"As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle- including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts,” Nardelli continued, “Viper is an integral part of this Company's heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Why purchase Viper? Surely the current 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 — a refresh of the 2003 model — is nearing the end of its useful life. Vehicles like the 2009 Nissan GT-R and 2009 Corvette ZR1 now offer considerably greater track performance combined with user friendliness and good road manners. All any potential buyer would receive would be a soon-to-be-outdated car, a brand with an image problem and the need to jump-start development on a replacement. If we were going to get into the supercar game, we’d start a fresh brand with a fresh product, free of the sins of the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 convertible its fathers. [Source: Automotive News, Sub. Req.]

Given the choice, we'd much rather have an Enzo's V12, but the 360's V8 would still be great fun to play with. We bet there's a way to mount it in the middle of an Alfa Romeo Brera. Perhaps hanging out the back of a Fiat 500? Or you could just do like the current owner and have it on display on the second floor of your home.
[ebay via Autofiends]

10. Nissan GT-R

It's not hard to appreciate the 2009 Nissan GT-R. Unlike almost anything on the road, this latest iteration of the famous Japanese supercar not only outperforms many of its pricier competitors, it also offers a look that's both familiar and fresh. The aggressive front and strong profile makes no secret of the GT-R's ability.

9. Mitsuoka Galue Convertible

Whereas the strange-in-the-wrong-way Orochi from Mitsuoka may be one of the ugliest cars in the world, the Mitsuoka Galue Convertible is very much strange in the right way. Based on the current-generation Ford Mustang, the carriagemakers at Mitsuoka have crafted on the front from a Rolls Royce and the rear from a CTS. It's strange, but we can't help but love it. [Photo Credit: Carscoop]

8. Nissan Teana

While the current Nissan Altima isn't unattractive, the car's Japanese cousin is downright becoming. The sedan's elongated proportions and sweeping lines are distinctly European, while the sharp headlights and large grille are particularly Nissan. Let's hope this is the direction they're going to take American Nissans sometime soon.

7. Honda S2000 Type S

As much as we like the base Honda S2000, the S2000 Type S takes the modest and becoming sports car and adds a dash of Super Potential to the equation. Though some may fault it for its large wing and aggressive ground effects, these bits not only add aerodynamic function to the S2000, they also add much needed teeth. If you've got a hankering for one, the Honda S2000 CR is fairly similar.

6. Mazda RX-8

A minor refresh this year hasn't changed the fact that the Mazda RX-8 design is getting a bit long in the tooth. Nevertheless, the RX-8 is still a head-turner. A mixture of rotary-inspired shapes and exotic details, it's a car that only Mazda could design. One of the best-looking rear 3/4 views of any GT, we're glad those rad rotarians finally added a front to match with the 2009 RX-8.

5. Daihatsu Copen

One of the favorites among Kei Car enthusiasts, the tiny Copen from Daihatsu may not be the most powerful car on the list (in fact, it's the least powerful) but it's undeniably the cutest. In the tradition of tiny roadsters, the Copen looks like something fun a British company like MG would build if British carmakers like MG weren't all owned by the Chinese and Indians. It's proof that good things do sometimes come in small packages.

4. Toyota Century

A love for the Toyota Century is a love for a car that personifies understated luxury. Way understated. The only front-engined, RWD Japanese car to get V12 power, the Century has only been redesigned twice in the last 40 years of its production. Thought it costs nearly $100,000, it doesn't have the "Look at me, look at me!" cues of a Lexus, Mercedes or Bentley. Tasteful and reserved, the Century is the luxury car of the cunning diplomat. [Photo Credit: Yehey Forums]

3. Mazda MX-5 (Miata)

In addition to being a competitive LeMons racer, the MX-5 has historically been a low-key but sleek roadster, and the latest iteration is no different. The slightly flared fenders, rounded surfaces and low profile are timeless and beautiful.

2. Toyota Mark X

One of the best looking sedans that few people have ever heard of, the sleek Toyota Mark X may be related to the American Lexus GS300 but in a way that makes us think one of the two was secretly adopted. This RWD sedan has the shapely curves of an E-Class Mercedes combined with the sloping and textured nose of an Alfa (sans the crest) and that wonderful disregard for subtlety that makes us love Japanese cars.

1. Infiniti G37

The Infiniti G37 is a coupe that just missed getting placed on our most beautiful cars list. A drastic improvement over the previous generation, the G37 practically sparkles in person. Unlike most Japanese luxury cars, the sculptors of the G37 took chances with the design. The gently raked beltline and 1980s-professional-woman wide shoulders balance the feminine and the masculine like few modern cars can. But it's the details, like the 10-spoked wheels and creased grille, that make this otherwise toned-down coupe scream.

"Perhaps the best deal for GM would be to procure smaller Chinese SUV’s and turn the Hummer brand into an economical SUV brand."

Now there's a moneymaking idea for the General: Build smaller, more fuel efficient and totally unsafe SUVs! [China Car Times]

GM supplied us with a screen-grab of their base ZZ572 big-block, part number 12498792, showing an MSRP of $16,344.29.

Of course, no one pays MSRP for anything, so we continued through the shopping cart function, which gives you an actual price through a local distributor. The final tally was $14,301.25.

Jegs had the same part number for $11,495.99.

Summit didn't have the 572 base big-block online, but they did have the deluxe version for $12,799.95.

Of course, one plus that does come with purchasing direct from GM Performance Parts is the ability to have your engine shipped directly to your local GM dealership, saving the $150 or so in truck shipping fees required with an engine purchase from other online retailers. That makes your premium for buying direct from the General just $2,655.26. Full GM press release below.

GM Brings High-Performance Crate Engines and Components to Online Shoppers GM Performance Parts engines, blocks, heads, cams, intakes, accessory drives and dress-up parts - available at retail prices online DETROIT - GM Performance Parts has launched an online superstore that promises to simplify shopping for high-performance engines, parts and components. The site, www.gmperformanceparts.com, is the first OE performance parts site that actually allows consumers to purchase their hardcore hardware online, and have it shipped straight to their door. One of the most onerous tasks of any engine builder is assembling the shopping list, and then actually buying the goodies. Days, sometimes weeks of planning, research and shopping are involved before the parts are laid out, ready to assemble. The GMPP website simplifies this process by providing enthusiasts with access to the most popular GMPP products on a trusted GM site 24 hours a day - 7 days per week. Location, Location, Location The old real estate adage, "location, location, location" applies equally when it comes to online shopping and buying. Whether a shopper is a discriminating enthusiast who knows what he wants or one who doesn't know where to start, the information needed to make the right choices is literally clicks away: • Access to 38 genuine GM small block, big block and LS high performance crate engines • More than 300 different part numbers available for sale in one place - engines, blocks, heads, cams, intake manifolds, accessory drives and dress-up parts • Product search by category, name and part number • Product information - complete description of each GMPP product • Technical product information - dyno charts, tech specs, engine builds • Pricing - GM's MSRP and access to dealer's retail pricing Purchase Process that Actually Saves Time, Money! Unlike many online shopping sites that refer consumers to a retailer for pricing, www.gmperformanceparts.com makes it simple to buy what you want, when you want it, and have it shipped to your door. After entering the site, a buyer can find the products they need simply by searching for it, or by clicking on the category (e.g. "LS") and scrolling through the list. Each item can be added to a shopper's "cart." When ready to check out, shoppers enter their zip codes in order to locate the GMPP Authorized Centers nearest them. The site will list dealers that have all items in the shopping cart in inventory first, followed by others based on their distance from the shopper's location. After choosing the dealer they want to purchase from, the customer can check the dealership's retail pricing, enter billing and shipping addresses and select method of payment - including all major credit cards and PayPal®. Products can then be shipped directly to the buyer's door, or, by picking up the products at their selling dealership, buyers can save on freight charges. Dream it, Build it, Race it For a closer look at GM Performance Parts products and to get some ideas, the www.gmperformanceparts.com homepage offers three sections designed to help visitors in their quest for performance: • Dream It - We're in love with performance and power - we're enthusiasts just like you. Check out some of the dream cars of the GMPP team. • Build It - We've got the parts, you bring the project. Before you build, choose an engine and check it out on the site's virtual engine dyno. • Race It - If winning wasn't important; there'd be no need for a checkered flag. Get advice from six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion and GMPP sponsored driver, Warren Johnson. GM Performance Parts Promise GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation; requiring that the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. And if that's not enough, GMPP installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for ongoing testing and continuous improvement. It's that commitment to quality and durability that allows General Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24 month / 50,000 mile warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12 months / 12,000 miles warranty. Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GMPP Authorized Center dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com. General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

The incentive bonuses are not insignificant: Automotive News quoted Miami Hummer dealer Ed Williamson as saying they could "be substantial," often in the six-figures. Williamson would know: He happens to own the highest-volume Hummer store in the country, Williamson Cadillac-Hummer. So how many of the beasts did the hottest location move in June? Thirty-one, or about one per day. That's compared to about 100 a month during 2007.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Sales dropping due to a "loser" image? Irrelevant products? A parent company that's given up hope? It's DeSoto, Studebaker and Oldsmobile all over again. Take a picture of yourself next to an H2 soon: One day your kids will say "I can't believe people used to drive things like that!" [Automotive News (Sub. Req.); Photo Credit: A1 Limobus]

"Chrysler's product pipeline severely lags the industry on a number of key metrics, which is an ominous sign for its market share. We believe that this is an active decision by new owners to rationalize the product portfolio in advance of a breakup/sale."

The argument that Chrysler is entering a product drought in advance of a sale also doesn't sit well with some industry watchers. Although the company doesn't have any major product reveals scheduled for the next year, they have one of the youngest vehicle lineups currently on the market. Others claim that Chrysler is reducing product in a long-term effort to become more competitive with a smaller fleet, and at the same time force weaker dealers out of business by depriving them of products during the current industry downturn. Such a move would allow Chrysler to pare down its dealer body without expensive — and potentially litigious — buyouts and consolidations.

Whatever happens, we do tend to agree with at least one Cerberus statement: "You can't judge an investment like this after just one year." Only question — does Cerberus believe that? [Freep, Photo Credit: blog.vehiclevoice.com]

The murmuring about Hummer being up for sale got credence with the news that Citibank has been retained to conduct a "strategic review" of the brand. Our little birdie has told us that Citibank's real job is to screen potential buyers. [Automotive News Sub. Req.]

Countries raking in huge oil profits are would be the most likely destination for Hummer. Markets in Russia and Latin America continue to demand large SUVs, while China and India are potential suitors as well. At least one analyst speculated about Hummer as a logical fit for Tata Motors. "It would be a great fit with Land Rover," said Rajesh Kothari, a partner with investment banker Seneca Partners LLC and Manchester Holdings. "Hummer is a similar product line; it has similar demographics but a different reach." While the combination of Tatas and a Hummer make perfect sense to us, a spokesperson from the Indian automaker declined to comment.
[Freep; Photo Credit: GraniteGrok.com]

Most of Phelan's arguments center around the drawbacks of shutting Hummer down. Thing is, shuttering the brand has always seemed the least-likely scenario. Instead, GM would be better off selling the brand to an outside investor or automaker who could then supply Hummer products to the markets that demanded them — including the U.S., should they choose to do so. Hummer dealers would mostly remain intact, owners would retain parts and service availability, and the General could post a nice chunk of cash to its books while ridding itself of a brand liability and excess manufacturing capacity. What's not to like here?

The news isn't all doom and gloom, however: Third shifts are coming to the Lake Orion plant that builds G6 and Malibu and to the Lordstown plant spewing Cobalt and G5. In other words, big vehicles out, little econoboxes in. Next up: Chrysler announces new Lean Burn 300C.

The admittedly rare Holden has been a ward of Charlie's since he bought it second hand for $575 in 1970. While $1.2 mill sounds like an insane asking price, Mr. McCarron has already turned down offers of $900k for the car. From the sounds of things, there's been little needed in the way of upkeep, and if Charlie eventually finds a buyer for the car, he's looking at a return on investment somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,085%. Not bad for an old car huh? [CarsGuide]

JZZ30 TOYOTA SOARER D1 SPECIAL VERTEX RIDGE 30 SOARER Yes, you read that correctly. Vertex USA would like to announce Mr. Takahiro Ueno's famous D1 USA Vertex Soarer is up for sale! For SERIOUS inquiries only, please call our offices at: 888-3-Vertex ext. 401. Below are images and specs of this D1 legendary drift machine.

The JZZ30 Soarer is established perfection with [VERTEX] Body Kit and it reminiscence GT500 racing car. The bonnet and Doors are made by Carbon Fiber and all the windows replaced to Acrylic Windows to achieve lightweight special car. Front Bumper Canards and Front Aero Fenders manufactured to give effective aerodynamics and engine cooling. They also produce wide and aggressive visual. All the parts are balanced each other and fitted to make best potential of JZZ30 Soarer.

"Three serious buyers very quickly. But the banks managed to screw up the transfer to Escrow of the first buyers funds (which made him get cold feet and pull out - a shame as he was a real petrol head, and a nice guy - not just an 'investor). Buyer #2 was a con artist! Everything from forged ID to fake bank transfer documents. He's now being dealt with by the authorities. But it was third time lucky! Job done."

Take a look where you're livin'/You got the army in the streets/And the RUC dog of oppression/Is barking at your feet.

Back in the summer of 1993, we were rocking in a shed right off the Bryansford Road, outside Newcastle, Northern Ireland. We might well have been wearing a Pantera shirt. We were probably also the only individual in Ulster wearing shorts who wasn't going to the beach that day. And sure 'nuff, the Royal Ulster Constabulary showed up. Not in a Saracen Armored Personnel Carrier — one of the iconic vehicles of the Troubles — but in a red, unmarked, bulletproof Ford Sierra. We totally should've played Black Flag's "Police Story" right in his face. But then he would've busted us for being Catholic. Still if you wanna buy a Saracen, there's one for 25k OBO up right now. Just be prepared for us to rock early antiauthoritarian hardcore anthems on your ass if you buy it.

1952 Saracen Mk1 Armored Personnel Carrier [Shomer-Tec]

Related:
It Was Twenty (One) Years Ago Today: Tank Crushes Cars in San Bernardino [Internal]

Reader James hipped us to this post from the bountiful bosom of the Dallas-area craigslist. It's a '70 Triumph GT body fused to a shortened Chevelle chassis. We're not quite sure what the whole purpose of this excercise was, but since it's only $200 bucks, the money you saved by not buying a sensible car could go into a blown-alcohol 454, making this disturbing vehicle perfect for taking on the Main Force Police.

1970 Triumph GT FrankenCar - $200 [craigslist]

Who Needs an FXX When You Can Have a Pinto? [Internal]

Bumbeck just tipped us off to a sweet little orange Pinto wagon on Craigslist in the LA area. We figured it was an appropriate antidote to all of this "FXX on eBay" hysteria that's going on. Apparently, the timing chain quit the team, but for 1200 bucks, how can you really go wrong? The thing's just dying for a 347 stroker motor to turn it into the ultimate white-trash drift machine. And yeah, the faux-wood paneling's pretty much mandatory unless you're gonna give it a psychedelic '70s Himsl & Haas-style paint job with lots of marblizing.

1974 ford pinto wagon 1 owner all original - $1200 [Craigslist]

Related:
Great Pictures of Crap Cars [Internal]