Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Wrap your car in the loving and tender embrace of velvet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/#commentsFiled under:



In case you hadn't noticed, car wrapping has gotten more popular and more common in recent years. At this year's SEMA show, in particular, it was difficult to walk ten feet without seeing some custom wrap job or another. With matte palettes, metallic finishes and famous racing liveries so thick on the ground then, it was probably only a matter of time before we got to velvet. Call up Barry and Levon, baby - velvet is here.

The strategically named Velvet Cars is now offering partial and full body wraps, in 15 different shades of velvet, for your own personal dream car. The company will help you find a certified car wrapper in your area, who can follow up with a quote. For the DIY wrapping enthusiast (and velvet-fondling bon vivant), the company will also sell you the wrapping material itself; the 25-yard, full car wrap runs $1,500.

It's hard to say what this stuff looks like in real life, and we can't imagine that it wears particularly well, but the demo Fisker Karma sure does look huggably soft to us. Stay tuned for next year's SEMA show, where we fully expect a Scion xB to serve as a canvas for Velvet Car Dogs Playing Pool, and velvety renditions of Elvis.

Wrap your car in the loving and tender embrace of velvet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car wrappingcar wrapsfisker karmasemavelvet car wrapsvelvet carsSat, 23 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20470058/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/20470058/article-detail.xml 20470058 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/velvet-fisker-karma-628-1361561223_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/velvet-fisker-karma-628-1361561223.jpg <![CDATA[Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year's SEMA darlings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/02/ford-picks-fiesta-st-transit-connect-as-this-years-sema-darlin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/02/ford-picks-fiesta-st-transit-connect-as-this-years-sema-darlin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/02/ford-picks-fiesta-st-transit-connect-as-this-years-sema-darlin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



SEMA is more than nine months away, but the reveille bugle for the show has just sounded with Ford's call to aftermarket companies for its project-vehicle program. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and 2014 Transit Connect van and wagon are the cars The Blue Oval wants to feature, but applicants can submit project vehicles for any product except the GT500, the Raptor, or anything from Lincoln.

Submissions must be completed in two parts, the first being an email to Ford with an overview of the project, like vehicle theme, promotional plan and location display. The second part must be mailed in on company letterhead and gets down to the nuts and bolts of the vision and the provision of company bona fides. The complete proposal is due on March 1, winners will be notified by May 1. Click the link below to get all the details, and for show attendees, get ready to see some funky Fiestas and wild shaggin' wagons in Las Vegas come November.

Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year's SEMA darlings originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketfiestafiesta stfordsemasema 2013transit connecttransit connect wagontunerSat, 02 Feb 2013 17:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20445975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/02/ford-picks-fiesta-st-transit-connect-as-this-years-sema-darlin/20445975/article-detail.xml 20445975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fordfiestastsema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fordfiestastsema.jpg <![CDATA[Welcome to the basement of the 2012 LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/la-auto-show-basement-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/la-auto-show-basement-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/la-auto-show-basement-la-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 LA Auto Show Basement

As much as we love to cover the mainstream part of the LA show each year - important debuts, fresh concepts, splashy presentations, etc. - we reserve a special place in our hearts for the tuner/aftermarket/toys/games/odd stuff that can always be found on the basement level of the Los Angeles Convention Center. It's in this space, sometimes referred to internally as "mini SEMA," we can count on getting to look at the physical instantiation of automotive imagination run rampant.

Unfortunately, as almost all of the booths are either still in the process of being set up or unmanned altogether, there's little to no detail to be had about most of the stuff on display. So rather than pepper you with, you know, facts and stuff, we invite you to simply enjoy the attached gallery of images on their own merits. A sort of digital walk-thru of LA's nether region, if you will. Enjoy.

Welcome to the basement of the 2012 LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto showdublala auto showla basementsemaThu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391322/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/29/la-auto-show-basement-la-2012/20391322/article-detail.xml 20391322 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/la-auto-show-2012-basement_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/la-auto-show-2012-basement.jpg <![CDATA[Watch an R/C car go from 0-100 mph in four seconds. On a dyno.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/watch-an-r-c-car-go-from-0-100-mph-in-four-seconds-on-a-dyno/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/watch-an-r-c-car-go-from-0-100-mph-in-four-seconds-on-a-dyno/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/watch-an-r-c-car-go-from-0-100-mph-in-four-seconds-on-a-dyno/#commentsFiled under: ,



There's way too much ground to cover at the Las Vegas Convention Center each year at the SEMA Show, so inevitably, some cool stuff always slips through the cracks. Apparently, in our rush to cover 1940 Ford body shells and the ICON Dodge D200, we missed this gem. Top Speed found a video of the Traxxas stand at this year's event showing the company's latest radio-controlled car hitting triple-digit speeds on a dyno. In the video, the Traxxas X0-1 tops out at 104 miles per hour with its motors hitting 22,500 rpm.

The X0-1 might be a 1/7 scale car, but its performance puts it in competition with just about anything on four wheels. Introduced almost a year ago, the four-wheel-drive X0-1 is an RC supercar that can accelerate from 0-100 mph in under five seconds. Using the Traxxas Link app, you can even use your iPhone as the RC car's controller and telemetry screen. Like any other supercar, the X0-1 isn't cheap with a retail price of $1,014.99.

Scroll down to watch the X0-1 show its skills on the cutest little dyno ever.

Continue reading Watch an R/C car go from 0-100 mph in four seconds. On a dyno.

Watch an R/C car go from 0-100 mph in four seconds. On a dyno. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 sema showradio controlled carrc carrc car dynorc car speedrc car videosematraxxastraxxas xo-1Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378707/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/watch-an-r-c-car-go-from-0-100-mph-in-four-seconds-on-a-dyno/20378707/article-detail.xml 20378707 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/100-mph-rc-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/100-mph-rc-car.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block won't let a little in-cabin fire slow him down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Say you're driving along, minding your own business and smoke starts rising from the hood of your car - you're going to pull over, right? Well if you are the master of Gymkhana, Ken Block, it's never that simple.

The drift-happy racer was competing at a Global RallyCross event at SEMA when things got a little hazy in the cockpit of the heavily modified Ford Fiesta rally car. Block was in the lead, and as one might do when leading a race, he ignored the smoke billowing from beneath the shifter. Three laps into the race, and the smoke persisted, but hey there was driving to be done! Finally, flames erupted, but Block was still not phased. This from the Hoonigan YouTube page:

"After qualifying first, winning each of his heats and leading the first 5 laps at Global Rally Cross SEMA, Ken Block was forced to DNF due to a FIRE in his cockpit. But before retiring Block drove the piss out of his Ford Fiesta HFHV despite the smoke, and flames. Why you ask... Cause, like any good Hoonigan, dude AIN'T CARE!!!"

Our takeaway from this mishap is that Block remains unsettlingly cool, and only after stuff starts melting and falling over does it appear that Block becomes alarmed at all. They say racers need ice water pumping through their veins, but that doesn't make you fireproof, so we're glad Block is alright. To see all the vehicular carnage, check out the video below.

Continue reading Ken Block won't let a little in-cabin fire slow him down

Ken Block won't let a little in-cabin fire slow him down originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordford fiestaglobal rallycrossrallyrally carsemaThu, 08 Nov 2012 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/20374007/article-detail.xml 20374007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/keb-block_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/keb-block.jpeg <![CDATA[Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tanner Foust Global RallyCross Las Vegas

Global RallyCross is an interesting motorsport. Beginning in 2010 at the X Games, the series races on short tracks made partly of asphalt and partly of dirt, along with a signature variation called the Joker Lap, in which drivers are required to take an alternate, slightly longer route that generally incorporates a 70-foot gap jump.

The final event for the 2012 season took place just across the street from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and those of us covering the event for Autoblog scored a birds-eye view of the track from our hotel rooms. Fortunately for those who weren't able to attend, X Games decided to upload the entire final to YouTube.

For those keeping track, Tanner Foust took the victory, clinching the Global RallyCross Championship for the second year in a row. The race had to be restarted after Ken Block's car started billowing ominous-looking black smoke from underhood.

If you're interested, GoPro stitched together a brief video reel of highlights, along with some skate footage from an empty pool, from driver Bucky Lasek. Both videos are available for your viewing pleasure down below.

UPDATE: We've also added a video from Driving Sports showing RallyCross action in slow motion.

Continue reading Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE]

Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bucky lasekglobal rallycross 2012global rallycross championshipglobal rallycross las vegasgoprolas vegassemasema 2012sema showtanner foustx gamesFri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20369523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/20369523/article-detail.xml 20369523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/foust-grc-vegas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/foust-grc-vegas.jpg <![CDATA[We obsessively covered the 2012 SEMA Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2012-sema-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2012-sema-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2012-sema-show/#commentsFiled under:



Party's over, folks. Despite the fact that the city of Las Vegas is a-hustlin' and a-bustlin' 24/7, the lights are officially being turned off here at the 2012 SEMA Show. Thus, our bags are packed and we're getting the heck out of here.

In case you missed any of our obsessive coverage of this year's SEMA expo, we've collected our entire smattering of posts here for you in easy-to-scan roundup format. Be sure to peruse through all the galleries of tricked-out treats found within the Las Vegas Convention Center, and stay tuned for our regularly scheduled programming to start back up in the morning.

Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA

Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R [w/video]

Tekked-Out Prius, Rowdy Camry round out Toyota's SEMA offerings

RK Concepts custom motorcycles look ready for Rod Serling

Chevy cooks up custom Camaro, Corvette for "Smoke," Fieri

Toyota Shows three tuner Avalons in Sin City

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing

Holman & Moody 50th Anniversary TdF Mustang is a blast from the past

Underground Racing creates 1,000-hp Audi R8 GT

Scion FR-S SCCA World Challenge racecar, ready for the track

Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper

Chevrolet builds Sonic B-Spec racer concept

Ford Mustang Build Powered by Women proves the XXs can compete [w/video]

Jeep JK Six Pak Concept is the three-row family off-roader you've been hankering for

Scion FR-S Tuner Challenge declares a winner

Fisker Karma and 3M at SEMA, that's a wrap

HRE carbon fiber wheels for all your customizing desires

Acura preps ILX for endurance racing challenge

Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron

Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas

Hyundai goes bonkers with performance Velosters

Bisimoto Hyundai Elantra GT Concept makes monster power for a family hatch

VWerks Ram KTS is a Ram Runner aftermarket-style

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition pops up at SEMA

Hyundai Genesis Coupes from ARK Performance and Cosworth at SEMA

Sleek new Ford Fusion gets hit with SEMA's ugly stick

Custom Chevy Spark models light up in Vegas

Production-ready Lingenfelter LTA Camaro debuts in Vegas

Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes

Jeff Dunham's UltraViolet Mopar Challenger isn't plum crazy

1940 Ford is a blank-slate for hot rod dreams

2013 SRT Viper with Mopar accessories shines at SEMA

Hyundai Veloster Re:Mix is production-ready fun from SEMA

Kelderman Ford F-250 Super Duty laughs at lesser trucks

ICON Dodge D200 Reformer Series pickup is an unstoppable rebel force

Mazda brings trio of tricked-out CX-5s to Vegas

Fiat brings Café Racer, Beach Cruiser and Magneti Marelli samplers to SEMA

2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP hitting dealerships next spring

Mazda MX-5 Super25 Concept lights the way to motorsports glory

Kia transforms five Justice League inspired models for Heroes charity

Toyota owes us a 9-second car, presents us with DragQuoia instead

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is not kidding around

Chevy Malibu Turbo Performance Concept is hotted up for your eyes only

Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for

2012 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Convertible is an Inferno Orange charitable donation

Ford Racing debuts twin-turbo Mustang Cobra Jet Concept [w/video]

We obsessively covered the 2012 SEMA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredsemasema 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2012-sema-show/20366985/article-detail.xml 20366985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/semacutart102912-1351712768_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/semacutart102912-1351712768.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scion FR-S Show Cars at SEMA

Scion made a huge investment in the 2012 SEMA show, and its spanking new FR-S coupe, by putting hundreds of cars in the hands of tuners. The result on the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is unmissable, as just about everywhere we turn we find another FR-S peeking out at us.

We tried to capture a large quantity of the coupes we saw on display, to represent just how thick on the ground they actually are. In the attached gallery you'll find a healthy percentage of the alleged 150-plus cars that made it to SEMA this year. You'll also find a smattering of Subaru BRZ models, too. Fair is fair.

Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfr-spics aplentyscionsemasema 2012SubaruThu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/20368195/article-detail.xml 20368195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/martini-racing-1966-ford-mustang-t-5r-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/martini-racing-1966-ford-mustang-t-5r-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/martini-racing-1966-ford-mustang-t-5r-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Imagine, for a moment, this scene taking place way back in the 1960s:

"Ford has so much success with the Shelby racing program in the US, they had the new Indy motor that they wanted to get more development out of, they wanted to promote the Mustang more in Europe, and Martini Racing was just coming about. So the idea behind the car is that Ford contacted Martini and asked if they would do some testing on the Indy engine if they gave them some performance parts from Shelby."

It didn't actually happen, but it's a unique bit of historical coulda-woulda-shoulda-been described to us by Peter Harksell of Pure Vision Design. Its Martini Racing livery is enough for us to make us take notice, but the real story is the Indy Car engine underhood. It's an original Ford Indy engine from the 1960s, originally displacing 251 cubic inches and revving to a stratospheric 9,000 rpm.

The mill was rebuilt with the street in mind, now fuel-injected and measuring 300 cubic inches, and it boasts a wide and flat torque curve with over 300 pound-feet available from 3,000 to 7,000 rpm, maxing at 362 pound-feet. Horsepower comes to 426 at 6,900 rpm.

Just as importantly, the Mustang T-5R is built to handle with a modern suspension system from Detroit Speed & Engineering. Kept to just 2,300 pounds all in, this 'Stang is bound to be a serious performer. Check it out in our complete gallery above and read more about the car and its build process on Pure Vision Design's official website. Finally, be sure to watch the set of videos below.

Continue reading Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R [w/video]

Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordmartini racingmartini racing ford mustangmustangmustang t-5rpure vision designsemasema 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368145/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/martini-racing-1966-ford-mustang-t-5r-sema-2012/20368145/article-detail.xml 20368145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/pure-vision-martini-racing-mustang_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/pure-vision-martini-racing-mustang.jpg <![CDATA[Tekked-Out Prius, Rowdy Camry round out Toyota's SEMA offerings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/tekked-out-prius-rowdy-camry-round-out-toyotas-sema-offerings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/tekked-out-prius-rowdy-camry-round-out-toyotas-sema-offerings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/tekked-out-prius-rowdy-camry-round-out-toyotas-sema-offerings/#commentsFiled under: , ,



From the same Dream Build Challenge that brought the DragQouia to the SEMA Show, NASCAR stars Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch also got involved with the competition hoping to win $50,000 for their respective charities. Instead of building trucks like their NHRA counterparts, Bowyer had a Prius built for the contest while Busch stuck with a car he's very familiar with, the Camry.

Bowyer's Tekked-Out Prius is probably about as cool-looking as a Prius can get with its lowered stance, custom body kit, side cameras replacing the door mirrors and black-and-blue paint job matching the car's techie persona. Inside is where most of the mods took place with a totally redone interior including new fabrics throughout (including leather and Alcantara) and plenty of cabin tech such as the 17-inch touchscreen computer built into the passenger side of the instrument panel. Bowyer's charity of choice is the Emporia Community Foundation which goes to benefit Bowyer's hometown of Emporia, Kansas.

Named after Busch's apparent alter-ego (Rowdy Burns from Days of Thunder), the Rowdy Camry shows how mean a midsize Toyota can look with styling upgrades like a wide body kit, rear diffuser with integrated exhaust outlets and a ram air hood. The blacked-out Camry also has a lowered suspension and rides on staggered-width 18-inch wheels, and it was was built for the Kurt Busch Foundation. Scroll down for more information about both of these cars.

Continue reading Tekked-Out Prius, Rowdy Camry round out Toyota's SEMA offerings

Tekked-Out Prius, Rowdy Camry round out Toyota's SEMA offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camryclint bowyerkyle buschpriusrowdy camrysemasema 2012tekked-out priustoyotaThu, 01 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/tekked-out-prius-rowdy-camry-round-out-toyotas-sema-offerings/20368352/article-detail.xml 20368352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/000-toyota-prius-tekked-out-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/000-toyota-prius-tekked-out-628.jpg <![CDATA[RK Concepts custom motorcycles look ready for Rod Serling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/rk-concepts-custom-motorcycles-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/rk-concepts-custom-motorcycles-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/rk-concepts-custom-motorcycles-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension - a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into... the SEMA Zone.

With apologies to fans of The Twilight Zone, we couldn't help but recite those iconic opening lines when we happened upon these RK Concepts custom motorcycles here at the SEMA Show. The fact that these crazy two- and three-wheeled machines sit in a prominent position right outside the main auditorium certainly doesn't hurt the impression they make on showgoers.

There are five concepts above: The RK S, RK Spring Frame, RK Chain, RK Thing and one more that doesn't seem to have a name but features a frame that's almost completely round. We don't really have words to describe them, other than to say that the designer, Rafik Kaissi, swears each of them can indeed be ridden. Check them all out in our high-res gallery above.

RK Concepts custom motorcycles look ready for Rod Serling originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>custom motorcyclecustom motorcyclesrafik kaissirk conceptssemasema 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/rk-concepts-custom-motorcycles-sema-2012/20365854/article-detail.xml 20365854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/rk-concepts-custom-motorcycles-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/rk-concepts-custom-motorcycles-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy cooks up custom Camaro, Corvette for "Smoke," Fieri]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-corvette-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-corvette-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-corvette-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tony Stewart Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

NASCAR driver Tony Stewart is known as "Smoke" to many, and the custom Camaro ZL1 he helped create for SEMA reflects his sometimes mysterious personality. Chevy design manager Dave Ross worked with Stewart to come up with not only the flat red and silver tribal theme, but the custom gray-metallic paint and the red-haloed headlights, as well.

The interior gets seats embroidered with Tony Stewart signatures, suede door panels, French-stitched black leather armrests and piano black trim plates and gauge bezel. The large wheels are custom-designed with a piano black finish and just a touch of red on the spokes.

Underhood lies the 6.2L supercharged LSA engine with enough power to turn the rear tires to billowing clouds of small rubber particles. The engine is factory fresh but handily uses its 580 horses to make a 0-60 run in four seconds with a top-out speed of 184 miles per hour.

For the host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Chevy cooked up a delectable Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition. An avid Camaro fan, spiky-haired Guy Fieri already owns 1968 and 2011 Camaro SS convertibles in matching yellow and black. His new Corvette, however, twists that color scheme for a black with yellow stripes getup accented by the blacked-out 19-inch wheels in front and 20s in back with matching yellow calipers. Stunning would be the correct adjective, and GM should definitely put the package on its menu.

Continue reading Chevy cooks up custom Camaro, Corvette for "Smoke," Fieri

Chevy cooks up custom Camaro, Corvette for "Smoke," Fieri originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocamaro zl1chevroletchevycorvettecorvette 427 convertiblegeneral motorsgmguy fierisemasema 2012tony stewartzl1Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367993/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-corvette-sema-2012/20367993/article-detail.xml 20367993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/tony-stewart-chevrolet-camaro-zl1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/tony-stewart-chevrolet-camaro-zl1.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Shows three tuner Avalons in Sin City]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/toyota-avalon-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/toyota-avalon-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/toyota-avalon-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Who knew the Toyota Avalon could be so... sporty? SEMA isn't just about tuning no-brainers like the Ford Mustang and Scion FR-S, it's about showing what's possible for a wide variety of cars, even seemingly geriatric machines like the big Avalon.

But remember, Toyota is seriously considering a sportier version of its Avalon flagship - we first brought you this news earlier in the year. And while these SEMA concepts aren't intended for production, nobody is ruling out that something very similar might make it to showrooms in the near future.

The stealth Avalon you see above is the DUB Edition, rolling on 22-inch matte black wheels and featuring a completely de-chromed exterior with blacked-out elements. The DUB Avalon doesn't offer any tweaks to the 3.5-liter V6, but behind that tinted glass is a totally black interior with suede accents on the seats and many of the touchable surfaces.

Moving on, Toyota has brought a TRD Edition Avalon that uses plenty of parts from the company's in-house tuning catalog, and showing that even hybrids can be sporty, the Avalon HV gets a meaner, sleeker look. Have a look at all three in the attached galleries.

Toyota Shows three tuner Avalons in Sin City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota avalonavalondubsemasema 2012toyotatrdThu, 01 Nov 2012 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/toyota-avalon-sema-2012/20368337/article-detail.xml 20368337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/002-toyota-avalon-dub-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/002-toyota-avalon-dub-edition-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged

If there's one legitimate complaint that can be hurled at the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport, it's that it has no more power than its less-sporty siblings. It's not that 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque isn't enough for good performance - as the GS 350's 5.7-second sprint to 60 can attest - it's that a separate model that's billed as a performance version could use a few bonus ponies to keep enthusiasts buyers from feeling snubbed.

And so we present you with this supercharged GS 350 F Sport, which is currently being shown here at SEMA. There's an Apexi CG SPL supercharger kit along with a matching Smart Accel Throttle Controller, joined by a PTS Joe Z Series header-back exhaust kit. The body is equipped with a Wald International Aero Package kit, and the entire car is hunkered down on 20-inch Vossen CV7 wheels via an RSR coilover suspension system.

Horsepower is up by 60 at the rear wheels with the supercharger running a conservative three pounds of boost, which means this F Sport is living up to its name. Check it out in the image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gsgs 350 f sportgs 350 f sport superchargedlexussemasema 2012supercharged lexus gsThu, 01 Nov 2012 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368030/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/20368030/article-detail.xml 20368030 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lexus-gs-f-sport-supercharged-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lexus-gs-f-sport-supercharged-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Holman & Moody 50th Anniversary TdF Mustang is a blast from the past]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/holman-and-moody-50th-anniversary-tdf-mustang-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/holman-and-moody-50th-anniversary-tdf-mustang-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/holman-and-moody-50th-anniversary-tdf-mustang-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Holman & Moody 50th Anniversary TdF Mustang

It's easy to forget it was Holman & Moody that helped first put a Ford Mustang on track in competition. Well before Carroll Shelby ever spun a wrench on one of the pony cars, H&M served up a set of race engines for Alan Mann Racing. That team took four specially prepared 1964 notchback Mustang models to the 4,000-mile Tour de France Automobile and brought home first place in the Touring Car class. Holman & Moody have chosen to celebrate that milestone with a special 2014 Ford Mustang dressed in the traditional Alan Mann Racing gold and red livery.

The car features a horsepower nudge from Ford Racing as well as adjustable SVT shocks and struts, HMPerformance adjustable sway bars, lowering springs and an oil cooler. A set of Ford Racing mufflers and a Ford Racing x-pipe give the car a little more bark, while the one-off 19-inch wheels add some flash to the mix. Holman & Moody will produce just 500 examples, and each one will come with a one-year membership to the SVT Owner's Association. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Holman & Moody 50th Anniversary TdF Mustang is a blast from the past

Holman & Moody 50th Anniversary TdF Mustang is a blast from the past originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustangfordford mustangholman and moody 2014 ford mustangholman and moody mustangholman-moodymustangsemasema 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368006/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/holman-and-moody-50th-anniversary-tdf-mustang-sema-2012/20368006/article-detail.xml 20368006 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/holman-moody-tdf-mustang-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/holman-moody-tdf-mustang-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Underground Racing creates 1,000-hp Audi R8 GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Underground Racing Audi R8 GT Stage 3

It is unlikely that anybody has ever accused the Audi R8 GT of being a slow car, but like everything else on display at the SEMA Show - where the unofficial motto should be "if there's a will, there's a way" - Underground Racing has proven that fast can also get faster. Starting life as a 560-horsepower R8 GT, Underground Racing has developed four stages for the car ranging from a "mild" 700 hp up to a ridiculously wild 1,000-hp version... and that's just on pump gas.

Underground Racing, known for tuning just about any rear-engine supercar, says that the Stage 1 kit is good for 700 hp through the automaker's Quattro all-wheel-drive system on premium gas and 1,000 hp running on race fuel. Stepping up to the Stage 2 kit will drop 850 hp from the pump and 1,200 hp on race fuel. Both the Stage 3 and Race Version kits are rated at 1,000 hp on 93 octane, but while the Stage 3 tops out at 1,200 hp, the Race Version can lay down up to 1,500 hp.

On display at the Nitto Tire booth, the Underground Racing R8 GT Stage 3 came in a beautiful matte red hue with black 19-inch HRE performance wheels wrapped in Nitto Invo tires. No word on pricing for any of the Stage kits, but we're sure if you can afford a $200,000 (base) R8 GT, a little extra isn't going to break your bank.

Underground Racing creates 1,000-hp Audi R8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audir8r8 gtsemasema 2012underground racingThu, 01 Nov 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/20368132/article-detail.xml 20368132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S SCCA World Challenge racecar, ready for the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/scion-fr-s-racecar-scca-world-challenge-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/scion-fr-s-racecar-scca-world-challenge-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/scion-fr-s-racecar-scca-world-challenge-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Scion FR-S World Challenge Racecar

Of all the many Scion FR-S models here on the SEMA floor in Las Vegas - and there are a great many of them, have no doubt - the very purpose-built car from Stout Racing is one that we may hear about again in the future.

The Stout Racing team will be campaigning the racy FR-S in the SCCA World Challenge series in the upcoming season, and is currently building some buzz on the Scion SEMA show stand. The car makes use of a supercharger that was jointly developed by Stout and TRD, as well as a front splitter, doors and rear wing - all by Vertex.

Driver Robert Stout will run the FR-S in the GTS class next year, with a debut slated for the Streets of St. Petersburg event, scheduled to go off in March of 2013.

Scion FR-S SCCA World Challenge racecar, ready for the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fr-sracecarrobert stoutscionscion fr-s scca world challenge race carsemasema 2012stout racingThu, 01 Nov 2012 16:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/scion-fr-s-racecar-scca-world-challenge-sema-2012/20367995/article-detail.xml 20367995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-world-challenge-racecar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-world-challenge-racecar.jpg <![CDATA[Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper

There's no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler is a shining beacon of aftermarket success here at the 2012 SEMA Show. If there's any one vehicle that can stake a claim to challenging the Scion FR-S and Ford Mustang in the sheer-number-of-vehicles contest, it's Jeep's iconic off-roader.

So it comes as little surprise that Mopar is interested in picking up a bit more of that market with its own factory-approved line of performance parts. In an effort to showcase what it offers in its catalog - "a portfolio of high-end, hard-core Jeep parts including axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates and suspension components," says the company - Jeep has unveiled the Wrangler Sand Trooper that you see above.

Included in the upgrade list is a 5.7-liter Hemi engine conversion, portal axles, eight-lug beadlock wheels and a full underbody skidplate. Body bits consisting of half doors, a vented hood, flat fenders, a massive front bumper fitted with a Warn winch and a suite of LED lighting bits and a smattering of black trim round out the look.

See all these bits and pieces in our high-res gallery above and check out the official press release below.

Continue reading Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper

Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep wranglerjeepsemasema 2012wranglerwrangler sand trooperThu, 01 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/20367158/article-detail.xml 20367158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jeep-wrangler-sand-trooper-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jeep-wrangler-sand-trooper-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet builds Sonic B-Spec racer concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/chevrolet-sonic-b-spec-racecar-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/chevrolet-sonic-b-spec-racecar-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/chevrolet-sonic-b-spec-racecar-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Sonic B-Spec Sport Race Car Concept

Chevrolet Performance worked over the Chevrolet Sonic just for this year's SEMA show to create this B-Spec racecar concept. Built to conform to all of rules and regulations of the B-Spec subcompact classes in both the SCCA and the Grand-Am series, the five-door features new coilovers on all four corners with revised mounts, adjustable front stabilizer bar links and a rear axle shim kit. The requisite air inlet restrictor has also been shoved in place, and the ECM and EBCM have been recalibrated accordingly. That's exciting in all, but we're more thrilled about the fact that Chevrolet says the parts are intended for production as a kit any consumer can buy.

That would leave competitors to independently source pricey pieces like the roll cage, seat and associated harnesses. The automaker says some of the parts may change en route to production, including the lightweight 15-inch alloy wheels.

Underhood, buyers can expect to find a stock 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to a factory five-speed manual gearbox. Look for the production kit to go on sale in the first quarter of 2013. Check the full press blast below for more information.

Continue reading Chevrolet builds Sonic B-Spec racer concept

Chevrolet builds Sonic B-Spec racer concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-spec sonic conceptchevroletchevrolet performancechevrolet sonicchevrolet sonic b-spec race car concpetsemasema 2012sonicThu, 01 Nov 2012 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/chevrolet-sonic-b-spec-racecar-sema-2012/20368020/article-detail.xml 20368020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/chevrolet-sonic-b-spec-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/chevrolet-sonic-b-spec-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mustang Build Powered by Women proves the XXs can compete [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/ford-mustang-build-powered-by-women-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/ford-mustang-build-powered-by-women-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/ford-mustang-build-powered-by-women-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ford Mustang Build Powered by Women

What's so special about the customized Mustang you see above? Well, first of all, it's very well done - nicely designed and assembled with care - but that's not its main claim to fame. In an industry dominated by persons born with both X and Y chromosomes, the XXs don't want to be overlooked, and so this Ford Mustang Powered by Women came into existence.

The car is called High Gear, and is based on a 2013 Ford Mustang GT. The design was chosen after an online contest was held with three possibilities vying for cotes. Built over two months last summer, more than 40 women volunteered to make this show car come to life. Parts were donated by over 40 companies for this project, including a supercharger signed by Vic Edelbrock himself.

Learn more about the Built By Women Mustang in the press release and video below, and be sure to peruse our high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading Ford Mustang Build Powered by Women proves the XXs can compete [w/video]

Ford Mustang Build Powered by Women proves the XXs can compete [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordhigh gearmustangmustang high gearmustang powered by womenpowered by womensemasema 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/ford-mustang-build-powered-by-women-sema-2012/20368068/article-detail.xml 20368068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/high-gear-ford-mustang-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/high-gear-ford-mustang-sema.jpg -1 2