CarZi » American Cars

Ken Block Fiesta Snow Drift Video

Anthony Carbone — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:04:52 +0000

Watching some young punk snow drift in his dads Rolls Royce Phantom Snow Drift Video was cool, but not as bad ass as Mr. Ken Block snow drifting his brand new 2011 Monster Ford Fiesta Rally car down the icey roads of Gladwin Michigan to prepare for Rally America’s 1st race of the year!. Checkout the snow drift video below and a 2nd video of his new car up close and personal!

[Source: YouTube.com]

Enzo Ferrari vs Cuda Video

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:47:07 +0000

Checkout this crazy video of the Legendary Motorcar Company 522 Super Cuda (which debut at the 2009 SEMA Show) which houses a twin turbo Viper V10 engine as it races an Enzo Ferrari!

[Source: YouTube.com]

Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR-X Pics & Video

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:53 +0000

Just in time for Xmas, Dodge and it’s SRT group just released the specs on the new 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X. It delivers a heart thumping 640 horsepower from it’s 8.4L V10 and only costs $110,000 USD.

Slated to be produced spring 2010 (just in time for the Viper Spec racing series which starts in July) the new ACR-X gets new track tuned suspension, a diet resulting in a weight loss of 160lbs, some new racing headers and exhaust and some aerodynamic enhancements to improve downforce.

Dodge Targets Road Racing Enthusiasts With 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X

* Turn-key, spec-series racer aimed at continuing Dodge Viper’s storied racing history
* Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
* Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety
* Dodge Viper Cup spec series will debut in July 2010

Orlando, Fla., Dec 10, 2009 – Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world.”

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. “”We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track,” added Gilles. “The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car.”

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer’s lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible,” said Wittmer. “After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.

“All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue,” Wittmer added. “This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!”

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com

Dodge Viper Cup:

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Per Race Cash Mopar Voucher Total
1st $6,500 $1,000 $7,500
2nd $4,500 $500 $5,000
3rd $2,500 $250 $2,750
4th $1,250 $150 $1,400
5th $500 $100 $600

Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.

Viper Racing Heritage:

The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

[Source: AutomotiveAddicts.com]

SEMA 2009 Preview – Chevy Camaro Convertible

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:42 +0000

UPDATE: 2009 SEMA SHOW PICTURES!!!!!

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

2009 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Concept PHOTOS

[Source: DropTopCustoms.com, Camaro5.com]

Brad Pitt’s Chevy Camaro SS

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:36:43 +0000

Brad Pitt was recently spotted getting into his new black Chevy Camaro SS.

[Source: CelebrityCarsBlog.com]

SEMA SHOW 2009 Details – Girls & Cars Pictures

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:05:40 +0000

UPDATE: 2009 SEMA SHOW PICTURES!!!!!

CAR BABES: 2009 SEMA SHOW GIRLS

CarZi.com is going to the 2009 SEMA Show this NOV 3,4,5,6 in LAS VEGAS, NV.

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 ]

John Mayer Ferrari 599, Audi R8, Ford GT Photos

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:35:03 +0000

Not only does John Mayer have an appetite for hot Hollywood celebs (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Minka Kelly, Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry to name a few), but he also has an appetite for luxurious exotic super cars!

Back in June 2009 John was originally spotted putting some high grade octane in his black Ferrari 599 GTB at a gas station in Calabasas, then just a couple weeks ago he was spotted getting out of a white Audi R8, and just recently again at a gas station with his Ferrari 599. In 2008 John Mayer was also spotted at a gas station with his Gulf Blue and Orange Ford GT and also with a Land Rover Defender!

[Source: Celebrity-Gossip.net, CelebrityCarsBlog.com]

2010 Hennessey HPE650 Camaro SS

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:26:54 +0000

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.

[Source: HennesseyPerformance.com]

Spada Codatronca Pictures Specs Review

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:48:49 +0000

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]

Hennessey ZR1 Corvette Z700 Pictures & Details

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:42:53 +0000

Hennessey just announced a Limited Edition 705 hp Z700 Nürburgring-Tested Track Upgrade for the 2010 Corvette ZR1. Total Cost (including 2010 ZR1) $207,150 USD.

Hennessey’s Z700 performance package upgrades the LS9’s supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems, which is then dyno tuned to 705 bhp.

Additional upgrades include ultra lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires that further reduce rotating weight 60 lbs. Hennessey’s Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler which add 300+ lbs of down force.

Full Press Release from Hennessey Performance Engineering:

(SEALY, TX) The world’s fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638 bhp ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. For most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7:26 is more than enough performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of “Too much horsepower is never enough” Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has something special in store for them in 2010. HPE is happy to introduce the company’s 705 bhp Z700 upgrade package for the 2010 Corvette ZR1. Porsche 911 owners wanting the uber Porsche can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes.

Hennessey’s Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the LS9’s supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems, which is then dyno tuned to 705 bhp. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduces rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs. Hennessey’s Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300 lbs of downforce, helping plant the added power to the road or track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

HPE will be throwing its hat into the Ring – literally – with plans to begin testing the Z700 at the famed Nurburgring in Germany later in 2009. The company plans to build just 24 of these limited-edition Corvette ZR1’s for the 2010 model year. Each customer also gets a full day of performance driving instruction in his or her new Z700 at Hennessey’s own private test track, Lonestar Motorsports Park. Lonestar, which is next to the company’s facility, is located just west of Houston, Texas and has a full quarter-mile dragstrip as well as the addition of a 1.1-mile road course which will soon be under construction.

Power:
705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance:
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
0-100 mph: 6.4 seconds
1/4 mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:
Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
Intercooler System Upgrade
Air Induction System Upgrade
Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires
Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
Lowered Factory Suspension
Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
Z-Aero Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood
Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades
Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
Custom Exterior Colors
Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
German Delivery – Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

[Source: Hennessey.com]

Hennessey LS9 Camaro SS Video

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:26:50 +0000

Back in April 2009 we presented some Hennessey Camaro SS Pictures & Details. Here is a video of the World’s First LS9 Powered 2010 Camaro SS by Hennessey Performance Engineering.

Only 24 will be produced and will be priced at $110,000 and includes a 1-day track performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Watch this short video and listen to the LS9 fire up and rev a couple times. This is the engine found in the new Corvette ZR1.

Related Hennessey Camaro Posts
Hennessey Camaro SS Pictures & Details

[Source: YouTube.com]

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:08:59 +0000

Ford Mustang Photo Galleries HERE: Ford Mustang Photos

The 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake package is just around the corner. The upgrade will offer several performance options in excess of 700+ hp. Checkout the pictures and details for all options the package has to offer.

Package Price: $29, 495 (630 HP), $33, 495 (700+ HP)

Standard Features:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 630 HP supercharger
• Shelby/Super Snake hood with pins
• Carbon fiber body components
• SHELBY deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging (front grille and front fenders)
• Sequential tail lights
• Shelby Super Snake striping
• Front and rear brake duct kit
• Quarter window scoops or block-offs
• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque and engine plate
• Shelby Super Snake door sill plates
• Light bar with third brake light (convertible)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper front brake system and rear rotors
• Borla cat-back exhaust system
• Shelby/Ford Racing suspension w/ adjustable damper
• Short-throw shifter
• Cold air intake system
• Custom drive shaft (700+ horsepower package)
• 3.73:1 differential
• 20″ Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires
• Shelby three piece floor mat set
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby signature carbon fiber faced gauges
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent and satin door lock knobs
• Shelby embroidered headrest
• Center console with Shelby logo

Options:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 700+ HP supercharger
• Shelby/Kenne Bell 725 HP supercharger (black or polished)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper rear brake system
• Shelby/Eibach adjustable coilover suspension
• Shelby/Eibach sway bars
• White ball billet short-throw shifter
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade
• Shelby performance cooling package
• Two-tone leather interior upgrade
• Two-tone leather console cover
• Perforated leather seat inserts
• Shelby Super Snake faux rear gas cap

[Source: AutoBlog.com]

Air Force Challenger & Mustang Photos

Harish Kumar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:53:00 +0000

The USA Air Force has got 2 new recruitments. They are the Air Force spec Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang. This is an innovative move by the Air Force as a part of the 2009 Supercar tour, a recruiting initiative will hit high schools across the country to highlight career opportunities in the US Air Force. These two are sure to have the students’ eyeballs all over them. Who wouldn’t want to drive one of these?? The best bit? Wait till you see the interiors!

The Mustang gets done in white matte-pearlescent paint and is named the ‘X-1′. So got the connection? It reminds us of the BELL X-1, the first ever aircraft to exceed the speed of sound. The Mustang? Well, with some 500 bhp on tap, it can provide the on-road excitement, if you can control it with a joystick that is. Yup, you read it right. The interiors seem to have been lifted straight out of a fighter jet. Apart from the joystick, you get night and thermal vision systems, single ejection seat and GPS. Finishing touch is provided by the LSD doors.

The Challenger is called ‘Vapor’. It was designed to mimic the Stealth Bomber. It uses the same RADAR absorbing paint as the original and even uses a Stealth mode exhaust that makes it run silently! How fair is that? The characteristic V-8 rumble that can start earthquakes has been muted!

The Stealth Challenger gets biometric latches on the Scissor doors, proximity sensors and roof-mounted camera (1/4th mile range). Carbon fibre trim and custom body kits adorne the Dodge. while the Mustang is a single seater, the Dodge can seat two and has aircraft style throttle lever and twin carbon fibre wheels. It sports the same features as that of the Mustang but nothing has been mentioned about the powertrain.

Hats off to Galpin who modified and tuned these fighter style marketing toys! Galpin were the tuners responsible for the SCYTHE which Anthony saw at the 2008 SEMA Show (596 Photo Galleries).

Beau Boeckman’s boys at Galpin collaborated with technical and mechanical airmen to ensure the cars have an authentic Air Force aesthetic. “For Galpin Auto Sports to be commissioned by the most technologically advanced organization on earth is truly an honor” Boeckmann said in a statement. “This is one of the most extraordinary and important projects that we have ever done.”

Build your own Mustang supercar with Mustang performance parts from American Muscle.

It is hard to estimate how much the most technologically advanced organization on Earth paid for these two.

Mustang For Sale
LemonFree Californa Auto Insurance

[Source: Wired.com]

2010 Chevy Corvette Grandsport

Harish Kumar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:24:58 +0000

Chevrolet is bringing the Grandsport Corvette back as a 2010 model, after a break of 15 years. The Corvette Grandsports have held their own position in the market and you can catch a bit of their history by going through these pictures of the 1964 Chevy Gransport that Anthony recently captured.

The Grandsport gets wider, grippier tires and rims (18 in-19 in front-rear), revised shocks, a new stabilizer bar and spring specifications. This should go a long way in improving the handling characteristics. The result of these modifications – cornering forces of 1.0g! better have that neck restraint ready. The engine remains the same LS3 V8 with 430 bhp (321kW) and 424lb-ft (575Nm) of torque but get the additional two mode exhaust system and you can get 436hp (325kW) and 428lb-ft (580Nm). As a result of all these, the Grandsport reaches 62 mph a whole 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model.

With the advent of the Grandsport, Chevy has ditched the Z51 package. The body kit includes front splitter, rear spoiler and brake ventilation ducts behind the doors. The Grandsport is available in either a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a no-nonsense manual to enjoy the driving experience. the manual version also comes with dry-sump lubrication, differential cooler and rear-mounted battery that gives better weight distribution and low centre of gravity.

The Grandsport is available in coupe and convertible body styles. Don’t let that Coupe name fool you – even the coupe models come with removable roof. It is available in 4 trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 4LT). All of the Corvette’s exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available ‘Heritage’ package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The new Grand Sport is being announced at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky as we speak. Pricing has not been announced yet but it should be a small price to pay for what you get.

PRESS RELEASE
CHEVROLET ANNOUNCES NEW 2010 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Grand Sport. It’s one of the most storied monikers in Corvette’s illustrious racing heritage and it is returning the lineup. Chevrolet announced the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport at the 12th annunal C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.

The new Grand Sport model combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racetrack-bred suspension for a distinctive, starting grid-ready performer. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for racetrack competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes

* Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
* Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
* Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
* Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
* Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
* Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
* Specific manual transmission gear ratios
* Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped modles

With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.

All of Corvette’s exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.

Grand Sport history
Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea stymied by GM’s agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.

The planned 125 production models required for racing-class homologation were never built, but five prototypes based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette were hand-assembled under Duntov’s watchful eye. And while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built racecars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and used side-draft carburetors.

Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of “private” racers who had strong contacts within Duntov’s engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market.

Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red “hash mark” graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original racecars.

[Source: MotorAuthority.com]

Knight XV Armored SUV SPIED on Movie Set

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:13:36 +0000

Thanks to my friend Tim for providing this picture while out at lunch in Liberty Village (Toronto, Ontario) yesterday. Tim spotted the behemoth Knight XV filming on set for an upcoming movie!

When I spoke with the Knight XV owners at Performance World 2009, they hinted that the monstrous armored vehicle would be in an upcoming movie but would not comment on which one. Two separate industry sources have indicated that it was most likely the Scott Pilgrim Vs The World movie

[Source: Tim @ HeroFund.ca]