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There are hot rods. There are rat rods. Then there's this: A new Camaro SS that's been speed-rusted and deglossed into junkyard condition while getting a 1,000-hp supercharged engine — and it only cost $150,000. More »
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Citing poor market conditions HKS USA, formerly one of the largest aftermarket JDM performance companies in the country, is ceasing U.S. operations after nearly three decades in business. A letter obtained by Jalopnik shows the company will consolidate its work to Japan. More »
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The experts in pony car animal husbandry knew their talents would not go to waste when Ford revived the 5.0-liter V8 dubbed Coyote. Here's one of their first crossbreeds, a swap into a Fox-body Mustang. Call it the Foxyote. More »
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Only old Axis buddies like Germany and Japan could shape this kind of cross-cultural moment; an annual fair for Japanese sports-car fans in Deutschland dubbed "Reisbrennen" — literally, "rice burning." Hot cars transcend any language. More »
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Three months back, we wrote about a $200,000 Ford GT totaled by a tuner. Now it's been digested by the insurance process and spit out at a salvage auction. How much would you pay for a crunched supercar? More »
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What price would you pay to avoid infamy? A Utah man has one answer: $132, the cost on a job he forgot to complete for a customer whose gripe spread to scores of online forums. Meet the Internet's justice servers. More »
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Texas sports car tuner Ray Hofman sent a twin-turbo Ford GT to California tuner Bill Knobloch for some upgrades. Knobloch says he was taking the "gal" for a test drive when it went airborne. And that's only the beginning. More »
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Don't think you can convince the owner of the Gilda Ghia to sell his jet car to you? A twin-turbo IS-F tuned by Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance almost sounds the part. More »
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The boys at Hennessey Motorsports have been busy lately. Their latest hot rodded project comes in the form of the 2009 Hennessey V700 CTS-V, packed with a mighty 700-horsepower tuned LSA. More »
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With a top speed of 228 MPH, the G-Power Hurricane CS is laying claim to the title of world's fastest BMW coupe. More »
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Novitec Rosso's created the TuLesto in celebration of the German tuning house's 20th anniversary. Based on the Ferrari F430, this limited-edition model will sport a 777 HP V8 and reach a top-speed of 218 MPH. More »
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Miami Cops have unmarked Altimas and laser guns. The RENNtech AMG C63 SPEC.R has a top speed of 187 MPH and luckily, sports a custom rear-view mirror-embedded radar/laser-detecting and jamming system. I used it, often. More »
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The K20-powered, 200 HP Honda K-Sight is not exactly a hybrid, but it sure does look the part. More »
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How weird is an automotive subculture where the competing cars don't move an inch? Super weird. Still, even the strongest restraining belts can't contain the savage fun of this... dyno party. More »
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BMW-tuner Alpina ripped the turbodiesel out of a 1-series, tuned it and dropped it in a 3-series. The result? Try 0-to-60 MPH in 6.9 seconds and 45 MPG (US). More »
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In a move that'll surely light some fires in the SHO revival camp, Hennessey Motorsports will get their hands dirty and molest the newly-announced 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. More »
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Fabled tuner Hurst has released the first photos of their limited-run Hurst Viper and it's gold, badass and up for sale at the next Barrett-Jackson auction. More »
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With the arrival of the new BMW Z4 looming on the horizon, this previous-gen Z4 packs a little something extra to grab your attention.: the 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5. More »
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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 »
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Sure, horsepower numbers are fun, and with 665 HP from its twin-turbo V12, this Kicherer-modified Mercedes CL65 AMG is no slouch. But when you're tickling the 900 ft-lbs of torque mark, you're talking about some serious stump-pulling good times. Fortunately, Kicherer didn't wreck the good times by covering the body in goofy carbon-fiber mods and aero tweaks more suited for a five-year-old WRX: Inside and out, it's obvious this is a tuner Benz, but it's not over-the-top. Hell, those wheels are only 20" in diameter — you can get that on a Buick. Now if you could just get 885 ft-lbs of twist... More »
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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 »
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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 »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5076062&view=rss&microfeed=true Just because TLC is bringing a slew of built-to-the-hilt ICON FJ Cruisers to SEMA doesn't mean they've forgotten about the crucial bugeye sunglass-wearing urban white trash market, and so we present their ICON Lexus LX570. The direct descendant of the FJ40, the Lexus doesn't much do what its tougher forefather did — likewise TLC's modifications are primarily for the street, with monster two-piece 24-inch MOZ wheels, black chrome, extra-tinted windows, TRD six-piston calipers on cross-drilled rotors and emulsion-laser-etched carbon fiber printed trim. Yes, printed carbon fiber. Heck, we'll just let you watch the video for the rest. More »
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These photos show details of the new 500+ HP 2009 Hurst/Hemi Challenger that’s scheduled for an official unveiling at SEMA tomorrow. Expected to be available from a range of dealers early in 2009, Hurst is offering a variety of upgraded components for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, all of which appear to be fitted to this vehicle; that means the de rigeur Hurst shifter, white paint with gold stripes, branded wheels and a variety of motor upgrades which culminate in the 500+ HP figure, but can be optioned lower for smaller budgets. Hurst will be launching a website to accompany the vehicle, going live tomorrow at 6:30pm EST. The release follows the jump. More »
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We've shown you what German tuner Novitec Rosso can do to the Ferrari F430, but now the company has turned its sights on the 599 GTB Fiorano. The result is 808 HP and 607 ft-lbs of torque in a package that's refreshingly subtle for a tuner car. Novitec installed its own wind-tunnel-tested aero kit, but it's integrated so well it looks Ferrari-supplied. Likewise the 21-inch alloys — the only giveaway in the wheel arches is the Novitec casting on the bright-yellow brake calipers. The company claims a 3.5-second 0-62 MPH time, and they'll be happy to convert your 599 Fiorano for the paltry sum of $60,500. Press release after the jump. More »
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The pictures are tiny, but Ford is apparently bringing quite a load of customs to the SEMA show in Vegas next week. There's a trio of Lincoln MKS's on the way, a couple of Foci and custom Escapes, a sinister looking Lincoln MKX, and our favorite, a tarted up Ford Transit Connect. Seriously, that thing can't hit the market soon enough; we'll take one with a set of those snazzy racing stripes too. Full details on all these customs in a healthy-sized press release below, and be sure to check out Jalopnik's on-the-ground SEMA coverage next week. More »
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UK-based LSE Design is planning to debut their Range Rover Sport Coupe at next week's SEMA show in Vegas. For only a quarter-million dollars, you too can get your very own Range Rover sans the two plebe doors tacked onto the back. Of course, the LSE Coupe is also outfitted with the typical Range Rover tuner mods — huge wheels, low-profile tires and forced induction. Only 200 are planned for sale worldwide, 50 of which will come stateside, so if you're a professional athlete or a Real Housewife get the checkbook out pronto. [GlobalMotors] More »
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Tuner Techart, apparently inspired by Porsche's endless 911 iteration game, has released its GTstreetR version of the 911 Turbo. The new model slots between the company's 630 HP GTstreet and 700 HP GTstreetRS, producing...you guessed it: 660 HP. The mods read like a laundry list of Teutonic speed parts, including new twin turbos, custom exhaust, special intercoolers and a custom coil-over suspension setup, all dressed up with scoopy bodywork said to add downforce. Of course, with stats like 3.4 seconds to 62 and a top speed of 215 MPH, who are we to be skeptics? More »
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According to the press release from tuning shop Lorinser, the Mercedes C-Class is "hot" now that they've had their way with it. The tuner apparently used a beefier cam in conjunction with revised engine management to squeeze 33 extra horsepower out of the new Benz, rather than going the turbo route as they did on the Lorinser Smart ForTwo. A lowered suspension tightens up handling and a tuned exhaust combines with exterior badging to let everyone know that you're hot. Check out the "hot" press release below, complete with bonus heat metaphors. More »
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We've all seen cars with full-body advertising wraps; now tuner ABT Sportsline has taken the concept to its logical "modified import car enthusiast" (MICE) conclusion with a carbon fiber film wrap for the Audi R8 and Q7. The wrap is just a thin adhesive film printed and textured to be nearly indistinguishable from actual carbon fiber. And, while the treatment doesn't lighten the car like actual carbon fiber panels would, neither does it add any significant weight or drag like most MICE faux speed parts. ABT Sportsline is producing the wrap in just matte natural carbon fiber for the moment, but if sales take off the company says they may offer more colors and extend availability to the TT and A4 also. More »
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As proof the body kit isn't what's responsible for the "most hideous Nissan GT-R ever" from a few weeks ago, Zele has released pictures of their upcoming SEMA special carbon fiber GT-R aero kit, complete with brilliant orange paint. All the Zele pieces are individually available to add as much or as little of the upcoming Spec V look as you like, or you can get the whole package including orange paint, Rays forged alloys and an upgraded ECU sans-JDM speed limiter. Pricing for individual pieces runs from about $500 up to $1,100, while pricing for the entire upgrade package appears to still be in the works. More »
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A German LPG advocacy group called Green Autogas has teamed up with tuner Rollin on Chrome to build a natural-gas powered Mustang GT. The green (surprise, surprise) 'Stang puts out 300 HP via the LPG mill, yet produces 20% less CO2 and as much as 95% fewer oxides of nitrogen; since Europeans are taxed heavily on emissions output, that kind of power with a big reduction in pollution equals more fun for the buck. The car also gets 22-inch wheels and a carbon fiber body kit, but actual fuel usage figures — as well as a cost-per-mile comparison between a gasoline Mustang and the LPG Mustang — weren't provided. [Motor Authority] More »
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If you want your run-of-the-mill Porsche 911 Turbo to scoot off the line with a bit more authority, get over to tuner DKR which offers an engine package for only $7,500, good for 540 HP and 571 lb-ft of torque. Considering the extent of the upgrades are an exhaust system and a performance ECU, that's a healthy kick in the ass-engine, especially since the Turbo starts off with 480 HP and 457 lb-ft. If you want crazy nonsensical novelties like "upgraded handling" and "brakes to match the power" there are suspension and brake upgrades available, but why? All you're really after is a run at that prick with the 911 GT2 you bump into at the country club (insufferable ass). More »
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The 2009 Mercedes GLK is following the lead of its Sex & The City: The Movie co-stars by getting a bit of "aftermarket" enhancement, but this time it's from BRABUS and not Dr. Brabinstein. The new Mercedes compact SUV will be getting a power boost of 48HP for the line-topping 320 CDI and 15 HP for the gas-powered V6 GLK 350. BRABUS is also offering the usual assortment of upgrades including a slightly lower stance, larger wheels (21-inch, the largest they can reasonably fit), LED foglights and all manner of visual tweaks. Oh, and there are specially designed seats with incorporated DVD player/LCD screens... for speed! No word on price, but you probably don't want to know. Press release below the jump. More »
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Refreshed for the autumn season, this is the latest iteration of the polarizing ASI-tuned Bentley Continental GTR. Similar to the car Toyo will be showing off at SEMA, the GTR is an 800 HP monster with intimidatingly tasteless styling to match. The only thing we want this for is to lovingly crash it into a field. More »
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During our first drive of the 2008 Smart ForTwo we enjoyed its small size in the big city, but we would have really enjoyed some extra power. This Lorinser-tuned ForTwo may not be a sports car in the traditional sense, but with 101 HP from its turbocharged 3-cylinder, it's a nice improvement over the stock mill. However, even though the car weighs just 1700 lbs, 0-62 MPH still takes almost 10 seconds, likely due in part to the sluggish semi-automatic gearbox. Sure, you get a Lorinser body kit and some spiffy rims, but we'd still rather just build ourselves a 'Busa Smart. Humorous ESL press release after the jump. More »
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PickupTrucks.com reports the forced-induction freaks at Turbonetics are taking a perfectly good 2009 Ford F-150 and bolting on a ceramic ball-bearing turbo for this year's SEMA show. The boost, channeled through a Spearco air-to-air intercooler in the front air dam, should be good for about 100 extra horsepower from the 320 HP 5.4-liter V8. Given that this is SEMA we're talking about, Turbonetics was also obliged to add a lowering kit, custom body and paint work, meaty wheels and tires, carbon fiber and suede interior bits and a mega-wattage Rockford Fosgate sound system. Really though, we'd have been cool with just the hundred extra ponies. More »
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Not too long ago we reported that German tuning house RUF was preparing to unveil an all-electric Porsche Cayman. Today, RUF has shown their Tesla-fighter is in fact a Porsche 911. The concept is fueled by 96 lithium-ion battery packs weighing a total of nearly 1,200 pounds; despite the weight, the 204 HP electric motor uses its 480 lb-ft of torque to hit 60 MPH in under 7 seconds. Looking at the battery layout in the images below, it appears RUF balanced the weight as best they could, but that's a lot of ballast to haul; we're wondering how handling will be affected. More stats after the jump. More »
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Messing with the Nissan GT-R is risky. Even though you're not supposed to, sometimes the results can be quite tasteful. The problem, though, is when something like this happens. Someone decided it would be a good idea to wrap their GT-R in black and bright-green matte-finish vinyl. As if that wasn't bad enough, a set of gaudy 22" rims have also been bolted on. The Zele carbon fiber body kit wouldn't have been terrible by itself, but it just adds to the mess here. Sure, the car probably has a bit more oomph thanks to an HKS boost controller and a Mine's exhaust, but it still can't outrun its ugly. Surprisingly, the car does not belong to Brian O'Conner, Paul Walker's character in The Fast And The Furious. Remember his Eclipse? We've included it in the gallery below...see if you can figure out which car is which. More »
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The new Volkswagen Scirocco may just be hitting the roads, but somehow tuner ABT Sportsline has already released their version of the swoopy hatch. Oh wait, no they haven't, these are just renderings. Yes, as has become common practice for tuners anxious to get a jump on the competition, ABT has resorted to releasing Photoshop-enhanced pictures of a standard Scirocco to display the aftermarket upgrade package they allegedly have. The car claims to bump up the power of the 2.0-liter engine to 240 HP, to be sent to your choice of gaudy, oversized rims. Of course, we can't get the Scirocco in America anyways, so we'd rather fantasize about the Scirocco GT24 Nürburgring endurance racer. Press release after the jump. More »
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