Autoblog

Coupes seem to be somewhat resurgent lately, and the stupendously awesome Pontiac G8 GXP might be set to lose a pair of doors. While that would make it essentially a repeat of what came here as a revived GTO not too long ago, the name is not likely to return. The basic idea has been outlined in the Holden Coupe 60, itself starting out as an updated GTO, but turning out much cooler. The neo-ponycar wars will require the fitment of the 400 horsepower LS3 to run with the Shelby GT500KR, Challenger, and cousin Camaro.

The newly unveiled G8 GXP serves as the benchmark for what this coupe will likely come equipped with. That means big 19-inch wheels, uprated suspension, a meaner fascia and, most importantly, an available Tremec six-speed manual transmission. There should be a GT version, too, with "only" 361 horsepower, which should still offer a significant kick in the pants for less cash. The biggest impediment to the G8 Coupe actually seeing the light of day are looming new CAFE regulations, but we don't see how selling a bulk of these cars with the still-excellent 3.6 liter V6 to less performance-addled customers would be a bad thing. It'd hopefully prevent Pontiac from running afoul of the fuel economy rules while getting another car out there that enthusiasts can embrace in a variety of flavors. Thanks for the tip, Matthew!

[Source: Inside Line, Photo illustration by Nick Wilcox, Inside Line]

Barrett-Jackson and Mustangs seem to go hand-in-hand, especially special edition Mustangs. We just told you about the one-off Roush BlackJack Mustang convertible that will be going across the block, and there was the pair of bitchin' OCC Eleanor GT500 E Mustangs that set Westworld rockin' in January, only to be topped by the pair of black Bosses a little while later. And who can forget the other Shelby specials that have brought outrageous amounts for the right to get car number one? The first GT500 went for $600,000 last year. The first Shelby GT matched it. In all fairness, those bids were more about giving to Carroll's charity than getting the car itself, as good as those 'Stangs might be.

And now we get word that Ford is going to do it again. It plans to debut a new Mustang special edition at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction in Palm Beach this weekend. The only details we have right now are that the car will be limited to just 500 copies and that the rights to car number one will likely bring a huge number for the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. We're guessing it will be a Shelby GT convertible, but wouldn't be surprised to see a Boss 302, Mach 1, Bullitt or even a GT350 roll across the stage on Saturday. Any predictions?

[Source: Mustang Evolution]