Autoblog Aftermarket http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Aftermarket http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Online Find Of The Day: 2008 Cadillac XLR picks up where Excalibur left off]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Custom 2008 Cadillac XLR Neoclassic - front three-quarter view

We try very, very hard to keep snark away from creations like the one you see here. After all, someone poured plenty of enthusiasm, time and money into turning a 2008 Cadillac XLR into a modern interpretation of the new-old cars typically done by cottage builders like Excalibur and Clénet. Even so, it's hard not to wince when you set an eye on this machine. With its wheelbase stretched to accommodate the extra bodywork, goofy sidewalls and upkicked nose (examine it in profile, it looks slightly bent in the middle), this "neoclassic" takes whatever was loveable about the Cadillac underneath and buries it in a tacky grave.

Miraculously, the engine bay has been left unmolested, which means the retractable hardtop convertible still features a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine good for 320 horsepower. If only that were enough to outrun its shame. If, for some reason, you feel like taking this thing home, Harry Kaufmann Motorcars of Milwaukee says it can be yours for a paltry $74,998. We wish were joking. Check it out here.

Online Find Of The Day: 2008 Cadillac XLR picks up where Excalibur left off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2008 cadillac xlrbaroquecadillaccadillac xlrcustom cadillac xlr neoclassicneoclassicneoclassical Thu, 23 May 2013 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579609/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579609/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/20579609/article-detail.xml 20579609 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xlr-neoclassic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xlr-neoclassic-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mansory Stallone makes a man out of Ferrari F12]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/mansory-stallone-ferrari-f12/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/mansory-stallone-ferrari-f12/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/mansory-stallone-ferrari-f12/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The Mansory Stallone you see above isn't the first such transmogrification of a Prancing Horse. This one is based on the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, but the first honor, as far as we can tell, went to the Stallone based on the 599 GTB Fiorano. The F12 version was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this year, but we missed out, and we were sure you wouldn't want to miss it.

As with its predecessor, this one gets a total makeover, from the new front clip and hood to the side skirts, new rear end, rear diffuser and rear wing. There is additional muscle for the 6.0-liter V12, too - a tweaked ECU and sports exhaust with a stainless steel muffler getting matters up from 740 horsepower to 775, and torque from 509 pound-feet to 535. Moving things forward is a set of bespoke, staggered, lightweight aluminum wheels, 21 inches up front, 22 in the back.

The showstopper is inside, where a red and black leather treatment and redesigned steering wheel will make the cabin a very intense place to be. Check out the press release below for the minutiae, and the high-res gallery above for more angles.

Continue reading Mansory Stallone makes a man out of Ferrari F12

Mansory Stallone makes a man out of Ferrari F12 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari f12 berlinettamansorymansory stallone Wed, 22 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579882/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/mansory-stallone-ferrari-f12/20579882/article-detail.xml 20579882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mansory-f12-stallone_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mansory-f12-stallone.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren 12C Spider worked over by Gemballa]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



A host of carbon fiber parts designed and made in Germany are what turn the McLaren MP4-12C Spider into the Gemballa GT Spider. The 625-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 is untouched, almost everything else is heavily touched. There's the body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, new tailpipes and logos. Swing up the doors and you'll find a reskinned interior in leather and Alcantara in your choice of color, plus color-matched gauges. That will run you 19,980 euro ($25,647 US) including paint and installation, but it can alternatively be shipped internationally if you'd like to have your own people install it.

The GForged-one wheels are an inch larger than the standard units, at 20 inches up front and 21 inches in back, but don't change the weight of the car. There are two styles and two finishes available, and shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber they'll require 7,980 euro ($10,243) of your hard earned. Throw down a little more and you can have the brake calipers painted, too.

If this number whispers seductive German nothings in your ear, check out the press release below and the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading McLaren 12C Spider worked over by Gemballa

McLaren 12C Spider worked over by Gemballa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aftermarketgemballagemballa gt spidermclarenmclaren mp4-12c spider Tue, 21 May 2013 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575042/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575042/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/20575042/article-detail.xml 20575042 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gemballa-mclaren-mp4-12c_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gemballa-mclaren-mp4-12c.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey completes first VelociRaptor SUV conversion [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Hennessey VelociRaptor

Start with a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor as your base vehicle for modification, and chances are high that you'll end up with something pretty cool. Now, have those modifications done by professional lunatics Hennessey Performance, make the project turning the pickup into an ultra-long SUV, and the result stands a real chance of being a total kick in the ass. Let us present the Hennessey VelociRaptor then, in all of its awesomeness.

Hennessey has taken care in grafting a "Excursion type" rear cabin onto the Raptor, complete with an optional third row. The pictures we have show a cabin that's up to the fit and finish standards of the original Ford truck, too. The cab added over the bed also makes room for a massive load space out back, accessible via split out-folding doors and long enough for a person to lay down in (see video).

Mechanically, the truck-turned-SUV sticks with Ford's stock 6.2-liter V8, rated at 411 horsepower, or can be had with a supercharger and some 600 hp. Hennessey says the stock-motor VelociRaptor will run from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, while the hi-po version takes just 5.9 seconds. The SUV does take some of the off-road ability away from the Raptor, with the company saying it hasn't yet had the opportunity to test its capabilities. On-roading and "moderate off-road duties" are the current prescription.

Hennessey will build just 30 copies of the VelociRaptor per year, offered at a starting price of $149,500. If that seems like an exorbitant markup over the Raptor's $43,920, well, you're welcome to go out and build your own. Scroll down for a video walk around of the VelociRaptor, and one showing the supercharged version on a dyno.

Continue reading Hennessey completes first VelociRaptor SUV conversion [w/video]

Hennessey completes first VelociRaptor SUV conversion [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford f-150 svt raptorhennesseyhennessey velociraptor Mon, 20 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576600/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/20576600/article-detail.xml 20576600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-velociraptor-suv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-velociraptor-suv-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

XCAR Supra Retrospective - video screencap

Our friends at XCAR have taken the time to train their lenses on the iconic Toyota Supra. With Toyota finally back into the performance car game, it seems only logical to remember one of the brand's most legendary sports cars. While we're all busy ladling praise onto the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins, it's important to remember that Toyota used to produce all manner of fun-to-drive machinery. The Supra once sat at the top of that list, its most recent iteration giving buyers the option of a ludicrous forced-induction inline six, gorgeous styling and plenty of presence.

Of course, the legend didn't stop once the Supra fell off American order sheets in 1998. Always an aftermarket darling, the Supra has gone on to become a tuner favorite in nearly every corner of grassroots motorsport. From drag racing to road racing and everywhere in between, the Supra is remains a force to be reckoned with nearly 15 years after it last prowled the US auto market. You can catch the tribute from XCAR below.

Continue reading Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup

Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> toyotatoyota supravideoxcar Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/20576180/article-detail.xml 20576180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

ABT-tuned Audi R8 V10 - front three-quarter view, red

Bavarian tuners ABT have done another job on the Audi R8 V10, pumping up the 5.2-liter FSI V10 from 525 horsepower to 600 hp, and torque from 391 pound-feet to 406 lb-ft. With 50 more horsepower than the R8 V10 Plus - but not the extreme weight-loss scheme - ABT claims a 0-62 mile per hour run of 3.5 seconds, the same as the R8 V10 Plus, and a top speed for the mid-engined coupe of 198 miles per hour "is no problem at all."

Managing all that speed are the aero tweaks provided by a comprehensive body kit including a rear wing, a lowered and beefed-up suspension, a stainless steel exhaust and 19-inch wheels in two different designs.

The press release below has a few more bits of info on the matter. And while ABT hasn't put a price on the Audi upgrades, but it's safe to say that nearly 200 mph in an R8 won't come cheap.

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT

Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> abtabt r8 v10aftermarketaudiaudi r8audi r8 v10 Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574728/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/20574728/article-detail.xml 20574728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/abt-audi-r8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/abt-audi-r8.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Lexus IS gets TRD bits]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in Japan has designed cosmetic and performance bits that give the 2014 Lexus IS a front-to-back workover. Different from the F-Sport parts we expect from Lexus here, the full body kit runs 437,700 yen ($4,285 US) and starts with air deflectors at the lower edges of the front bumper, through to side skirts, a decklid spoiler and a rear bumper with a diffuser and quad exhaust tips.

For 288,750 yen ($2,830) you can sharpen responses with new shocks, springs, dampers, sway bar and bracing. The priciest individual component is the set of 19-inch wheels, four of them going for 527,625 yen (5,170 US). There's no word on US importation or pricing yet, but done up all in black like the IS above, we wouldn't mind seeing it here.

2014 Lexus IS gets TRD bits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 lexus isaftermarketlexuslexus istoyota racing developmenttrd Mon, 20 May 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575040/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/20575040/article-detail.xml 20575040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-lexus-is-trd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-lexus-is-trd.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Now With More EcoBoost



There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

For the second time in my life, I'm staring at an engine in the back of a truck with no concept of how to get it safely into the garage by my lonesome. The first time this happened, I dragged home a $300 International 345 V8 in the back of my Scout Terra only to discover that the bounds of my manliness terminated well before my ability to muscle that 800-pound cast iron block out of the pickup bed.

Now you know the story of how and why I bought my first engine puller.

Some six years later I'm playing out the same dance, though a Ford F-250 has stolen the Scout's starring role, and there's a towering pallet of thick cardboard boxes in place of the old International mill. It's not that the boxes are particularly heavy. They're just stacked too high to get in the garage. Each one is emblazoned with a massive Ford Racing Performance Parts logo and wrapped in enough plastic to keep both prying fingers and the persistent rain at bay. Good thing, too. There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

Project Ugly Horse is an ongoing series. Need to catch up? You can find the previous articles here.

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1989 ford mustangecoboostecoboost fox body mustangecoboost mustangfeaturedfocusfocus stfordford focus stford mustangproject ugly horseugly horse Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/20570764/article-detail.xml 20570764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

650-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from Hennessey ready to go drag racing - video screencap

Hennessey Performance Engineering has created an HPE650 package for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT fitted with the 6.4-liter Hemi engine. When it leaves the showroom floor it has 470 horsepower and gets from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. When it leaves Hennessey's garage floor after the upgrade it has 650 horsepower - 530 hp at the wheels, according to Hennessey - and gets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to running the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds.

There's more than just a Roots-type supercharger bolt-on, with ported cylinder heads and high-flow headers among the many changes made to the engine. You can watch this pre-2014 facelift silver model prove its spec sheet on the drag strip in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds

Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 jeep grand cherokee srt8hennesseyhennessey grand cherokee srt8hpe650jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srtjeep grand cherokee srt8john hennesseysrtvideo Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/20565375/article-detail.xml 20565375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am - front three-quarter view, white

No, you didn't read our title wrong. This is a 2013 model year Trans Am, and yes, that is a Pontiac logo affixed to the front of the car. But don't bother dialing up your local General Motors dealership just yet. This is the new Hurst Edition Trans Am created by the Trans Am Depot located in Tallahassee, FL. Having spent a number of years restoring early Trans Am models, the crew at Trans Am Depot finally did what many Pontiac enthusiasts wish GM would have done - create a modern Trans Am using the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro.

As the former owner of a 1977 model, I've been wanting to check out Trans Am Depot ever since I first saw the company have American Choppers build a trio of motorcycles inspired by its Pontiac remakes. So I jumped at the chance to head to Florida's capital city to visit the shop and drive its latest creation, the new Hurst Edition Trans Am. As a collaboration with Hurst, this car made its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show and then popped up again on our radar with a cheesy yet perfectly fitting video back in March.

Driving Notes
  • For this Quick Spin, I was in the black Hurst Edition SEMA car driving behind the gorgeous pearl white example seen here, and between their audacious styling and killer exhaust notes, people kept gawking at us - ok, the cars - as if we were the buxom, bikini-clad babe seen in the aforementioned video.
  • From a styling standpoint, this Trans Am is way more than just a body kit. Trans Am Depot has performed extensive changes to the Camaro's body to give it an appearance that closely resembles the 1977-78 Firebird, with unique front and rear fascias that include modern LED headlights and taillights, as well as era-appropriate down-turned quadruple exhaust outlets. Some of the minor alterations include detail work like adding front fender extractors, removing the Camaro's faux rear wheel vents and adding a little length to the tail section to give the Trans Am a flatter, more unique rear end. Hurst Edition cars are only offered in black, white and silver paint with the iconic shaker hood and Screaming Eagle, and the whole look is finished off with 20-inch, gold-accented honeycomb wheels.
  • As the hood scoop suggests, the Hurst Edition uses the same 6.2-liter V8 as the Camaro SS, and an optional supercharger boosted the power to 575 horsepower at the rear wheels on my test car. There is also a supercharger kit that delivers up to 720 hp, and if that still isn't enough, a twin-turbo kit is available offering 1,100 horses. With 575 hp, the Hurst Edition still has plenty of power to break the wheels lose even with StabiliTrak on, making me wonder how crazy the more powerful versions are. More impressive than the power from this V8 are the noises it makes. Under the hood, a muffled whine hints at the supercharger while the dual exhaust belts out an incredible note under full throttle.
  • Just like the extensive changes made to the car's styling, Trans Am Depot had done more than just dump a ton of extra power under the hood. A one-inch drop in the suspension helps tuck the staggered-width alloys into the wheel wells, while an Eibach sway bar upgrade should help give the heavy Camaro chassis a little more cornering bite. Sadly, I didn't have the chance to put the Hurst Edition T/A through any challenging handling exercises... it is Florida after all.
  • Inside, the Hurst Edition also gets an appropriately retro theme with repatterned seats, restyled instrument gauges and, naturally, a cue-ball short-throw Hurst shifter. The black-and-gold color scheme gives the cabin a classic look while carbon fiber accents on just about every surface adds modern panache with finishing touches like the billet sill plates and embroidered headrests.
  • My biggest disappointment about the interior - and perhaps the entire car itself - is a lack of the sparkly, machined-metallic-look gauge trim found on the dash of the late-'70s Firebirds. To me, this was as defining of an element as the Screaming Chicken for these old Pontiacs. What this car lacks in a single piece of '70s-era trim, though, it more than makes up for with its t-tops. Trans Am Depot used to farm out its T-tops, but has now since up with a proprietary design for improved style and function. GM, take note.
  • Now, turning your Camaro into a Trans Am is no cheap ordeal. If you have a donor fifth-gen Camaro and eight weeks to spare, Trans Am Depot will turn you out a base Hurst Edition starting at $29,985. This former SEMA queen came with some optional add-ons like the $10,550 supercharger kit and a stiff $7,500 for the t-tops.
  • While Trans Am Depot is limiting production of the Hurst Edition, it also offers the 7T7 model (on which the Hurst is based) with its '77 Trans Am styling, as well as the 6T9 built to look like the 1969 Trans Am and the 6T9 Goat styled after the 1969 GTO. And if, for some reason, you doubt just how much these guys love powerful Pontiacs, check out their daily drivers sitting out in front of the shop: a pair of rare Pontiac G8 GXP Firehawk sedans.

2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 chevy camaro2013 hurst edition trans amchevy camarohursthurst edition trans ampontiacpontiac firebirdpontiac trans amtrans am depot Mon, 13 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565340/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565340/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/20565340/article-detail.xml 20565340 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-hurst-edition-trans-am628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-hurst-edition-trans-am628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Boatpack box puts a sailing vessel on your roof]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/boatpack-box-puts-a-sailing-vessel-on-your-roof/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/boatpack-box-puts-a-sailing-vessel-on-your-roof/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/boatpack-box-puts-a-sailing-vessel-on-your-roof/#comments Filed under: ,



Roof-mounted carriers are perfect for adding a little extra cargo capacity when heading off on a road trip, but an Australian company has come up with an innovative way to take advantage of this device when not in use. When not needed to carry cargo, the Boatpack becomes a small, lightweight boat, which, as evidenced by the images, can create some absolutely awkward mother-son bonding time. At $1,590, the Boatpack is not cheap, but if you like spending a little time on a small lake while on vacation, this is a pretty interesting idea.

When needed to store cargo, the lockable Boatpack offers 23 cubic feet of volume, but weighing in at just 44 pounds it's also lightweight enough to be removed by just one person for use as a boat. Oars come included with the Boatpack, but it has also been designed to accommodate electric outboard drive units. And for Tommy Boy fans, we all now have a real excuse to yell "stop playing with your dinghy" at people out on the water.

Boatpack box puts a sailing vessel on your roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> boatingboatpackcargo carrierdinghyportable boats Sun, 12 May 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564173/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564173/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/boatpack-box-puts-a-sailing-vessel-on-your-roof/20564173/article-detail.xml 20564173 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/boatpack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/boatpack.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker-based Destino still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

VL Productions Destino

Wards Auto reports the VL Productions Destino is still moving forward. As you may recall, that machine takes a Fisker Karma hybrid, guts the drivetrain and replaces it with a honking 556 horsepower V8 from General Motors. Bob Lutz, while speaking with Wards, confirmed that VL Productions had obtained 20 Karma "gliders" without a battery, engine or electric motor, and that VL may purchase Karma hybrids from dealers currently looking to dump their inventory. Lutz also says that hundreds of current Karma owners have approached VL Productions about the possibility of converting their hybrids to V8 power.

That conversion could cost between $85,000 and $95,000. Right now, VL has around 100 orders for standard Destino models, each with a price tag of $185,000. Not surprisingly, much of that demand has come from the Middle East. Wards reports that the first wave of deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of this year. Buyers can expect to find a 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine lifted from the Cadillac CTS-V under the hood, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fisker-based Destino still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzdestinofiskerfisker karmavl productions destino Mon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558418/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/20558418/article-detail.xml 20558418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vl-destino-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vl-destino-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


High-zoot supercar tour organizer Gran Turismo Events held its annual Nürburgring track day last month, and in addition to the amateur punters the gates were opened to two tuned supercars from Edo Competition: A Maserati MC12 Corsa and a Ferrari Enzo ZXX. The ZXX, in case you've forgotten, is the same love child of Edo Competition and Zahir Rana's ZR Exotics that belly flopped into the Atlantic during the 2011 Targa Newfoundland.

We get a trip around the Nordschleife with both cars during a no-doubt quick but not insane lap, on board with driver Patrick Simon in the 755-horsepower MC12 and 'Ring queen Sabine Schmitz following in the 840-hp ZXX.

That should be all the build-up you need when the action's in the video below.

Continue reading Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring

Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> edo competitionferrariferrari enzomaseratimaserati mc12Maserati MC12 CorsaNurburgringSabine Schmitzvideoyoutubezahir ranazr exotics Fri, 03 May 2013 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556716/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/20556716/article-detail.xml 20556716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mc12-corsa-vs-edo-zxx-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mc12-corsa-vs-edo-zxx-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey unleashes 445-hp Ford Taurus SHO [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/hennessey-unleashes-445-hp-ford-taurus-sho-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/hennessey-unleashes-445-hp-ford-taurus-sho-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/hennessey-unleashes-445-hp-ford-taurus-sho-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Hennessey Ford Taurus SHO MaxBoost 445 - front three-quarter view

There's plenty to love about the madness that goes on at Hennessey Performance, but for us, it's the fact that the company has no loyalty to any brand or nameplate. If it's quick, it flies at Hennessey. The team recently turned their attention toward squeezing a bit more thrust from the latest-generation Ford Taurus SHO, and the result is the MaxBoost 445. Thanks to a cold-air induction system, new hard piping for the turbo, engine management calibration and a Corsa stainless steel cat-back exhaust, the car dumps 445 horsepower to all four wheels - a bunch more ponies than the standard car's already plentiful 365 hp. It even comes with a 1 year, 12,000 mile warranty.

If that sounds like a party, you can head over to the Hennessey site for more information. You can also watch a video of the MaxBoost 435 upgrade at work on Lincoln MKS twin in the video below.

Continue reading Hennessey unleashes 445-hp Ford Taurus SHO [w/video]

Hennessey unleashes 445-hp Ford Taurus SHO [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ford taurus shohennessey ford taurus shohennessey performancehennessey shohennessey taurus shomaxboost 445 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549650/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/hennessey-unleashes-445-hp-ford-taurus-sho-w-video/20549650/article-detail.xml 20549650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hennessey-ford-taurus-sho-maxboost-445-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hennessey-ford-taurus-sho-maxboost-445-628.jpg <![CDATA[Syrena Sport returns as rebodied Nissan 370Z]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/syrena-sport-returns-as-rebodied-nissan-370z/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/syrena-sport-returns-as-rebodied-nissan-370z/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/syrena-sport-returns-as-rebodied-nissan-370z/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Syrena Sport

We wouldn't hold it against you if you'd never heard of the FSO Syrena Sport. FSO built the long-enduring Syrena for some 17 years nonstop, and while the machines were mostly plodding family sedans, engineers at FSO did create one version with a bit more zest. The Syrena Sport was a two-door coupe that borrowed design cues from Ferrari and was powered by a two-cylinder, air-cooled boxer engine. While originally intended for production, economic woes kept the machine from ever seeing the light of day.

Now, the Syrena Sport is back, though in a slightly different configuration. Entrepreneur Rafal Czubaj has resurrected the name for a special one-off creation designed by Pavlo Burkatskyy. This time around, there is no oddball boxer under the hood, however. Czubaj chose to use the underpinnings from the Nissan 370Z, complete with its 3.7-liter V6 engine. Buyers can choose between a 330-horsepower tune or a 450-hp iteration, and with a curb weight of 2,865 pounds, the car should be plenty quick. Expect acceleration to 60 miles per hour in around 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

Syrena Sport returns as rebodied Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nissannissan 370zpavlo burkatskyyrafal czubajsportsyrenasyrena sport Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546308/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/syrena-sport-returns-as-rebodied-nissan-370z/20546308/article-detail.xml 20546308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/syrenasport-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/syrenasport-628.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VII]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Devils, Details and Weight Reduction

Ford Racing Aluminum Driveshaft

There are many things I could call this exercise. A party is not one of them.

I've spent three days crammed in the axle well of this 1989 Mustang with nothing to keep me company beyond a trouble light, a DeWalt drill on the very last of its legs and billion razor sharp, red hot slivers of metal with an affinity for my most sensitive of regions. My joints are raw from crawling around on the concrete. I'm half deaf from the shriek of the spot weld cutter and the boom of the cold chisel and hammer.

There are many things I could call this exercise. A party is not one of them. You see, after test-fitting the independent rear suspension from a 2004 Mustang Cobra into the old Fox Body I was left with the really challenging portion of the install: the details.

Technically, I could have simply plumbed some brake lines, said, "screw the emergency brake," dropped in a driveshaft and rolled, but I want this car to function in all the ways a road machine should, while still being able turn a decent lap on a road course. Combine that desire with a compulsion to scrape every ounce of unnecessary weight from the Mustang, and the result is me doing my best impression of a hammer-wielding Quasimodo, contorted into the void where the rear suspension should be.

Need to catch up on Project Ugly Horse? Take a look at the earlier posts here!

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1989 ford mustangautoblog project ugly horseautoblog ugly horsefeaturedfordford mustangugly horseugly horse mustang Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537842/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537842/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/20537842/article-detail.xml 20537842 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/driveshaft-628-1365714962_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/driveshaft-628-1365714962.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby boosts production of 575-hp Raptor on early demand]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/shelby-boosts-production-of-575-hp-raptor-on-early-demand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/shelby-boosts-production-of-575-hp-raptor-on-early-demand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/shelby-boosts-production-of-575-hp-raptor-on-early-demand/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Shelby-tuned 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - live at New York Auto Show reveal

Shelby American unveiled its all-new Shelby Raptor at the New York Auto Show last month, saying that it would build just 100 examples of its off-road bad boy, a pickup priced at $17,995 over the cost of the donor Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. But the Las Vegas outfit apparently underestimated just how popular the supercharged 575-horsepower 4x4 would actually be.

Strong early demand reportedly has Shelby singing a whole new tune, as the company is now saying it will build upwards of 500 units annually. While the increased production will likely make for at least 400 more happy owners, those who were on the original short list - possibly speculating on future values - might not be grinning as much. Needless to say, the company has assured everyone that each and every one of the modified Raptors will still be listed in the official Shelby registry.

Keep in mind that Ford isn't sitting idle on its trophy-truck-for-the-street, either. The company will reveal its own 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition this month.

Shelby boosts production of 575-hp Raptor on early demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford f-150 svt raptorfordford f-150 svt raptorshelbyshelby automobilesshelby f-150shelby raptorshelby svt f-150 raptor Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530699/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/shelby-boosts-production-of-575-hp-raptor-on-early-demand/20530699/article-detail.xml 20530699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/shelby-raptor-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/shelby-raptor-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes SL gets a whole safari-worth of materials from Vilner]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/mercedes-sl-gets-a-whole-safari-worth-of-materials-from-vilner/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/mercedes-sl-gets-a-whole-safari-worth-of-materials-from-vilner/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/mercedes-sl-gets-a-whole-safari-worth-of-materials-from-vilner/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Bulgarian tuner Vilner has done a job on the interior of the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SL and left almost no surface untouched. Calling it "one of their bravest projects," the standard leather has been replaced with either antiqued brown Nappa leather or crocodile hide, the plastics have been covered in Alcantara with the same material lining the roof, and the wood has been redone, in some cases painted by hand, to match the decor.

And although the firm says its changes have made the convertible "not seem that flamboyant," it does also sport lasers in the doors that beam Vilner's logo. The press release below has the rest of the details.

Continue reading Mercedes SL gets a whole safari-worth of materials from Vilner

Mercedes SL gets a whole safari-worth of materials from Vilner originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aftermarketmercedesmercedes sl-classtunervilnervilner mercedes sl Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523432/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/mercedes-sl-gets-a-whole-safari-worth-of-materials-from-vilner/20523432/article-detail.xml 20523432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vilnercrocsl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vilnercrocsl.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1987 Glenfrome Facet hides its Land Rover identity well]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-glenfrome-facet-hides-its-land-rover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-glenfrome-facet-hides-its-land-rover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-glenfrome-facet-hides-its-land-rover/#comments Filed under: , , ,

1987 Glenfrome Facet - Dramatically rebodied Land Rover Range Rover - eBay photo

You'll get to keep your Car Guy membership card even if you haven't heard of Glenfrome of England. The company was founded in the 1970s and made some noise in the 1980s with rebodied Land Rover Range Rover creations that were, to be charitable, weird as hell. The mid-Eighties marked out a high-water point for the coachbuilders, as Glenfrome turned out six-door limos, open-backed and stair-equipped versions for reviewing military exercises (no kidding) and the utterly inscrutable Glenfrome Facet that you see before you.

Nothing makes sense about this eBay Motors listing for a 1987 Glenfrome Facet Convertible. Nothing. Its styling suggests the historically and biologically impossible progeny of a Lamborghini LM002, an Isuzu Amigo and a Volkswagen Schwimmwagen. Its pedigree suggests that it should be in the deepest reaches of some Saudi's car warehouse, not parked in a driveway in South Carolina. And its rose metallic paint over burgundy leather interior does not conceptually jive with the Desert Storm tribute on its spare tire cover. Based on the pictures here, we're guessing that the digital camera employed is from roughly the same vintage as the vehicle, too.

Rather than fight it, however, we've decided to treasure the uniqueness of finding this "Crown Prince of Saudi" Range Rover redo up for sale right here in the US. Though far from vouching for the provenance of the Facet, we suspect that this vehicle is so rare and weird that is must, almost certainly, be the real deal. Whether or not that likely validity makes it worth $52,000 (the current Buy It Now price on the listing) is another story entirely. Caveat Emptor.

eBay Find of the Day: 1987 Glenfrome Facet hides its Land Rover identity well originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1987 glenfrome facet1987 land rover range roverebay find of the dayglenfromeglenfrome facetland roverland rover range rover Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523375/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1987-glenfrome-facet-hides-its-land-rover/20523375/article-detail.xml 20523375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/1987-range-rover-gelnfrome-facet-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/1987-range-rover-gelnfrome-facet-628.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Raptor is a 575-horsepower off-road goliath]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/shelby-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-new-york/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/shelby-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-new-york/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/shelby-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-new-york/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Shelby Raptor

Shelby American has definitely proven itself when it comes to tuning the Ford Mustang - look no further than its new 1,200-horsepower Shelby 1000 - but now the Las Vegas tuner has turned to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

The big change for this already high-performance off-road pickup is the addition of a supercharger atop Ford's 6.2-liter V8, with spent gasses exiting through a Borla exhaust system. This improves the horsepower rating from a stock rating of 411 up to a shenanigan-ready 575. For a Shelby, the styling of this F-150 is very toned down, with only the company's name etched into the Raptor's digital mud to go along with custom wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires.

The company is only planning to build 100 of the Shelby Raptors per year, with pricing set at $17,995 on top of the stock donor Ford, which starts at $43,630. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Shelby Raptor is a 575-horsepower off-road goliath

Shelby Raptor is a 575-horsepower off-road goliath originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford f-1502013 ford f-150 svt raptor2013 new york auto showford f-150ford f-150 svt raptorford raptornew yorknew york auto showshelbyshelby automobilesshelby raptorsvt Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20521547/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20521547/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/shelby-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-new-york/20521547/article-detail.xml 20521547 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/shelby-raptor-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/shelby-raptor-ny.jpg -1 2