Because most of you hardcore Chevy Camaro die hards can’t wait until the official production 2011 Chevy Camaro convertible, Drop Top Customs is offering an $18,000 conversion option which will debut at the 2009 SEMA SHOW in Las Vegas!

Checkout the spy photo below that was recently taken outside GM’s Holden plant in Australia of 8 pre-production drop tops! I wonder if the drop top’s will make this car look any better, as I am not a huge fan of them anymore.

Related Chevy Camaro Posts
2009 Chevy Camaro SS Media Pics

[Source: DropTopCustoms.com, Camaro5.com]

Here are some GREAT shots of the IMSA tuned Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. It’s officially called the IMSA GTV kit. We have previously seen examples of the GTV kit on the last generation Gallardo as well, most notably on the Verde Ithaca IMSA Gallardo owned by Zahir Rana of ZR Auto based in Calgary. Perfection is not to far off with this package when comparing it to many other tuning houses and aftermarket body kits for Lamborghini. Checkout what IMSA had to say about the design of this kit below.

“Only very recently, the new Gallardo LP560 appeared on the world stage of automotive prodigies – and, already, Lamborghini tuner IMSA has taken care of it. Here, for the first time, the legendary GTV kit for the LP 560 will shortly be available. Of course, it is also made of high-quality carbon from the autoclave. It consists of an aerodynamically optimised front apron, larger fenders for all four wheel arches and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

Related Lamborghini Gallardo Posts
Hamann Lamborghini Gallardo Victory
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Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Pictures

[Source: imsa-tuning.de]

Check back regularly during the 1st week of November for exclusive photos, and videos, as well as hang time updates with the talented Jason Thorgalsen!

Carzi and MadWhips extensively covered the 2008 SEMA Show Photos last year and walked away with 581 Photo Albums (about 90% of the vehicles) for your viewing pleasure!

2009 SEMA Show Exhibit Hours
Tuesday, November 3: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, November 4: 9am – 5pm
Thursday, November 5: 9am – 5pm
Friday, November 6: 9am – 4pm

Here is a refresher of the 2008 SEMA Show Girls, taken by yours truly

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures I

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures II

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures III

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures IV

The SEMA SHOW is more than just about the girls… here is a refresher of the 2008 SEMA Show Cars!

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Lamborghini Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Rolls Royce Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Ferrari Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show BMW Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Porsche Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Bentley Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Nissan Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Mercedes-Benz Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Lexus Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Toyota Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Ford Mustang Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Range Rover Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Hummer Photo Albums

The SEMA SHOW is the premier automotive specialty performance products trade event in the world featuring performance, accessories, restoration and motorsports products in the following 12 categories:

Business Services – Services specific to the automotive industry—hardware, software, computers, store fixtures, warehouse equipment, financial services, fleet services, personnel and human resources services and systems, CAD systems, consultants.

Hot Rod Alley – Street rod/hot rod custom and specialty parts, tires and accessories, including bodies, chassis parts, gauges, aluminum radiators, alternators, catalytic converters, disc brakes, electrical systems and components, exhaust systems, sheet metal, shocks, valve covers and wiring kits.

Mobile Electronics & Technology – Sound systems, LCD video systems, MP3, DVD, CD, satellite radio, telematics, security systems, CB, GPS, on-board technology, antennas, cellular telephones and accessories, computer chips and PROMs and radar detectors.

Paint, Body & Equipment – Vehicle paint, prep stations, paint booths, body work, frame machines, spray guns and safety/filtration/breathing apparatus. Related accessories, equipment, systems, coating/refinishing products, services and publications.

Powersports & Utility Vehicles – Manufacturers of power-driven equipment, such as personal transporters; motorcycles; motor scooters; two-, three- and four-wheel ATVs; pocket bikes; specialty golf carts; mini-bikes; dirt bikes; and accessories and services.

Performance Tires & Wheels (Sponsored by TIA) – Racing, performance, street, track and off-road tires and wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Single and multi-piece wheels, aluminum alloy, steel, forged and cast. Tire and wheel accessories, including lug nuts, wheel studs, hubcaps and spinners. Tires for agricultural, industrial, medium-duty, heavy-duty and OTR vehicles. Alignment equipment, balancers, changers and tire changing tools.

Racing & Performance – Performance and racing products, including engine parts, carburetors, shifters, fuel injection, gears, nitrous oxide systems, racing fuels, racing safety equipment, sport compact enhancements, superchargers, turbochargers, gears, performance brakes, performance enhancements, racing accessories, lighting, racing suits, car haulers and engine building equipment.

Restoration Marketplace – Replacement parts, tires and accessories for muscle cars, classics and restored vehicles 20 years of age or older.

Restyling & Accessories – Paint, striping and graphics, ground effects, interior enhancements, lenses, headliners and door panels, louvers, sun visors, shades, power windows and door accessories, headlight/taillight covers, light bars, dashboards and covers, floor mats, seat covers and sheepskins, steering wheels and steering wheel covers, sun-roofs, window film, ground effects, racks and spoilers.

Tools & Equipment – Lathes, grinders, hand tools, dynamometers, air conditioning, body shop, hoists and lifts, jacks, power tools, paint booths, containers, electrical, testers.

Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road – Caps, bedliners, camper shells, tonneau covers, carriers, bed rails, grilles, towing accessories, bumpers, brush guards, roll bars, tool boxes, nerf bars, roof racks, off-road lighting and light bars, fender flares, running boards, suspension components, shocks and struts, springs and boosters, tie downs, tow ropes, straps, van accessories, off-road accessories and winches.

OEM – The SEMA Show continues to serve as a business-to-business lesson in the benefits of sharing, as SEMA continues to expand its symbiotic relationship between its member companies and OEMs.

[Source: SemaShow.com, MadWhips.com ]

With the recent 12 Limited edition Ferrari 599 HGTE China Editions to be released for the lucky few in China, Lu Hao has further created a special one off edition featuring a cracked glaze paint job pattern designed to mimic the famed Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty, of which today there remains only a few hundred pieces. There is also a jade engine starter button as well as Hao’s signature

[Source: WCF]

Lumma Design has just recently released their Porsche Panamera CLR 700GT widebody upgrade kit sporting an aggressive aerodynamic race friendly front clip, massive wheel arches to house 22 inch deep dish rims, a monstrous brake system upgrade and a 1.38 inch drop in suspension. Obviously the massive carbon fiber race wing offers some additional downforce when combined with their updated rear clip with diffuser.

Underneath the hood, Lumma has made some mods to pump out 700hp, and given the exhaust an upgrade to let the monster breath and sound via quad pipes. Stay tuned for more detailed updates

Related Lumma Design Modified Cars
Lumma CLR BMW X5 Photos
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Lumma CLR 550 R Porsche Cayenne GTS at Essen Pictures
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Lumma BMW M5 Pictures
Lumma BMW M6 – Arab Run 2007 Pictures

[Source: AutoBlog.com]

James Glickenhaus, the famous owner of the only 1 off coach-built Enzo Ferrari P4/5 has recently made plans with Ferrari that he’s finally ready to launch a North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T).

Glickenhaus commented that the specifics around engine/chassis/gearbox/design has been figured out and should be made public soon. The photo above is a rendering by Michiel Van Den Brink which is a “very rough” idea of what it should look like. Glickenhaus also that “we’re still working out the details and should have an image and specifications in a few weeks”!

“We’re looking for one major sponsor. That race gets 250k spectators and a lot of TV. In addition we could do other races and when her racing days are over we’d keep her in that livery and she’d go to a lot of events. There’d be a lot exposure and it’s not going to cost Crazy money,” said Glickenhaus.

In addition to looking for money (which in reality, he does not really need to make this plan happen), Glickenhaus also indicated an interest in participating in the 24 Hours Of Nürburgring.

I had a chance to see James Glickenhaus one off Enzo Ferrari P4/5 at Supercar Weekend 2009!

[Source: Ferrarichat]

The WALD International Black Bison styling kit is now available for the RX450h. In essence what you get is a very aggressive yet stylish front end. The modified front clip gets bigger air inlets and the silver inserts below the fog lamps are a nice touch and stand out like the horns of a Bison. WALD has successfully modified and produced the WALD Nissan GT-R and WALD Lexus IS-F, both of which get full CarZi support!

There is an all new roof spoiler and the wheels, shod with wider rubber are the best bits on the car. The brushed silver look stands out from the all black car. You can also get the interiors trimmed with special alloy pedals set and specific floor mats that have a red border so that you know they are there. Every part of the car continues the black theme and even the pedals are sort of dark grayish in shade. The basic doormats alone start at 23,100 Yen. Add another 40,000 yen if you want the alloy pedals.

Prices for the styling kit are not yet available but if you want your Lexus RX to look menancing among the crowd of Lexus SUV’s, this is one kit you must have! Enjoy the pictures.

Related WALD Pictures Galleries
WALD Nissan GT-R Black Bison Edition PICTURES
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WALD Bentley Continental GT Black Bison PICTURES
WALD BMW M5 Sportsline PICTURES
WALD Mercedes CL Black Bison Edition PICTURES
WALD Lexus IS F Black Bison Edition PICTURES
BMW E90 3 Series Modified by Wald International

[Source: CarScoop]

The Nissan Skyline GT-R has always been a favorite among tuners and the new R35 has been following the trend (regardless of what techno locks Nissan included). We’ve had many tune the R35, Garage Defend Nissan R35 GT-R, Zele Nissan GT-R and Wald Nissan GT-R to name a few of my favorites. Now, it’s the turn of Avus Performance, the German tuning firm that has had a crack at the GT-R R35. The kits are exclusive limited to 490 that will be made.

As with all their tuned rides, like the recently done Audi Q7 and Audi TT, this R35 also comes with Avus special matte black paint. The car looks quite spectacular in this specific colour and it is called ‘Batmobil Reloaded’. While it may not look as unique or intricate as a Batmobile, it will definitely go like one. The Avus GT-R rides on special coilovers but the shock adjustment that comes on the stock shocks has been retained. The car looks sportier due to a lowered ride height.

The wheels are fitted with spacers and continue the black theme, but with a difference – The 20 inch wheels sport a mild gloss finish as opposed to the matte black paint finish on the car. Avus also offers individually painted parts like front bumper, rear diffuser and air vents. The window tint follows the theme and is dark as well. The Avus GT-R doesnt have as many modifications as the Garage Defend but looks great in its own way.

The Avus GT-R boasts of an increases power output of 580 bhp and 700 Nm of torque! That’s as much as the SLS AMG for a start! Power comes courtesy a modified sports ECU and the removal of 2 catalytic converters (This would’nt go down well with Greenpeace). The car would pretty much outrun most of the supercars beating the stock GT-R that makes just 480 bhp by a huge margin.

Related Tuned Nissan GT-R R35 Posts
WALD NISSAN GT-R Pictures from Tokyo Auto Salon 2009
Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend
Nissan GT-R Performance Parts by Mine’s Motor Sports
Modified Nissan GT-R with HRE Wheels Pics
Modified GTR R35 – Top Secret Aero Kit Photos
HKS Nissan GT-R – R35 GT570 Racing Tune Kit
Nissan R35 GTR Modified by Wald International
Nissan GT-R Nismo Parts + Tuners
Powerhouse Amuse Nissan R35 GT-R (Photos + Video)

If you want one, you better be quick as we dont expect the kits to last long. Listed below are the prices for the modifications done for the AVUS PERFORMANCE Nissan GT-R Black Edition:

> Matt black foliation – US$ 3677 (2499 Euros)
> Coilovers – US$ 1911 (1299 Euros)
> Modified ECU – US$ 2793 (1899 Euros)
> Exhaust pipe – US $ 1468 (998 Euros)
> Painted 20“ wheels – US $ 1470 (999 Euro)
> Wheel spacers – US$ 515 (349 Euros)

[Source: Avus-Performance.com]

For those hard core Top Gun wannabe’s with too much money HAMANN has created the Lamborghini Gallardo VICTORY for you! The HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo Victory is a fighter jet looking package that you can purchase for any Gallardo of your choice. Other than looking like a bad ass F16 (with faux rivets and jet fighter inspired warning labels) it has a custom HAMANN exhaust system to boost the power and add that jet fighter roar during your 0-100mph runs!

[Source: Autogespot.com]

Checkout the 2010 HPE650 Chevy Camaro SS by Hennessey Performance. It lays down 592 rear wheel hp on the chassis dyno with a 91 octane. Checkout the dyno video below.

Related Hennessey Performance Posts
Hennessey ZR1 Corvette Z700 Pictures & Details
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Ford GT Hennessey GT 1000 – SEMA Photo Gallery
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Hennessey Camaro SS Pictures & Details
Godzilla 700 – Hennessey Nissan GT-R Upgrade
Godzilla 600 – Hennessey Nissan GT-R Upgrade
Modified Challenger SRT8: 2009 Hennessey SRT600
Hennessey Venom 700 NM Neiman Marcus Edition

[Source: HennesseyPerformance.com]

Specialist tuner HAMANN, famous for the Volcano based on the Mclaren SLR, and many other cars like the X5, M3, F430 Spyder has come up with its latest creation based on one of the latest Maranello horses the Ferrari California.

It retains the smooth lines of the California with some subtle changes to the body. Visually, it now sports a new lip spoiler at the front which increases down force on the front axle. Also on the options list are rear diffusers and rear spoilers for that extra rear end grip. The list of visual enhancements is long with every panel imaginable available in carbon fiber or fiberglass finish ranging from the side fender scoops to door mirrors, door handles and even one for the rear license plate!

A reprogrammed ECU boosts power by 20% to 552bhp, putting it in the league of the 458 Italia. Performance has not been revealed yet buy we expect it to hit 60mph around 0.1-0.2 seconds faster than the stock model. The car sits on special progressive springs that has lowered the car by more than an inch. This will go a long way in improving handling.

The best bit about this car are the awesome 21 inch matte black alloy wheels. You can have aluminum pedals and get the interiors spec’d in custom leather trim which is available on request. Prices have not been announced yet.

Related Ferrari California Posts
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Ferrari California spotted in the wild!!! (Photos)
Ferrari California GT Convertible – New Media Photos!
Ferrari California GT Convertible – New Media Photos!

[Source: Jalopnik.com, Hamann]

The name Jeremie Paret might ring some bells if you follow CarZi. Last September of 2008 we introduced Jeremie’s first project the Jeremie Paret Lamborghini Gallardo LP560. Jeremie has now produced and released this pictures and details of his own modified version of the Porsche Cayenne called the BALROG and I must say it looks BAD ASS!

The Porsche Cayenne Balrog Pictures is an aggressive wide bodied update package for the Cayenne. Jeremie spent 8 months researching the market as well as his potential clients in order to deliver you this elegant yet aggressive design package. The update includes a new bold “in your face” front clip which is not only form fitting but also functional which allows for improved cooling of hte Cayenne’s intercoolers and front brakes. It has Turbo side lights and BMW’esque angel eye/corona style fog lamps to further increase it’s sexyness.

The wide body kit allows for some large wheels which would further improve road stability and most likely ride comfort, even if you are sacrificing some fuel economy. On its ass end are a spoiller and diffuser increasing aerodynamic downforce keeping you securely planted to the pavement. (Or concrete roads for that matter).

Custom interior, engine tuning and new wheels are also available custom designed via Jeremie per your request. For more information contact Jeremie at BalrogsGarage.com.

Related Jeremie Paret Posts
Jeremie Paret Lamborghini Gallardo LP560

[Source: JeremieParet.com, Photos by Arnaud Taquet and Guillaume Janvier.]

Here are the first live pictures, specs and a detailed review of the Corvette C6 Z06 based Spada Codatronca Prototype that delivers 505 hp via it’s Corvette LS7. I am not going to sugar coat my initial thoughts; I think this pseudo-exotic is absolutely hideous! I really hope that when I get a chance to see this monster in person (designed by legendary Italian designer Ercole Spada, known for his work with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Zagato, and Aston Martin) that I will change my point of view.

The price tag is more expensive than a Corvette ZR1 or Corvette C6RS and despite it sporting a hidden high tech roll cage that uses a special coating to bond to the frame (like on a Ferrari) this beast weighs just under 3000 lbs (1350 kgs).

The interior is somewhat bearable, handcrafted in Turin using alcantara, leather, and aluminum as you can see in the photo above. The seats are apparently stylish and supportive despite their fixed back (I wonder how tall a human would fit in here?). Furthermore the aluminum accented dials and LCD gauges are matched in the styling and design of a wrist watch that comes with the car. The F1 inspired dash has 80 input logging channels with 40 GB to log the data which includes inputs for steering angle, G meter, speedo, gear selection.

Moton Suspension Technology helped develop and engineer the Spada Codatronca’s unique suspension which features electronically controlled sway bars with a cockpit dial for: rain, soft, medium, or hard ride modes. Further adjustable sway bars, coil overs, and fully independent suspension yield what some call a telepathic road feel.

The rear end is a real piece of work (straight out of high school shop class imho) which integrates handmade aluminum exhaust tips and bi-xenon headlamps and LED F1 inspired brake lights. It’s airplane like rear end helps it surpass the Z06 drag coefficient and ultimately its top speed. For the normally aspirated version the top speed is said to be 211 mph (340 km/h) and 220mph (355 km/h) when supercharged.

The Codatronca has 8 piston front and 4 piston Brembo calipers coupled with lightweight 15 inch front and 14 inch rear rotors. Lightweight 19 inch racing OZ allow wheels covered in Pirelli Pzero Corsa tires (285/35/19 front, 345/35/19 rear) keep this ugly duckling glued to the road.

Spada also plans to sell a TS version (Turismo Sportivo) with a naturally aspirated modified LS7 which will output 630hp and 670 lb-ft of torque.

Another engine package called the TSV (Turismo Super Veloce) will sport a twin screw C38 Rotrex supercharger with intercooler rumored to produce 750hp and 950 lb-ft of torque!

[Source: GMHighTechPerformance.com]

German tuner ABT (ABT tunes only Audis, VWs, Seats and Skodas) have come up with their own tuned version of the new ABT Volkswagen Golf GTi Mark VI. ABT has been making pocket rockets out of the hatches coming out of VW’s family. The GTi, which is already an extreme machine, has been given a thorough makeover. A look at the picture will tell you the 300 horse story.

The standard GTi makes a mere 210 bhp (154 kW) which many people were not too happy with. So ABT have gone on and added 50 bhp to a total of 260 bhp (191 kW) using optimised engine management tuning called ABT POWER. Well if you still find it sober and slow, you can get yourself a hotter more powerful Gti with 300 bhp (That’s as much as a rally car but only through the front wheels!). Such raw power from the 2.0l TSI comes courtesy some powerful compression from the special “Made in Kempten” turbocharger.

As a result of all this power, performance is very strong with the Golf hitting 100 km/h in 6 seconds. To handle all that power, ABT has given the Gti new springs and thus lowers the GTi’s centre of gravity by 30mm. This should go some way in tightening the handling. The chassis tuning and setting has been done by Christian Abt which ABT reckons is particularly good on winding roads. We are not quite sure if the front wheels can handle all that power and the enormous torque steer.

The visual part is striking. The front is much more agressive than the normal model which coupled with black paint and red stripes look stunning. The Ferrari California style vertically stacked twin tail-pipes are particularly appealing. Well, this is one GTi that definitely screams about the power under the bonnet. The front bumper is more agressive with wider inlets, probably to cool the massive intercooler and a splitter. It also features LED daytime running lamps. The side skirts round off into a diffuser at the rear. Rear spoiler and rear apron superstructure, side mouldings, front grill and apron as well as the 4-pipe exhaust system form one unit. The exteriors are uplifted by one major factor – the attention to detail. Every piece, on closer examination reveals intricate work which is highlighted by the addition of red paint. Even the masive alloy wheels have them!

The interiors are no different with everything from door panels to the dials to the floor mats being given matching red pin striping. If one could recount, this GTi comes on ABT’s anniversary this year, a firm that’s just been doing this work for over 5 decades! ABT and GTi share their history way back from 1976 (that’s 33 years in all!), so ABT know the Golf like their child and expect the best from ABT, especially for the GTi.

Related Posts
ABT Volkswagen Golf GTi at the 2008 Essen Motor Show in Germany

[Source: Tuning News]

HOT OFF THE PRESS. Here is a rendering of a potential Porsche Cayman Shooting brake! Top Gear also unveiled a mystery video of what could be a Porsche Cayman shooting brake, or a hoax or a one off custom build. Checkout some of the other Porsche Shooting Brake variants below.

For those (such as myself) questioning “what is a shooting brake”?

According to Wikipedia: A Shooting-brake is a 2-door car body style with a squared-off rear which generally have hatchbacks although one or a pair of side-hinged doors are also sometimes seen.

The term originated with custom built 2-door luxury estate cars altered for use by hunters and other sportsmen such as golfers, riders, and polo players requiring easy access to larger storage areas than offered by the typical automobile boot.

1981 Porsche 944 Turbo Shooting Break

924 Turbo Shooting Brake

[Source: Modtor.com]