. Instead of a passe Nailhead up front, or a cobbled together amalgam of collected parts, LuckyFast Eddie of Camden, Delaware has dropped the whole enchilada — engine, trans, and suspension — from a Fiero into the tail-end of a chopped-and-stretched '39 Chevy.

Unique is an understatement here. This is why we love the return of traditional hot rods to the scene: you never know what you're going to get. And hey, who said hot rods aren't practical. We bet that thing has a huge trunk up front. [Hemmings]

Speedfactory Cars Blows SRT8 Challenger, Sees 495 Rear-Wheel HP

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:40:00 EDT

The peaches over at Speedfactory Cars out in Georgia have employed the magic of forced induction to achieve 495 HP at the rear wheels of a Dodge Challenger SRT8. Using a centrifugal supercharger sending boost through an air-to-water intercooler, Speedfactory's dyno graph also shows maximum torque output of about 451 ft-lbs. While official figures aren't yet available — and we're not entirely sure which of the packages offered they've got running on this SRT8 — the commonly accepted 20% power loss from crank to rear wheels means this Challenger should be pounding out right around 600 HP at the crank. We'll take two. [Speedfactory Cars via LX Forums]

Street-Legal Bumper Cars Are A Carnival Nightmare Come True

Travis Hudson — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:20:00 EDT

Gasoline-powered street-legal bumper cars are the perfect convergence of any car guy's adult and childhood fantasies. Now one San Diego mechanic is custom building a collection of gasoline-powered and completely street-legal (and registered) bumper car cars. He outfits the vintage shells with 750cc Kawasaki bike engines capable of doing more than simply bumping other real cars in real traffic.

[Flickr via BB]

Chrome Ferrari 599 Lays Bling Smackdown On Chrome Audi

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:45:00 EDT

We all know the car, the polished-to-perfection Saudi Arabian Audi A8 you get in your email every four to six months, usually from the uncle who doesn't understand the internet telling you those durn furiners got too much money. Well, that car has now been tossed into the waste bin of internet history. We have a new champion of bling, a fully polished Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. While not doused in platinum (as the email always claims), this over-the-top wonder takes advantage of the 599GTB's aluminum body and simply classes up the joint, with thousands of hours of polishing and buffing.

The fact that this car seats only two, has a fire red interior, obnoxiously huge wheels and rubber-band tires, blacked out tail lights and tint dark enough to keep the cabin cool in the desert, only adds to its mystique. We can't wait to see the emails bound to result from this one — "Damn Eye-talian/Saudi oil syndicate has too much damn money! They're taking our jobs!" [TheRealJDM via Cardoman]

Buick Roadmaster Hot Rod Makes Flat Black Look Good

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Flat black, white walls, wagon, flames. On paper, this Buick Roadmaster wagon would be a spectacular hot rod and parts hauler, but the truth is far stranger than that. Start with the first description, then chop the top off the wagon, add a vinyl liner to the back, and make those flames out of wood-grained contact paper. Oh, and put some bull horns on the hood. And rename it the Ratmaster Roadster. Intriguing. In fact, all signs point to crazy, and therefore a sick part of us really likes it. (Thanks for the pics Tinfoil)

G-Power Rocks Us With 635 HP M6 Hurricane Convertible

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Gas prices? Pshaw! Who cares? It's Deutschland tuning day today on Jalopnik apparently as G-Power's just revealed the successor to their G-Power M5 Hurricane with the G-Power M6 Hurricane Convertible. While the M5 got the big 730 HP BI-Kompressor, G-Power's used some kind of radical German-Power technique they're calling "softcharging" to provide 635 HP for the drop-top. That's still up from the 507 HP in the "standard" 5.0-liter V10 under the hood of the "base" model M6. Full power details in the press release below the jump, and all this can be yours for a mere 183,000€ ($285,387). Yes, the "base" M6 is included. Well, after the Neiman Marcus M6 sold out in 92 seconds, we guess it makes sense to up the price on an up-charged version — you know, supply and demand.

FAST: G-POWER M6 HURRICANE Convertible with 635hp
One of the world's fastest and most powerful convertibles is made by G-POWER. 635hp and 635 Nm torque; these are the attributes of the latest G-POWER development for the BMW M6.

Being a straight offshoot from the legendary G-POWER M5 HURRICANE BI-Kompressor system with 730hp, the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system EVOI is a less radical alternative to achieve the desired increase in power output for all current V10 engines coming from the M-GmbH.

Thanks to the so called G-POWER "softcharging" technique, featuring a relative boost of 0,4 bar, the additional stress and wear for the engine and drivetrain is kept to a minimum, despite of the impressive increase in power output. Especially the acceleration performance in mid range, a weak point of the fast-revving concept favored by the engineers of the M-GmbH, underlines the dominance of the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system. Equipped with the G-POWER BI-Kompressor EVOI system the BMW M6 is finally capable of that superior performance characteristic most customers would have expected from the beginning.

Acceleration performance benefits from the perfect performance characteristic of the G-POWER equipped V10 engine accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h of 4.6 seconds and to 200 km/h in 11,9 seconds the 2-ton convertible accelerates like a true sports car. The 300-km/h barrier is shattered after 34,5 seconds from standstill. Contrary to the production car the G-POWER M6 HURRICANE convertible is not limited electronically to a top speed of 250 km/h but to 320 km/h. The determining factors therefore are weight, tyres and most important the soft top of the M6 convertible.

The G-POWER M6 HURRICANE convertible is available as a fully converted car starting at 183,000 Euros. Any existing M6 - sedan and wagon - can also be upgraded with the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system EVOI along with numerous items from the extensive G-POWER tuning accessories lineup. For M6 coupé drivers only is the 730 hp version of the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system available as well.

Brabus Bullit Black Arrow Finally Goes On Sale, Takes Mercedes C-Class To The Extreme

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:30:00 EDT

No, that's not Darth Vader. Nope, it's the Brabus Bullit Black Arrow and trust us, it's got more in common with Vader than the Mustang variant with the same name. We showed you the new Brabus-built C-Class first back at the Frankfurt Auto Show a couple months ago, but now the Deutsch tuners of all things Daimler have just revealed that their newest Übermensch-motored Mercedes is now available for purchase in an orgasm of Bruce (don't believe us? Check the press release out yourself). If you remember, the Bullit Black Arrow gets a SV12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine dropped into the engine bay to replace the normal highest-end 6.2-liter V8 engine from the C-Class. That newer, faster, stronger engine gives the Bullit Black Arrow 720 HP (SAE net) and an astonishing 974 lb-ft of torque — and 0-to-186 mph in 24.5 seconds. Oh but wait, we're talking a top speed of 225 MPH. Sounds to us like some automaker wants to make sure that the 556 HP 2009 Cadillac CTS-V doesn't take all the glory from the four-door race for the highest-speed four-door sedan. Full press release after the jump.

BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW The Four-Door V12 Biturbo Stealth Super Sports Car With 730 hp (720 hp SAE net), 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft), 0 - 300 km/h (186 mph) in 24.5 seconds and a Top Speed of More than 360 km/h (225 mph)
Ultra powerful, ultra fast and conspicuously inconspicuous: The four-door stealth super sports car BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW offers performance superlatives like no other car on the market: The basis for the car is the body of the new C-Class sedan, covered with a special matte-black coating. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine was dropped into the engine bay with almost surgical precision. Performance is staggering: 3.9 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph), 24.5 seconds for 0 - 300 km/h (186 mph) and a top speed of more than 360 km/h (225 mph). BRABUS produces the BULLIT BLACK ARROW in small-series production starting at 348,000 Euros MSRP.

The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW ensures that the world's fastest sedans continue to come from Bottrop. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW follows in the footsteps of the 330-km/h (206 mph) BRABUS E V12 based on the W 210-series Mercedes E-Class, the 350.2-km/h (219 mph) E V12 Biturbo of the new W 211 generation and the world's current fastest sedan, the 365.7- km/h (227.2 mph) BRABUS ROCKET based on the Mercedes CLS.

Numerous modifications to the reinforced body were necessary to install the turbocharged V12 engine in the C-Class engine bay. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine is derived directly from the BRABUS ROCKET and uses the latest Mercedes S 600 engine that has been completely reworked in the company-own engine building shop.

Nothing beats displacement except even more displacement: A crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore, and special pistons and piston rods increase displacement of the twelve-cylinder three-valve engine from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.).

Cylinder heads optimized for faster gas exchange and high-performance camshafts also contribute to the increase in power output. They are assisted by a more efficient dual turbocharging system, special manifolds, larger turbochargers and larger intercoolers. Because of space constraints in the C-Class body an entirely new stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low back-pressure metal catalysts had to be developed.

The BRABUS motor engineers used state-of-the-art engine test benches to program new mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics. The new mapping ensures optimal power yield while meeting strict EURO IV emission limits.

The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine, lubricated like all BRABUS high-performance engines with ARAL Synthetic motor oil, produces 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW at just 5,100 rpm. The peak torque of 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited in-car electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Customers can choose from two final drive ratios. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW features all modern driving dynamics systems such as ABS, ASR and ESP.

The matte-black stealth street rocket delivers unique performance: Just 3.9 seconds pass for the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph), 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached after just 10.49 seconds. And after just 24.5 seconds the car shatters the 300-km/h barrier (186 mph). Top speed is more than 360 km/h (225 mph).

At these speeds favorable aerodynamic properties are absolutely essential. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW was honed to perfection in the wind tunnel. The BULLIT front apron features large air ducts to supply cooling air for radiators and front brakes. Its sophisticated design further reduces lift on the front axle. Its aerodynamic counterparts in the rear are a three-piece rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated diffuser. Both front and rear aprons are made from especially light yet highly robust autoclave-baked carbon fiber.

A wider track optimizes directional stability so elementary at speeds beyond 300 km/h. The BRABUS designers have styled aluminum wheel arch flares for front and rear axle. They are seamlessly melded to the production body and add six centimeters (2.4 inches) to the C-Class width. BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airstream along the sides. They also feature integrated entry lights that make entering and exiting the vehicle safer in the dark.

The visual appearance of the BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW is further characterized by the new hood. Its integrated 'gills' are not just distinctive features, they also ensure the engine's thermal health.

The wheel arch flares provide space for especially wide matte-black BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with high-performance tires from technology partners YOKOHAMA or Pirelli. The 9.5Jx19 wheels on the front axle are shod with size 265/30 ZR 19 tires. The rear axle is fitted with size 10Jx19 wheels and size 285/30 ZR 19 tires.

The height-adjustable coil-over suspension was developed specifically for the BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW. The gas-pressure shocks feature ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound. They provide a sporty yet comfortable ride and safe handling in any situation. Sport stabilizers reduces body roll to a minimum during fast cornering.

The BRABUS high-performance brake system can handle even the most extreme stress. It features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle that grip vented and grooved 380 x 37 millimeter (15 x 1.46 inches) brake discs. The rear axle stops with 360 x 28 millimeter (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

Exclusive individuality also abounds in the interior of the BRABUS automobile: The standard equipment package includes a fully leather interior hand-crafted in the company-own upholstery shop from the finest Mastik and Nubuk leathers.

The custom BULLIT seats offer a perfect combination of comfort and lateral support. Their carbon-fiber rear covers lend the interior an especially sporty feel. This look is complemented by carbon-fiber components on dashboard, center console and door panels as well as by the ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals and shifter.

BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW - Technical Data

Body

4-door sedan based on Mercedes-Benz C-Class, W 204 series

Steel unibody widened with BRABUS fender flares by 60 mm (2.36 inches). BRABUS hood with integrated gills.
BRABUS BULLIT aerodynamic-enhancement kit with BULLIT front and rear bumper manufactured from carbon fiber baked in an autoclave. Rocker panels with integrated entrance lights, three-piece rear spoiler.

BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW with matte-black coating.

Measurements:
Length 4.590 mm 180.7 in.
Width 1.830 mm 72.0 in.
Height 1.402 mm 55.2 in.
Curb weight 1,850 kg 4,079 lbs.

Engine

BRABUS SV 12 S Biturbo displacement engine based on Mercedes 600

V12-cylinder 3-valve light-alloy engine with twin turbochargers
Displacement 6,233 cm³ (380 cu. in.)
Compression ratio 9.0 : 1
Rated power 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm
Peak torque 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) from 2,100 rpm (electronically limited to 1,100 Nm - 811 lb-ft)
Fuel: Super plus (98 octane)
Motor oil: ARAL

BRABUS SV 12 S Biturbo engine conversion consisting of:
Displacement increase to 6.3 liters with special crankshaft with longer stroke, enlarged cylinder bore with corresponding larger pistons. Both cylinder heads feature flow-optimized ports and special camshafts. Two high-performance turbochargers with special exhaust manifolds; more efficient intercooling system and BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low-back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics.

Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Reinforced five-speed automatic transmission
Gear ratios:
1st gear 3.59
2nd gear 2.19
3rd gear 1.41
4th gear 1.00
5th gear 0.83

BRABUS locking rear differential with 40 percent locking rate
Final drive either 2.65 : 1 (top speed 315 km/h - 196 mph) or 2.24 : 1 (top speed 350 km/h - 217 mph - electronically limited).

Suspension

Independent suspension front and rear with height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension.

Front axle:
Three-link, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with coil springs and gas-pressure shocks featuring ten settings each for bound and rebound; BRABUS sport sway bar.

Rear axle:
Five-link, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with coil springs and gas-pressure shocks featuring ten settings each for bound and rebound; BRABUS sport sway bar.

Wheels:
BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with YOKOHAMA or Pirelli high-performance tires.
Front: 9.5Jx19 H2 with 265/30 ZR 19
Rear: 10.0Jx19 H2 with 285/30 ZR 19

Brake System

Dual-circuit brakes with Brake Assist and BRABUS high-performance brake system.

Front: BRABUS 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved 380 x 37 mm
(15 x 1.46 in.) steel brake discs.
Rear: BRABUS six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 in.) steel brake discs.

Performance

0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 3.9 sec
0 - 200 km/h (124 mph): 10.49 sec
0 - 300 km/h (186 mph): 24.5 sec

Top speed: more than 360 km/h (225 mph)

Awesome Rocket Car Doesn't Have Rocket, Does Sport Duallies

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Apparently we've got rocket cars coming out the wazoo lately. Here's a pretty slick one which, although not actually rocket equipped, has got so much Flash Gordon goodness baked into its dually driven chassis we can't help but admire it. There isn't a whole lot of info on this LA-area one-off, but it's got detail work that could only have come from a true aficionado of both car and rocket. Truly a masterpiece. (Thanks for the tips, DaveTheBrave and Mike)

[Metblogs]

You Do Know The R35 Is On Sale, Right?

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EDT

We have SickWrathTerror over at the Motive Mag Forums to thank for sharing this photo of one Infiniti G35 owner apparently unaware that the 2009 GT-R was going to be available in the states. [Motive Forums]

Cumberford Martinique Is A Mongrel We Can Love

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:20:00 EDT

Yesterday's post on the Concours D'Ignorance generated a comment from mr.chöppèrs regarding what he'd rock when rolling into the show:

"In the spirit of violating the spirit of the Concours d'ignorance, I would like to roll up in a magnificent Cumberford Martinique. Mahogany body, BMW engine, Citroën suspension, cocaine styling."

Reading this hellish description and having no idea what the hell a Cumberford Martinique was, we had to get our research on.

This aluminum and wooden bodied mongrel features a whole lot of parts from a whole lot of folks. While the chassis is all Cumberford, the engine is sourced from BMW, while a Citroen CX contributes the suspension and steering components. This baby is sourced from a little bit of everywhere. Considering the crazy progeny of components, we're shocked it's a functioning automobile, but we found reports of pretty decent reliability (those reports may be highly overstated). So, what do you think; greatest potential for Jalopnik staff car, or potential hell-on-wheels? [Sourcing: here, here, and here]

Why Build An Alien PT Cruiser?

Mark Arnold — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:20:00 EDT

We've seen plenty of ridiculous customizations, but this one has got to be one of the craziest. As if starting life out as a PT Cruiser wasn't bad enough, it has since been re-sculpted with some sort of alien popping out of the front. Just looking at the photos, we can only imagine how much time it took to create this monstrosity, but why? What could possibly lead you to thinking this would be a good idea?

Well, that explains everything.
[English Russia]

ASI Tetsu-Tuned Continental GTR Makes Us Feel Like Taking A Shower

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:40:00 EDT

We've always had a love/hate relationship with the Bentley Continental GT. On the one hand, it's a staggeringly powerful freight train of a car that will do everything but powder your behind (and not catch on fire). On the other hand, it just doesn't have the character of a Bentley; it seems more noveau riche than old-world land-rocket. What better way to address that issue than for ASI Tetsu to add gaudy gold paint, flowery hood graphics, a big spoiler on the trunk and a body kit? Oh and another 248 HP for a grand total of 800. Damn you fates, why must you make this Bentley such a poisoned pill?

[World Car Fans]

$500,000 Range Stormer Replica For Sale, Perfect For When You Ain't Found Shit In The Desert

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:40:00 EDT

Range Rover Sport too dull for you? Too many doors? Not in line with your posh Dubai lifestyle? Need something to comb the desert in? Good news friend, West Coast Customs Dubai is reproducing the Range Stormer concept in street legal form. Better news is there's one on sale at Alwan's used cars for a cool $500,000. It seems a member of the Dubai royal family thought the concept was so fly he had West Coast Customs US build him one out of a regular old boring Range Rover Sport. WCC decided maybe there'd be a few more so why not task the Dubai branch to make a couple more. Head down to crazy Al's if you can't live without a two door Stormer of your own.

[AutoTrader Dubai (no, really) via LandRoverChronicles]

Breckland Beira Is The Saturn Sky Everyone Wants

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:20:00 EDT

What if you took a Kappa platform from GM, replaced some of the metal body panels with composite, and dropped a 400 HP LS2 V8 under the hood? Not only would you get the Kappa everyone wants, but you'd have a Breckland Beira straight from the isle of Great Britain. In addition to looking the part and having more than adequate grunt to back it up, the Beira can also be fueled with liquefied petroleum (LP) gas — though we don't know if it will make the claimed 0-60 in under 5 seconds on the grill gas. All pretty nice, but it had better be for £55,000, or right about $108,000 for us Yanks. Um. Okay, maybe it isn't that nice.

[WorldCarFans]

Desert Runs In A Turbine-Powered Datsun 280Z

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EDT

While the turbine-powered Porsche 928 we found on eBay was admittedly pretty neat (and ended up selling for a measly $7,150), the accompanying video didn't really prove the car's kerosene-guzzling potential to us. Not so with this turbine-enhanced Datsun 280Z. This baby proves its mettle with Knight Rider-esque high-speed desert runs. Over and over again. Aside from the repetitive cinematography, we do get a glimpse of some rad digital gauges straight out of the turbo-boost era along with a glorious turbine symphony. Mmmmmm, high RPM goodness. [Youtube]

BMW 6-Series De- or Super-Uglified, You Be The Judge

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:20:00 EDT

After the spectacular body work and 30-inch kicks on that Mercedes CL the other day, we didn't think modified German steel could get any more extravagant. However, today the sun rose anew and provided for us a refreshed challenge to the sensibilities. Tuning house Lithuanian National (which we can only assume is a front for blue jeans trafficking) has decided to show up their entry into the realm of super-mod schteel. This gives that CL a run for it's money, but we're not sure quite what to make of it. What does that mean? Poll time.

[via BMWBlog]

So, in a battle of epic modifying wills, who runs the show here? The CL has got serious craziness going on, but this Bimmer, at certain angles, actually looks pretty hot...particularly in light of the devilish license plate. What say you, fine peoples?

Intersection Blacks Out Citröen C6

Wes Siler — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Determining that the stock Citröen C6 lacks the appropriate level of menace necessary to complement their world conquering ambitions, Intersection's evil minions called upon the dark powers of black spray paint. Built to fill the basic transportation needs of their newly opened French-edition, Parisian's can expect the all-black C6 to be a regular site in their cities more fashionable climes, loaded down with magazines, or more often, bicycle parts. [via Arkitip]

Russians Turn CL Mercedes Into Red Menace, We Show You How

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Though companies like BRABUS will take your Mercedes CL and mold it into a V12-powerd monster, they'll only tweak the exterior so much. And what's the point of tweaking a car if you can't drop wheels on it that are many orders of magnitude larger than the stock ones, or swap the grille out for something that looks like it was taken off of a Freightliner? If you want that level of customization you'll have to skip the Germans and go straight to the Russians, specifically this Russian. Whether you love it, hate it or are afraid of it, we have photos of the process below.

There's so much going on in these photos and the result is so extreme that we're almost at a loss for post-Soviet humor. Fur coats, cardboard and technological solutions that use one half of what looks to be a two-liter bottle of 7-UP just add to the allure of this somewhat mysterious Russian (we think) custom. (h/t to Jorgen) [Fishki.net]

Edo Competition Tuned Ferrari Enzo Is No Fierrari Enzno

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Yesterday we told you all about the greatest Fierrari Enzno ever built, a piece of kit with such attention to detail it would make a Swiss watchmaker weep. Today we pick up on another niche coachbuilder following in the footsteps of the Fierrari, Edo Competition. Despite starting off with an actual Enzo instead of a Pontiac Fiero, Edo totally falls flat when compared to the magic of the Enzno. In-depth analysis below the fold.

We think it's fairly clear by these glaring faults that Edo has a lot of work to do, and we didn't even jump into some of the more disappointing details down the sides. Seriously, the Enzo is a good start and all, but pumping up a tepid car to a meager 700 HP, dropping carbon fiber bits all over the place, adding an adjustable suspension and quicker shift points is just totally phoning it in. [Edo Competition via World Car Fans]

Liz Cohen And Her Transforming Trabantamino

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:40:00 EDT

We first heard about Liz Cohen and her quest to personally transform a lovable little Trabant into an electromechanical, transforming, camino-inspired low rider back in 2005. Well, her project has gone from a gleam in the eye and a hot blowtorch to a piece of self-transforming craziness. We have it on good authority from Miss Cohen herself that, in October, the Trabantamino will be at the front of a 45-lowrider procession from Las Cruces to El Paso for the No Room for Baggage exhibition. Note some of the photos are semi-NSFW if your overlords are on the puritanical side.

We are duly impressed with the ambition in this project and can't wait to see what Liz's creation end up looking like. Hang on a second; a girl, who looks like this, doing all of her own fab work, on a project that would make Murilee cry for mercy. We're in love. (Thanks dwegmull) [More images and info at Liz Cohen's MyWikiBiz]

Second Tandem Axle Rabbitamino Discovered, They're Breeding

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

While woefully lacking in the mid mounted 500 cubic inch Cadillac engine and scissor doors department the first tandem axle VW Caddy we discovered had, this one succeeds in another area - it's an actual Rabbitamino. If you look carefully at the hind end of this one, you can see the telltale signs pointing out this started life as a VW Rabbit and was chopped up into the masterpiece you see today. We're also digging the extra clean super-long wheel well and cool canvas bed cap. Unfortunately, this came from actual photographs in the Hemmings archives so you know all we know, still, this would make a kick-ass motorcycle carrier.

The Other Heidelberg Project

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:20:00 EDT

While yesterday's story about The Heidelberg Project is interesting on its own, we have to confess to setting that one up first so we could follow with this one as a chaser. Tyree Guyton created an interesting and original installation art neighborhood out of found objects and weirdness. "The Heidelberg" here is a far, far more expensive and hideous endeavor. Rumored to be the result of a side project at a defunct aerospace company, the costs associated with this (thankfully) one-off car will make you do a spit-take.

Based on a Porsche 911/915 powertrain and an original chassis, The Heidelberg required a claimed $1.5 million in tooling. Roll that figure around in your mind a moment. The single seat horror show went up for sale on eBay at one point and failed to get a single bid, with a reserve price of $50,000. Um, yeah, legendary fail. [PriceOfHisToys]

Hot Rod Citroen DS Packs A Familiar Punch

Mark Arnold — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:00:00 EDT

The Citroen DS is undeniably stylish. During it's 20 year production run, it showcased innovative features, and even came in wagon an convertible versions. But there was just one thing it lacked, V8 pow-ahh! This guy realized the problem and swapped out the weaksauce four-banger in his '66 DS for something with a bit more grunt.

Yep, that's a GM LS1 V8. The new mill pumps out around 400 HP to the rear wheels via a GM 4-speed automatic transmission. That's a great setup for doing 'merican-style donuts. Which is perfect, since the French love to smoke, right?
[Winding Road]

Trust the Legends Racer

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Legends racers are some seriously odd, but awesome cars. Compact, agile, and way, way, way over engined, they have an air of quirky danger which makes them very exciting. We're not real clear on the conditions of this stunt, nor are we sure why tweedle dee and tweedle dum agreed to this (or why tweedle dum wore white pants), but they have some amazing trust in the driver of this legends car. This is one of the first times we've thought the people outside the car were bigger hoons than the guy at the wheel.

Steve Saleen Is Back, Reveals Limited Edition Supercharged Challengers

Ray Wert — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:33:26 EDT

They may have taken his company, his cars and even his name, but they'll never take Steve Saleen's desire to customize cars to make them look so radically similar to the originals, they're virtually identical to all but the most carefully trained eye. Saleen and his new company SMS have just revealed the new company's first two custom cars. The twin set of Challengers, dubbed the SMS 570TM Challenger and the SMS 570XTM Challenger will, as Phil Frank, the company's Chief Creative Officer puts it "help define our design DNA." So we guess that means more of the same, eh? Anyway, these first two products of his new "Signature Series" of "ultra-high performance vehicles" are based off the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and will feature a SMS-supercharged 5.7-liter Hemi engine under the hood with power ratings purported to go from 500 to over 700 HP. Full press release after the jump.

May 12, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger.
As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen's latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal" explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, "combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable automobile".

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

"The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with" notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, "the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform".

"I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel" explains Mr. Saleen "SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles."

Would Car Nutz Customs Be Illegal In Florida?

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:40:00 EDT

With all the hullabaloo over Truck Nutz it's a wonder the folks at Car Nutz Customs haven't taken a cue and changed their name a bit. True, they don't specialize at installing chrome dangly bits on '71 Impalas, but with Florida legislators rebelling against all things Nutz, you'd think they might just consider it. That being said, Car Nutz Customs (CNC in brief) actually does some nice work if you're into the whole big rims and crazy stereo with a clean install kind of thing. Unfortunately they aren't into big pictures of their cars. Enjoy the tiiiiiiny gallery of their work.

Chateau Mini Is Invitation To Snootiness

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Aznom (nom nom) has introduced their Chateau Mini, a car which acts to combine the twin yuppie delights of the Mini Clubman and French Chateau wine. How do you combine the two? By using ooh-la-la materials on the inside and apparently lots of different shades of brown, oh, and install a stocked "wine cellar" inside the Mini. While we're normally all about tossing back a couple ~~bottles~~ glasses of vino, having fine wine close at hand at all times, in a car which sports enough glass to qualify as a greenhouse just smacks of a bad idea. Full bodied press release with a full nose and long legs below the fold.

MINZA, Italy - Aznom srl is proud to present you our last realization in the Car Pleasure field: the "Chateau Minì" based on the BMW Mini Clubman presented as a world premiérè at the Top Marques Monaco in Montecarlo.
For the realization of this "Chateau Minì" we take the inspiration from the French Chateau, well known in the world for the excellence production of wines and for the elegance of the interior. In order to recreate the atmosphere inside the Chateau Minì we used specified materials such as aged grain leather, gaucho sand leather, Alcantara® and wood that gives a warmy and vintage interior that covers passengers in an elegant trip into emotions and traditions.

The peculiarity of this car is a wine cellar made with the same leather and wood of the interior hided in the double-bottom's car trunk: The Italian leader in wine distribution, Gruppo Meregalli, the Italian leader in wine distribution, has made a selection of some of the best Chateaux: Chateau Lafite, Chateau Haut-Brion, Chateau L'Evangile, Chateau Pavie, Chateau D'Yquem, Chateau Rieussec.

[Source: Aznom asl]

Smartuki Is Donut Spinning Super ForTwo

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Yes, we've seen the Smart ForTwo with the GSXR1000 motor dubbed the Smartuki before, but this is the first time we've seen it doing its thing in truly heroic style. With the engine mounted where the passenger used to be, the low center of gravity and rear wheel drive combine with the 160 HP Suzuki mill to provide impressive tire melting performance. From the looks of things, this baby is only good for unadulterated hoon pleasure, just like a grown up version of a big wheel. Weeee! [Youtube] (Hat tip to kingroyale)

Corvettamino ZR-1 Is Pulling Our Leg, Still Awesome

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Who needs a Pontiac G8 ST when you can have a bitchin' camino-ized C4 Corvette ZR-1? Nobody that's who. Fortunately for our still beating hearts, this is not really a ZR-1 turned truck/car — it's an '84 Vette smooshed together with a '91 with custom molds and bodywork to create that smooth Vettamino effect. According to ClassyAuto (misnomer?) this was the brainchild of the original owner of Bayliner Boats and took over $115K to create. Wow, that's camino love right there. We have no idea how up to date their website is, but the sale price at one time at least was a steal at $35,000... cough, cough, choke.... WHAT!

[ClassyAuto]

Ferrari 308 GTB Rally Car Built By MAT

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

We've never heard of the Scandinavian speed shop Makela Auto Tuning, but we want to be their best friends. These guys are rally and exotic car aficionados of high order, and loving documentarians of their craft. As such there are over 200 images on their site of the transformation of a run of the mill Ferrari 308 GTB into a rip-snorting FIA Group IV spec rally machine. Our only question is why this package wasn't on the options list for the 308? [MAT Project Page] (Thanks Ed)

Xtreme Motorsports Announces Electric Sand Car, Interest Ridiculously High

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Sand cars are one of those really fun, but incredibly impractical corners of the automotive world we don't manage to get around to very often. Apparently Xtreme Motorsports out in California has decided to jump on the green bandwagon and has announced the availability of an all electric version of their popular car. Built around the same Li-Ion batteries and a beefy electric motor good for 663 lb.ft. of torque, the car should be quite a screamer as the company is quoting 0-70 MPH times around 5 seconds and a range of 200 miles.

That's a pretty good day out in the dunes and with power like that available at the base of a grade it's no wonder the announcement sparked substantial interest. According to the company, after announcing the all electric car, requests for quote have skyrocketed 1,056% in the week since. We see only two problems with all of this. First, Xtreme went out of their way to create the extremely tiresome ZES acronym — of course, Zero Emissions Sandcar, ugh. Second, it's going to be awfully spooky when a mid-flight sand car sails overhead in complete silence. [Xtreme Motorsports]

Flatmobile Is World's Lowest Car, Has Jet Engine For Good Measure

Wes Siler — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Recapturing the hotly contested Guinness World Record for lowest street legal car from friend of the Jalop, Andy Saunders, the Flatmobile is just 19" tall. Based on a Hillman Imp, it uses that car's rear-mounted 875cc engine for propulsion, supplementing that with a jet engine made from an old turbocharger. Pictures below the jump.

Perry Watkins, of Aylesbury, England says he was inspired to build the car one day when he was out and about, suddenly thinking, "it'd be smart to have something that looks like the Batmobile, but call it the Flatmobile." Since his next thought was, "hold on, let's put a jet engine in it," he sounds like our kind of guy. Perry describes the Flatmobile driving experience as, "horrible," but it is road legal.
[The Flatmobile]

Thanks to Gilles and Beercheck for the tip.

The Stealth Trike Is A GSX-R1000-Powered Hoonmobile

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 05 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Remember when we asked if flat black was dead? Well, even if you had said no, the recommendation should be ignored for the Stealth Trike. A creation of Lehigh Valley Choppers, the three wheeler has got all the goods for a seriously fun time. Built around the meaty power of a Suzuki GSX-R1000 engine, the trike sports an inboard suspension up front, hand-fabbed swingarm, and enough tail-happiness to make for a bug toothed permasmile. No production plans at this point, but if you wave enough money at 'em, they'll build one for you. head over to their site to check it out with the stealthy, but decidedly not flat-black bodywork.
[Lehigh Valley Choppers via The Biker Gene]

Shelby Automobiles Remakes GT40 MKII For Carroll's 85th Birthday

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:20:00 EDT

The guy responsible for some of the most legendary cars in American racing history is turning 85 this year and Shelby Automotive has just the present for him. To celebrate the bought-and-paid-for-by-Ford main man's big birthday bonanza, 255 copies of the MKII GT40 will be remade in the original designs and colors complete with everything from the snorkel intakes to the Gurney bubble. What won't be included is the engine as this is a rolling chassis conveniently modded to accept a Shelby-built 427. Nonetheless, if you want a kit car that isn't a kit, here's the ticket.

[World Car Fans]

Dream Factory Blow Papa Rider

Mark Arnold — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

The other day we showed you some cute little Japanese Kei cars converted to look like vintage American vans. Turns out they were the creation of a company called Dream Factory Blow. They're sort of an American-style surfing-obsessed customizing shop, but since they're in Japan, they work their magic on JDM rides. While stumbling around their non-English website, we found this thing. Apparently, they call it the Papa Rider, but it may not be what you initially think it is.

Now, this may look much like a vintage Dodge van that some stoner accidentally had shipped to the other side of the Pacific. But give it more than a passing glance, and you'll notice that there appears to be a Toyota Hiace van somewhere in there. Our Japanese skills are limited to what gets translated into English by BableFish, so we're not too sure and what the rationale was behind this, but we do know for certain that this thing is totally awesome.
[Dream Factory Blow]

Maserati Bellagio, A Coachbuilt Quattroporte Wagon

Mark Arnold — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Being shown off at the same Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este where the BMW M1 Homage was recently unveiled, is this tasty Maserati Quattroporte wagon-ization. Though perhaps with the addition of the hatchback, we should call it a Cinqueporte. But you can call it whatever you want, we just love the way it looks. Designed and constructed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the Bellagio has a swooping fastback rear end that's tapered oh so delicately as opposed to a traditionally squared-off wagons.

Personally, I've never been a huge fan of the standard Quattroporte's styling. Yes, the car has a cool demeanor. My problem was I always saw the portholes as gaudy, the C-pillars as awkwardly chunky, and the entire front end as particularly unflattering in anything but dark colors. So for me, the Bellagio doesn't just have the inherent awesome-ness of being a wagon, it also addresses all my quibbles. The portholes have been replaced by a singe vent on each side, the C-pillars have been swept into graceful shapes, and the whole thing is covered in slick deep charcoal paint. Do want.
[Car Body Design, autoblog.nl]

Eleanor Has Competition With The Obsidian SG-1

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EDT

When Gone in Sixty Seconds came out in 2000, the Mustang which held the lead role as "Eleanor" became an overnight sensation. You couldn't throw dead blow hammer without hearing someone compare a car to Eleanor. The brutish fastback was just the right mix of vintage and modern. In that vein, the Obsidian SG-1 is a car as modern as anything on the road, but maintaining a throwback look. Originally a puke green '67 fastback, the SG-1 (which does not travel through wormholes to faraway planets) is now a study in excess.

We're not too sure about everything that goes around the engine and drive train, but nobody is going to argue with the guns this car is packing. A stroked SVO 351W V8 good for 392 cubic inches, two, count 'em, two Rotrex superchargers feeding two air-to-air intercoolers and firing up for over 830 HP and 770 lb.ft. of torque. That monster drives a Tremec 5-speed with a set of steering wheel mounted paddle shifters which cranks a Mittler Brothers 9" rear end. Really damned impressive.

It's all the other stuff that has us down. While it does sport a tube frame and a hidden roll cage, they managed to duct and reshape a little too much of the car. And while we know the mesh is high quality, it just has a certain Pep boys feel to it. The current Mustang headlights are worked into the nose, and we really can't complain too much about them, but that seems like a weird choice. And don't get us started on all the gee gaws and gadgets in the interior. A cabin should be an office and the business should be driving, not fiddling with a 3000W kicker sounds system and a 10.5" LCD screen. Nonetheless, this is a damn impressive piece of machinery, even if it needs to have a couple hundred pounds of electronics garbage tossed to the curb. Obsidian SG-1

You Wanna Drive A Cadillac CTS Convertible, Expect To Pay The Consequences

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Retired? Living in Florida? Coach Builders Inc. has the car for you. Perhaps tired of seeing our treasured senior citizens driving around in those awful Sebring verts, the company now offers a conversion that chops the top off the popular Cadillac CTS. While GM is planning a 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe and CTS Wagon, CBI is giving the well-aged people exactly what they want. Of course, getting what you want always comes with a price.

In this case, the cost of replacing the roof with full convertible top and living your sun-touched dreams is $19K over the price of the car. For this you get the hydraulic padded roof that includes such touches as a heated glass rear window. Conversion time is 8 weeks so you'd better have some time on your hands as well as an extra stash of green. The best features is that the car retains its four doors, something rare for a convertible in this class. [CBI via InsideLine]