Autoblog

LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion

Scion xB Release Series 7.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just yesterday we shared with you some pics of and specs on the latest Scion Release Series, the xB 7.0. It's a tradition of sorts for Scion to come out with a new Release at the LA Auto Show. For this go-around, Scion seems to have been indulging in some fermented grapes, as the bloody thing is painted Murasaki! That would be purple for those of us not fluent in Japanese. Well, we have just one thing to say now that we've seen it in person, we're glad it's going to be limited to just 2,000 units.

It's not so much the underlying xB, or the DAMD body kit, or the custom stitching on the interior. It's not the TRD springs for sure, and the new exhaust tips aren't that bad. It's just that when the whole thing is swathed in purple, we can't get past the color. In any case, you can check out the high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump and judge the 7.0 for yourself.

Gallery: LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

Continue reading LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:48:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

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.

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LA Preview: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition headed for U.S. showrooms

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

For U.S. Subaru enthusiasts, it has long seemed like the folks at Fuji Heavy forgot that we might be interested in special-edition WRX models too. New hotted-up variants of the all-wheel-drive hero car have been released in the UK and elsewhere on what seems like a monthly basis, but here in the States, we've largely done without. Thankfully, at last there is just such a U.S. model in the pipeline, and it's headed for the LA Auto Show.

The the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition starts by utilizing the suspension package form the JDM WRX STI Spec C (1mm thicker rear antisway bar, stiffer springs and more robust rear subframe bushings), and the model also inherits the charcoal 18 x 8.5-inch 14-spoke alloys from that car as well.

Interestingly, the Special Edition is decontented somewhat. Unlike the standard U.S. STI, the SE makes do with a downgraded stereo (single-disc CD/four speakers versus six-disc/10 speakers), manual HVAC controls, conventional halogen headlamps, and indicator-free side mirrors. It isn't immediately clear if this change in specification helps shave any weight, but the smaller stereo alone probably helps the car drop a few pounds.

Subaru says it plans to initially offer the Special Edition in a limited run of 125 units this Spring, all painted Aspen White. Later in 2010, the Special Edition will become a normal production model available in other colors. Pricing has not yet been released, but if you're at all interested in one of the first 125 examples, we'd suggest getting on a list with your local dealer now. Check out the full press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading LA Preview: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition headed for U.S. showrooms

LA Preview: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition headed for U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition revealed

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Nissan

2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition - Click above to enlarge

When we hear the word "Krom" we think of Conan the Barbarian in the crypt, finally acquiring that giant sword. Nissan, on the other hand, uses the word to signify its new specialty vehicle line. You've seen the factory-accessorized Cube Krom, and now Nissan apparently believes the time is right for a Rogue Krom. The front clip gets a GT-R-esque treatment, while the rear gets a center-exit exhaust with a sportier sound. The package sits on blinged-up wheels, and gets finished off with privacy glass, body-colored mirrors, and steering wheel audio controls.

Three color choices -- Venom Red, Wicket Black, and Gotham Gray -- will set off the Krom badge in the hopes of making this Rogue the baddest grocery-getter on the block. Maybe that way it won't be so awkward when you swing your sword over your head, scream "Krom!" and ask your next door neighbor, "Do you want to live forever?" It will be awkward when he calls the police on you, though.

Nissan didn't announce pricing on the Rogue Krom, but you can read about everything else in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition revealed

2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus, UK

2010 Lotus Exige Scura - Click above for high-res image gallery

Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a new 2010 Lotus Exige Stealth or 2010 Lotus Exige Scura, but not both, and neither unless you get crackin'. In anticipation of its official coming out party at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus just dropped the deets on a new special edition blacked out Lotus Exige alternatively known as the Stealth or Scura (Italian for 'dark') depending on market. Whatever they call it, it is one badass car. Only 35 will be built worldwide and none of them appear headed to the States unfortunately.

This newest Exige special looks menacing with its matte black paint, contrasting gloss black stripes and carbon fiber highlights. It's powered by the 260-hp version of the ubiquitous supercharged 4-cylinder and comes standard with launch control, traction control and 2-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. And thanks to the prodigious amount of carbon fiber inside and out, this featherweight flyer drops another 10kg, allowing it to do the 0-60 sprint in 4 seconds flat. It should also reach 100 in less than ten seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 mph. Brits who hustle over to their local Lotus shoppe will have to plunk down £45,000, while EU customers can expect to pay around €61.000. Check out the gallery of high-res pics below and a long press release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo Preview: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side

Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fine China: One-off porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 special to be auctioned for charity [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, China, Videos, Ferrari, Specialty, Design/Style

One-of-a-kind Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao - Click above for UPDATED high-res image gallery

In a communist country, all Ferraris are equal, but some are more equal than others. Take the special-edition 599 that the Italian automaker debuted exclusively for the Chinese market. Only twelve of them will be made. And now, an even more exclusive version - as exclusive as they get, really - has been presented.

This one-of-a-kind special Ferrari has been further differentiated by Lu Hao, a Chinese artist who applied the special touches that make the China special edition, well...special. It's been decked out in the cracked glaze pattern of the coveted Song Dynasty-era Ge Liln porcelain, and signed by the artist. The unique supercar will be auctioned off for charity in Beijing on November 3, but you can see it for yourself in the gallery below and the video after the jump.

UPDATE: Two new images added to the gallery below, and official press release inserted under the video after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Fine China: One-off porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 special to be auctioned for charity [w/VIDEO]

Fine China: One-off porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 special to be auctioned for charity [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When we walked up to the Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 resting on the hardwood floor of the Bentley stand, it immediately had us thinking a familiar thought. Just to make sure, we asked our colleagues if they had been experiencing the same thing, and that turned into a spirited discussion about car design and CAD-drawn vs. hand-drawn bodywork.

That well-known thought was: it's not so garish in person. Substitute "hideous," "bad," and "ugly" for "garish" and you've recreated our experiences with a number of vehicles lately, and not just in Frankfurt. From the outside it's just a good looking Continental with a new set of wheels and Bentley's always-upright center caps. Inside, the car simply feels blue with white trim, and tastefully so, which was not the impression given in the preview photos. We still look forward to the Series 51's future offerings, but this first one is a.o.k.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

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.

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BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

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.

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REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

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.

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Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Bugatti, Specialty

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu - Click above for high-res image gallery

That's it, ladies and gents. The seemingly endless train of special edition Bugatti Veyrons has ended. Allegedly. After taking the wraps off the Sang Noir, Pur Sang, Fbg by Hermes, Grand Sport, Bleu Centenaire and the quartet of individual Centenaire tribute editions, to say nothing of the individual specials in between, Auto Motor und Sport says that the Sang Bleu edition of the Grand Sport which Bugatti unveiled at this past weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will be the last special edition Veyron that Molsheim will build. With a reported 250 out of the 300 Veyrons initially earmarked for production now built and sold, Bugatti's moving on to its next project, tentatively dubbed Bordeaux. At which point the whole shpeil will presumably start all over again.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport - translated]

Continue reading Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron?

Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

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.

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Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Mazda

20th Anniversary Mazda Miata -- Click above for high-res image

Japan gets to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Mazda MX-5/Miata with a special edition for JDM buyers only. The Crystal White Pearl Mica roadster comes in two varieties: an RS soft-top with a 6-speed manual, and a VS hardtop with a 6-speed automatic. Both cars get red-and-black heated Recaros, extra cabin padding, clear front fog lights, a strut tower brace, and (of course) the requisite splash of 20th anniversary badging. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, and check out a high-res photo by clicking the image above.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Today at Comic-Con, General Motors officially announced the 2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition. The $995 appearance package can be applied to LT (V6) and SS-trim Camaros in Rally Yellow with or without the optional RS package. So, whadda ya get for the dough? It's very straightforward:

Autobot insignia fender badges and wheel caps
An embroidered Autobot insignia on the center console
Gloss-black rally stripes with Transformers logos
Transformers-logo doorsill plates

If you were hoping for more, such as the Z/28 fascia and hood, the storm drain-sized exhaust outlets used on Bumblebee in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, or, say, an actual robot mode, you're outta luck. There are no performance upgrades, either -- you'll simply have to make do with the 304, 400, or 426 horsepower that comes standard, depending on which base config you select. If you desperately want your own Bumblebee but are turned off by the whole Transformers brand-mania thing, you can still do the obvious thing and order up a regular Rally Yellow car and simply add plain black rally stripes for $470. We'd do that. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled

2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, UK, Specialty

2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow - Click above for image gallery

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.

Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.

Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD - as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow

Continue reading UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan reportedly preparing Nürburgring edition 370Z for the European market

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Nissan, Specialty

Nissan 370Z - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While Nissan has been trying to master the Nürburgring in its flagship GT-R supercar, it was the one-rung-down 370Z which the Japanese automaker fielded at the track's 24-hour race last month. To commemorate the occasion, Nissan is reportedly preparing to drop a special commemorative edition of its 370Z on the European market.

Although photos are still unavailable at this time, the Nissan 370Z Nürburgring edition is apparently set to be differentiated by a set of 19-inch OZ Racing alloys wrapped in Dunlop rubber, a sport exhaust system and the requisite batch of special badges. Only 80 examples will be made, each individually numbered, and the model will apparently only be available in yellow. And just to sweeten the deal, Nissan is throwing in a gift card good for over $200 of track time on the Nordschleife.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z

[Source: CarScoop ]

Nissan reportedly preparing Nürburgring edition 370Z for the European market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK, Specialty

UPDATE: Ford just wrote us to clarify that while the all-new Focus RS just introduced in Europe won't be for sale in the U.S., "Ford intends to bring some new RS' to the US (as we've already seen in the spy photos of the white car) to use as marketing assets for feedback from enthusiasts" and media.

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

In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that - yet again - the picture of the Focus RS above is the closest Americans will get to the Blue Oval's hottest hatch. As quoted in UK's Autocar magazine, Capito's exact words are: "Sadly, no. We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS."

Note that this doesn't contradict what was said last time - that the next-generation RS might come to the U.S. since the coming Focus is being developed as a global platform with North American federalization in mind. So let's put this one to bed so we can all get on with our lives and cease pining for the current Focus RS, shall we? We need to turn our attention now to pining for the next Focus RS...

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini JCW World Championship 50 unveiled at MINI United

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mini, Specialty

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.

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Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Rumormill, Specialty

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.

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REPORT: Chevy won't be offering Indy 500 Camaro Pace Car replicas

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 24 May 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Chevrolet, Specialty

The car above is the pace car for this year's Indianapolis 500, a special edition 2010 Camaro. If you want to see it in action, then you'll need to watch the race -- Chevrolet says it won't be making a pace car replica for people who don't drive on the oval. Chevy copied and sold the four previous iterations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars thousands of times.

This time, though, a spokesman said, "In order to keep special editions special, we can't go to that well too often." Which means someone decided that a rare trip to the well would be better served by producing a Bumblebee Camaro than an Indy pace car edition, even though the original Camaro Indy 500 pace car editions still attract collectors 42 years after the fact...

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro Indy Pace Car

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Chevy won't be offering Indy 500 Camaro Pace Car replicas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 May 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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