Well. The idea nearly failed - until these "hunks" came into the picture.

Let's leave out the comments - all these guys were good sports. But one word of advice to single women on the prowl: you'll have better luck at your local grocery store than you'll have in Vegas during the SEMA Show.

Brenda Priddy

Pratt & Miller Engineering Introduces Corvette C6RS Supercar for the Street Championship-Winning Race Team Develops the Ultimate Performance Corvette for the Highway

NEW HUDSON, Mich., Oct. 30, 2007 - Pratt & Miller Engineering has designed and developed a new limited edition Corvette C6RS that provides an exceptional level of performance and refinement for enthusiasts. Inspired by the Le Mans-winning Corvette C6.R race cars, the new Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS supercar combines advanced racing technology with everyday driveability. The first production Corvette C6RS will be available in April 2008.

Powered by a Katech Performance 8.2-liter (500ci) all-aluminum
small-block V-8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft.
torque, the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS employs a purpose-built
carbon fiber body to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency. A
computer-controlled adjustable suspension system, center-nut forged
aluminum BBS wheels with Michelin tires, and massive Brembo monoblock
disc brakes enhance vehicle dynamics. A two-tone leather interior and a
comprehensive sound control system produce a quiet, comfortable
environment for driver and passenger.

"Our goal was to create a Corvette supercar that delivers an
extremely high level of performance with extraordinary comfort and
reliability," said Gary Pratt, co-owner of Pratt & Miller Engineering. "The
Corvette C6RS was inspired by our Corvette race program, but it's not a race
car for the street. You can take the Corvette C6RS on a 300-mile road
trip, or drive it to a track day and run fast laps."

Conceived, designed, developed and constructed by the
championship-winning Pratt & Miller team, the Corvette C6RS bristles
with sophisticated materials and race-inspired technology. The
aggressively styled lightweight body, made entirely of carbon fiber,
measures 1.6 inches wider than a production Corvette Z06. The carbon
fiber front fascia has integrated brake ducts and ram air induction.
Aerodynamic enhancements include functional front fender louvers, a
carbon fiber underwing and rear diffuser, enlarged front wheel vents
and rear brake ducts, an integrated rear spoiler, and a front splitter.

"Every body modification has a purpose," Pratt explained. "The
features were modeled on the C6.R race cars, and there are no nonfunctional
styling elements."

The C6RS chassis is upgraded to complement the improved aerodynamic
grip. A Dynamic Ride Height Control suspension system provides three
driver-adjustable settings: Low, Drive and High. In the Low mode, the
system lowers the ride height to improve handling, while the High
setting increases ground clearance to negotiate steep driveways and
ramps. The suspension is upgraded with Pratt & Miller-tuned dampers
and heavy-duty wheel hubs and bearings.

The same manufacturers who supply tires, wheels, and brakes for the
Corvette C6.R race cars also provide the rolling stock for the Pratt &
Miller C6RS. The street car's BBS forged aluminum wheels (18 x
11-inch front, 19 x 13.6-inch rear) have racing-style center nuts. The
stunning black chrome wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires
(P295/30-18 front and P345/30-19 rear). The Brembo Grand Tourismo
brake system delivers impressive stopping power with six-piston monoblock
front calipers with 14-inch rotors and four-piston monoblock rear
calipers with 13.5-inch rotors.

With 600 horsepower on tap, the 8.2-liter C6RS engine rivals the
performance of the restricted 7.0-liter engines that powered the C6.R
race cars to five GT class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and
seven consecutive American Le Mans Series championships. Developed by
engine partner Katech Performance, the 500ci small-block V-8 is based
on a high-strength 6061-T6 billet aluminum Dart block with linerless
Nicom-coated 4.205-inch diameter cylinder bores. The rotating
assembly features a forged steel crankshaft (4.500-inch stroke), forged 4340
steel connecting rods, and 11:1 compression forged aluminum pistons.
The custom-built CORSA stainless steel exhaust system employs the company's
patented Reflective Sound Cancellation(tm) (RSC) technology to optimize
interior and exterior sound quality. An aluminum flywheel and twin-disc
clutch transfer the engine's torque to a blueprinted T56 six-speed
transmission.

A luxurious interior is the counterpoint to the Corvette C6RS's cutting
edge technology. A Dynamat sound insulation system produces a quiet
refuge, while the instrument panel, doors, console, steering wheel
and seats are wrapped in premium quality leather with French seams.
"Our goal with the Corvette C6RS was to capture the soul and spirit
of the Corvette C6.R race car in a premium GT car for the street," said
Pratt. "The C6RS is a car with a legendary racing heritage and an
unrivalled engineering pedigree. Just as the Corvette C6.R race car has
become the benchmark in production-based sports car competition, we
believe that the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS will set the new standard
for sports car performance and luxury on the highway."

Founded in 1989 by Gary Pratt and Jim Miller, Pratt & Miller Engineering
& Fabrication provides automotive and non-automotive clients with
leading-edge engineering and low-volume manufacturingsolutions. For
more information, visit the Pratt & Miller website at
www.prattmiller.com.

Heico Sportiv Unleashes Beastly S80 T6 HPC at 2007 SEMA Show

Las Vegas, NV (October 30, 2007) - The lights of Las Vegas reflect flawlessly in the gleaming aluminum paint of the Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept (HPC). Being shown for the first time in North America at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV, the S80 T6 HPC is a literal reflection of power, sophistication and athleticism as can be seen in its unique 7-layer "aluminum effect" body paint. But the S80 T6 HPC is more than just a pretty face. It's a true example that a powerful luxury sedan can also be sensitive to the environment.

"Heico Sportiv is honored to once again be working with Volvo Cars to build the exciting S80 T6 HPC for this year's SEMA show," said Holger Hedtke, President of Heico. The 2007 show marks the second year Heico Sportiv has partnered with Volvo Cars to create a SEMA concept. This year, Heico shows its mettle with the S80 T6 HPC and the C30 Surf Pattern (see separate release). "The S80 T6 HPC is really where we put all our efforts this year," continued Hedtke, "It is our most advance concept to date and it's one that Heico is extremely proud of."

But getting to Las Vegas wasn't easy. The project began as the curtain fell on last year's SEMA show. Behind closed doors Heico executives sat down to put to paper the 2007 concept. The result is a Volvo S80 T6 that has been tuned to an amazing 350-horsepower while running on bioethanol fuel.

When the S80 arrived at Heico's shop in Weiterstadt, Germany in early 2007, Holger and his team knew they had their work cut out for them. The S80 began life with a 3.2-liter inline-six engine and front-wheel drive because production had yet to begin on the Volvo S80 T6, which has standard all-wheel drive. A new T6 engine was delivered from Sweden and work began in earnest.

Performance

The first order of business was to make a significant increase in horsepower. The standard Volvo T6 engine produces 281 horsepower, which is enough to move the S80 with spirited ease. But this is a SEMA concept and a significant bump in horsepower and torque were a necessity. Once the engine was modified to run on E85 ethenol, Heico turned its attention to maximizing power with high-performance engine software, a new intercooler and a stainless steel racing exhaust system. The end results were impressive: 350 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 405 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The Heico S80 T6 HPC is estimated to reach 62 mph in just 5.8 seconds.

But getting that power to the ground required extensive work. As the standard S80 3.2 is a front-wheel-drive car it was determined that to truly explore the vehicle's potential all-wheel drive was needed. Enter Volvo's renowned Haldex All-Wheel-Drive system with Instant Traction. The system continuously routes power to whichever wheel has the most traction and Heico modified it with heartier gears to handle the enormous amount of torque.

Stopping power is provided via a 6-piston braking system with custom blue-painted calipers and high performance brake pads. Volvo's ABS and electronic brake distribution systems are fully functioning. Large 13.9-inch disc brakes reside in custom forged alloy wheels measuring 9-inches wide and 20 inches in diameter. The specially developed Volution X wheels are wrapped in aggressive 255/30R-20 Continental tires.

The Heico S80 T6 HPC rides on a chassis that is 1.5 inches lower than Volvo's set ride height and the sport-tuned suspension features firmer springs and struts at all four corners. "We aimed to tune all the components to achieve a dynamic yet harmonious ride. In other words, a true sports car experience without losing the luxurious and comfortable touch that is the hallmark of the Volvo S80," noted Hedtke.

Interior

Hedtke's comments about the S80 T6 HPC's ride and handling translate directly to the interior of the car. "It was important to communicate the intention of this car as a true sports car, but one that is also luxurious and comfortable," said Hedtke. Starting from the standard S80's innovative center console, Heico's interior designers decided to sweep the arc throughout the length of the interior, creating four sport bucket seats. The heavily bolstered thrones are separated by the console that is wrapped in stunning silver aluminum carbon fiber.

Paying homage to Volvo's use of blue in its logo, nearly every surface that isn't aluminum is swathed in soft Mystic Blue leather, including the headliner, instrument panel and door panels. The rear seats have been completely redesigned to accommodate the center console and the front seats have thicker side and thigh bolsters. Fully integrated controls for the rear seat entertainment system, cup holders and storage bins are all found beneath the gleaming aluminum "floating" center console. Interior trim panels and accents are bathed in silver carbon.

The S80 T6 HPC driver will find a thick, comfortable sport steering wheel with which to unleash the vehicle's power. The sport pedals foot rest and door pins are all formed from billet aluminum. The crowing touch is the Mystic Blue glowing door-sill panels.

Exterior

Refined, elegant and stylish are all words that have been used to describe the Volvo S80. With Heico's attention to the car's exterior, words such as powerful, imposing and dominance may also be uttered when the car makes its North American debut at SEMA.

"Our goal was to take Volvo's elegant design for the S80 and make it really stand out at this year's show, said Hedtke, "That's not an easy thing to do in Las Vegas, but everyone who sees the car agrees that it's truly striking."

What first leaps to the viewer's attention is the striking "metal effect" paint scheme. Seven coats were applied over a two-week period and the process allows for no re-shoots or touch-ups making the Heico S80 T6 HPC truly inspiring. "We're hoping that those in attendance at the SEMA show will drop by the Volvo booth to take a look at this car," commented Hedtke. "Since there are so many custom paint jobs done by truly talented artists from around the world represented in Las Vegas, we feel the S80 T6 HPC will be truly appreciated."

Nearly every panel of the Heico S80 T6 HPC was re-fabricated. The S80's front clip was replaced with a more aggressive nose that incorporates ultra-slim LED turn-signal indicators, a deeper front air dam and wide intake tunnels for improved airflow into the intercooler and brakes.

The new soft nose seamlessly blends into the aggressive wheel arches that hug tightly around the custom 20-inch wheels and tires. Deep side sills beneath the doors lend to the aggressive stance of the vehicle and assist in aerodynamics. A completely new rear bumper cap features slender rectangular exhaust ports and carbon fiber inserts.

About Heico

Heico Sportiv was founded outside of Frankfurt, Germany in 1995. It has grown to become Europe's leading Volvo tuning firm. Heico has the longest running history of endurance racing featuring Volvo cars spanning 13 years. This serves as the engineering basis for offering high-quality components for Volvo road cars. Please refer to www.heicosportivna.com for more information.

About Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA)

VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information on specific production vehicles or special vehicles please refer to the Volvo Cars of North America, LLC public relations website at: http://www.volvocars-pr.com/.

Toyota unveils all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla at 2007 SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 /CNW/ - The all-new 10th generation Toyota Corolla was
unveiled at a press conference today during the 2007 Specialty Equipment
Market Association (SEMA) Show.
Originally launched in Japan in 1966, the Corolla first arrived in North
America in 1968 to instant success. For nearly four decades, Corolla has been
synonymous with Toyota quality, style and value. Since 1988, the ever-popular
Corolla has been manufactured right here at home at the Toyota Motor
Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) facilities in Cambridge, Ontario. To date, over 2
million Corollas have since been built at TMMC, while more than 1 million have
been sold in Canada.
"Almost 20 years after the first Corolla rolled off the line at TMMC, the
new 2009 Corolla marks the beginning of a new generation of quality and value
for which the brand has long been known," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director
of Toyota Canada Inc. "The strong, new identity of the tenth-generation
Corolla will continue to strike a chord with Canadians."
The 2009 Corolla compact sedan offers an all-new body with a lean,
stylish shape, and it delivers increased interior and luggage room, more
power, two new engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.
The 2009 Corolla will come in four models - CE, LE, the sporty S, and the
performance-driven XRS.
The Corolla's wide, low profile was developed by Toyota Design in
collaboration with styling studios in Turin, Italy. Its foundation was set by
the search for a lower, sportier shape than that of the previous Corolla. That
search drove the decision to move the bottom of the A-pillar forward and the
bottom of the C-pillar back to increase the angle of the window glass and to
improve the Corolla's aerodynamic performance.
The standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics
and enhance the Corolla's sporty look - these include a front underbody
spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for
improved air management under the car, sound insulating engine covers.
The 2009 Corolla's interior is sporty and distinctive - with
roomy-feeling comfort. While Corolla maintains the same headroom, legroom and
shoulder room as the previous model, it feels larger, thanks to a design that
enhances comfort and improves utility, usability and storage.
A variety of easy-to-reach storage spaces add convenience and usability
to the 2009 Corolla's interior. These include centre console side pockets, an
upper and lower glove box, front and rear door pockets that can hold water
bottles, and a console box with a large-capacity main tray and a smaller
accessory tray.
Available map lights that illuminate independently are supplied for both
driver and front passenger. And to aid ingress and egress, retractable
handgrips are supplied above each door opening.
The CE, LE and S models will be equipped with an all-new 1.8-litre
engine. The 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i (Variable
Valve Timing with intelligence), produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of
torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the
1.8-litre engine, and a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled
Transmission (ECT) will also be available.
For those who crave even more horsepower and torque, there is the
2.4-litre engine. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new
Corolla XRS model. The 16-valve DOHC engine with VVT-i produces 158 hp at
6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.4-litre engine will be
paired with standard five-speed manual and optional five-speed automatic
transmissions.
Safety features on the all-new Corolla include standard driver and front
passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain
airbags. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. When the
vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active
headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the
seat occupant's head. Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on
all models of the Corolla, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is standard on
the XRS.
The all-new Corolla will be loaded with a comprehensive list of standard
performance and convenience features. All models will be equipped with a heavy
duty rear window defogger, a satellite-ready AM/FM/CD audio system with
MP3/WMA capability, auxiliary audio input jack, tilt and telescopic steering
wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.
The sporty S model will feature standard P205/55R16 tires with alloy
wheels and covers, colour-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, coloured rear spoiler, tinted headlamp
housing, and a satellite-ready AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA capability
and six speakers and steering wheel audio controls.
In addition to S model features, the XRS model adds P215/45R17 tires with
alloy wheels, VSC, stainless steel scuff plates, leather-trimmed shift lever
and knob, cruise control, front sport seats, a chrome exhaust tip and metallic
dash accents.
The all-new Corolla will reach Toyota dealerships in February 2008.

<<
2009 COROLLA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
—————-

POWERTRAINS
—————-
1.8-litre four-cylinder engine
132 hp @ 6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions

2.4-litre four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions

DIMENSIONS (inches)
—————————-
Overall Length: 4,540mm (178.7 inches)
Overall Width: 1,760mm (69.3 inches)
Overall Height: 1,465mm (57.7 inches)
Wheelbase: 2,600mm (102.4 inches)
Ground clearance: 135mm (5.3 inches) (XRS model)
147mm (5.8 inches) (Standard, S, LE, and XLE models)

FORD DESIGN PARTNERS 'FLEX' THEIR MUSCLES, CUSTOMIZING SEGMENT-BUSTING NEW PRODUCT

* Two top customizers treat the all-new 2009 Ford Flex sheet metal as their canvas, highlighting the vehicle's diverse aftermarket appeal and potential.
* A Chip Foose-designed Flex defines suburban luxury.
* Funkmaster Flex showcases urban luxury with his modified Flex2.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30 - Courtesy of customizing legends Chip Foose and Funkmaster Flex, the 2009 Ford Flex sports two distinct new looks at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Ahead of Flex's arrival in dealerships next summer, Ford tapped the duo to help customers start dreaming about the customization options this all-new vehicle brings.

"The Ford Flex elicits emotional responses from people unlike any vehicle in recent memory, yet customers have distinct interpretations of how the Flex can fit into their lifestyle," says Kate Pearce, Ford Flex marketing plans manager. "Bringing Flex to SEMA before the production vehicle's launch gives us an opportunity to explore the endless possibilities within the world of customization - and to help further broaden the vehicle's strong appeal."

Funkmaster Flex and Foose each have taken a unique approach in customizing their vehicle, yet both remain true to the Flex's core design while providing their take on the latest luxury trends. Foose focuses on what he sees in suburban styling, while Funkmaster Flex brings the hottest in urban influence to his project.

Flex2 designed by Funkmaster Flex

Hip Hop guru of car customization Funkmaster Flex brings his vision of urban luxury to Ford's newest crossover with the Flex2. His signature two-tone paint scheme is integrated cleverly into the Flex2 through a House of Kolor Kandy custom paint job that features a Brandywine body color and a unique faux-brushed aluminum roof. Flex2's exterior design is further enhanced by custom 3dCarbon accents including fender vents, upper and lower grilles and a rear upper spoiler.

The all-black leather interior features Katzkin custom seat covers with alligator print inserts and stainless steel color stitching on the seats and interior trim. To keep the party going inside the vehicle, Funkmaster Flex added two Invision headrest-mounted DVD systems in the first and second rows, along with a JL Audio 12-inch subwoofer and amplifier to enhance the tunes.

Flex2 rolls on custom 22-inch NC Forged wheels and Cooper Zeon XST tires. With a 1-inch lowered suspension and Borla dual rolled exhaust tips, Flex2 is an urban legend in the making.

"I know what this vehicle is going to be in the urban market: It's going to be killer!" says Funkmaster Flex. "Whether you're flossin' with your friends, going to the club or riding around with your girl, the Ford Flex is the next urban street vehicle, and Flex2 is my interpretation of the ultimate in street luxury."

2009 Ford Flex designed by Chip Foose

Star of Overhaulin' and the hottest custom car designer on the scene, Foose gave the Flex a look of contemporary suburban luxury that accentuates its already stand-out good looks.

Riding on Foose Design 22-inch wheels and Eibach springs customized for a lower appearance, the Foose Flex exterior features a custom-mixed, tow-tone blue and cream pearl paint job.

Inside, this color scheme continues with three-tone blue, gray and tan premium leather surfaces by Katzkin Leather.

Custom front and rear fascias and rocker panels are complemented by a custom wrap-around chrome beltline. Additional exterior details include painted appliqué door handles and a relocated license plate. With custom upper and lower grilles and bold FORD lettering across the front and rear, the Foose Flex reflects the right amount of expressive luxury appeal.

"When Ford called, I was quite excited to be one of the first to get my hands on the Flex," says Foose. "I didn't want the individual pieces I added to be the most eye-catching parts. I wanted it to look as if it came from Ford's design studio."

Ford Flex

The 2009 Ford Flex is set to redefine the modern American journey when it goes on sale in summer 2008. This vehicle sets a higher standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the industry's fastest-growing crossover segment.

The 2009 Flex will come straight from the factory with several key features and technologies, including:

* Two-tone roof - An all-black greenhouse - a Ford first - that visually integrates the body with the available two-tone roof. Customers can pair a White Suede or Silver roof option with one of Flex's 10 available exterior colors or choose a body-color roof.
* High-tech lighting - Available HID headlamps and LED taillamps, plus 7-color programmable ambient lighting in the console, footwells and cupholders.
* Available refrigerator - Unlike competitors' systems that merely keep cold beverages cool, the Flex's compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in approximately two-and-a-half hours. That's 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.
* Multi-Panel Vista Roof™ - It not only brightens the interior, it gives Flex occupants seated in each row their own skylight.
* EasyFuel™ System - Flex's capless fuel filler saves time by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, cutting down the emissions of smog-forming vapors.
* Ford SYNC™, Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system. This available system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.

The SYNC in-car communications system was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and will be offered exclusively on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles this year.
* Big wheels - Standard 18-inch or available 19-inch bright aluminum wheels that plant the crossover firmly on the road.
* Ford's exclusive second-generation door-entry keypad - Housed within the vehicle's black B pillars, the flat-panel, backlit keypad eliminates the need for door-mounted buttons and gives customers the ability to unlock doors, disarm the alarm system and disable the auto-lock function by entering a five-digit code.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

50 CENT'S NEW WHIP IS A 500-HORSEPOWER PONTIAC G8 CUSTOMIZED BY UNIQUE AUTOSPORTS

With lyrics that don't pull punches and themes that are brutally honest, rapper 50 Cent (a.k.a. Curtis Jackson) has risen to the top of the hip hop scene. He's also a passionate car enthusiast with a penchant for Pontiacs - his video for the song "Amusement Park" featured the G6 GXP and G8 concept cars.

Now, 50 Cent has teamed up with Pontiac and New York-based tuner to the stars, Will Castro, and his shop, Unique Autosports (the same shop featured on the television show "Unique Whips"), to build a one-of-a-kind G8 performance sedan. It debuted at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"Partnering with Pontiac has given me the opportunity to create something truly unique - a customized performance vehicle I am really proud of," said 50. "The G8 is like none other and it pushes the boundaries of what people think a car has to be."

The new G8 - which goes on sale nationally in early 2008 - is totally customized, with custom paint and exterior appointments, as well as a re-trimmed interior outfitted with an audio system that shakes the ground as much as 50 Cent's three albums shook up the charts. The car is powered by an LSX 427 engine dyno-tested to more than 500 horsepower and assembled only with components available from the GM Performance Parts catalog or GM Parts.

Rockin' the spot

The LSX 427 engine uses GM Performance Parts' affordable, durable LSX cylinder block as its foundation. The engine assembly was filled out with a variety of production-based components used on the Corvette Z06's 7.0L LS7 engine, including a forged steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods, racing-derived aluminum cylinder heads and a complete LS7 intake/throttle body/fuel injection system. Engine operation is handled with GM Performance Parts' new stand-alone LS7 crate engine controller.

Detroit-area Thomson Automotive oversaw the assembly, dyno testing and installation of the engine. From there, the car was shipped to Unique Autosports, on New York's Long Island, for the rest of its transformation, which included:

* An all-new Spies Hecker Torch Red exterior paint job accented with a bold Ebony graphic that mimics the shape of Pontiac's "dart" insignia; the graphic runs over the top of the car, starting at a point on the front fascia
* Twenty-two-inch chrome wheels from NC Forged that have a deep-dish, seven-spoke design
* Low-profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires
* Dark-tinted taillamps
* Tinted glass with Llumar film
* Custom "50 Cent Unique Autosports Edition" exterior badging
* Borla stainless steel exhaust system

"The most interesting aspect of the project is what we didn't do to the exterior," said Will Castro. "We didn't add a body kit, spoilers or lower the car. The G8 has the right stance and appearance, so we only accented the original form with details that made it unique to 50 Cent."

Inside, the G8's black, leather-covered seats were re-trimmed with perforated red leather inserts - with similar trim used on the armrests. The 50 Cent/Unique Autosports logo was embroidered into the seat headrests and custom floor mats. The finishing touch for the G8 is an 800-watt JBL audio system, with complementing amps and a subwoofer.

"A first-class audio system was a must for 50 Cent, and this one rocks the spot," said Castro. "In fact, the G8 itself just-plain rocks and makes a great platform to build a custom, high-performance street car."

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