Continue reading SEMA 2007: Neff takes the Continental Tire XBOX Challenge

SEMA 2007: Neff takes the Continental Tire XBOX Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hi-Lustre had a really black, really shiny 1973 DeTomaso Pantera on display at this year's 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It's a car that takes us back to wild and wacky days when Bricklins, Bertones and DeLoreans were much more familiar sights on mean Midwestern streets. Panteras were so magical for us that at one point when we did some childhood time in Indiana, we tried to trade our little metal Lamborghini for a friend's little metal Pantera, and he wouldn't do it. We haven't spoken since.

Before there was a heavy metal band with the same name, this car was the panther that made the most noise. We're still not fans of the plastic front bumper, but as for the rest, it's just as pretty as it was 34 years ago, well before the car turned into a cladded monstrosity. And we really think we could raise a family in that engine bay... or at least eat off of it, if nothing else. Of course, this car is another reminder of Ford's regrettable ownership escapades with high-line European automakers, but we're trying to put that behind us. Be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics of the Pantera nero.

Gallery: DeTomaso Pantera at SEMA 2007

SEMA 2007: DeTomaso Pantera, served shiny and black. Yum originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The South Hall at SEMA is ridiculously packed. Our suspicion is that it has something to do with that hall hosting the rim and tire makers and tuned up rides and models, as opposed to smaller fare like air cleaners. But that's just a theory. Stumbling through the aisles, just past the Lexani booth, we looked to the right and spotted this: a Novitec Ferrari 599 GTB. The real reason we noticed it is because we aren't fans of the 599 -- too many intersecting lines and convexities. But this is the car that has changed that.

Novitec has done a nice, very subtle workover, and then painted it all black. The car gets Novitec parts such as a front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, black side markers and tail lamps, black LED brake lamp, and a black rear reflector set. Inside is a Novitec aluminum pedal set for the driver, and aluminum footrests for driver and passenger. Finally, the car rides on a Novitec coil-over suspension and anti-sway bars. It also got a set of Ferrari center caps for the wheels on the left side, but Novitec center caps on the left side. Even like that, we'd still pay full retail for it. Be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics.

Gallery: Novitec Ferrari 599

SEMA 2007: Novitec Ferrari 599 is just right originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The folks at H&R had this Gemballa Mirage GT sitting in their area at SEMA, and even though it was real orange, it was real purty. We'll take an orange Gemballa, however, over a glitter one any day. Unfortunately, although there was an H&R logo on the hood, no one at the booth could tell us anything about it. With the added carbon fiber bits over the "regular" Mirage, it looks to be a Black Edition Mirage: check out the carbon fiber inserts in the side skirts, the carbon fiber struts for the mirrors, and the black strip of CF weave in the hood. And those afterburner exhaust tips? Oh yeah. Check it all out in the gallery of hi-res pics.

Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT at SEMA 2007

SEMA 2007: Orange you glad we saw a Gemballa Mirage GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's a Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe on a Scion xD budget. So the Drophead uses teak for its rear deck where Dalek uses beechwood, but it's wood nonetheless, right? The wood out back is actually a bit much (that rear armrest simply can't be comfortable), but the rest of the car rings the right notes. The speedster windshield and chop give the car a nice landspeeder-on-wheels look, and the exterior details have been shrunk -- like the mirrors -- or muted, like the black chrome badging. Inside the car is packed, but much of the stuff is hidden like the monitor, most of the sound system, and even champagne flutes that the makers claim is there, but we couldn't find. And what speedster doesn't look better or go faster with a skull for a gearshift knob? Follow the jump for the full specs, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res shots.

Gallery: Scion xD in beechwood

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Dalek does a Scion xD in beechwood

SEMA 2007: Dalek does a Scion xD in beechwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Ron English 2007 Scion tC

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Purple Scion tC by Ron English is lite brite

SEMA 2007: Purple Scion tC by Ron English is lite brite originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ridemakerz and Scion have joined forces on a program that lets you create your very own Scion "Ride" without the hassle of credit checks and car insurance. Seven customization steps allow 649 million unique tuning possibilities for your toy car, and when you're all finished, you get a 12-inch-long Scion xB in fiberglass-over-foam. It comes with custom plates of your choosing and a Certificate of Title that has a RIN -- Ride Identification Number. And if you want to go all out, you can even add radio control. Check out the 7:8 full-scale (or so) 5Axis model from Troy Sumitomo that the company had on display. Follow the jump for the press release, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics.

Gallery: Ridemakerz Scions

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Ridemakerz lets you customize a (little) Scion

SEMA 2007: Ridemakerz lets you customize a (little) Scion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The people who make the Phantom Hummer want you to know that your imagination is their only limitation. Of course, if this is what resides in your imagination, there are probably people you should contact before you call Phantom Hummer. The doors were locked so we couldn't see why the roof needed to be replaced with a black hump, but we're sure there's a very good reason -- like it holds a bladder of champagne that is misted over the occupants via sprinklers in the headliner... Or something like that. To our eye, the only thing missing was a platinum chain hanging from the neck of the winged mascot. So if you'll excuse me, I need to make a phone call...

Gallery: Phantom Hummer

SEMA 2007: The Phantom Hummer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We really don't know what to say about the Hyundai Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" Concept, except that you probably shouldn't take it to the beach... or anywhere else... except for a long drive... off a short pier, which could count as a beach activity.

Mind you, we're not talking about the car, which underneath is the new Elantra Touring that will begin production soon. Beneath that Amazing Grape and Tango Orange wood paneling paint job, the five-door hatch appears to have some nice lines, even if they are reminiscent of the first gen Ford Focus. It also looks like it will lend itself well to being dropped and tuned, just not like this. Although, we do dig the artistic piece of pin striping on the hood. And first prize goes to the person who guesses how many Hyundai H logos there are on the car... Hint: look at the grilles, speaker ones included.

Gallery: Hyundai Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" Concept

SEMA 2007: Hyundai Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Racing diesels are the thing to have nowadays, and VW will get into the game next year with its Jetta TDI clean diesel cup racer. The Jetta TDI will form the basis of a 1-make series in the U.S. run at up to 8 venues and sanctioned by the SCCA. The Jettas will all be owned, prepared by, and maintained by Volkswagen. Each will have the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 170 HP and close to 300 lb-ft when kitted for racing. Shifting will also be handled by a 6-speed auto with DSG. And not only will the race series be diesel clean, it will also be carbon free. Follow the jump to read the press release and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics below.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Racer

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Jetta TDI Cup Racer plays capture the (chequered) flag

SEMA 2007: Jetta TDI Cup Racer plays capture the (chequered) flag originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Lexus is using the F brand to launch itself into the arena of premium luxury sports cars. Hitched to the wagon of the recently introduced IS-F is the next salvo: F-Sport performance accessories. Presumably, if you like to tune your cars with manufacturer-backed parts, or if you have a 2006 or newer IS 250 or IS 350 and want to hook up a home-cooked IS-F, this is where you should look first.

Parts include: 19" forged alloy wheels, front and rear brakes with cross-drilled discs and blue calipers and carbon-rotored beauties with yellow calipers, a carbon fiber engine cover, performance air intake, lowering spring set, performance shock absorber kit, sway bar kit, and lower rear chassis brace, among other goodies. Follow the jump for the full press release, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics.

Gallery: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories

SEMA 2007: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

50 Cent is all about the Pontiac G8. His latest endeavor with the import from Oz is a group effort with Unique Autosports to create the 500-hp black-striped red number you see above. That's right, this G8 has got 500 horsepower (or more) since it uses an LSX 427 and other GM parts from the LS7 in the Corvette Z06. Inside, the car gets red leather seats and matching armrests on the doors, as well as an 800-watt JBL sound system. This means you can go really fast and be really loud, just like 50 Cent himself. And even when the car is parked, everyone will know who your favorite rapper is, as the "50 Cent" fender badges won't let you forget. You can check out video from Fast Lane Daily if you follow the jump, or take a stroll through the gallery of hi-res pics below.

Gallery: Pontiac G8 by 50 Cent and Unique Autosports

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 50 Cent and Unique Autosports get In da G8

SEMA 2007: 50 Cent and Unique Autosports get In da G8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept

SEMA 2007 VIDEO: Pontiac Solstice SD 290 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A throwback Chrysler roadster with an old school 8-cylinder engine. It's not the Plymouth Prowler done right redux, it's the Chrysler SR 392 Roadster. The 6.4-liter motor hides in a steel body that is go-cart low. That crate engine, celebrating the original 392 Hemi, works in three flavors: with carbs and something like 540 HP, fuel injected for 525 HP, and with a long block. The chromed grill is extremely well done, and the suspension jewelry is heavenly to look at. While we're sure about the power, we're not so sure about driving it at speed on those throwback wheels and tires. But what fun is a hot rod if it doesn't make you a little scared when you're giving it some foot? Be sure to check out the hi-res gallery of pics below.

Gallery: Chrysler SR 392 Roadster

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Chrysler SR 392 Roadster live shots

SEMA 2007: Chrysler SR 392 Roadster live shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Sport Concept

SEMA 2007 VIDEO: Cadillac CTS Sport concept in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

You're a stormtrooper, and due to a chronic injury you've had to retire from active duty with the Empire. You've still got a family to feed, and you now have a less strenuous job as an insurance broker. How do you get to work ever since you had to turn in your tie-fighter? This. The Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper.

White outside, inside it's black and white alcantara, and there are red stripes hither and thither. Tweaks include tinted headlamps, a less-than-subtle aero kit, cold air intake, and a rear spoiler that once served as an X-Wing

fighter wing -- captured in battle no doubt. It's Avenger underpinnings show through enough to keep it from being too crazy, but it still lets people know you were once a badass and fought for* against the Republic. (*One of our editors added that last bit incorrectly, however, there followed a long debate about stormtroopers, clones, the Republic, Lord Duku, and betrayal, and who was one whose side and when...)

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Dodge Avenger StormTrooper

SEMA 2007: May the Force be with the Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Kenny Wayne Shepherd's '70 Plymouth Duster

SEMA 2007: Kenny Wayne Shepherd's '70 Plymouth Duster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading SEMA 2007: GMC Sierra HD Denali

SEMA 2007: GMC Sierra HD Denali originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Suzuki SXForce

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Suzuki SXForce

SEMA 2007: Suzuki SXForce originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Cadillac Escalade Sport

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Cadillac Escalade Sport

SEMA 2007: Cadillac Escalade Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.