Monday, March 31, 2008

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior and bold exterior styling. While every SRT vehicle offers balanced, overall performance, the heart and soul of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is its standout powertrain. For 2008, SRT ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

Dodge Viper SRT10 Wallpaper
Dodge Viper SRT10 Wallpaper

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Wallpaper 2
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Wallpaper 2

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 in blue
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 in blue

Monday, March 24, 2008

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition

The new model variant SLR 722 Edition is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 650 bhp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster. The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 650 bhp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds, and 124 mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The top speed (209 mph) is above the 207 mph previously achieved by the SLR.

2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition
2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition


Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition Wallpaper 2

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722

Ford Increases Production of 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR

[Via WorldCarFans]


Shelby GT500KR is such a hit that more examples are to find their way into enthusiasts’ garages in the next year or so. This after the demand began to outstrip supply to dangerous levels, such that Ford and partner on the project Shelby Automobiles decided to produce an additional 746 units for the 2009 model. US buyers will receive 571 units for their top dollar. Production of the car began the day Carroll Shelby celebrated 85 years of his own birth back on January 11, 2008.

GT500KR fits a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 on its bones to make a hefty 540 bhp, working with a short-throw shifter and racing suspension tuning. “This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we can deliver a Mustang that will compete with the best in the world,” is what Shelby himself was heard to say.

The cars arrive at Shelby Automotive in Las Vegas as standard Mustang GT500 cars where they undergo an extensive metamorphosis of chassis tuning, performance kit installation and exterior mods to come out the way they are. Such is the interest in GT500KR that at a recent charity auction a unique one – glass roof and all – went for a shivering USD550,000! Curiosity will only heighten when it debuts as K.I.T.T. in the next installment of Knight Rider.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z

The Nissan 350Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motor Co, LTD. The 350Z is the fifth (and current) generation of Nissan's Z-car line, originally introduced in 1969 (as a 1970 model year) as the Datsun 240Z. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. It is currently available in several trim packages and is sold as both a 2 door coupé and roadster.

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z
2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Wallpaper
2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Wallpaper


White 2007 Nissan NISMO 350z

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z
2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z

2006 Ford GT Tungsten

To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Ford's first win at Le Mans, the 2006 Ford GT will be offered in a limited-edition Tungsten Silver, which replaces Quick Silver on the Ford GT's color palette. A Quick Silver racing stripe can be added to the Tungsten Silver package.Tungsten Silver was developed for the 2004 North American International Auto Show Ford "Performance Trilogy" show cars - the Ford GT, the Shelby Cobra roadster concept and the new 2005 Mustang GT. Customer demand was so overwhelming that the color was added to the production palette.

2006 Ford GT Tungsten Wallpaper
2006 Ford GT Tungsten Wallpaper

2006 Ford GT Tungsten
200g Ford GT Tungsten


2006 Ford GT Tungsten Cool Wallpaper

Thursday, March 20, 2008

NYIAS: Ford Debuts 2009 Edition "Warriors in Pink" Mustang

[Via AutoBlog]


New York has been a relatively quiet show for Ford, with the Transit Connect Taxi Concept being its highest-profile (literally, even) unveiling at the show. It's not the only one, however. Ford quietly unveiled the 2009 "Warriors in Pink" Mustang. Like its predecessors, the WIP 'Stang will be produced in a limited run (1,000 cars) with $500 from each sale going to the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, a charitable organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. The '09 Warriors In Pink cars are Mustang V6 Premium models adorned with a new grille, pink hood and side stripes, pink-ribbon badging, and pink accent stitching inside. The display car is a silver coupe with the optional glass roof. The car is also available as a ragtop, and black or white paint is also on offer. On the coupe Carroll Shelby once referred to as a "secretary's car", the Warriors In Pink package seems to fit right in.

[Source: Ford]


For morepictures of the NYIAS coverage, see AutoBlog's full gallery HERE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRESS RELEASE:
FORD LAUNCHES 'WARRIORS IN PINK' MUSTANG FOR '09, DOUBLES CONTRIBUTIONS TO RACE FOR THE CURE

* Ford unveils new 'Warriors in Pink' edition Mustang at the New York International Auto Show to raise money for breast cancer education and research.
* The company is doubling its contribution to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure – to $500 for each Warriors in Pink Mustang sold.
* Ford and its dealers together have dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research.

NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 – Ford Motor Company, which has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research for 14 years, announces today that it is doubling its contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure each time it sells a 'Warriors in Pink' package for the 2009 Ford Mustang.

"Thanks to the tremendous response from our dealers and customers to the 2008 'Warriors in Pink' Mustang, we knew we needed to continue offering the package, and we're happy to be able to increase our support for the Cure at the same time," said Connie Fontaine, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Mustang with Warriors in Pink package was designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. New upgrades for the 2009 package are featured on the Ford display at the New York International Auto Show.

Available on the Mustang V-6 Premium Coupe and Convertible models, the Warriors in Pink package includes a unique grille and will add a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching.

Coupes also can be ordered with the all-new glass roof option. Three body colors will be available: Black, Brilliant Silver and Performance White.

Ford Warriors in Pink
Launched in 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer.

Ford's goal in 2008 is to donate more than $1 million for the Cure through these sales of the special Mustangs, Warriors in Pink apparel and other fundraising efforts.

The Warriors in Pink apparel collection for men and women feature important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer. All apparel is available on www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of net proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure.

The limited-edition 2009 Mustang with Warriors in Pink will be available through Ford dealers this summer.

Mustang is one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and the Mustang is also America's best-selling convertible.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which helped launch the global breast cancer awareness and education movement.

Today, Race for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Race for the Cure, the foundation has invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill that promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-800 I'M AWARE.

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 more than 245,000 employees and more than 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 breast cancer awareness initiatives, visit www.fordcares.com.


[Source: Ford]

NYIAS: Saleen Debuts Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang

[Via WorldCarFans & Jalopnik]


Dan Gurney said that he only had one request before agreeing to endorse a special-edition Saleen Mustang designed in his honor: it had to be "faster than Parnelli's." Saleen was happy to comply, and the Dan Gurney Signature Edition was born. Like the Parnelli Jones Signature limited edition, the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang features graphics inspired by classic Trans Am race series cars, an extremely limited production run and of course some serious performance parts.

The Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is set apart by a special body kit, duckbill rear spoiler and a "stinger"style hood scoop. Inside, a signature plate is personally signed by Gurney, and the two-tone seats have blue or red Alcantara inserts that are color-matched to the exterior. Saleen will build 100 Dan Gurney Signature Editions in each available color: Torch Red, Performance White and Vista Blue. Like the Parnelli Jones edition, the racing stripes and number stickers will be available so owners can create a road-going race replica if they desire. It's a tasteful package that will appeal to fans of vintage racers without looking too garish.

To ensure that Gurney's performance wishes were fulfilled, Saleen installed a supercharged 465-horsepower 281 cubic-inch V8 under the hood and connected it to a short-throw shifter. A 3.73 limited-slip Max Grip rear end helps to get the power to the road. Handling is improved with a Racecraft suspension, a second-generation Watts-Link rear end and Pirelli Corsa tires. The suspension setup was approved by Gurney himself.

It's a cool package; all we can hope is that someone will arrange a track-day shootout of each Saleen special edition, with its namesake at the wheel.

[Source: Saleen]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Official Press Release

Saleen Partner's with an American Icon to Create an American Legend New York, NY (March 20, 2008) - Saleen Automotive, America's premiere automotive enthusiast brand for over a quarter of a century, announced today at the New York Auto Show that it has entered into a partnership with American automotive legend Dan Gurney for creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. "It is amazing that just two years ago Saleen was standing on stage here at the Javitz Center with Parnelli Jones and today we are with his long time rival and friend, and truthfully one of America's racing heroes, Mr. Dan Gurney," said Saleen President and CEO Paul Wilbur. All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen's 465 HP supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have custom two-tone seats that feature either blue or red Alcantara inserts designed to keep your rear end planted firmly behind the wheel. The legendary Gurney Eagle© logo is featured on the steering wheel and several other places around the car. The exterior reflects the look of Dan's 1969 Trans Am series Mustang, masterfully recreated in a fashion that honors history but looks aggressively towards the future. The heritage styled Gurney Edition body kit, 'duck bill' rear spoiler and 'stinger' style hood all come together in harmony with the carefully placed graphics and die cut Gurney Eagle insignia. "I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car. At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli's" said racing great, Dan Gurney. Saleen executives were not prepared to make that statement, but what they did say is: "this is likely the best all around 281 supercharged car that Saleen has ever built," commented Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon. "Dan Gurney has always been about business on the track. His cars were light, fast and handled like they were on rails," said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. "I'll admit we added a little weight when we added the blower to this car, but you will be shocked at how this car cuts through a corner." The Gurney Signature Edition gets its dynamic ability from the specially tuned Racecraft suspension, Generation-II Watts-Link Rear End, and super sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. This is a suspension combination that has never before been featured on a Saleen vehicle, and one that received the personal stamp from Dan Gurney himself. "It is like a dream come true to spend time on the tarmac with the Gurney's. Together, we will create a package that I am sure that market will love," said Chassis and Dynamics Lead Derk Hartland. The Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is slated to begin production this April and should start appearing in dealers later that month. With production being limited to only 300 cars, the Gurney Edition is sure to be a must have amongst collectors. In honor of Mr. Gurney's 'All American Racer persona the cars will be offered in only three colors: Torch Red, Performance White, and the feature color Vista Blue. One hundred of each color will be made with contrasting color graphics and interiors, and a set of "#2" roundels to truly relive the Gurney experience. "The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney's signature on the center of the dash," commented Wilbur. " I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America's greatest drivers"

[Source: Saleen]

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

NYIAS: Saleen S5S Raptor Concept on Web a Day Before Debut

[Via WorldCarFans]


A day before the S5S Raptor by Saleen is undressed at the New York Auto Show and we have official pictures as well as what latent talents the Raptor may have. S5S turns out to be worth some 650 bhp from the 5.0-litre supercharged engine. The 630 lb-ft of torque goes straight to the rear wheels, aided by a 6-speed manual transmission, to guarantee a time of 3.2 seconds from zero to 60 mph. A sequential gearbox will be delivered along after 2010 when the car goes to market, and as is the norm nowadays, it should prove even quicker than the manual. Said rear wheels measure 315/35ZR20s, while the front sports 275/35ZR20s.


The Saleen S5S Raptor carries a price tag of around USD185,000 considered by some as a bargain considering the types of figures we’ve just thrown about. You do pay for speeds in excess of 200 mph.

On top of it all the S5S will run on E85, proving that clean doesn’t have to be performance-dumb. Live pictures from the show will be going up on this site soon after the car’s unveiling.


[Source: Motortrend via Autoblog via Edmunds InsideLine]

Ford Mustang: "Warriors In Pink" Video

[Via WorldCarFans]


See the video HERE or just watch below.





Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is a mid-engined roadster from Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg, to replace the Koenigsegg CCR. CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X, the X commemorating the 10th anniversary, being the Roman numeral for ten, of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. The CCX is intended to be suitable for the United States market and thus engineered to comply with US regulations. A base model CCX costs approximately US$540,000 (€370,000) but with all optional extras the car costs US$610,000 (€415,000).The CCX was first unveiled on February 28, 2006 at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show although its existence was announced earlier. The CCX is also available as the CCXR, the difference being that CCXR's engine is tuned to run on biofuel. The different fuel and tune allows the CCXR to produce 25% more power than the CCX.


Koenigsegg CCX Wallpaper


Koenigsegg CCX Picture


Koenigsegg CCX Cool Wallpaper


Koenisegg CCX Photo

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 291-bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.Two Lancer Evolution models will be offered in the U.S. market for 2008: the GSR with a new 5-speed manual transmission and the Lancer Evolution MR with a new 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a new-generation automated manual transmission. The MR model is also equipped exclusively with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps and additional interior features. Significantly, the newest Lancer Evolution will have less differentiation from market to market than the previous generations.


Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X


Red Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X


2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Wallpaper


Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Picture

Saleen Offers Heritage Body Kit For 2005-2008 Mustangs

[Via MustangEvolution]


Saleen has announced that the Heritage styling, which can be found on Heritage Mustangs such as the 2008 Saleen H302 SC, has been made available to 2005-2008 Mustang owners as a complete kit or as individual pieces. The complete kit comes with front and rear fascias, side skirts, spoiler, rear louvers and quarter window panels at a price of $2,499.99. For the complete list of parts and prices check out the *.pdf here.

2008 Saleen H302 SC Mustang with Heritage Body Kit


"Oooh... Nice Car!"


"Just look at them louvres there!"

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Lotus Exige

The Lotus Exige is a two-door, two-seat sports car made by Lotus Cars. It is essentially a coupe version of the Lotus Elise, which is a roadster.The original Exige was launched in 2000 and had a 1.8 L Rover K Series engine. It produced 170 bhp in standard form and 190 bhp (142 kW) in the VHPD version. Compared to the Elise, it had wider wheel arches, a front splitter, a large rear spoiler and a fiberglass roof.
In 2004, the Series 2 Exige was introduced. It features a 1.8 L 16-valve DOHC Toyota/Yamaha engine that produces 190 bhp with the Toyota engine designation of 2ZZ-GE. Compared to the Series 2 Elise, it has a front splitter, fiberglass hardtop roof with roof scoop, rear engine cover, and rear spoiler. The sole purpose of these aerodynamic additions to the base Elise is to create more downforce (almost 100 lb of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Exige versus 13 lb at 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Elise).In February 2005, Lotus announced a limited production run of 50 Exiges, using the Toyota engine with a supercharger, that increases the power output to 243 bhp. These vehicles were only available in yellow or black, representing the colors of Lotus Sport, and are badged 240R. They have a projected 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds and 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) of 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) at a cost of £44,000.00 (approximately $76,500.00 or €65,000.00).The North American Exige was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. In February 2006, Lotus announced the Exige S model which used a supercharged Toyota engine producing 220 bhp. The S was also made available in North American markets as a 2007 model.


Lotus Exige Wallpaper


Lotus Exige S


Lotus Exige Wallpaper


Yellow Lotus Exige S

Rolls-Royce Phantom (BMW)

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is an ultra-luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary, in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce branded car made under the ownership of BMW.It has a 6.75 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 hp (338 kW) and 531 ft·lbf (720 N·m) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW's existing V12 powerplant.It is 1.63 m (63 in) tall, 1.99 m (74.8 in) wide, 5.83 m (228 in) long, and weighs 2485 kg (5478 lb). The body of the car is built on an aluminium space frame and the Phantom can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 s. It has a six-speed automatic transmission and double wishbone suspension.An extended wheelbase Phantom was presented in March 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, which is 250 mm (9.8 in) longer than the standard Phantom. It is currently referred to as the Phantom Extended Wheelbase (or EWB).


Rolls-Royce Phantom (BMW)


Rolls-Royce Phantom Photo


Rolls-Royce Phantom Wallpaper


Rolls-Royce Phantom 2003

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Porsche 911 GT3

The Porsche 911 GT3 was introduced in 1999 as a high performance version of Porsche's first version of the 911, the 996, to continue the quarter-century tradition of low-weight RS models that ended with the 993 RS. The GT3, named after the FIA GT class it was intended for, did not use the rather simple engine of the regular production versions of the 996, but a naturally-aspirated version of the turbocharged Porsche 962 and Porsche 911 GT1 race cars. Later, the turbo-charged Porsche 911 GT2 was added to the maker's lineup, but unlike its predecessor 993 GT2, did not fit into GT racing regulations. The racing versions of the GT3 have won several major 24h races outright, and mainly dominated their class at Le Mans.


Porsche 911 GT3 Wallpaper


Porsche 911 GT3 RS Black


Porsche 911 GT3 Wallpaper


Porsche 911 GT3