Autoblog

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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Unique Autosports South gets crazy custom-built automotive pool table

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Unique Autosports pool table by Hurricane Custom Billiards - Click above for high-res image gallery

We see plenty of automotive-inspired products roll through our tip line, and most of them are pretty subtle: A logo here, a racing stripe there, a touch of carbon fiber or vulcanized rubber.... But "subtle" won't cut it for Unique Autosports, purveyors of blinged-out whips for the rich and famous. So for Unique's Miami showroom, they turned to Hurricane Custom Billiards of St. Petersburg, Florida, to create the one-of-a-kind pool table you see here.

The Unique Autosports pool table is built on a chromed steel frame and mounted on four giant shiny rims coated in ultra low-profile rubber, while the table top is covered in tournament-quality black felt and trimmed in black leather. It's even got a light kit installed capable of 1,000 different colors, in case the table would otherwise go unnoticed. Eight-Ball shifter, eat your heart out. Check it out in the gallery below, with our thanks to Keith for the tip.

Gallery: Unique Autosports pool table by Hurricane Custom Billiards

[Source: Hurricane Billiards]

Unique Autosports South gets crazy custom-built automotive pool table originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Marquis DeSoto" wins NY Times' Collectible Car of the Year award

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Mercury, Specialty

Click above for a gallery of the Marquis DeSoto

It is neither a Mercury Grand Marquis nor a DeSoto, but perhaps it could be considered a kind of royalty. Furniture maker Steve Heller wanted to build a car of his own design, and possessed of a love of Fifties car details, he swiped the things he liked and built what he calls the "Marquis de Soto." It can also be called the New York Times Collectible Car of the Year.

The Marquis is based on a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. The Marquis' wings have been poached from the rear of a 1957 DeSoto, along with 1959 Cadillac taillights, the front fenders and lights from a 1958 Lincoln, 1955 Cadillac bumpers, a 1965 Buick Skylark hood, chrome from a 1957 Buick, and a grille glommed built from two 1957 Corvette pieces.

Heller spent 20 years collecting all the parts - he makes furniture using vintage car doodads - and spent four months building the car in back of his furniture shop. We dig it... but we dig it even more when it was just wearing primer. It has The Riddler written all over it. For more on the Marquis DeSoto, you can watch a great Heller-narrated slideshow or check out the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Avinash

Gallery: Marquis deSoto

[Source: New York Times]

"Marquis DeSoto" wins NY Times' Collectible Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Because the Chevy Aveo5 doesn't suck enough as is...

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Lifestyle

Click above for more customized Chevy Aveo5

Water's wet, fire burns, and the Chevy Aveo5 sucks. Drivers in the Middle East who voluntarily subject themselves to this tragedy now have a way to ensure that onlookers stop, point and laugh at their expense, thanks to GM's new factory ~~humiliation~~ customization program. Basically, the sky's the limit in terms of poor taste, as exhibited by this example, tricked out by a dealer in Abu Dhabi. Hey, are those quilted pleather seats? Why yes, we believe they are. Think you can do worse? Visit totallystreet.com to plumb the depths for yourselves. Just be ready for your gag reflex to kick in. An entirely over-enthusiastic press release follows the jump. Seriously: "Earn Street Cred?" Put that hookah down, now!

Gallery: Chevy Aveo5 Factory Customization (Middle East)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Because the Chevy Aveo5 doesn't suck enough as is...

Because the Chevy Aveo5 doesn't suck enough as is... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks can deceive: 6.6L Duramax-powered Buick GNX clone

Alex Nunez — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Buick, GM

The car you see here is not a GNX. Hell, it's not even a Buick. You'd be forgiven if you thought it was, though, and it does sport a turbocharger underhood. David Morad was so enamored with the 6.6L LB7 Duramax diesel in his truck that he wanted to put it into something lighter and more fun. He decided to build a Grand National around the engine, and started buying up whatever applicable Buick body parts he could find -- right down to legit GNX dash plates. Next, he bought an '82 Buick Regal diesel that was to be the subject of the transformation. Unfortunately, that car literally self-immolated as he drove it home, sending Morad straight back to square one.

He subsequently found and bought an '81 Olds diesel and got to work. The car was cut in half so that a Regal rear end could be welded on, and then a laundry list of major modifications followed. To retain the stock Buick exterior appearance while incorporating the new powertrain, everything under the skin is is either extensively modified or custom fabricated in order to allow for the deception. Sure, it looks like a GNX, but this is really a scratch-built machine. Wilwood brakes lurk behind some absolutely wicked deep-dish Budnik wheels (dig those steamrollers in back), which nicely compliment the menacing black bodywork. Diesel Power magazine covers all the build's specifics in detail, and it's well worth a read.

If you're gonna masquerade as a GNX, you'd better bring some punch to the costume party, and Morad's car does. As of Diesel Power's publication, it ran an 8.25-second eighth of a mile, which they figure works out to somewhere in the 12s for the quarter. He'll be gunning for the 11s next, and additional performance upgrades are in store. Best of all? This is Morad's daily driver! He reports that it gets around 28 mpg in regular use and in the mid-30s on the highway. Not a bad combination: the looks of a GNX, the grunt of a big turbodiesel, and the fuel economy of cars that are a lot more boring. This thing had to cost a fortune to make, but Morad's clearly getting his money's worth on the fun scale.

[Source: Diesel Power via Next Autos]

Looks can deceive: 6.6L Duramax-powered Buick GNX clone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Talon Performance creates a quad only a mother could love

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Motorcycle

Talon Performance is where "Innovation meets the street." That combination apparently yields results like the Talon Street Quad, a body-kitted 4-wheeler based on the Kawasaki KFX700. We think it looks like the innovation and the street got in a big argument, attacked a manatee with bats, and then threw paint on it. Then put it on wheels. Nice, rims, though...

Part quad, part Cars movie extra, part dada, the Talon Street Quad is supposedly street legal. We don't know where these streets are (in America), because quads have been shown the hand by all 50 states when it comes to road duty. Yet according to Talon, "you can even take it on your next road trip."

It'll also save you money at the pump, which is lately the god of all things. So if you want it, but you're not sure about that two-tone paint job, do not fear: you can get it in a single tone for "shear and simple beauty." Or you could just buy the Quadrazuma. And check out the gallery of pics below.

Gallery: Talon Performance Street Quad

[Source: Jalopnik]

Talon Performance creates a quad only a mother could love originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW brings back Golf GTI Pirelli in the UK

Michael Harley — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the Golf GTI Pirelli

The Golf GTI Pirelli is back (but only in the UK right now). Celebrating its arrival after a 25-year absence, the Pirelli-themed Volkswagen hatchback features an enhanced version of the 2.0-liter T-FSI powerplant boosted to 230 PS (about 227 hp). Power is sent to the front wheels through a traditional 6-speed manual, or VW's very nice twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The added 30 horses over the stock VW GTI drops the sprint time to 60 down to just 6.8 seconds and raises the hatchback's maximum speed to 152 mph.

Differentiating itself from the standard GTI, the Pirelli version features a front splitter, side skirts, smoked rear lenses and tinted windows. Of course, it also gets 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in, you guessed it, Pirelli P-Zero tires. The Pirelli theme is carried to the interior with custom yellow-stitched sport seats and tire-tread imprints in all four seating positions. With a few added mechanical upgrades, several exterior enhancements, and a lot of interior branding, the GTI Pirelli package appears to be a slick package. That is, assuming you don't tire of it. (Oh, come on, we just had to say that.)

After checking our archives, we noticed that Volkswagen actually previewed the GTI Pirelli at the Wörthersee show last year, and we're happy to report that the spokes on each wheel are still exaggerated versions of the letter 'P'.

Gallery: Volkswagen GTI Pirelli

Gallery: VW Golf GTI Pirelli

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW brings back Golf GTI Pirelli in the UK

VW brings back Golf GTI Pirelli in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build your own big rig: International launches configurator for LoneStar

Dan Roth — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Work

Truckers are like motorcycle riders in the way that they invariably customize their rides. It's probably just as challenging to find a bone stock tractor as it is an unembellished Fat Boy. When you're plying the roads as much as the big rigs do, why not have some fun and stand apart from the rest of the crowd and their mudflaps decorated with conformist chrome silhouettes of questionable taste? International's new LoneStar truck will be factory trickable with a new line of Navistar accessories called DoubleSix Customs. While the Autoblog Garage isn't quite big enough to hold an 18-wheeler, we did dedicate the better part of an hour to International's website designing the perfect vehicle for hauling our tricked out fleet of Zastavas.

With International's online configurator, you can start with a basic truck and add a splash of color, a dollop of flames, lots of chrome, and nearly as many lights as Vegas. The DoubleSix name takes its inspiration from the mother road, Route 66, which International is hoping still resonates with those who keep our economy rolling. Our only problem? Lack of the proper license. Try it yourself, you can even upload logos and graphics to design your perfect LoneStar. Press release after the jump.

[Source: International]

Continue reading Build your own big rig: International launches configurator for LoneStar

Build your own big rig: International launches configurator for LoneStar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kid Kustoms offers tins and fins for the jogging stroller

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Kid Kustoms, offering "Vintage Tins and Fins for your Tots," has brought a serious touch of class to the boring jogging stroller. It's time to ditch the ho-hum toddler hauler in exchange for one of these custom, and collapsible, composite lightweight strollers. Whether you choose the Classic, Signature or Kustom series, each design is available with unique fins, fenders and pin striping (Flame or Primer versions are optional) in an array of vibrant colors that harken back to a different kind of cruising. And these baby strollers aren't just quick chop jobs. The quality and craftsmanship, from their seamless welds to polished chrome, appears to be first-rate. Of course, a product of this caliber will command a premium price. To surround your little bundle of joy in something the other moms (and dads!) can't help but envy will set you back between $2,000 and $3,500. Oh, the cost of being cool...

Gallery: Kid Kustoms Strollers

[Source: Kid Kustoms]

Kid Kustoms offers tins and fins for the jogging stroller originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM making sure Camaro accessories are ready

Dan Roth — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

click the picture to view the video

Genuine GM Accessories are as obsessively tested as the rest of the car during the design and prototype stage. When the production tweaks are being given to the basic car, the Accessories wizards are in there too, mocking up and trying out different creative ways to offer some pizazz at the parts counter. What we're most excited about in this video is the appearance of the new Camaro with some extra goodies. You don't get to see much, but the shroud of Auburn Hills gets pulled back just enough to show off ground effects done up in clay. The rear spoiler also appears to be different, though it's never actually shown. If customized Camaros of the past are any indication, we expect the hottest item will be the big peeing "Calvin" for the rear window and those ridiculous blackout head and taillight covers - this time, they'll be available with a GM part number, w00t! Top tippage, Tim!

[Source: 5thgen.org]

Continue reading GM making sure Camaro accessories are ready

GM making sure Camaro accessories are ready originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Truckticular implants: The Stretch Truck

Dan Roth — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Ford

Is a 20-foot long, four-door longbed pickup still too small for your needs? Whether it's ego or an overabundance of backsides to seat, size definitely matters to Stretch Truck. The Denver based customizer will add extra length to your hauler (they've got a thing for Fords, it seems) with a seamless factory look. It's easy to take potshots about how these trucks are the panacea for insecurity, but they fill a niche that's too narrow for the automakers to fill themselves. One of their six-door Excursions would carry at least half of the Autoblog team with all our gear tossed in back. Stretch Truck's fine work costs accordingly, running in the $20,000 range, but you don't give up much. We expect that the turning circle is large enough to require a harbor pilot, and the extra wheelbase might make it difficult to crawl the Rubicon, but if you've got a need to carry a brood and a burden, these extra-long trucks might be just right.

Gallery: Stretch Trucks

[Source: Stretch Truck via Winding Road]

Truckticular implants: The Stretch Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For Sale: Zagato Caddy

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Auctions, Etc., Europe, Cadillac, Ferrari

Say "Italian-styled Cadillac" and any car person will shoot back "Allante." It does appear, though, that Zagato executed coachwork on top of a fourth-generation Eldorado before Cadillac ever thought of shipping its wares to and from Pininfarina. This Eldo looks a lot like a Ferrari, and there's a reason for that, according to the seller. The bodywork on this car was reportedly designed by Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari racer and the first Ferrari agent in the United States. Chinetti went on to found the North American Racing Team, also an official Ferrari venture, and that might explain why this car has NART prominently displayed on its nose.

The NART badging is the only thing this custom Caddy shares with the Ferraris under Mr. Chinetti's umbrella, though. The success of his Prancing Horse franchise is likely why this prototype, which was displayed at the Turin and New York auto shows in 1971, never went anywhere. Currently, the car is in Brussels Belgium, and potential buyers are invited to make offers. If the provenance holds up, we doubt it'll be a small selling price. At least you'll get 1970's Italian style with the inexpensive upkeep of 1970's American running gear.

Gallery: Zagato Eldorado

[Source: Hemmings]

For Sale: Zagato Caddy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find Of The Day: Challenger wagon

Dan Roth — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Wagon, Auctions, Chrysler, Dodge

It's always dangerous to get excited about a car that looks halfway decent in pictures. This creative body project that was born from a very rare 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T SE is just such a car. Yes, the value of this car has been pretty well erased by the addition of an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser roof, and that could cause some outbursts from purists. The thing is, the stupid values that cars of this era have been reaching at auction are a recent phenomenon. This particular Challenger was just a two year old car when someone went at it with the nibbler back in 1973. From what we can see, this is a 50/50 car - the closeups tell a story that's a little rougher than the more distant snaps. If you've got $28,000, you can enter a starting bid. The seller points out that it'll need some work, and that'll likely cost you at least another 30-large for a full proper restoration. Nobody has thrown cash at the auction yet, so that's a good sign for bidders. With less than a day to go, you may be able to snag this vintage metal shop Frankenstein without a bidder war.

Thanks for the tip, Tobias!

Gallery: Challenger Wagon

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find Of The Day: Challenger wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Dodge Challenger SS Drag package weeks away

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

Dodge Challenger Super Stock shown from 2006 SEMA Show

Just like in the '60s, some people will take their new 2008 Dodge Challengers to the drags. Chrysler is reportedly ready to make this very easy for new Challenger owners. Allpar is reporting that within a few weeks, there will issue forth from Chrysler a Super Stock special version of the Challenger. The intended application is Stock Eliminator drag racing, and the cars get their own VINs and lots of lightening. Powering drivers down the strip will be versions of the Hemi and 5.9 liter Magnum V8s, twisting through manual or automatic boxes.

Jettisoning things like wipers, HVAC, sound deadening and seats make for a Challenger that's definitely not road-ready, but much lighter for track applications. 800 pounds have reportedly been trimmed out of the car through the omission of equipment and special composite body parts. Mechanicals have been modified to better suit the use, too. The main body unit gets tweaks, and the front crossmember is modified to a drop-out unit. Front brakes are largely unnecessary when the nose is in the air for part of the run, so lightweight units have been fitted. The fascia support and cooling system also get the slim-fast treatment. More information will supposedly arrive soon, but a 1,320-pounding neo-E body pony car appears close at hand.

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Rumormill: Dodge Challenger SS Drag package weeks away originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday Fun: RWD Scion xB with Chevy V8 power!

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Etc., Scion

click above for more high-res iamges of the V8-powered Scion xB

Forget about body kits, custom fiberglass enclosures for your woofer and LCDs in the headrests. This is the only way to make the Scion xB entertaining in our humble opinion. Oh yeah, Scion wants you to think its cars are more fun than a box of rocks, but like Flava Flav said, don't believe the hype. We'll even forgive the fact that there's a big, dumb carburetor sitting atop the Chevy-based small block. This first-generation xB is owned by a guy named Rick, who apparently knows his way around plasma cutters, nibblers and welders. It's not quite finished yet, as evidenced by the photos showing a stripped interior and lots of zip ties, but Rick's Scion is already quite the sleeper.

Peering inside the engine bay, it's the tidy dimensions of the small block FTW. A transmission hump/center tunnel had to be added, and the chassis was converted to rear-wheel drive, too. Keep in mind, this is the smaller, original xB. The overinflated second-generation would have even more space in the engine room for this sort of chicanery. There's obviously some time and money spent to give this ho-hum little box a big infusion of epic cool, and we bet that's all worth it when you can take in the looks of discongruity as you blow the doors off the unsuspecting.

[Source: Carscoop]

Gallery: V8-powered Scion xB

Friday Fun: RWD Scion xB with Chevy V8 power! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected?

Dan Roth — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Etc., Pontiac

click above to view more images of the Solstice F430

There's a pretty healthy argument to be made for leaving the styling of your Pontiac Solstice alone. It did end up in production virtually off the show floor, as evidenced by the cockpit's spaciousness and spectacular materials (hint: saracasm). But there's always at least one person who's not content to leave well enough alone. Luckily, Mr. Paul MadMods seems to have what's known in the biz as mad skillz. What that means is he has a way of working with his hands in a painstaking manner to turn out customized cars that don't scream "HACK JOB!"

Aesthetics, however, are another whole thing, and we're sure that this choice of colors and body mods won't sit well with everyone, but you have to give the guy credit, it's all nicely done. We also have to give props for not creating a full-on Ferrari replica. Paul states that his intent was just to incorporate cool cues from cars that he sees. Thus, his Solstice wears an F430 nose, Porsche Cayman side intakes serving as extractors in the front quarters, tons of custom electronics and a snarling custom turbo installation, too. It's pretty amazing to see how much like a kit car the Solstice actually is. It's not the most comfortable little mini-'Vette, but it's well engineered platform-wise. After seeing how easily the Solstice takes to wrenching, we want one of our own to trick out. When we need an F430 nose, we know who to call.

Thanks for the tip, Aman!

[Source: CarDomain via KitCarsForum]

Gallery: Ferrari nosed Solstice

Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CarDomain Find of the Day: V8, mid-engined Ford Festiva

Dan Roth — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Ford

click above image for gallery

Festiva, mid-mounted V8 - okay, we're with you. Front wheel drive? Uh, sounds like a fine way to blow a lot of dollars adapting components in order to send the power to the wrong pair of 13-inch tires. No Festiva conversion will ever top the SHOgun, which planted the Taurus SHO's Yamaha V6 where the rear seat used to be in the diminutive Kia derivative. CarDomain member TheOne-Originals has exceeded the SHOgun's cylinder count by squeezing a small-block Chevy V8 behind the front seats. The power runs forward, with a Turbo Hydramatic transmission coupled to a BMW limited slip differential. Customized Audi driveshafts are responsible for transmitting torque to the teeny tiny tires.

We like the exhaust stacks that stick through the roof, as well as the Mad-Max patina the whole project wears. The SHOgun may have been more finely finished, but this car wouldn't have a problem drawing at least as large a crowd. It might not be tremendously amusing in a torrential downpour, but being able to crack that four-barrel open and instantly boil the front tires has its own charm. Our favorite quote from the car's description? "The stock brakes definitely need upgrading, but I'll get to that later." Or not. The car might kill its builder first. We can only imagine how evil the torque steer might be, and mid-engined cars are notorious for being wicked near their moment of polar inertia. A sleeper econobox with twice the cylinder count with which it came, mercenary unmuffled exhaust, and the pending addition of a flamethrower system for the exhaust? Yeah, that would definitely entertain us.

Thanks for the tip, Rob!

[Source: CarDomain]

Gallery: V8, mid-engine Ford Festiva

CarDomain Find of the Day: V8, mid-engined Ford Festiva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Graphics accelerator: Nvidia's custom computer housed in a Porsche Cayenne wheel

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Technology, Porsche

click above image for more pics

Automotive-branded computers are nothing new, but this takes it to new levels. The computer hardware is housed in a chromed 18-inch wheel from the Porsche Cayenne sport-utility, wrapped in Bridgestone rubber with twin exhaust-silencers housing the liquid cooling iron. The custom set-up was commissioned by Nvidia to showcase its SLI video performance platform, and really sticks it to all those fancy branded laptops from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, Maybach and (soon) BMW.

UPDATE: Correction made, SLI is not a computer manufacturer, but rather when two graphics cards are paired to share a workload. Hence, it cannot build computers. Thanks to the commenters for pointing this out, and now we're going to shoot some pictures with our SLR-branded cameras.

[Source: Gizmo Watch via German Car Scene]

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne wheel PC mod

Graphics accelerator: Nvidia's custom computer housed in a Porsche Cayenne wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey releases details on Venom GT

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:16:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars

Evidently not satisfied with having trounced the Bugatti Veyron in Road & Track's 0-200 mph showdown with its twin-turbo Viper, those tuners on speed over at Hennessey Performance Engineering are preparing a mid-engined supercar of their own. We brought you initial news, coupled with a teaser image, back at this year's SEMA show, but the company has now released additional information and the conceptual sketch you see above, which was penned by British auto designer Steve Everitt, who evidently likes the Lotus Elise/Exige, but thought it could use more oomph.

Built around the company's thousand-horsepower twin-turbocharged Dodge Viper V10 engine, the Venom GT would benefit from the immense power in a lighter-weight package weighing in around 2700 lbs. Carry the zeros and we're looking at 2.7 lbs per hp, giving the special Hennessey a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time estimated at less than 2.5 seconds, en route to an anticipated 300 km/h in about 14 seconds.

If it built the Venom GT, Hennessey would follow along the path of Saleen, who built the S7 supercar after years of tuning Mustangs. According to John Hennessey, existing owners of the firm's tuned Vipers would give the company a customer base to draw upon. Hennessey plans to have a pair of concept cars to show in 2009, which will help them gauge interest in potentially building the Venom GT at their factory in Houston. We're looking forward to it already. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading Hennessey releases details on Venom GT

Hennessey releases details on Venom GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando Edition

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Auctions, Etc., Jeep

Here's a familiar morning routine now that the weather's turning colder: start car, set heat on high, retreat inside to finish coffee. There's plenty of debate for and against the practice of warming up by idling, but the unfortunate story of this ZJ could bolster the argument for just getting in and going. eBayer buickonly had his 1996 Grand Cherokee swiped from his driveway one morning as it sat innocently trying to generate some warmth. What had been a nice clean vehicle ended up having its nose bashed in and was abandoned after becoming wedged between two trees. The coniferous atomic wedgie sheared off an exterior door handle, so there's only three working doors, and a Lincoln Town Car donated its proboscis to some crude rhinoplasty, but at least it's got lights out front again. Naturally, his wife refuses to ride in it, especially with it's rattle-can chic paint job, so buickonly's trying to unload it. If you've got a need for a vehicle that doesn't have to be pretty, bids start at $1,600.

Thanks for the tip, Erik!

Gallery: Commando Jeep

eBay Find of the Day: Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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