Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Brothers by Design: Alfa MiTo joins 8C for family portraits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/brothers-by-design-alfa-mito-joins-8c-for-family-portraits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/brothers-by-design-alfa-mito-joins-8c-for-family-portraits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/brothers-by-design-alfa-mito-joins-8c-for-family-portraits/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the Alfa Romeo brothers in hi-res

When I was a little kid I wanted to be like my big brother. I would dress the same as him, go to the same places as him, do the same things as him... It never really worked because, at the end of the day, I never looked anything like him. So while I doubt I was the only one, I had one eyebrow raised when Alfa Romeo set out to mimic the design of its show-stoppin', range-toppin' 8C Competizione with a new entry-level model. A mass-market hatchback designed to look like an ultra-exclusive supercar? Well Alfa arguably achieved just that with the new MiTo, and to prove that point it's graced us with a whole gallery of new images of the two siblings side by side. The kid brother may look that much more junior in juxtaposition, but the resemblance is uncanny. See for yourself in the gallery by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C

[Source: Alfa Romeo via Fresh Tarmac]

 

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]]>alfa 8c competizionealfa 8c mitoalfa galleryalfa mitoalfa romeoalfa romeo 8c competizione mitoAlfa8cCompetizioneAlfa8cMitoAlfaGalleryAlfaMitoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeo8cCompetizioneMito2008-05-12T20:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ex-Tesla CEO irked over which Roadster he's getting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ex-tesla-ceo-irked-over-which-roadster-hes-getting/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ex-tesla-ceo-irked-over-which-roadster-hes-getting/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ex-tesla-ceo-irked-over-which-roadster-hes-getting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Martin Eberhard first conceived of what ultimately became Tesla Motors and the Tesla Roadster when he couldn't get AC Propulsion to build him a TZero. Since he wanted a battery-powered sports car, Eberhard set out to bring together a team that would build his dream car. Of course, it was always his intention to buy the first car for himself, but creating a car company from scratch is not a low budget proposition. Hence Eberhard had to bring in some investors to fund the program. PayPal founder Elon Musk came in big with a pile of cash in return for which he requested the first car. After some haggling, Eberhard agreed to take Roadster number 2 and things moved along.

As we now know, Tesla encountered some speed bumps along the way and production got delayed by many months. The first production model was completed in December 2007, and delivered to Musk in February. Series production officially kicked off on March 17 of this year with the car with serial number 2 starting down the line. That car destined for Eberhard has yet to leave the Lotus factory in England. Meanwhile two other cars have been completed and one has been delivered to a customer in the U.S. while the other has been touring Europe for the last couple of weeks. Needless to say, Martin Eberhard is not pleased about other people getting their Roadsters before him. The problem is that automotive build sequences are a very complicated matter, which are only made worse when you blend big egos into the mix. The matter comes down to the difference between what the VIN numbers say and which cars we're actually built when. AutoblogGreen has a detailed report on what was "promised" to Eberhard, and what is being delivered, including documents provided by Eberhard.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>darryl sirydarryl-siryDarrylSirymartin eberhardmartin-eberhardMartinEberhardproductionproduction delayproduction sequenceProductionDelayProductionSequencetesla evtesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaEvTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadster2008-05-12T12:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[HSV Tourer super-wagon set to haul stuff, ass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/hsv-tourer-super-wagon-set-to-haul-stuff-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/hsv-tourer-super-wagon-set-to-haul-stuff-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/hsv-tourer-super-wagon-set-to-haul-stuff-ass/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click image to enlarge

Like the sedan and ute before it, the Holden Commodore Sportwagon will also soon have a corresponding HSV performance variant. The HSV Tourer is essentially an HSV Clubsport R8 Wagon, as it features the muscle sedan's front clip and 425-horsepower (317kW) LS3 V8 powertrain. Look for it to arrive arrive in Australia this October and in the U.S. as a Pontiac, well, never. (Pontiac has no plans to bring over the Commodore Sportwagon, remember.)

HSV admits that the Tourer could take some sales away from the Clubsport R8 upon which it's based, but that the presence of the wagon in the now-complete HSV lineup should still help HSV's sales numbers overall. Drive.com.au notes that the Commodore Sportwagon was supposed to launch back in March, but has been delayed while Holden continues to work out kinks with the wagon bodystyle. We expect to get plenty more info on the HSV Tourer closer to its launch, but today, we're more bummed than ever that Pontiac isn't importing the Commodore Sportwagon. Imagine what the possibilities could have been... Pontiac G8 Safari GXP? Not bad. And unfortunately, not gonna happen.

[Sources: HSV, Drive.com.au]

 

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]]>Clubsport R8ClubsportR8Commodore SportwagonCommodoreSportwagonHolden CommodoreHoldenCommodoreHSV station wagonHSV TourerHSV wagonHsvStationWagonHsvTourerHsvWagonHV sportwagonHvSportwagon2008-05-12T09:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: The Jerrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-jerrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-jerrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-jerrari/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for gallery of the Jerrari

In 1963, Henry Ford II wanted to win Le Mans badly and was all set to buy Ferrari to boost Ford's racing program. Enzo Ferrari pulled out of the deal at the last moment, angering Ford II so badly that he went on to fund development of the legendary GT40 that went on to take many motorsports victories.

A few years later, Mr. Ferrari pissed off yet another powerfully rich American businessman with the outcome being the automotive abomination you see before you. Bill Harrah of Harrah's Casino fame asked Ferrari to construct for him an Italian 4X4 wearing the prancing horse badge. While no one thought to archive the response from Ferrari, we imagine it involved the words 'hell' and 'no'. In Italian, of course.

Undeterred and with more money than taste, Harrah created the Jerrari. Its ass-end is a 1970 Jeep Wagoneer, the nose is from a 1969 Ferrari 365GT. On the day of its birth, this one-of-a-kind offroading Ferrari sported V12 power, but now all four wheels are turned by a 350 V8.

The eBay auction for this abomination includes numerous pieces of documentation, like a 1971 review of the car by "Road & Track." Another is a letter from a previous seller in 1984 that indicates there could be more than one of these hideous creations out there. Maybe that's what's been starting all these rumors.

Watch a walk-around video of the Jerrari after the jump, and check out an extensive gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Ferrai + Jeep = Jerrari


[Source: eBay, Left Coast Classics via CarScoop]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: The Jerrari

 

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]]>4X4 Ferrari4x4FerrariBill HarrahBill Harrah JerrariBillHarrahBillHarrahJerrariFerrariFerrari SUVFerrariSuvJeep WagoneerJeepWagoneerJerrariJerrari FerrariJerrari Ferrari jeepJerrari Ferrari wagoneerJerrariFerrariJerrariFerrariJeepJerrariFerrariWagoneerwagoneer2008-05-12T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Snake Skin Green Hennessey Venom 1000TT up for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/snake-skin-green-hennessey-venom-1000tt-up-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/snake-skin-green-hennessey-venom-1000tt-up-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/snake-skin-green-hennessey-venom-1000tt-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high resolution image

As if 1000 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.25 seconds and the huge rear wing didn't attract enough attention. It just had to be in Snake Skin Green. According to Hennessey, this is the first and only Venom Twin-Turbo in this color, and it's listed for sale on HennesseyPerformance.com. It comes with the 1200-horsepower upgrade option, VenomAero body kit, KW adjustable coilover suspension, Brembo brakes, lightweight wheels, and more. The car's new owner will also be able to make Bugatti Veyron owners green with envy as they see this Viper's taillights fading into the distance. Click away in the full-res gallery below.

BONUS: Video of said Venom Viper spinning out while racing a Porsche 911 added after the jump.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom 1000TT SRT Coupe


[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Continue reading Snake Skin Green Hennessey Venom 1000TT up for sale

 

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]]>Dodge ViperDodgeViperHennesseyHennessey Venom 1000TTHennessey Venom Viper 1000TT CoupeHennessey ViperHennesseyVenom1000ttHennesseyVenomViper1000ttCoupeHennesseyViperJohn HennesseyJohnHennessey2008-05-10T18:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/sam-hubinette-filming-gallardo-drifting-commercial-for-lamborghi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/sam-hubinette-filming-gallardo-drifting-commercial-for-lamborghi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/sam-hubinette-filming-gallardo-drifting-commercial-for-lamborghi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



He usually spends his time behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, but recently Samuel Hübinette made an exchange for something with a lower roofline. Lamborghini asked him to take a seat in a 2009 Gallardo for the filming of a European-market commercial set on the streets of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Blowing tire smoke for the camera is nothing new to Sam since his blue Mopar-mobile has been featured in many a BF Goodrich tire commercial. Unlike the Charger though, the Gallardo isn't quite the towering elephant. It is also equipped with all wheel drive, a feature that requires a bit more driving finesse in order to pull off an extended slide. Look for the spot to hit YouTube sometime in the not too distant future. Also follow the link to see a few more of Sam's photos from filming.

Thanks for the tip, Eric!
[Source: Samuel Hubinette Blog]

 

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]]>dodge chargerDodgeChargerdriftinglamborghinilamborghini gallardoLamborghiniGallardosam hubinetteSamHubinette2008-05-10T13:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ferrari GT heading to Paris, teaser site launched]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's been photographed for months and referred to alternately as Dino and F149, but for now at least, the newest stallion from Maranello goes by the generic moniker, Ferrari GT. Today, the automaker launched www.ferrarigtcountdown.com where the car will be gradually revealed during the runup to the Paris Motor Show this September. Ferrari promises to feed us technical details, sound files and photos of the car between now and Paris. Right now you can see a few teaser images and hear the engine sing its sweet, sweet song as it starts up, runs up and down through the gears, and screams by at full tilt. The countdown timer on the site currently shows 10 days and 22 hours until something else is revealed. Looks like we can put those Dino-branded rumors to rest for good; whatever this car is officially named, it is most definitely a Ferrari. See you in ten days, when the next puzzle piece hits the web.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari GT heading to Paris, teaser site launched

 

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]]>dinof149ferrariferrari dinoferrari grand tourerferrari gtFerrariDinoFerrariGrandTourerFerrariGtparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShow2008-05-09T16:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59.32]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/green-hellraiser-caddy-cts-v-storms-nordschleife-in-7-59-32/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/green-hellraiser-caddy-cts-v-storms-nordschleife-in-7-59-32/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/green-hellraiser-caddy-cts-v-storms-nordschleife-in-7-59-32/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the CTS-V on the 'Ring

The badassery going in inside the supercharged LSA V8 stuffed under the domed hood of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V appears to translate well on the Nordschleife's graffiti-marked tarmac. GM announced today that John Heinricy exercised his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a record time by wheeling a CTS-V with production-spec performance mods around the Nürburgring's north loop in 7:59.32, which is believed to be the "fastest documented lap time" for a production sedan. Even if that turns out not to be the case, it's pretty freakin' fast. GM shot video of the whole thing, which should be released in the coming days. Somewhere, Nissan engineers with furrowed brows are shoving the GT-R's 3.8L V6 into a G35 sedan...

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59.32

 

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]]>2009 cadillac cts-v2009CadillacCts-vcts-vcts-v nurburgringcts-v2009Cts-vNurburgringjohn heinricyJohnHeinricynordschleifenurburgring2008-05-09T14:45:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Is it SHOtime for the next Ford Taurus?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BringBacktheSHO Concept V2

We heard yesterday from a group of Ford Taurus SHO fans who were questioned in a focus group by Ford employees working on the next Taurus program, so we know that the Blue Oval is at least considering a high performance version of the next Taurus. Combine that with a grainy cell phone pic we posted of what could be a design study for the next Taurus and you've got fertile elements for our friends over at BringBacktheSHO.com who specialize in letting their imaginations run wild. Ryan Pasch who runs the website actually attended the focus group in question earlier this week, so these renderings based off of that grainy camera phone pic may be more accurate than we realize. Pasch calls the car in his renders the BringBacktheSHO Concept V2, and judging from the pics in our gallery below, we're as ready for the SHO's triumphant return as he his.

Gallery: BringBacktheSHO Concept V2


[Source: BringBacktheSHO]

 

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]]>bringbacktheshobringbackthesho concept v2BringbacktheshoConceptV2ford taurus shoFordTaurusShoshotaurustaurus shoTaurusSho2008-05-08T10:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford holds Taurus SHO focus group in Chicago... what does it mean???]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/ford-holdss-taurus-sho-focus-group-in-chicago-what-does-it-mea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/ford-holdss-taurus-sho-focus-group-in-chicago-what-does-it-mea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/ford-holdss-taurus-sho-focus-group-in-chicago-what-does-it-mea/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of more modern Taurus SHO renderings

Being an avid Super High Output fan, any news of a Taurus SHO return gets my imagination going. Should it be FWD, AWD, or RWD? V8-powered or have a twin-turbo V6 underhood? Should it be light and handle well or compensate for its mass with awesome amounts of power? I ask these questions to myself, but last Monday a group of 11 Chicago area SHO fanatics were asked those same questions by members of the Taurus program from Ford.

As told by Don Mallinson on V8Sho.com, the story goes that this band of brothers participated in a focus group and had their brains picked for an evening about what makes a SHO a SHO, and if the much missed name were to be resurrected, what should the car be like today? Mallinson is clear that he and the focus group participants did not see a prototype, sketches of a prototype, or anything else that would confirm development is well on its way. The experience was pretty much a one-way street of questions, but these 11 people may have influenced Ford's decision to bring back the SHO and, if so, in what way. Such an awesome responsibility, I probably couldn't handle it.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Taurus SHO Concept


[Source: V8SHO.com via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>fordford taurus shoFordTaurusShoshotaurustaurus shoTaurusSho2008-05-07T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Inside Line pits Challenger against Challenger in Vanishing Point-inspired road trip]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for exclusive pics of Inside Line's road trip

Seems like you can't revive a modern day muscle car these days without having a classic movie tie-in. The Ford Mustang has got Steve McQueen's classic Bullitt, and the Dodge Challenger has got Vanishing Point. In fact, we've already seen one Vanishing Point-inspired Challenger meet its maker on Turn 2 at Road America. Inside Line recently had its first turn behind the wheel of a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and also decided to pay its respects to Kowalski's opus. They took the brand new Challenger on a little road trip following the fateful path of Kowalski in the movie from Denver, Colorado to San Francisco, California. Just for kicks, they brought along a vintage 1970 Dodge Challenger that's a near perfect copy of the one used in Vanishing Point. The classic iron was, however, packing a slightly modified motor putting out 607 horsepower, but details, details... The article is definitely worth a read if only to vicariously absorb what it feels like to go 170 mph in a new Challenger, and the Inside Line team was also kind enough to supply us with a few of their spare high-res images for an Autoblog exclusive gallery below.

Gallery: Inside Line Challenger SRT8 road trip


[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>2008 dodge challenger srt82008DodgeChallengerSrt8dodge challengerDodgeChallengerinside lineInsideLinevanishing pointvanishing point chal...VanishingPointVanishingPointChal...2008-05-06T19:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ferrari F149 spotted, sans butt-camo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of Ferrari's Project F149.

With the debut of the Ferrari 149 GT California (or something like that) just around the corner, new shots of the Ferrari mule have surfaced at Autogespot, revealing a few more details about the entry-level Fezza. Unlike some spy pics we've seen that obscure everything from the B-pillar back, these newest images show a steeply raked rear windscreen that terminates into an artificially elongated trunk, rumored to house a folding hard top. The front clip is sporting a large radiator intake and the hood stretches back in true Ferrari style. As reported before, Project F149 is rumored to be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing 480 to 500 hp. More details are expected soon. We're standing by.

Gallery: Ferrari F149 Spy Shots


[Source: Autogespot via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>149ferrariferrari california gtferrari dinoferrari f149FerrariCaliforniaGtFerrariDinoFerrariF149spy shotsSpyShots2008-05-06T14:31:00+00:00<![CDATA["Hello dad, I totaled your Ferrari - what time is dinner?"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/hello-dad-i-totaled-your-ferrari-what-time-is-dinner/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/hello-dad-i-totaled-your-ferrari-what-time-is-dinner/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/hello-dad-i-totaled-your-ferrari-what-time-is-dinner/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Somewhere, a father in Melbourne weeps. There were 16 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradales imported to Australia and New Zealand. There are now 15. A proud dad gave his son the keys to his so-rare-it's-almost-extinct Ferrari, and his son got a little too frisky with the audacious redhead. She didn't appreciate his advances, he lost control of the situation, and that little redhead introduced him to a pole... at a high rate of speed by the looks of it.

And as if that didn't beat all, the kid had to call home. While news crews watched. And filmed. Only to have newspapers and blogs spread the story around the world. No word on what his father said, but it probably rhymed with "Why I oughta @#%$*&%!"

Police say the driver was speeding, which means he must not have seen these commercials. But now, at least, he has a theme song, so sing along: "To you other kids all across the land, take it from me, parents just don't understand..." Thanks for the tip, Patrick!

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]

 

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]]>australiacar accidentcar accidentscar crashcar crashesCarAccidentCarAccidentsCarCrashCarCrashesferrariferrari 360ferrari 360 challenge stradaleFerrari360Ferrari360ChallengeStradale2008-05-05T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Super GT Rd. 3 Results]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/spoiler-alert-super-gt-rd-3-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/spoiler-alert-super-gt-rd-3-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/spoiler-alert-super-gt-rd-3-results/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a huge, high-res gallery of Rd. 3 of the '08 SuperGT season.

After previous incarnations of the Nissan GT-R ran away with successive JGTC titles, Japan's GT Association decided to inflict "success ballast" on race winners in an attempt to level the playing field (i.e give Toyota and Honda a chance).

As the current GT-R race car is built to 2009 Super GT specifications, the GT-A handed it a weight penalty of 50kgs added right from the start of the season. After winning Round 1 in Suzuka car number 23 had to carry an additional 50kgs at Round 2 in Sugo, which it promptly won anyway. Then thanks to also setting numerous fastest laps and other speeding offenses it was deemed that Benoit Treluyer and Satoshi Motoyama's ride would have to port an massive 200ks (440lbs) of ballast at this weekend's race at Fuji Speedway.

That presents a couple of problems. Firstly, where the heck do you safely stow 200kgs of lead? And would the car meet GT-A regulations even if Nissan found a way to do it? The ruling body's compromise was to give the car a 115kg penalty and fit a stifling restrictor to the GT-R's air intake. That knocked 30kph off the GT-R's maximum velocity at the end of Fuji's 1.5km straight, and in the words of Benoit, "Gives us no chance at all."

Follow through the jump to find out if he was right, and to find out how Lightning McQueen faired in GT300 after qualifying on pole yesterday.

Gallery: 2008 Super GT - Round 3

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Super GT Rd. 3 Results

 

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]]>fjui speed wayFjuiSpeedWayfuji speed wayFujiSpeedWaygt-rlightning mcqueenLightningMcqueennsxsc-430super gtSuperGt2008-05-05T09:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Another bloody Veyron: Presenting the Sang Noir]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/another-bloody-veyron-presenting-the-sang-noir/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/another-bloody-veyron-presenting-the-sang-noir/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/another-bloody-veyron-presenting-the-sang-noir/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a photo gallery of the Bugatti Sang Noir

A darker, evil-er Bugatti Veyron has been born to run alongside the Pur Sang: the Sang Noir. Word is the newest variant has been created to be a tip of the hat -- that would be "chapeau!" in French -- to the Bugatti Atlantique 57S. It gets a slightly different front grille with matching side mirrors, black headlight surrounds, exclusive wheels, and an interior dressed in what looks like electric orange. All in all, the car appears to share nothing with the Atlantique other than the name Bugatti and choice of exterior color. But it's not like that would keep you from buying it, would it?

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir


[Source: 4WheelsBlog via AutoSpies]

 

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]]>bugattibugatti sang noirbugatti veyronbugatti-veyronBugattiSangNoirBugattiVeyronsang noirSangNoir2008-05-04T18:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[And you thought $79,995 was crazy...GT500KR for sale on ebay for $154,991.00]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/and-you-thought-79-995-was-crazy-gt500kr-for-sale-on-ebay-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/and-you-thought-79-995-was-crazy-gt500kr-for-sale-on-ebay-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/and-you-thought-79-995-was-crazy-gt500kr-for-sale-on-ebay-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When Ford announced the GT500KR's based price of $79,995, many of you thought that it was pretty steep for a Mustang. Even though it's a limited edition Shelby with 540 horsepower, $80,000 can buy a lot of really nice cars. What's even more insane is that we know people will not only buy the KR, but they will pay tens of thousands of dollars over MSRP just to have one. The only question was how much dealers would try and gouge. That question has been answered. Lone Star Ford in Houston, TX has put up a red GT500KR on eBay Motors with a "Buy It Now" price of...$154,991.00. That's nearly double the MSRP. Who knows if anyone will actually buy it at that price, but going off what happened with the standard GT500, then it's quite possible. While we enjoyed our first drive in the GT500KR (check out Part 1 and Part 2), we can think of quite a few cars we'd rather have for $150,000.

[Source: eBay Motors]

 

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]]>2008 Shelby GT500KR2008ShelbyGt500krGT500KRShelbyShelby GT500KRShelby GT500KR for saleShelbyGt500krShelbyGt500krForSale2008-05-04T15:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Trans Am SE signed by Burt Reynolds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-trans-am-se-signed-by-burt-reynolds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-trans-am-se-signed-by-burt-reynolds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-trans-am-se-signed-by-burt-reynolds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click on the image to see more high-res shots of this '78 SE Trans Am

Mid-to-late 70's Pontiac Trans Ams have really been picking up steam on the collector car market. While not nearly as powerful as their more muscular 1969-1974 forebears, the later TAs certainly have a unique and gaudy manly-quality about them, helped in no small part by their association with '70s icon Burt Reynolds and, of course, the Smokey and the Bandit movie franchise. The vehicle you see in this auction is a particularly nice example of the breed. As a 1978 Special Edition Y/82 Trans Am equipped with the desirable Pontiac 400 engine with 4-speed manual tranny, this is already a collectible vehicle. The original Hurst Hatches and AM/FM/8-track player and CB radio along with the rare rear-console add to this bird's rarity.

For real Burt Reynolds aficionados, though, this fire-breathing Poncho offers something truly special: his signature on the dash. Not only that, Burt drove the vehicle around while he was in Georgia helping to develop Year One's Bandit Edition replica car and it has been on television numerous times. With all it has going for it, don't expect this car to come cheap. In fact, it's already past $46 grand with days still to go in the auction.

Gallery: 1978 SE Trans Am Auction


[Source: eBay Motors]

 

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]]>1978 trans am1978-trans-am1978TransAmbandit editionbandit-editionBanditEditionburt reynoldsburt-reynoldsBurtReynoldsse trans amse-trans-amSeTransAmsmokey and the banditsmokey-and-the-banditSmokeyAndTheBandittrans-amyear oneyear-oneYearOne2008-05-04T09:53:00+00:00<![CDATA[Vanishing Point Challenger meets tire wall at Road America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/vanishing-point-challenger-meets-tire-wall-at-road-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/vanishing-point-challenger-meets-tire-wall-at-road-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/vanishing-point-challenger-meets-tire-wall-at-road-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to see what the Vanishing Point Challenger looked like before

The Chrysler employees who entered the prototype Dodge Challenger in this year's One Lap of America may have taken the car's Vanishing Point theme a bit too seriously. Just like in the classic film, the stark white Challenger came face to face with a solid object. The car met its demise in Round 2's time trial event at Road America after getting loose through turn 1. It then left the track and came to a stop perched atop a tire-wall. This course of events departs slightly from the original movie plot, where the Challenger did not meet its destructive fate until the final frames. The film version also somehow managed to survive its own slew of off road adventures without much harm, proving that Hollywood doesn't necessarily mimic real life. Fortunately the Challenger driver, Erich Heuschele, came away from his off track excursion unscathed. The crew has reported that the car will be out for the remainder of events, though it was spotted leaving the track under its own power so a return might be a slim possibility. Check out the source link below for more images of the carnage.

Gallery: Dodge "Vanishing Point" Challenger



5/4/08 - 2:40 PM EST - UPDATE: The team came back today with a second, orange Challenger, but since One Lap rules forbid changing cars mid-campaign, they're out of the running for points. On a related side note: one of the Chrysler employees drove the wrecked Challenger some 200 miles with no mechanical issues. The vehicle is current at a friend's shop, being repaired and prepped for the upcoming Targa Newfoundland Rally.

[Source: Car Domain Blog]

 

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]]>breakingchallengerdodge challengerDodgeChallengerone lapone lap of americaOneLapOneLapOfAmericaroad americaRoadAmericavanishing pointvanishing point chal...vanishing point challenger crashVanishingPointVanishingPointChal...vanishingpointchalle...VanishingPointChallengerCrash2008-05-03T20:41:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler enters <em>Vanishing Point</em> Challenger in One Lap of America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/chrysler-enters-em-vanishing-point-em-challenger-in-one-lap-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/chrysler-enters-em-vanishing-point-em-challenger-in-one-lap-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/chrysler-enters-em-vanishing-point-em-challenger-in-one-lap-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge "Vanishing Point" Challenger

It's good to know that there are folks at Chrysler who are still having a good time despite the rubbish state of auto sales in the U.S. The best evidence of this is the automakers's entry this year's One Lap of America "cross-country" race. Chrysler's Vice President Ralph Gilles and Erich Heuschele, Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor for SRT, are entering a blank white Challenger inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger that stars in the cult film Vanishing Point from 1971. The plot of the original movie revolves around a guy named Kowalski who has to deliver a white 1970 Challenger from Denver to San Francisco. He's aided by a blind DJ named Super Soul who listens to the police band and delivers helpful if not clairvoyant info to the protagonist over the radio. It's fitting then that Gilles and Heuschele have entered the One Lap race this year under the names of Kowalski and Super Soul, and the car they'll be driving is the very first preproduction Challenger prototype that was ever driven on public roads. It's been rescued from the crusher and slightly modified with a fresh coat of white paint (the first ever seen on a new Challenger) and new wheels to more resemble the original. Check out our gallery of the "Return to Vanishing Point" Challenger below, and glimpse the fun film Chrysler produced after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Michelle!

Gallery: Dodge "Vanishing Point" Challenger


[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler enters Vanishing Point Challenger in One Lap of America

 

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]]>kowalski and super soulKowalskiAndSuperSoulone lapone lap of americaOneLapOneLapOfAmericareturn to vanishing pointreturn to vanishing point challengerReturnToVanishingPointReturnToVanishingPointChallengervanishing pointvanishing point challengerVanishingPointVanishingPointChallenger2008-05-02T11:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Shelby celebrates 85th birthday and 1966 Le Mans victory with Commemorative GT40]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/shelby-celebrates-85th-birthday-and-1966-le-mans-victory-with-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/shelby-celebrates-85th-birthday-and-1966-le-mans-victory-with-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/shelby-celebrates-85th-birthday-and-1966-le-mans-victory-with-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We got our first look at Shelby's 85th Commemorative GT40 back in January at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. It's as close as you can get to the real thing without spending millions on an original GT40 with the chassis and body nearly perfectly replicating the original. Shelby Distribution has now issued an updated press release as well as the official photos. The GT40, built by Superformance but officially badged a Shelby, celebrates both Carroll's 85th birthday as well as the dominating 1-2-3 Le Mans win in 1966. It's available in all three colors of the original race cars - Arcadian Blue, Black, and Red - as well as unique Shelby badging on the door handles, headlights, side graphics, and floor mats. No engine specs are available since each comes as a rolling chassis, but the engine bay is built to accommodate any Shelby-badged V8 crate engine. Anything but a 427ci V8 would be just plain crazy, though. Follow the jump for the press release and check out nearly fifty high resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40

[Source: Shelby Distribution USA]

Continue reading Shelby celebrates 85th birthday and 1966 Le Mans victory with Commemorative GT40

 

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]]>Carroll ShelbyCarrollShelbyShelbyShelby 85th Commemorative GT40Shelby Commemorative Edition GT40Shelby GT40Shelby85thCommemorativeGt40ShelbyCommemorativeEditionGt40ShelbyGt402008-05-01T21:57:00+00:00