Honda Civic HFP Concept Sits Efficiently On SEMA Show Floor

It may not be the spiritual successor to the CRX HF, but the Honda Civic HFP Concept is the result of Honda Access America — the in-house accessory division — taking a Civic Si and adding lightness. Both exhaust and wheels have been replaced with high-performance ultra-lightweight versions, while an aero body kit streamlines the cD for a slipperier shape. So how much more efficient is the HFP? Well...they don't quite say, but we'd venture a guess that Honda's working in one or two MPG increments here. Press release below the jump. More »

Ronn Motors Scorpion Hydrogen Internal Combustion Supercar Debuts At SEMA

Standing out among the carbon fiber and large wheels at SEMA was the debut of the Ronn Motors Scorpion hydrogen-powered supercar. Built in Texas, this hydrogen vehicle isn't a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor. Instead, the Scorpion features a modified 3.5-liter Acura V6 that has hydrogen injected into it. Where does the hydrogen come from? Using a process similar to electrolysis, water is zapped with electricity in order to create a hydrogen gas that is then pumped into the engine. When the hydrogen is added to the V6, the claim is that the car will achieve 20-40% better fuel economy with lower emissions. More »

2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger Slides Into SEMA

In an attempt to expand the appeal of the 2009 Dodge Challenger to every corner of the automotive enthusiast world, Chrysler has unveiled the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger that will be piloted by Samuel Hübinette during the 2009 Formula Drift season. In order to prep the car for FD, the Challenger dropped a significant amount of weight with the use of carbon fiber everywhere and received a bit more safety equipment than your average SRT8. Under the hood is a custom-built Mopar A8 aluminum engine that should pump out 850 horsepower and 849 lb-ft of torque. They've also installed a minor tweak in order to let them drift along the walls, which we highlight below the jump. More »

Nissan Gets Ballsy, Breaks Out Bone-Stock GT-R For SEMA

You see some rare, one-of-a-kind ABS plastic carbon fiber sheetmetal on the SEMA show floor, but nothing is less common in Vegas this time of year than a completely stock example of one of the hottest cars on the planet. That's right: Nissan elected to bring a bone-stock GT-R to SEMA, almost as a challenge to the customizers on-site. "Blank canvas, boys. Whatcha gonna do now?" it taunts, no doubt causing the creative wheels to turn even faster than when confronted with someone else's interpretation of the car. Well played, Nissan. Well played. Also, considering mods apparently void the warranty, we should have expected it. More »

Bulletproof GT-RR Not Death Proof

In Quentin Tarantino’s "Death Proof", Kurt Russells’s character modifies his car to protect its driver in even the most severe of accidents, thus rendering the machine impervious to death. Bespoke Ventures has done exactly the opposite, modifying their Nissan GT-R in such a way that severe back injury is virtually guaranteed by any front-end collision. Click through to find out why. More »

KNIGHT XV: World's Biggest Fully-Armored Bio-Fuel-Powered SUV Gets Early Unveil Thanks To Battery Problem

At 7’4” tall, 18’1” long and 8’2” wide, the KNIGHT XV is one big honkin’ bio-fuel powered SUV. Did we mention it was armored too? Thanks to a 6.8 liter V10 that runs on something nebulously called “Biofuel” it claims to be green, but we estimate its mileage to be in the low single digits. That’s a lot of liquid corn. Unfortunately, Conquest Vehicles’ bouncers appear to be equally big, burly and prone to man-handling our Editor-in-chief, so we decided to reveal it early. Ray’s full account follows the jump. More »

Tracked Hummer At SEMA Will Crush You, Take Your Gas

If you've got an H2T but you're not happy with the gas mileage — finding it way too high — your options are limited. Sure, you could bolt on performance mods, but we'd suggest these elegant and subtle tracked belts to replace your efficient pneumatic tires. This H2 was spotted outside the Vegas convention center welcoming all who ventured out to see the SEMA fest, bedecked in two-tone green-and-black, ready to crawl to your favorite club. No word on top speed, but hey, it's not about when you get there; it's about what you crush on the way. More »