Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/volkswagen-new-beetle-final-edition-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/volkswagen-new-beetle-final-edition-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/volkswagen-new-beetle-final-edition-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Signifying the end of what has been a long run, Volkswagen has introduced "Final Edition" models of the New Beetle coupe and convertible. Each will be limited to a run of just 1,500 units. Under the hood is VW's familiar 2.5-liter inline-fine (rated at 150 horsepower) sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission - nothing new there. However, the German automaker has fitted a full sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels to each of the New Beetles to add a touch more driving excitement.

Cosmetically, the Final Edition models feature Aquarius Blue paint. The hardtop version breaks up the color with a black roof and integrated fog lights, while the convertible model has a two-tone Aquarius Blue/Campanella White paint scheme and a white top. Special badging is found on the front quarter panel and on the steering wheel. The hatchback version hits showrooms with a base MSRP of $20,240 and the convertible starts at $27,170. Press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Beetle


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models

LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugconverible bugConveribleBugfinal editionFinalEditionlala2009laautoshowlast yearLastYearlimited editionLimitedEditionlos angelesLosAngeleslosangelesautoshownew beetlenew beetle convertibleNew Beetle CoupeNewBeetleNewBeetleConvertibleNewBeetleCoupeWed, 02 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: Dodge Viper enters final year with tweaks and first two limited-edition models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2010-dodge-viper-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2010-dodge-viper-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2010-dodge-viper-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 model year marks the last run of the 600-hp Dodge Viper. To keep performance (and consumer interest) high for the next 12 months, the automaker is adding new colors, enhancing performance and releasing several limited-edition models.

Standard Viper SRT10 models receive two new exterior colors: Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat. A new shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from .74 to .80) improves high speed acceleration (the 0-200 mph run drops by 14 seconds). The track-bred ACR models get a new short-throw shifter, and new aerodynamic tweaks to the rear wing lower drag while improving downforce (top speed bumps up to 184 mph on the ACR model).

As of today, the automaker has announced the first two special variants of the Viper, and they promise more will come. The Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, paying tribute to the record-setting run at Laguna Seca, is identified by its unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color (the opposite of the original Viper ACR color). Other cosmetic enhancements include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights and red stitching on the seats. The Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR gets an all Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite stripe outlined in red. Talk about exclusivity - only 10 cars will be produced with the unique striping on both the exterior and steering wheel. You can check out both limited edition models in our live gallery below and read Dodge's press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10


Gallery: 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10


[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading LA 2009: Dodge Viper enters final year with tweaks and first two limited-edition models

LA 2009: Dodge Viper enters final year with tweaks and first two limited-edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge viper2010DodgeViperACR 1:33 EditionAcr1:33Editiondodgedodge viperdodge viper acr 1:33 editionDodgeViperDodgeViperAcr1:33Editionlala 2009la auto showla showla2009LaAutoShowLaguanSecaLaguna SecaLagunaSecaLaShowlimited editionLimitedEditionspecial editionSpecialEditionviperViper ACRViperAcrVooo-doo editionVooo-dooEditionVooodoo-edition viperVooodoo-editionViperWed, 02 Dec 2009 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-sport-classic-shares-a-funky-tail-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-sport-classic-shares-a-funky-tail-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-sport-classic-shares-a-funky-tail-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Porsche 911 Sport Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

The seriously limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic -- for Porsche, at least -- makes our nostalgic tails wag, even though the gray exterior color is difficult to pin down and we couldn't get over the feeling when we checked out the Espresso-hued internals that we were looking at an entirely different car.

Even after all that, though, we weren't put off: what could have been a regrettable voyage to schmaltzy contrivances actually shapes up with modern purpose. Buyers can expect to be enchanted by vented tail, booming exhaust pipes, and Fuchs wheels, and more than adequately propelled by the 403 hp out back. The appreciation on its €169,300 ($240,702 USD) purchase price began yesterday.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 SC



Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 9112010 porsche2010 porsche 911 sport classic20109112010Porsche2010Porsche911SportClassic911911 sport classic911SportClassiccoupefalsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowlimited editionLimitedEditionluxuryperformanceporscheporsche 911porsche 911 sport classicPorsche911Porsche911SportClassicspecial editionSpecialEditionsport classicSportClassicWed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/bmw-planning-special-edition-x5-xdrive35d-as-model-turns-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/bmw-planning-special-edition-x5-xdrive35d-as-model-turns-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/bmw-planning-special-edition-x5-xdrive35d-as-model-turns-10/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW X5 10-Year Edition -- Click above for high-res image gallery

To celebrate ten years of X5 sales, BMW is introducing an xDrive35d 10-Year Edition X5. The special edition SUV gets unique wheels, aluminum trim, and a panoramic glass sunroof, along with Nappa leather, comfort seats, and BMW Individual Piano Black trim inside.

There will be just 2,000 of the 10-Year Editions made, with 200 of them going to the UK. The diesel has been a huge mover on the isle, making up 95% of volume. If you want one you can get it now for an out-the-door price of £53,075 ($88,507 U.S.). If you just want to get a better look at it, there's a press release after the jump and high-res photos below.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10

BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 bmw x52009 x52009BmwX52009X5bmwbmw x5bmw xdrive35d 10-year editionBmwX5BmwXdrive35d10-yearEditiondiesellimited editionLimitedEditionspecial editionSpecialEditionsuvukx35dFri, 11 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/report-pontiac-g8-sedan-wagon-and-ute-to-be-sold-in-austral/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/report-pontiac-g8-sedan-wagon-and-ute-to-be-sold-in-austral/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/report-pontiac-g8-sedan-wagon-and-ute-to-be-sold-in-austral/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The ill-fated Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's sad enough that the dizzying, platform-sharing, don't-call-it-rebadging upcoming product extravaganza General Motors unveiled to the Twitterati and media last week did not include the terms Zeta, Pontiac, G8, or any derivative thereof, but if a new report out of Australia is accurate, Holden is about to pour salt in America's wound - with an iodine chaser. Carsales.com.au claims to have an internal Holden memo stating that our friends Down Under will not only be able to purchase a Pontiac G8 SS-V sedan, but Wagon and Ute variants as well. (SS-V is the equivalent trim level to the U.S.-market G8 GT.)

These final Pontiac G8s will reportedly be offered through Holden dealerships (natch) as special limited-edition models. The reason? Simple: a final run of G8s made specifically for the Aussies will allow Holden to clean out some of the remaining Pontiac G8 part stock it currently has sitting around with nowhere to go. Dealer sources told Carsales.com.au that they expect the total run to be in the neighborhood of 1,500 cars, with the breakdown split fairly evenly among the three body styles.

Pontiac G8: the car that didn't deserve to die, that no one wants to see die, and that, so far, refuses to die quietly. Thanks to Stephen for the tip.


Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST


[Source: Carsales.com.au]

REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingg8holdenlimited editionLimitedEditionpontiacPontiac G8 SS-VPontiac G8 UtePontiac G8 WagonPontiacG8Ss-vPontiacG8UtePontiacG8Wagonspecial editionSpecialEditionSS-vWed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/bmw-to-show-off-50th-anniversary-edition-minis-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/bmw-to-show-off-50th-anniversary-edition-minis-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/bmw-to-show-off-50th-anniversary-edition-minis-in-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Mini 50 Mayfair and 50 Camden -- Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has a number of splashes planned for this year's Frankfurt Auto Show, one of the biggest being Mini's 50th birthday celebration. As part of the "What a birthday. It's MINI" celebration, Mini will bring the special edition 50 Mayfair and 50 Camden to the show -- as well as a ginormous birthday sign. The Minis get a "jubilee placard" on their noses, and an ear-splitting audio system run by the new "Mission Control."

Elsewhere at the BMW group stands will be the entire Rolls-Royce line, featuring the Ghost, and BMW itself will have the entire Efficient Dynamics fleet running on a circuit, including the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and BMW ActiveHybrid X6. You can read all about it after the jump, and don't forget to take a cupcake to Mini if you're at the show.


Gallery: MINI 50 Mayfair


Gallery: MINI 50 Camden


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt

BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcamdencoupefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowlimited editionLimitedEditionmayfairminimini 50 camdenmini 50 mayfairmini camdenmini mayfairMini50CamdenMini50MayfairMiniCamdenMiniMayfairrolls-roycespecial editionSpecialEditionSat, 01 Aug 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Malcolm Bricklin's very own 1970 Meyers Manx SR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-malcolm-bricklins-very-own-1970-meyers-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-malcolm-bricklins-very-own-1970-meyers-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-malcolm-bricklins-very-own-1970-meyers-ma/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Malcolm Bricklin's 1970 Meyers Manx SR - Click above for high-res gallery

The Meyers Manx SR (for "Street Roadster") was the roadgoing version of Meyers' seminal, frog-eyed dune buggy. There were ten built at Meyers' factory in Fountain Valley, and the 1970-vintage example you see above was built for that other kit car icon, Malcolm Bricklin.

For sale right now on eBay, the Manx SR was described in an issue of Car & Driver :
No Practical man would have built such a device here in the cool, smooth seventies; no practical man would want to drive one everyday. But the fun-lovers, the zestful types with a touch of tiger-hunter in their souls, guys who might play the guitar and drink skull-popper and give more than passing attention to the wahine, no they're going to take it to their rascally hearts.
That is among the best descriptions for a car, for the entire decade -- and that decade's porn stars -- all at once. The 1.6-liter four-speeder is said to run perfectly, and bidding is up to $10,000 at the time of writing. We aren't sure, though, if the final price includes the Steppenwolf 8-track. Check it all out in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Malcolm Bricklin's Meyers Manx SR


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Malcolm Bricklin's very own 1970 Meyers Manx SR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction actionAuctionActionbuggycelebritydune buggyDuneBuggyebaylimited editionLimitedEditionmalcolm bricklinMalcolmBricklinmeyers manxmeyers manx srMeyersManxMeyersManxSrMon, 08 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini JCW World Championship 50 unveiled at MINI United]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/mini-jcw-world-championship-50-unveiled-at-mini-united/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/mini-jcw-world-championship-50-unveiled-at-mini-united/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/mini-jcw-world-championship-50-unveiled-at-mini-united/#commentsFiled under: , ,



To go along with the Mini 50 Camden and Mini 50 Mayfair, spotted at the Mini United gathering this weekend was a British Racing Green treat: the Mini JCW World Championship 50. The 50th anniversary JCW special gets an exclusive non-metallic BRG finish, Pepper White roof and stripes, JCW aero kit, cross-spoke Challenge alloy wheels in jet black, carbon black leather seats with red piping, and Alcantara JCW steering wheel, and a sport suspension along with carbon fiber bits and identifying plaques throughout.

There are no engine mods, so you can probably expect the same 208 hp in the current JCW coupe. But the exclusivity is going to cost you. According to MotoringFile's sources there will only be 250 examples produced, with the price in Europe reported to be €40,000. A U.S. allotment is still undeclared.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Mini JCW World Championship 50 unveiled at MINI United originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupejcwlimited editionLimitedEditionminimini f1mini jcwmini unitedMiniF1MiniJcwMiniUnitedspecial editionSpecialEditionTue, 26 May 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rolls-royce-to-build-special-edition-minis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rolls-royce-to-build-special-edition-minis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rolls-royce-to-build-special-edition-minis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Gearing up for production of the Silver Ghost, Rolls-Royce recently put out the call for craftspeople good with wood, leather, and paint. If a new MotoringFile report is true, if any of you get the job, you might be making wood veneers not just for the new plutocratic sedan, but for a few special Mini models as well.

Word is that Rolls-Royce will be developing a range of "coachbuilt" factory options, lumped together as options packages for Mini that you can order at your dealer and that would be administered at the Oxford plant. It is also being suggested that the Rolls name will somehow be attached to the special Coopers as well. You can let your Mini dealer know if you're interested in the program, but based on the estimated price of some other special edition Minis, well, be prepared to pay a lot of money.

[Source: MotoringFile | Image: Automoblog.net]

Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coachbuildercoachbuildingcoachbuiltCoopercoupelimited editionLimitedEditionminiOxfordrolls-roycerumormillspecial editionSpecialEditionTue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1965 Frua-bodied Coombs Jaguar E-Type prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1965-frua-bodied-coombs-jaguar-e-type-prot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1965-frua-bodied-coombs-jaguar-e-type-prot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1965-frua-bodied-coombs-jaguar-e-type-prot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the 1965 Frua-bodied E-Type Jaguar

In 1965, a Jaguar dealer named John Coombs got an idea for an exclusive model. He was doing well selling modified Jaguar Mk 2 sedans, and asked Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua - yes, the man behind this Camaro - to rework a red E-Type as a test lure for cash-heavy customers. Pietro shortened the car by 30 cm, changed the nose and tail, and repainted the whole lot silver. The car lured hardly anyone, though, and the one Pietro made is the only one that was ever built.

After having been around the world and down the tubes cosmetically, the bespoke Jag has undergone a year-long restoration down to its nuts and bolts, and it is currently for sale on eBay. Although we agree with Coombs - and the invisible customers - that the car isn't as pretty as the standard E-Type, it's still a one-off piece of Jag history with a good story. At the time of writing the bidding is up to $41,400, and you can check it out in the gallery of photos below.


Gallery: Frua-bodied 1965 Jaguar E-Type


[Source: eBay via BringATrailer]

eBay Find of the Day: 1965 Frua-bodied Coombs Jaguar E-Type prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction actionAuctionActioncoupeebayjaguarlimited editionLimitedEditionpietro fruaPietroFruaspecial editionSpecialEditionTue, 28 Apr 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 67X]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-oldsmobile-toronado-67x/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-oldsmobile-toronado-67x/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-oldsmobile-toronado-67x/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


George Barris' Esso Tornado - Click above for a gallery of images

As the story goes, Esso Oil asked custom car guru George Barris (he of Batmobile, Munster Koach and Drag-u-la fame) to create four custom Oldsmobile Toronado coupes for the 1967 Canadian Expo. The car you see above is dubbed Toronado 67X, and according to the seller on eBay, it is one of the only two cars remaining. The big coupe was originally gold, but time and poor treatment have turned it a lovely shade of something other than gold (well, several lovely shades, actually).

Although the auction has just ended, we thought you'd still enjoy a glimpse of what the seller calls the "Project car find of a lifetime" (which might be how long it would take to get it back together). Structurally, the Olds appears to be sound enough, but you can forget about the floorboards and the interior (which includes a wraparound rear couch!). Despite its obvious shortcomings, the car's provenance has helped it gain an appraisal value of $21,500 (which is about $15,000 more than a brand new Toronado listed for in 1966). On the auction itself, there's even a video of the engine running but you hear a lot more wind than engine.

The car was bid to $7,701 but ultimately failed to meet reserve, so we expect to see it back up on the ol' eBay block sooner rather than later. In the meantime, click the link below to learn more about this unique piece of Barris history, and check out the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Jay!


Gallery: George Barris Tornado


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 67X originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction actionAuctionActionbarriscanadaebayebay motorsEbayMotorsessogeorge barrisGeorgeBarrislimited editionLimitedEditionoldsmobileoldsmobile toronadoOldsmobileToronadospecial editionSpecialEditiontoronadoTue, 14 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Pagani Zonda R picks up the pieces]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/video-pagani-zonda-r-picks-up-the-pieces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/video-pagani-zonda-r-picks-up-the-pieces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/video-pagani-zonda-r-picks-up-the-pieces/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for the official trailer of the Pagani Zonda R

Horacio Pagani's cars not only seem to go from strength to strength, they go from "Awesome" to "I didn't know it could be that awesome." The Pagani Zonda R is the latest in "Wow!", a 2,425-pound, 750 horsepower carbon-fiber dagger right into the heart of Italy's exotica establishment. Supercar Movies has 'pieced together' a proper trailer for it, and it is as gorgeous as the car. Follow the jump to see the movie.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Pagani Zonda R picks up the pieces

VIDEO: Pagani Zonda R picks up the pieces originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercialcoupehoracio paganiHoracioPaganilimited editionLimitedEditionpaganipagani zondapagani zonda rPaganiZondaPaganiZondaRspecial editionSpecialEditionsupercarsupercarmoviessupercarmovies.comtrailervideozondazonda rZondaRFri, 03 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50 ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/singapore-gets-special-volkswagen-gti-v50/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/singapore-gets-special-volkswagen-gti-v50/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/singapore-gets-special-volkswagen-gti-v50/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Volkswagen Golf GTI V50

Singapore has been singled out to receive a hotted up version of their Mark V Volkswagen GTI dubbed GTI V50. This gift to the island nation gets upgrades from APR including a Stage 1 ECU tune that adds 36 more horsepower and an additional 74 lb-ft of torque. Also underneath are a VW R32 brakes and calipers and a VW Performance exhaust. Together they'll turn your 0-to-60 run into a 5.6-second affair, which takes more than a second off the standard GTI.

Outside, the body is adorned with go-fast cosmetics like a VW Performance body kit, white turn signals, blue-tinted glass, along with some bespoke 18-inch VW wheels and Pirelli rubber to round the whole thing out. The paint job is one we'd describe as "novel." The GTI V50 will be a limited run, so expect a commensurate premium as another added feature. Check out the gallery of photos below, and the press release and tech specs after the jump.


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI V50


[Source: VW Asia]

Continue reading Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50

Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R SpecV

When the Nissan GT-R SpecV was unveiled, we called it "Nissan's most super of supercars." We were, uh, mistaken. Inside Line spent a few fast days in Japan trying out the SpecV under the eye of the car's chief engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno. At the end of it, he casually told them that "The SpecV, in contrast to what you might be thinking, is not the high-performance version of the GT-R."

So no matter what 'Ring time the GT-R SpecV posts next month, there's still another, quicker one coming. The question is, how is it coming? A stripped-out, lightweight trackie? More base horsepower and torque, instead of a time-limited torque booster? Rockets and lasers? We have our own ideas of what could trump the SpecV, but we look forward to finding out what The Creator himself has in mind. Hat tip to Jim.

[Source: Inside Line]

A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pretty soon, it seems like the start of Nürburgring lap time season will take its place on motorsports calendars the same way you find with Formula 1 and NASCAR. The 'Ring season officially began last week, and the title card pitted the 2009 Ford Focus RS against the Renaultsport Megane R26.R. The Ford's numbers are 297 hp and 324 lb-ft; the Renault posts 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft, and the Megane's time stands at 8:16.9 (not 8:12) on its Toyo track-friendly rubber.

For the first round, the detuned 250 hp Focus RS test car managed 8:27 on "standard Continental tires," so Ford is reportedly looking at the full-fat 297 hp car to do around 8:15. Word is if they can get that close, they'll consider adding the Toyo Cup tires to the customer options list, which could subtract at least three seconds from the Focus' time and allow it to take home the 'Ring trophy for hot hatches. Ford will be back at the 'Ring next week to give it a go. Cheating? Perhaps. Pointless? Maybe. Fun for us to watch? Definitely. Hat tip to yaroukh


Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)


Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R


[Source: Driving Spirit]

Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupeeuropefocus rsFocusRsfordford focus rsFordFocusRshatchbackhot hatchHotHatchlimited editionLimitedEditionmegane r26.rMeganeR26.rnurburgringnurburgring recordNurburgringRecordrenaultrenault megane r26RenaultMeganeR26sportssports carSportsCarthe ringTheRingThu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Lamborghini preparing a Reventon Roadster?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/could-lamborghini-be-preparing-a-reventon-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/could-lamborghini-be-preparing-a-reventon-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/could-lamborghini-be-preparing-a-reventon-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Lamborghini Reventon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lamborghini said it was going to make just 20 examples of the Reventon. And it did. But the raging bull didn't say anything about following that run up with some Reventon roadsters. At least, that's the talk coming out of the UK, where "a very reliable source inside Lamborghini" has dropped the news that nine - that's right, nine - Reventon Roadsters will be forthcoming, and they'll be even more powerful than the hardtop.

The roofless Reventons will get the same engine used in the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, with 670 hp and 487 lb-ft. Not that you would expect anything else, but it will also get a price bump: €1,2 million ($1,633,975.25 USD). That means you - or some high-net-worth person you know - will pay a $634,000 premium to add 20 hp and lose a roof. And join a club with only eight other members...


Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Reventon


[Source: Cars UK]

Is Lamborghini preparing a Reventon Roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertiblecoupelamborghinilamborghini reventonlamborghini reventon roadsterLamborghiniReventonLamborghiniReventonRoadsterlimited editionLimitedEditionreventonreventon roadsterReventonRoadsterrumormillsportssupercarThu, 26 Mar 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/vauxhall-celelebrates-btcc-domination-with-limited-edition-vx-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/vauxhall-celelebrates-btcc-domination-with-limited-edition-vx-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/vauxhall-celelebrates-btcc-domination-with-limited-edition-vx-ra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to enlarge

Piloted by Fabrizio Giovanardi of the VX Racing, Vauxhall took all three golden trophies in last year's British Touring Car Championship (BTCC): driver, team, and manufacturer. To celebrate, Vauxhall is making 888 Corsa and Astra VX Racing Editions. The number of the run comes from the name of the race prep firm, Triple Eight Engineering.

Each car will sport the team colors of red and black, Recaro seats, logos on the B-pillars and sill plates, a black rear diffuser, black door trim and mirror covers, and a tinted rear window. When it comes to rubber, the Corsa gets 18-inchers, while the Astra wears 19-inch radials and also gets piano black trim inside.

The package adds at least a couple thousand British pounds to the ordinary top of the line models: The Corsa VXR will run you £17,425 (just under $25k USD) and the Astra VXR goes for £21,445 (around $30,700 USD). That's a lot of coin even when accounting for the UK's inflated market prices, but if you still want to tweak them further, you'll at least get discounts on VXR Performance Center parts. Of course, you should probably be devoted enough to have at least one Vauxhall tattoo if you're going to get into all of that...

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra

Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astracorsacoupeGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMhatchbacklimited editionLimitedEditionspecial editionSpecialEditionukvauxhallvauxhall astravauxhall astra vxrvauxhall corsavauxhall corsa vxrVauxhallAstraVauxhallAstraVxrVauxhallCorsaVauxhallCorsaVxrFri, 27 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Pagani bringing "hybrid" Zonda F Cinque]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/geneva-preview-pagani-bringing-hybrid-zonda-f-cinque/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/geneva-preview-pagani-bringing-hybrid-zonda-f-cinque/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/geneva-preview-pagani-bringing-hybrid-zonda-f-cinque/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Pagani Zonda F Cinque

The Pagani Zonda F Cinque seen here isn't a hybrid as in "green," it's a hybrid of the Pagani F and the Pagani Cinque. The car, slated to star at the Geneva Auto Show, is a one-of-a-kind Pagani simply meant to hold a place in our hearts while we wait for the Pagani Cinque to arrive next year.

The car hasn't been finished yet, but the Zonda F Cinque is essentially a Zonda F in Cinque colors. That means you'll miss the roof intake and lower aero modifications of the Cinque, but you'll get the carbon fiber and silver exterior treatment, and the spoked mags with red accents. That isn't much different than a decal package, but this is a Pagani and there will only be one of them, which means we still look forward to bringing it to you next week from Geneva.

UPDATE: We've heard from Pagani who claim that only the actual Zonda Cinque, the street version of the Zonda R, will be shown in Geneva. Seems this Zonda F Cinque was just a rumor. We'll find out the truth soon next week when we touch down in Switzerland.

Gallery: Pagani Zonda Cinque


[Source: GT Spirit via World Car Fans]

Geneva Preview: Pagani bringing "hybrid" Zonda F Cinque originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardscustomcustom carsCustomCarsetclimited editionLimitedEditionnew york timesNewYorkTimesvintagevintage carsVintageCarsTue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Bentley Zagato GTZ available at $1.7M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/first-bentley-zagato-gtz-available-at-1-7m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/first-bentley-zagato-gtz-available-at-1-7m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/first-bentley-zagato-gtz-available-at-1-7m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bentley Zagato GTZ

There will be nine examples of the Bentley Zagato GTZ manufactured for discerning plutocrats. As of now, one of them is ready for an owner, and it is for sale on JamesList.com from a broker in Villorba, Italy for €1.3 million, or about $1.7 million USD. Purportedly the only one ready for delivery, this particular GTZ has just 10k (6.1 miles) on its odometer.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last March, the GTZ leaves the engineered perfection of the Bentley Continental GT as is, merely clothing it in a Zagato treatment consisting of two-tone coachwork, a twin-bubble roof that glides into a sculpted rear window, and more added creases you could shake a Picasso at.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato


[Source: JamesList via Luxist]

First Bentley Zagato GTZ available at $1.7M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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