Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Ford named featured marque for 2009 SEMA Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/ford-named-featured-marque-for-2009-sema-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/ford-named-featured-marque-for-2009-sema-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/ford-named-featured-marque-for-2009-sema-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ford at SEMA 2008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Although the auto industry is suffering through dark times, there's a faint light glowing in the form of this year's SEMA show. With automakers scaling back at some of the world's largest auto expos, the 2009 aftermarket extravaganza is anticipating one of its highest turnouts in years, from both exhibitors and attendees.

As the featured automaker at SEMA 2009, Ford is leading the charge, and in addition to plenty of bespoke offerings from both the Blue Oval, SEMA organizers are planning to announce "several 'first-ever' programs" in the coming weeks. With all the doom and gloom surround the industry, we're looking forward to a respite later this year, and it looks like the SEMA show, running November 3 through 6, could be it.


Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Booth

Continue reading Ford named featured marque for 2009 SEMA Show

Ford named featured marque for 2009 SEMA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford sema 2009FordSema2009semasema 2009Sema2009Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan skipping SEMA this year, Mazda limiting presence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/as-the-economy-takes-its-toll-automakers-scaling-back-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/as-the-economy-takes-its-toll-automakers-scaling-back-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/as-the-economy-takes-its-toll-automakers-scaling-back-at-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Troy Lee Designs Mazda6 from SEMA 2008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Participation at last year's SEMA show was notable for its absences, with the event's organizers struggling at the last minute to fill vacated floor space with companies that would have normally been shunned to the outer regions of the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the economic melt-down continues, last year's trend has extended from parts suppliers and mom-and-pop operations to big-name automakers.

Last year, Nissan formally announced that it would only attend one show per continent during its fiscal year (April 1 through March 31) and since Nissan considers SEMA to be one of the "major" shows in North America, it won't be attending the 2009 aftermarket extravaganza. Nissan's Darryll Harrison told us that the automaker wouldn't be participating in any more U.S. expos this year, and with its fiscal year ending in March of 2010, don't expect Nissan to appear at another event in the States until late 2010 (read: LA Auto Show).

Mazda's participation at SEMA will be significantly reduced this November, with the automaker deciding to forgo formal Mazda or Mazdaspeed stands in favor of releasing a few vehicles to select aftermarket firms to trick-out and display at their own booths. Mazda's Director of Communications, Jeremy Barnes, justifies the scaling back of its trade-show presence by saying, "We have chosen to focus our funds where we can directly access consumers" and SEMA isn't it. Barnes went on to say that the new Mazda3 will be prominently featured at this year's event, with at least two models being built for show duty with the automaker's full cooperation, along with a few yet-to-be-disclosed projects.

General Motors and Ford are expected to attend, although the jury is still out on Chrysler, and Honda is currently evaluating their presence, although it may be reduced compared to previous years. No matter what automakers pull-out of this year's show, expect less products on tables, fewer vendors on the floor and even fewer attendees as the aftermarket continues to struggle to keep its head above water.


Gallery: SEMA 2008: Troy Lee Design Mazda6

Nissan skipping SEMA this year, Mazda limiting presence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmazdanissansemaThu, 07 May 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Finds of the Day: Pontiac Vibe GT-R and G6 GXP SEMA showcars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/ebay-finds-of-the-day-pontiac-vibe-gt-r-and-g6-gxp-sema-showcar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/ebay-finds-of-the-day-pontiac-vibe-gt-r-and-g6-gxp-sema-showcar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/ebay-finds-of-the-day-pontiac-vibe-gt-r-and-g6-gxp-sema-showcar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Pontiac G6 GXP (above) and Vibe GT-R (below right) SEMA show cars - Click either image to view in high resolution

Pontiac fans are undoubtedly going to miss the role-out of new concept cars from the not-long-for-this-world GM division. But for a lucky two, that thrill can be experienced every day on their own driveway as two past Pontiac show cars have popped up on eBay Motors for sale.

First up is the Pontiac Vibe GT-R that debuted at the 2002 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Boasting a unique Opera Red Metallic paint job, ram-air induction hood scoop, special body-kit, PIAA driving lights, 19-inch rims, custom suspension, Kenwood hi-fi, a full Momo interior... oh, and a 190hp 1.8-liter DOHC four, the Vibe GT-R was created as a rolling showcase of aftermarket possibilities for the Toyota-based tall hatch -- without focusing on the pesky performance end of things.

Joining the unique Vibe is the Pontiac G6 GXP show car which debuted at the same show two years later. GM's Performance Division built the show car for SEMA to test public reaction for a performance-oriented G6. Reaction was good, and the car went into production, but the show car maintained a more stunning visual appearance. The show-quality orange hue is offset by the dark grey splitter up front and diffuser around back, and the engine and suspension were tweaked to show the Pontiac's performance potential.

With GM forced to sell off its collection of past concept cars and Pontiac going the way of the Oldsmobile, both these low-mileage cars present unique opportunities for enthusiasts and collectors to get their hands on a piece of soon-to-be-history. Follow the links to view the auctions, which both end at 6pm Pacific time on May 3, or click on the thumbnails below to see the images in our high-res mega galleries. Props to Berto for the tip!


Gallery: Pontiac Vibe GT-R SEMA 2002 show car on eBay


Gallery: Pontiac G6 GXP SEMA 2004 show car on eBay



[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Finds of the Day: Pontiac Vibe GT-R and G6 GXP SEMA showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebayebay motorsebay motors pontiacebay pontiac concept carsEbayMotorsEbayMotorsPontiacEbayPontiacConceptCarsgeneral motorsgeneral motors performance divisionGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsPerformanceDivisiongmgm concept carsgm performance divisionGmConceptCarsGmPerformanceDivisionpontiacpontiac conceptpontiac concept carpontiac g6pontiac g6 gxppontiac show carpontiac vibepontiac vibe gt-rPontiacConceptPontiacConceptCarPontiacG6PontiacG6GxpPontiacShowCarPontiacVibePontiacVibeGt-rsemashow carShowCarspecialty equipment market associationSpecialtyEquipmentMarketAssociationThu, 30 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo - Some assembly required]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ebay-find-of-the-day-2006-lamborghini-gallardo-some-assembly/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ebay-find-of-the-day-2006-lamborghini-gallardo-some-assembly/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ebay-find-of-the-day-2006-lamborghini-gallardo-some-assembly/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Lamborghini Gallardo exploded-parts-diagram eBay find - Click above for a gallery

The shell of the Lamborghini Gallardo that was gutted to make the bizarre Ford-Mustang-meets-Lamborghini Tractorri showcar is for sale on eBay.

The orange bull is laid out like Humpty Dumpty for some well-heeled Alice - or Alistair - to put back together again. The only thing is you'll need to find a new engine, driveline, suspension, interior, and electronics among other things, since they were all used for the SEMA car. Or, you could just pick up the innards of a Mustang and make the inverse of the Tractorri -- the Mustardo, perhaps? You can bid at the link, or just have a look at the exploded-parts-diagram gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Jake!


Gallery: Tractorri Gallardo Parts


Gallery: Tractorri Lamborghini Mustang


[Sources: eBay; The Mustang News]

eBay Find of the Day: 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo - Some assembly required originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction actionAuctionActionebayGALLARDOlamborghinilamborghini gallardoLamborghiniGallardosemasportssupercartractorri lamborghini mustangTractorriLamborghiniMustangTue, 31 Mar 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: The Batsmart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batsmart/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batsmart/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batsmart/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


BatSmart from SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most unusual vehicles to grace last year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas is now up for auction on eBay Motors. Called the BatSmart, this little vehicle was unlike most of the high-octane pieces of rolling artwork at the event in that it used just three pistons and 70 horsepower to move along its twin passengers. What it loses in power, though, it makes up in style, right?

Designed by George Barris himself, creator of the original Batmobile from the mid '60s, the Batsmart features a faux turbine and rocket launchers to go along with its full custom body kit, which includes the requisite rear batfins and rodent-like pointy nose. Click here to see the auction page and be sure to check out our gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Mick!


Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: Batsmart


Gallery: SEMA 2008: Barris BatSMART


[Source: eBay via All Cars All The Time]

eBay Find of the Day: The Batsmart originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmobilebatsmartebayebay auctionebay find of the dayEbayAuctionEbayFindOfTheDayebaymotorsgeorge barrisGeorgeBarrisTue, 17 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Ronn Motor Company Scorpion - Click above for a high-res gallery

Driving prototypes is practically useless. It's next to impossible to get a feel for what the production version is capable of, and you rarely get a chance to explore the limits. Our time with the Ronn Motor Company Scorpion didn't change that sentiment, but it did give us a glimpse into the upstart's future and how its program is progressing since the concept's introduction at last year's SEMA show. Tooling around Sacramento in the V6-powered, hydrogen-injected roadster, the unmuffled exhaust made us almost as uncomfortable as the lack of seatbelts. But to the company's credit, the Scorpion is a rarity in the show-car world - a concept that actually drives. So when the call came from Texas to get some wheel-time in the Scorpion, we jumped at the chance. Hell, Arnold Schwarzenegger personally invited the Ronn Motors crew to the Capitol to get a closer look... who are we to deny the chance to hold court with the Governator?


Gallery: Driven: Ronn Motors Scorpion


Photos copyright (C)2009 Brad Wood / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar

Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraautobloggreendrivenfeaturedGreenH2GOhydrogenreviewreviewedronn motor companyronn motor company scorpionronn motorsRonnMotorCompanyRonnMotorCompanyScorpionRonnMotorsscorpiontest driveTestDriveMon, 16 Mar 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Hurst HEMI Challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/first-drive-hurst-hemi-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/first-drive-hurst-hemi-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/first-drive-hurst-hemi-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Hurst HEMI Challenger

Cars-n-Coffee is a weekly gathering of automobilia in Irvine, California at Ford's former Premier Auto Group parking lot. Every Saturday morning from 6AM, Ferraris, Jaguars, Lamborghinis, Porsches, '50s hot rods, Mercedes, Camaros, you name it, rumble their way into the lot. On one recent overcast morning, Autoblog headed down to the dawn soiree, having been offered a drive in the Hurst HEMI Challenger. Although 6AM is closer to our bedtime than it is to reveille, we stayed up and paid a visit to the Challenger, hoping to find out if it had any hope of being a champion. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Hurst Hemi Challenger


Photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: Hurst HEMI Challenger

First Drive: Hurst HEMI Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcars and coffeeCarsAndCoffeechallengerdodge challengerDodgeChallengerfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehursthurst hemi challengerHurstHemiChallengersematunerMon, 29 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: RMR Genesis Coupe runs, turns and poses for pictures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/video-rmr-genesis-coupe-runs-turns-and-poses-for-pictures/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/video-rmr-genesis-coupe-runs-turns-and-poses-for-pictures/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/video-rmr-genesis-coupe-runs-turns-and-poses-for-pictures/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the RMR Genesis Coupe

Rhys Millen Racing's Hyundai Genesis Coupe enjoyed some time in the spotlight at SEMA, but it's hard to see the potential of the new coupe sitting stationary on the show stand. So RMR brought out the Genesis Coupe to take up space in their pit during the Red Bull Drifting World Championship and the crew at Streetfire.net captured some video of the Genesis running around, posing or pics. In the clip, the pilot of the coupe never put his boot down, but it still sounded mean with a deep gurgle and the Turbonetics turbocharger whirring at low rpms. In person, the build also came across as very well constructed with a lot of attention to detail. Regardless of the advertised build time, it was carefully pieced together by a knowledgeable bunch.

Be sure and check out the galleries below for the whole collection of RMR Genesis Coupe images and hit the jump to check out the video.

Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe


Gallery: SEMA 2008: Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe


Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading VIDEO: RMR Genesis Coupe runs, turns and poses for pictures

VIDEO: RMR Genesis Coupe runs, turns and poses for pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupegenesisgenesis coupeGenesisCoupehyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisCouperhys millenrhys millen racingRhysMillenRhysMillenRacingrmr genesis coupeRmrGenesisCoupeMon, 17 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-SEMA Surprise: The Scion xB Taco Truck!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/post-sema-surprise-the-scion-xb-taco-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/post-sema-surprise-the-scion-xb-taco-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/post-sema-surprise-the-scion-xb-taco-truck/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Scion xB Taco Truck

The 2008 SEMA Show ended last week, but for some inexplicable reason, Toyota forget to mention this little diddy that was supposedly tucked away in a corner of the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is exactly what it's name implies: a Scion xB that's been transformed into a taco truck of all things. Normally SEMA project cars are tuned for superfluous high performance and look like rejects from the Paul Walker Sport Compact Hall of Fame, but the xB Taco Truck can at least do something, i.e. serve that staple of the Mexican diet to legions of hungry lunch goers. From what we can tell, the vehicle uses the xB's platform, keeps the front end and dash and ditches the rest to make room for a stainless steel mobile kitchen. The truck was reportedly built from scratch by Louie Contreras with hand-painted graphics applied by Kenton Parker. Good job guys, it's... um... interesting, and probably the most fuel-efficient taco truck ever made. While it may be good on fuel, the Scion xB Taco Truck will likely be responsible for an entirely different kind of gas if it ever gets pressed into service.

Gallery: Scion xB Taco Truck


[Source: Toyota, Carscoop]

Post-SEMA Surprise: The Scion xB Taco Truck! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>scion taco truckscion xb taco truckScionTacoTruckScionXbTacoTruckFri, 14 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Shelby to sponsor Las Vegas NASCAR race, offer 427 package for GT500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/shelby-to-sponsor-las-vegas-nascar-race-offer-427-package-for-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/shelby-to-sponsor-las-vegas-nascar-race-offer-427-package-for-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/shelby-to-sponsor-las-vegas-nascar-race-offer-427-package-for-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the hustle and bustle of SEMA last week we missed the announcement that Shelby Automobiles will be sponsoring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motorspeedway in March. The race will actually be lengthened to 427 miles and will be called the 'Shelby 427'. We think it would be more historically appropriate for Shelby to sponsor a road racing event, but the company's proximity to the race track and the better marketing reach make NASCAR a logical choice.

In conjunction with the sponsorship, Shelby will be offering a 427 package for the GT500. Hoping for a 427ci engine conversion? So were we, but prepare to be disappointed. The 427 package will be a simple badge job and will include "Mr. Shelby's personal autograph as well as many other event-related add-ons." Those who purchase the package will also receive race tickets and the possibility to serve as the race's honorary starter. Full details on the race and the 427 upgrade package are in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby to sponsor Las Vegas NASCAR race, offer 427 package for GT500

Shelby to sponsor Las Vegas NASCAR race, offer 427 package for GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NASCARShelbyShelby 427Shelby GT500Shelby427ShelbyGt500Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept... moving and stuff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/video-dodge-challenger-srt10-concept-moving-and-stuff/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/video-dodge-challenger-srt10-concept-moving-and-stuff/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/video-dodge-challenger-srt10-concept-moving-and-stuff/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above to view video of the Challenger SRT10 after the jump

We left last week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas with a much deeper respect for the Dodge Challenger. We're so used to seeing Mustangs dominate the automotive aftermarket trade show and expected the new Chevy Camaro, which was actually the Official Car of SEMA this year, to make a big splash. But it was the Challenger that was on hand in droves, be it from independent shops and tuners who got their hands on one to play with or Dodge itself, which showed up at SEMA with three Challenger concepts, the most impressive of which was arguably the Challenger SRT10 Concept (the other two were the Challenger Targa and Blacktop). Imbued with the Viper's 8.4L V10 producing 600 horsepower, as well as functional upgrades like a ram air scoop, carbon fiber front splitter, Bilstein shocks and bigger wheels and brakes, the Challenger SRT10 arrived in Vegas ready to do business. Unfortunately, the business at hand was looking pretty in Dodge's display. Thankfully we found this video online of the Challenger SRT10 doing what we want it to: convert solid rubber into a gaseous state. Follow the jump for a video of the Challenger SRT10 not only doing burnouts, but hustling around corners and blasting down straights like it was meant to do.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Challenger SRT10


Gallery: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept


[Source: Road2Road.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept... moving and stuff

VIDEO: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept... moving and stuff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challenger srt10ChallengerSrt10dodge challenger srt10DodgeChallengerSrt10Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Ford pickup concept gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/sema-2008-ford-pickup-concept-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/sema-2008-ford-pickup-concept-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/sema-2008-ford-pickup-concept-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford concept pickups from SEMA
We managed to track down most of the Ford concept pickups on our last day at SEMA. Hidden across the street, right in the front of the outdoor lot, just under the huge "Built Ford Tough" sign, there they were. We saw the Performance West Striker R F-150 and it's bigger brother Striker F-350, as well as the Street Scene Equipment Lariat that sort of reminded us of a certain bike-branded Ford truck. The F-150 Striker was reminiscent us of the Saleen S331 we sampled last year, and the F-350 was much the same only, uh, more so. We even came across an older Performance West version of the Striker sitting on the main sidewalk in front of the central hall.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford pickup concepts


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Ford pickup concept gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-150f-350ford f-seriesFordF-seriesperformance westperformance west groupperformance west group ford f-350 strikerPerformanceWestPerformanceWestGroupPerformanceWestGroupFordF-350Strikersemasema 2008Sema2008street scene equipmentStreetSceneEquipmentStrikerstrikerf-150rstrikerf350Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Ecto-1 scares up plenty of attention in Vegas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-ecto-1-scares-up-plenty-of-attention-in-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-ecto-1-scares-up-plenty-of-attention-in-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-ecto-1-scares-up-plenty-of-attention-in-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ecto-1
With Halloween behind us and most of the spooks and spectres returned to their natural realm, the Ghostbusters gang had some time to kill and headed over to the Las Vegas Convention Center to check out the excitement of SEMA. Fortunately for them they were given a prime parking spot right outside the hall. (We had to park half mile away or catch a cab.) The Ecto-1 attracted a lot of attention throughout the week, possibly because of the Ray Parker, Jr. soundtrack blaring from its stereo. It was a fan favorite for sure, and one of ours as well.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ecto-1 in Vegas, baby


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Ecto-1 scares up plenty of attention in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecto 1ecto-1ecto1ghostbustersghostbusters ecto-1GhostbustersEcto-1semasema 2008Sema2008Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Custom ThunderFlite T-Bird soars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-custom-thunderflite-t-bird-soars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-custom-thunderflite-t-bird-soars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-custom-thunderflite-t-bird-soars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the ThunderFlite Thunderbird
Suzie and Dean Arnold dreamt of building a show car that would evoke the spirit of the dream cars that manufacturers used to build in the '50s and '60s. They decided to use a 1961 Thunderbird as the base vehicle and got long-time collaborator Don Johnson to finalize the design. Then Dean got to work building it. The result is the car you see here. To most of the people passing it at SEMA this week, they probably thought it was a vintage dream car rather than a modern custom. It certainly looked like it had just been dusted off and shined up after sitting mothballed for the past 40 years. Every detail seems period correct, and we particularly liked the Batmobile-esque double-bubble roof. Click over to ThunderFlite.com for more background info, and check out our gallery for more high-res pics.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: ThunderFlite Thunderbird


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Custom ThunderFlite T-Bird soars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1961 Thunderbird1961ThunderbirdDean ArnoldDeanArnolddon johnsonDonJohnsonsemasema 2008Sema2008thunderbirdThunderFliteSun, 09 Nov 2008 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Hennessey shows a pair of turbocharged Ford GTs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-hennessey-shows-a-pair-of-turbocharged-ford-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-hennessey-shows-a-pair-of-turbocharged-ford-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-hennessey-shows-a-pair-of-turbocharged-ford-gts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Hennessey Ford GTs
Hennessey is perhaps more closely associated with Dodge Vipers to most people, but they also do work on Ford's late, great supercar, the Ford GT, too. What Hennessey does with the GT is sort of up to you. One option they can do is a swap, wherein the factory supercharger is removed and a pair of turbos are fitted. With additional modifications, that car can reach more than 235 mph. If it strikes you as a sacrilegious thing to do to a rare factory-supercharged car, you can keep your blower and simply add the twin turbos as well. They call that one the Ford GT1000 for the metric tonne of horsepower it produces. It can squirt from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds and cover the quarter in 10.6 on its way past 240 mph. The company had one of each on hand at SEMA this year in front of the duPont Registry trailer. Decisions, decisions. We'll take one of each.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Hennessey Ford GTs


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Hennessey shows a pair of turbocharged Ford GTs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Carbonite SL

If you were this close to purchasing an SLR but recent events concerning a guy named Lehman severely reduced your amount of disposable cash, then allow us to introduce you to the SL Carbonite. For the price of a 2003-2008 Mercedes SL, plus $47,400 for Carbonite's hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, lowered suspension and Mandrus 20-inch wheels, you can have an SL(R) for a song that's a lot less pricey than the Mercedes-McLaren. Carbonite has also said it will only build 20 of these cars per year, which means your money could get you even more exclusivity than the real thing. Of course, what your money can't do is erase the fact that you don't actually have the real thing -- but that hasn't stopped so many others... Check out the high-res gallery of doppelganger shots below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R)

SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R) for the economic downturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcarbonitecarbonite slCarboniteSlconvertiblescoupesmclaren slrMclarenSlrmercedes mclaren slrmercedes slMercedesMclarenSlrMercedesSlsemasema 2008Sema2008slslrtunersSun, 09 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: SMART goes John Deere green]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-smart-goes-john-deere-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-smart-goes-john-deere-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-smart-goes-john-deere-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Black Deere smart from SEMA
Tom Mutchler at Consumer Reports says his first drive in a SMART reminded him of his John Deere x300 lawn tractor. Slow and noisy, but they both fit in his garage. Apparently, Black Deere LLC had the same impression of the little car and showed up at SEMA with one in John Deere's green and yellow livery. Other than being painted to match farm machinery, the SMART ForTwo Passion Cabriolet sports four air horns and an air-compressor powered truck horn. You might not see this thing coming at you, but by God you'll hear it. Unfortunately, we can't find out much about the car's customizer, Black Deere. SEMA's information lists an inactive URL and Google turns up only the story from SEMA.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Black Deere Smart


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

SEMA 2008: SMART goes John Deere green originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of K.I.T.T. and the Mio GPS
There were a lot of movie and TV-themed vehicles at SEMA this year, but one of our favorite entertainment tie-ins had to be the Mio Knight Rider GPS system. We told you about this way back in June, played with it when the new K.I.T.T. visited the Autoblog Garage, and messed with it some more in Vegas. It sounds exactly like you'd hope it would. "Michael, you're going the wrong way, you ninny," isn't in the regular playlist, but it did have some attitude. Even better than laying hands on the Mio, however, was the fact that K.I.T.T. ( no, not the Mustang) was actually in the Mio booth selling the product. It was almost too much to handle. As we told you in June, the Mio Knight Rider GPS unit uses the voice the one-and-only William Daniels, the original voice of K.I.T.T., and asks cordially "Hello Michael, where do you want to go today?" when powered up. The 4.3-inch LCD display is also flanked by a series of red LEDs reminiscent of K.I.T.T.'s nose-mounted lights. It's available for sale now at about $270.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: K.I.T.T. helps sell GPS systems


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: K.I.T.T. helps sell Knight Rider GPS for Mio originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>k.i.t.t.kittknight riderknight rider gpsknight rider kittKnightRiderKnightRiderGpsKnightRiderKittmiomio gpsmio knight ridermio knight rider gpsMioGpsMioKnightRiderMioKnightRiderGpspontiac firebirdPontiac Firebird Trans AmPontiacFirebirdPontiacFirebirdTransAmsemasema 2008Sema2008trans amTransAmSun, 09 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Factory Five GTM looks slick in copper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-factory-five-gtm-looks-slick-in-copper/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-factory-five-gtm-looks-slick-in-copper/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-factory-five-gtm-looks-slick-in-copper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Factory Five GTM
Factory Five is one of those companies that you may have heard of but probably don't know where. If you happen to correctly relate them to the car world, you might remember them as a kit car company, one of dozens of Cobra re-creators out there. Well, a few years back they decided to do something a little bit different. They created their own unique design rather than copying someone else's work. The result was the Factory Five GTM.

Some see Ford GT40, others see Corvette and still others think it's an Ascari, Nobel, Rossion or even a Carrera GT. While it may somewhat resemble some of those other great shapes, it is truly something unique. Well, sort of. Like the Anteros we just told you about, there's a bit of Corvette in the mix. It uses a bespoke chassis, but is powered by an LS7 V8. Weighing in at just 2,350 lbs. it has the power-to-weight ratio of a Rolex Grand-Am prototype. It can get to sixty from a standstill in 3 seconds and cover the quarter in 11 flat. We saw one in Vegas at SEMA and when people asked about it in the supercar gallery post, we decided it might need a little extra attention. Enjoy the gallery and if you decide you'd like one, you're in luck. Factory Five is offering $2,000 off the kits.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Factory Five GTM looks good in copper


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Factory Five GTM looks slick in copper originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Charger Coupe
We had heard rumors that there was going to be a Dodge Charger Coupe at SEMA this year. We had hoped it would be something like the Charger show car from several years ago, the black one that looked a lot like the bad guy's car in Bullitt. In fact, that car was supposed to be made and shown at SEMA, but we never tracked it down. What we did find was probably just as good. If it wasn't going to be black, it might as well have been orange, and orange it was. Orange with a black confederate flag on the roof and a big "01" on the doors. Yep, it was the General Lee. In a year when we saw a Fast and Furious real Charger, a Bullitt movie Mustang, the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, and a smart fortwo that had made a trip to the Batcave, it was probably inevitable that we would find the General amidst all of the Challengers and other MOPARS on display. Not that we're complaining or anything.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: General Lee Charger Coupe


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Charger Coupe shows up in General Lee trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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