Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals are anything but stock

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Lisa Angeline, aka Catwoman - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's SEMA show in Las Vegas didn't have quite the gravitas of years past, as the state of the economy and the automotive industry in particular seemed to be a wet blanket over the whole proceedings. Thank goodness there were plenty of friendly faces throughout the halls to keep our spirits up.

One smiling face especially caught our eye, although we weren't sure why. The eyes and smile were familiar but we couldn't quite put our finger on where we had seen them before. And then it hit us, it was our beloved Catwoman (a.k.a. Lisa Angeline) from last year's BatSmart gallery! We hardly recognized her stripped of her catsuit. We saw her in the Vertical Doors booth. We know this with great certainty because the name of the company was written in very strategic locations - like on the banner above her head and (*ahem*) elsewhere. Smart folks behind that BatSmart. But to be honest, we weren't really paying too much attention to the cars there, so perhaps this strategy is flawed.

This happened quite a bit during the week. We'd go down to shoot a certain car, and an hour later, we'd be scratching our heads wondering what we had come down for in the first place. Take a look at the gallery and you'll probably agree - down year or no, the distractions were quite spectacular.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals

SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals are anything but stock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Classics, Performance, Etc., Motorcycle, Humor, Specialty, Design/Style, Off-Road

2009 SEMA Show Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every year at SEMA, we fill the week with posts featuring special vehicles and products that we felt were important enough to share. Generally, they are the most newsworthy projects and new model introductions, but sometimes they are just things that caught our eye. When all is said and done, we think we've given all of you a good taste of what's on offer here in the desert.

Of course, there are always things we see and shoot that don't make it into the regular posts from the days we are here. We end up with a few hundred photos of random weirdness and cool stuff that just didn't make it into a dedicated post. That's what this post is for. It's basically a chance to dump some of that random wackiness and wonder that is SEMA into one big bowl and invite you all to take a sip. Click on the gallery below and you'll see race cars, hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, wheels and more. None are labeled, but all should provide a unique look at what we saw at SEMA 2009.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Random sightings

SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Honda Accord Crosstour straps on some factory accessories

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Crossover, Honda, Design/Style

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour factory accessories -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's 2010 Accord Crosstour doesn't yet appear on the Japanese automaker's accessories site, but a few images of aftermarket bits have been shared with an Element owner's forum (viewable below), and we now have some live shots straight from the show floor at SEMA.

On top are a rack and window deflectors and down below is a set of skirting that completely encircles the car. The effect, especially from the side, imbues the car with the kind of chunky brawn we used to associate with Subaru, before Subaru decided to dip its design pen into the inkwell of elegance. From the stock shots, the mods might even help, but our man Lavrinc on the show floor who took these live shots seems to indicate otherwise. In any case, as our first drive reviewer asked, is it enough? Thanks for the tip, Jubby!

Gallery: Honda Crosstour Accessories

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Honda Accord Crosstour with Honda accessories

[Source: H&A Accessories via Element Owners Club]

SEMA 2009: Honda Accord Crosstour straps on some factory accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5 begs to be flogged

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

Turbo Rotary Mazda MX-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you get the impression things are all high gloss and dubs in Vegas, you wouldn't be far off. But walk around the SEMA compound long enough and you come across something cool that that speaks to the gearhead, track rat in each of us.

Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of details about this red NA Mazda MX-5, but we do know it's been worked over by Mike Burlas Designs from Rialto, California, and it has a turbocharged 13B rotary underhood. Further, it has been kitted out with an adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes and what appears to be a fiberglass (or Kevlar) blistered fender kit.

But the crowning jewel is the carbon fiber fastback roof which the company is selling in fiberglass form for $1,800. It's not quite as cool as the MX-5 coupe concept from way-back-when, but it's nice to see the Miata getting some S2000-style fixed roof love in Sin City.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Turbo Rotary Mazda MX5/Miata

SEMA 2009: Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5 begs to be flogged originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby unveils F-150 Super Snake Concept, turbocharged Mustang package

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Ford

Shelby F150 Super Snake Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We figured that anything and everything automotive in Las Vegas would be over at the convention center for SEMA all week, but apparently, we were wrong. Amidst the introductions of custom cars and aftermarket parts, Shelby Automobiles introduced two new vehicles at its Las Vegas facility.

The first is the F150 Super Snake Concept. Built as a pickup version of the potent GT500 Super Snake, the truck version has similar features including a Whipple supercharger system, Borla exhaust system, 22-inch wheels and tires, six-piston brakes, custom Shelby bodywork, and Shelby embroidery inside. Even though it is labeled as a concept, Shelby is offering the package to F150 owners who can get the parts installed only at Shelby's headquarters.

The second car is a (you guessed it) Mustang that features Shelby's new turbo package that can be installed post-title on any 2005-2009 GT at any of the company's mod shops around the country. Using a Turbonetics single-turbo system, Shelby has increased the output of the Mustang's 4.6-liter V8 to by nearly double to 550 horsepower. A variety of other components come with the package as well including a short-throw shifter, Borla exhaust, Shelby grille, 18-inch wheels and more. Other items like Baer six-piston brakes, Eibach suspension system, eight-point roll cage, and the Shelby GT-H hood are optional.

Learn more about each of the cars after the jump.

Gallery: Shelby F150 Super Snake Concept

Gallery: Shelby Turbocharged Mustang

[Source: Shelby Automobiles]

Continue reading Shelby unveils F-150 Super Snake Concept, turbocharged Mustang package

Shelby unveils F-150 Super Snake Concept, turbocharged Mustang package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler "Lower Forty" - Click above for high-res image gallery of all Mopar SEMA concepts

The performance-partsgasm that is Las Vegas' SEMA Show may be down on fuel this year because of the state of the economy, but that isn't stopping the Chrysler Group from unveiling four concepts based on the models in its lineup that are arguably the most endearing to the aftermarket. To that end, the company's Mopar devision has lavished a bunch of custom bits on everything from a pair of Jeep Wranglers (one of which is fit to sleep in, and the other looking fit enough to climb a wall) to a streetable 556-horsepower Dodge Challenger, and a dolled up Dodge Ram 1500.

Perhaps our favorite vehicle of the lot is the Wrangler "Lower Forty" - an imposing rig that uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine to churn its massive 40-inch tires. If it looks familiar, that's because it was first shown at the Moab Safari in April. Interestingly, the huge running gear upgrade has been applied to a standard ride-height two-door Rubicon - no suspension or body lift has been fitted. What has been screwed on, however, are new fender flares that ride four inches higher than stock, and they're an inch wider, too. Other trick bits include a new integrated roll cage, a relocated spare tire, a new drop-down tailgate with an old-school stamped Jeep logo. Did we mention the slick three-inch chop and the extra ten degrees of rake applied to the windshield?

Follow the jump for more details on the three remaining Chrysler SEMA show vehicles.

Gallery: Chrysler Mopar SEMA Concepts

Continue reading Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Drop Top Customs bringing convertible Camaro to Sin City [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty

2010 Drop Top Customs Chevrolet Camaro convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been waiting for a convertible version of the new Camaro for almost as long as we've been waiting for the Camaro itself, but Chevrolet has yet to deliver. In fact, the convertible was delayed by The General, so it could be more than a year before we ever see one at our local Bowtie showroom (although dealers are reportedly getting their first look at the 2011 model as we speak). That hasn't stopped many from guessing just what a Camaro ragtop might look like.

The lucky folks attending this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, however, won't have to rely on their imaginations to see what a Camaro convertible looks like. Drop Top Customs (founded in 1976 as Coachbulders Limited) will be showing off the car you see here, a genuine Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible, albeit one they had to build themselves. Drop Top did a similar cut job on the Camaro's pony car title Challenger from Dodge for last year's SEMA show with pretty spectacular results. The Camaro chop will cost owners about $18,000 at the firm's Florida shop. If the Camaro isn't your thing, Drop Top will also take a Sawzall to a Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS or even a DTS if you'd prefer.

Check out their website for details, ogle the huge gallery of soft top Camaro pics below and follow the jump for a video clip of the folks at Drop Top Customs doin' their thang.

Gallery: SEMA Preview: Drop Top Customs Chevy Camaro convertible

[Sources: Drop Top Customs; Edmunds]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Drop Top Customs bringing convertible Camaro to Sin City [w/VIDEO]

SEMA Preview: Drop Top Customs bringing convertible Camaro to Sin City [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance

Formula Drift, Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery

There needs to be a good reason for us to stand in 117-degree heat ingesting particulate rubber and inhaling the tangy stench of tire smoke. An invite to the Las Vegas round of Formula Drift didn't appear to be reason enough, until we realized we didn't have the faintest clue what drifting is really all about. So, with education as our aim we headed into the heat of ten thousands suns to learn what the high-powered slip-n-slide entails. We came away with two findings: one, drifting takes enormous skill; two, drifting isn't a motorsport - it's figure skating. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Continue reading Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Nissan 370Z + Vegas + Sports Illustrated swimsuit models = WIN

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Celebrities

Click above to watch video after the jump

As many of you have likely noticed, the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has hit newsstands. We're not sure what skimpy swimsuits have to do with sports, but we're sure most subscribers aren't complaining. SI has also been pushing its models on YouTube, where body painting is apparently a big draw these days.

It seems SI has been doing some cross-promoting, too, as we've come across a video containing gorgeous SI swimsuit models Damaris Lewis, Jessica Hart, and Melissa Haro doing power slides and donuts in three brand new (and nearly as stunning) Nissan 370Zs. Talk about a match made in ~~heaven~~ Vegas. Hit the jump to view the three models exit the Luxor (gracefully), enter the three Z cars, and go for what appears to be a very entertaining ride. All this video needs is Danica behind the wheel for a perfect 10, but we'll settle for a 9.95 instead. Hat tip to reader Matt T.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan 370Z + Vegas + Sports Illustrated swimsuit models = WIN

VIDEO: Nissan 370Z + Vegas + Sports Illustrated swimsuit models = WIN originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vegas HUMMER dealer switching to SMART

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hummer, Smart

If this doesn't strike you as a sign of the times, you may need to get your eyes checked. The only HUMMER dealership in Las Vegas, the city that invented excess and bling, is shutting its doors. Towbin HUMMER is actually one of the largest HUMMER dealerships in America. So what will they be selling instead? Well, you already know because you saw the headline at the top of this post: SMART cars. Talk about one extreme to the other.

Dan Towbin owns several dealerships in Sin City, where he sells Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Infinitis and Dodges. He says he'll bring in another GM dealership alongside the SMART store to replace the HUMMERs, which have been selling slow on account of high gas prices and increasing environmental conscience among consumers. Towbin's will be the eighth HUMMER dealership to close this year so far, a trend which may make it even harder for the General to sell off the brand.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Kicking Tires]

Vegas HUMMER dealer switching to SMART originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Event Alert: Cars and Coffee goes to Vegas

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Event Alert

We've told you about the weekly Cars and Coffee car meet in Irvine, California before. Heck, we're regular attendees whenever we are in town. Well, the Irvine C&C meet isn't the only caffeine and horsepower combo in the country. Similar gatherings have been taking place all over this great nation, some of them even adopting the C&C moniker. The latest to join the list is a new event starting in Las Vegas on June 14. What makes this one special besides the location is that somewhere along the way, someone trademarked the Cars and Coffee name. This Las Vegas event is only the second official Cars and Coffee show in existence. Just like many of the others, it will be free to entrants as well as the public. Expect a similar eclectic mix of exotics, hot rods, muscle cars, classics and sports cars to the original Irvine event. It will run from 7AM until about 10AM at the Sansone Park Place shopping center at 9500 S Eastern Ave (215 and Eastern). Go to the official Cars and Coffee Las Vegas website for more info and directions to the show. And check out a gallery from a previous show that played host to the Ford GT National Rally II.

Gallery: Ford GT National Rally II

[Source: Cars and Coffee Forum]

Event Alert: Cars and Coffee goes to Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Robbie Madison's record 322-foot jump on New Year's Eve

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle

As a proud owner of a hand-me-down Evel Knievel motorcycle toy, I've always wanted to attempt an outrageous motorcycle stunt. After watching Robbie Madison's ridiculous record-breaking 322-foot jump, I think I'll instead revert to my plan to bid on Evel's Wild Turkey cane when it hits eBay. The video available after the jump shows several terrific replays of Madison as he launched himself off a ramp New Year's Eve and rose 60 feet in the air before landing 107 yards away. Check out how Madison uses his rear brake to properly position his bike for landing. Good stuff, very good stuff. Madison's Vegas jump easily beat the previous Guinness World Record of 277 feet by Trigger Gumm. We'd have thought a guy named Trigger could out-jump anyone named Robbie, but we've been wrong before.

[Source: Metacafe]

Continue reading VIDEO: Robbie Madison's record 322-foot jump on New Year's Eve

VIDEO: Robbie Madison's record 322-foot jump on New Year's Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Toyota

While the SEMA show in Las Vegas used to be a venue exclusively for aftermarket firms to show their wares to other industry types, it has quickly evolved in recent years as yet another place for automakers to take the wraps off exclusive models and concepts. This year's show in November is turning out to be yet another automaker-heavy affair, with Toyota set to unveil the 2009 Corolla and Matrix to the throngs of enthusiasts in attendance.

Both models are getting long in the tooth, and although the Corolla remains one of the best selling compact cars in the U.S., it may prove to be less compelling fare than what the automaker wants to reveal at a major show like Detroit.

Toyota's press release can be viewed in full after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas

Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA-bound: Heico's surf-themed Volvo C30

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Hatchback, Volvo

While Frankfurt's in full swing right now, SEMA is just around the corner in October. Heico Sportiv has been busy pumping up Volvos in anticipation of the Las Vegas event. Standing alongside Heico's E85-fueled, turbo six-powered S80 will be this spicy little C30. The smallest Volvo is also the most stylish, and Heico has tastefully added some more aggression to the exterior with a handsome bodykit. Less aggressive is the "Aloha shirt" pattern applied to said bodykit. Inside it's been given a searing swathing of orange leather with decorative Heico trims added here and there.

The style changes are self-evident, but what will get the most notice behind the wheel is the roughly 80 horsepower bump Heico's gotten out of the T5's turbo five. The rip to 100 km/h flashes by in 5.4 seconds, and you can run right up against the governed top speed of 150 miles per hour. The suspension has been lowered and tweaked with new shocks and springs, and the brakes get 4-piston calipers with the Heico logo. Barely shrouding the brakes are new Volution V Titan wheels with 19 inches of diameter, wrapped in 35-series rubber. Some will love it, some will hate it, we'd just make sure there was a lei hanging from the rearview, and a surfboard lashed to the roof.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Gallery: Heico Sportiv C30

SEMA-bound: Heico's surf-themed Volvo C30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Toyota to unveil 2009 Corolla, Heavy-Duty Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible

John Neff — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Budget, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota

The 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is not for another three and a half months, but Toyota is getting its ducks in a row preparing for what promises to be a big week in Sin City for the Japanese automaker. It's unveiling not one, not two, but three vehicles at SEMA, including the all-new 2009 Corolla. The current Corolla has been around the block a few more times than Toyota had planned, but still remains a popular vehicle for the company. The new model will include the familiar sedan body type, but also mark the return of a coupe/hatchback. We'll no doubt see a TRD version customized to the nines at SEMA, as well. If the fates are on our side, perhaps they'll show something rear-wheel drive (fingers crossed).

Also present at SEMA will reportedly be a heavy duty diesel dually Tundra pickup designed to be a monster tow machine. It's only a concept and yet to be named, but the HD Tundra will be there to gauge crowd reaction to a dedicated heavy hauler from Toyota. The diesel will likely come from Hino, Toyota's commercial truck division, but Popular Mechancs reports that most of its engines are just too big for the Tundra's bay. The size issue could force Toyota to debut a new, smaller 4.5L diesel V8 that it's been working on. We'll have to wait and see what powers the Tundra concept, but we'd bet our last slot token that this particular Toyota will most certainly not be a hybrid.

Finally, Toyota plans to introduce an FJ Cruiser Convertible concept at SEMA. Reportedly sporting a removable hardtop, sources say that the concept is likely a production prototype in disguise since going to all that trouble engineering a removable hardtop for one vehicle would be silly. To get an idea of what the FJ Cruiser Convertible will look like, take a peek at the aftermarket version.

So there you have it - Toyota's 2008 SEMA lineup. Now that the information's out there, hopefully Toyota will start releasing official pics soon, as well.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

SEMA Preview: Toyota to unveil 2009 Corolla, Heavy-Duty Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twin-turbo, mid-engine Corvette Super Coupe headed to SEMA

John Neff — Tue, 08 May 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

Though rumors are still swirling beneath the surface that General Motors may be working on a true mid-engine Corvette that would be sold alongside the next-generation C7 model, no one really expects such a paradigm shifting car to ever see the light of day. That hasn't stopped Phil Somers from American Super Car, who is building a mid-engine car with a Sting Ray body powered by a 1,000-hp, twin-turbo LS V8 for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Called the V7twinturbo, the car is built on a tube chassis and has an independant suspension that supposedly can handle the stampede of ponies beneath the car's rear-hinged engine cover. Shifting will happen via paddles that operate a Mendeola transaxle, while every other aspect including braking, steering and handling will be top notch, as well. The picture above is of a scale model that's been photoshopped for effect, which is good because those DUB rims need to go.

[Source: MaxChevy via Jalopnik]

Twin-turbo, mid-engine Corvette Super Coupe headed to SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warehouse Wonders: The Auto Collections at Imperial Palace

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Etc., Supercars

Click the image to see our huge high-res gallery.

A while back we profiled a small collection of classic American and European iron that was housed in a fairly nondescript warehouse amidst a sea of other similar buildings in Southern California. Inside, we found not only some great cars, but bikes, scooters, automobilia and even airplanes! Today's installment in this recurring series takes us to Las Vegas. We've already visited the new Exotic Cars at Caesars Palace when we covered the US launch of the Koenigsegg CCX, but this time we are looking at a huge collection housed across the Strip from Caesars. Billed as "The World's Largest Classic Car Showroom," it's buried inside the Imperial Palace, on the fifth floor of the parking garage. It's essentially a 125,000 square-foot showroom displaying a rotating selection of "250 World Class Automobiles."

There is an admission charge of $6.95 for adults or $3.00 for Seniors and children, but free passes can be printed from the website or found in the numerous attraction guides you find all over Sin City. Once you find the right elevator, you'll be greeted by some of the most beautiful and rare vehicles you've ever seen. Unfortunately, they are bathed in some of the worst lighting ever devised. But that didn't stop us from taking tons of pics and putting together a gallery for you to sample what they have. You'll have to visit The Auto Collections yourself to really experience what these cars are like in person. And don't be surprised to see a completely different set of vehicles on display should you go. This is a dealership after all. And vehicles are also on display from other collections that sometimes make road trips to national events. Most of the vehicles have handy placards, as well, to help you identify them and learn a bit of their historic significance.

Follow the jump for the rest of the story.

Gallery: The Auto Collections at Imperial Palace

Continue reading Warehouse Wonders: The Auto Collections at Imperial Palace

Warehouse Wonders: The Auto Collections at Imperial Palace originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota named official vehicle manufacturer of 2007 SEMA Show

John Neff — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Toyota

In 2005, it was Honda. GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler shared the honors in 2006 to celebrate the history of American Muscle. This year, the 41st annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas has named Toyota the "Official Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show". It's an honor that has more to do with branding the Las Vegas Convention Center with your logo than anything else, and this year, Toyota's logo will be the most prevalent to show goers.

Spurred by the success of Scion in the aftermarket customization industry, Toyota attempted last year to introduce the Tundra to the same audience that installs brush gaurds on their F-150s and bed liners in their Silverado. This year, Lexus will also be in tow and enjoy its first official presence at the SEMA Show.

As always, the SEMA Show occurs in late October/early November (10/30 to 11/2) and we'll be on hand with a small army to cover all the auto stuff Las Vegas has to offer.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota named official vehicle manufacturer of 2007 SEMA Show

Toyota named official vehicle manufacturer of 2007 SEMA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petty and Earnhardt get wax treatment

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc.

Only in Vegas. Madame Tussaud's unveiled their latest ghastly likenesses; we're not sure if the fact that the subjects are still alive makes it more creepy. The work is uncanny in its accuracy and lifelike look, and if you're in Vegas, Tussaud's is a veritable family attraction. The reason for the paraffin-ization of the left-turning legends was the kickoff of this weekend's races at Las Vegas's own Motor Speedway. The flesh and blood Petty and Earnhardt were on hand for the debut of their inanimate doppelgangers at the Neon Garage, though we're not sure if they'll be paying any visits to the exhibit's permanent home at the Venetian. They could roam the exhibit halls and catch glimpses of such luminaries as John Holmes (we're not sure if it's all of "Wad," or a partial model) Siegfried and Roy (before or after the mauling, again, not sure), and of course Fat Elvis. Good times, good times. Now, where's that buffet...

[Source: TCC]

Petty and Earnhardt get wax treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The clearest form of conspicuous consumption: Radurra Clear Wheels

John Neff — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Etc.

We reported on Radurra's Clear Wheels at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas where they debuted, but at the time we could only show you live pics of these transparant polycarbonate wheels because Radurra didn't come prepared with a media kit. After checking back with the company's website, we found a new, large gallery of pics that better show off the wheels in their natural state of invisible glory. To recap, they are composed of a hub and outer rings made out of forged aluminum that hold in place a 1.5- or 2-inch think polycarbonate disc that's chemically hard coated. They come in 20- and 22-inch sizes, the former weighing 27 lbs. and the latter 38 lbs. Each wheel costs approximately $5,000, which means the total price to outfit your car will be in excess of $20,000 when all is said and done. Hey, maybe your red-painted Brembo's really are that pretty.

[Source: Radurra via BenzInsider]

Gallery: Radurra Clear Wheels

The clearest form of conspicuous consumption: Radurra Clear Wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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