Fisker Brings Karma To The 2009 North American International Auto Show

Fisker Automotive has unveiled the actual production version of the Karma plug-in-hybrid at the NAIAS. We knew this years North American International Auto Show would be a big hit with hybrids and EV concepts but this is just interesting. It seems majority of the cars are a derivative of a hybrid or electric hybrid vehicle. This shows we have reached a turn in the automotive industry in our changing times and Fisker is joining the rankings with it’s new Fisker Karma.

The Fisker Karma’ production form is not much different from the concept vehicle that we saw at last year’s show. The Fisker Karma will have a proprietary Q-Drive powertrain with a 50 mile all-electric range. It even includes an array of solar panels on the roof. Interestingly enough it uses a GM Ecotec engine to turn a generator to charge the battery after the 50 miles very similar to the Chevy Volt. Basically, if you commute 50 miles per day you could in theory achieve 100mpg. That’s much better than a Toyota Prius’s claimed 50mpg but at $87,900 the Fisker Karma may have to sit at the dealership on full charge until you can save up some extra cash in our slumping economy.

[source: Autoblog]

Fisker receives 1,300 orders for Karma plug-in hybrid, plans to open 40 dealers

The roll-out of Fisker’s new Karma plug-in hybrid luxury saloon is going smoothly, with the company announcing that they have already signed up 22 dealers in the U.S. and should have a total of 40 onboard by the end of the year. There are already 1,300 pre-orders for the car, which starts at a list price of $87,900 and will be delivered to the first customers this November. The price also includes integrated roof-top solar panels that help recharge the car’s lithium-ion batteries. Other standard features include 22in alloy wheels and a sports suspension system. Drive comes from two electric motors with a combined output of 408hp (300kW) and a monstrous 959ft-lb (1,300Nm) of torque, which is enough to send the vehicle to a top speed of 125mph and push it from 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds.
2009 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid

Saleen Announce 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustang

Steve Saleen has announced that his new company, SMS, will build an all-new family of high performance versions of the 2010 Ford Mustang.

Another Mustang variant coming this show season?

Click above for a gallery of the 2010 Shelby GT500 at NAIAS '09

Before this auto show season is over, we'll probably see another Ford Mustang variant unveiled. That's the juicy takeaway from a Detroit Auto Show conversation we had with Ford's vice-president of Powertrain Engineering, Barb Samardzich. In the course of discussing the 2010 GT500 and the new Mustang in general, this author made the offhand remark that, after sitting in the 2010, perhaps picking up a used '06 GT just over a year ago was a bit premature. In response, Samardzich gave a knowing look and said, "You want to wait a little longer." That was all we were able to get, but given her position, it seemed noteworthy. After all, she'd know.
We followed up with Ford spokesman Alan Hall after the show in a bid to extract more information. Alan saw this as a fun opportunity to obfuscate, joking that the Blue Oval is readying a Knight Rider edition. (They're not. Relax.) More importantly, however, he didn't deny anything either.
So now we'll take the rumorball and kick off the speculation. We wouldn't expect anything in Chicago. Traditionally, the Windy City isn't a big Mustang show, and the Taurus SHO seems likely to be the big news there anyway. That leaves New York, which has been a solid Mustang venue in recent years. In 2005, the Shelby GT500 was revealed. In 2006, the Shelby GT-H made its debut there. In 2007, we got the production Shelby GT500KR. Last year, no Mustang announcement in Manhattan, so Ford's due.
History would suggest that we'll see another Shelby model in New York, but that's really just a shot in the dark. It could really be anything. Boss? Bullitt? Mach 1? EcoBoost?! You could go on forever with the guessing. Obviously, we could also be wrong, and it could be nothing, but something tells us Ford has a treat up its sleeve...
UPDATE: And Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com pretty much lays it out: 5.0, shared with F-150.

First Cobra Jet rolls out of the production line

After its official unveiling at the SEMA Show, the first production model (from the 50 units that will be made) Cobra Jet rolled out of the production line. And here are a few images from the event made by a Ford employee. It is powered by a 5.4-liter Cobra Jet engine making about 428 hp. It also features a Cobra Jet cold air kit, 6-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission with SFI bell housing, stainless steel long-tube racing headers, 9" rear axle assembly, one piece driveshaft (...)

2011 Mustang GT - return of the 5.0

High school parking lots beware, it's the return of the 5.0! Fifteen years after Ford dropped the 5.0-liter V8, it will once again turn to the famous engine size to be its top dog (okay, so the original engine really displaced 4.9-liters, but 5.0 just sounded a lot cooler.) When we first got the specs for the 2010 Mustang, we knew that there had to be a new engine for the GT model. The standard car 2010 has a choice of two engines: a 4.0-liter 210 hp V6 (carryover from the 2009 model), (...)

Shelby to unveil a new special-edition Mustang at NHRA Winternats

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

We don't know what it is yet, but according to the folks at InsideLine, Carroll Shelby is preparing to unveil a new special-edition Ford Mustang next week. Rumored to be less powerful than the GT500KR, the limited-run model will make its debut as part of a benefit dinner for a new museum of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), held during the Winternationals. Shelby will reportedly be joined at the unveiling of the new 'Stang by top-fuel drag-racing legend Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. We'll be eagerly watching the timing lights to see what the Snake Charmer has in store for gearheads this time, and hope that Ol' Shel is feeling better.
[Source: Inside Line]

2010 Mustang GT convertible 1/18 by Maisto

Click the Mustang for a high-res gallery

What we have here is the latest in an occasional series we'll be doing here on Autoblog featuring some smaller cars. Back in November when Ford unveiled the 2010 Mustang at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, everyone in attendance got to take home a pony of their own. These, of course, were 1/18 scale models produced by Maisto especially for the event. The models are part of a limited run of 4,000 examples all finished in the same Candy Red Metallic available on full sized 'Stang. Compared to the 1/64 scale cars produced by Hot Wheels this one certainly incorporates a lot more detail, including opening hood, trunk, and doors.The paint job is also much better than the tiny 99-cent version. Ever since the debut, these cars have been turning up on eBay, with one of them currently listed at $150. There are also numerous examples in other colors at prices in the $20-25 range. It looks like the only thing limited about the one depicted above is its paint color.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT convertible by Maisto

Two Cars We Wished They’d Bring Back!

As of lately the car manufacturers have been strategically bringing back a few of the cool cars of yesteryear… the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac GTO, etc. While these are great and I’m sure that many of us couldn’t be happier to see these old friends, there are still a few models out there that we still wished they’d bring back. Let’s open this discussion with a few favorites and see if we can’t get something rolling with a few of these manufacturers.

Buick Grand National GNX-

This would have to be one of the baddest slabs of American muscle that ever came packaged within the format of a V-6. With the humble 1978 beginnings with a 3.8 liter turbo engine capable of 165 horsepower, The Grand National soured the ranks of ultimate respect when it introduced its 1987 limited edition GNX.

1987 was the last year of the Grand Nationals productions and Buick decided to go out with a bang. This has been called the height of the Buick’s decade of existence. The limited edition GNX was fitted with a Garrett turbocharger and ultra lightweight ceramic impeller, which allowed the turbo charger to be set at 15 psi. This transformed that original 165 horses into 275 bhp and 360 lbs torque.

The transmission of the GNX had to be substantially strengthened to handle the extra power, and it was given plenty of gleaming chrome accents to foster its “bad” look. This combination continues to be potent today, and few cars today can still hold up to one of these sleek black (the GNX only came in black) beauties at a stoplight. We can only imagine how a retro styled grand national GNX might look, and some of us wouldn’t mind finding out.

You hear that Buick!

Porsche 930

The 930 was basically the race version of the infamous 911 built from 1976 to 1993. The Type 930 S Coupe basically took the stock 911 body, added flared fenders to protect the wider wheels and tires, a whale tail rear spoiler, and boosted the engine with the infamous (albeit ‘lag’ prone) KKK turbocharger.

Mostly intended for racing, the Porsche 930 S had a 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder, producing 300 horsepower. The 930 could sprint from 0 to 60 in around 5 seconds, which is still respectable today. The 930 continues to be quite a rare find today and was not even sold in the states from 1979 through 1985.

Okay, okay… before anybody says the obvious, we understand the new 911 turbo is the American version of the same thing, but we still think it would be awesome if Porsche would open up a new can of 930 whoop a__, complete with a race suspension, heavily boosted turbo, wide rear tires, fender flares and fully equipped to be taken out on the track right off the showroom floor!

Yenko collection being unloaded at Barrett-Jackson

While not necessarily to the same extent, Don Yenko was to Chevys what Carroll Shelby was to Ford. He may not have beaten Ferrari at Le Mans, but Yenko built some of the most powerful Bowtie muscle cars of the 1960s. With only a few hundred built, they're also some of the most valuable. At the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in January, a private collector will be selling off his collection of five Yenkos, which are considered to be some of the best and most original in existence. Up for grabs will be a trio of 1969 Camaros, a 1981 Turbo Z Camaro, and a rare Yenko Nova. The highlight will be the Daytona Yellow Camaro that is one of three existing cars built by Yenko for NHRA drag racing. It features a COPO 427/425 V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, Hurst shifter, and more.

GM Performance Parts to offer new Camaro body in white

By: Merritt Johnson

Since automotive sales are in the toilet and the sour taste of high gas prices still lingers, the unfortunate timing of General Motors' long-awaited Chevy Camaro has the armchair quarterbacks fervently debating its long-term viability. This, despite the fact that upon its release the Camaro will offer a little something for almost everyone throughout its various trim levels, a courageous attempt by GM to boost the iconic car's sales. However, many devoted Camaro enthusiasts will still be left out in the cold. This in part due to the vehicle's starting price as well as the many additional luxuries that drag down the Camaro's power-to-weight ratio. No one wants to pay MSRP for a vehicle they intend to strip. That's why GM Performance Parts will be offering a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro body in white. As a result, budget Camaro racers won't have to wait 10 years for a discounted used chassis and large race teams won't necessarily break the bank building a replacement when the driver inevitably stuffs the wall.
The Camaro BIW package will be a full body assembly structure available through GM Peformance Parts for $7,000 beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The chassis will not contain a VIN number, so there will be no means for street registration, as the body in white is reserved for race teams only. An application must be submitted to GM Performance Parts for approval before any transaction occurs. Follow the jump to see the press release in full.

GM reports 10,000 Camaro pre-orders

By: Jeremy Korzeniewski

Back in October, General Motors reported that it had already received some 6,000 advance orders for its new fifth-gen Camaro. Despite the fact that the first car has yet to be delivered to a paying customer (that's scheduled to take place in February, with the first one selling at the upcoming Barret-Jackson auction next month), pre-orders are not slowing down, with GM now reporting a total of 10,000.
According to the automaker, 84 percent of the first 6,000 requests were for V8 models, but GM is now suggesting that a larger percentage of its latest orders are for V6 models. Sounds like those jonesing for a new V8-powered muscle car were the first ones turning in their order forms. Now that those initial buyers have all reserved their Camaros, the model mix may be getting closer to what The General had expected in the first place.
Hopefully, GM and supplier Cadence, LLC get their disagreements worked out in time and these initial pre-orders can be filled in a timely manner. The last thing GM needs right now is a botched launch of its revived pony car, especially since GM has been promoting the new Camaro hardcore for the last few years.

Hennessey Upgrades 2010 Camaro with Corvette ZR1's LS9

Hennessey has announced plans to produce a limited edition 2010 HPE700 Camaro that will produce an insane 705 hp and 717 lb.-ft. of torque, effectively turning Chevy's newest muscle car into a super car.

Mustang: 45 years old today

This is certainly a day worth remembering. The Ford Mustang is 45 years old today.

As with any new car, a manufacturer is taking a chance. Will the time invested to develop a new model pay off with enough sales to justify it? Ford hoped they would sell 100,000 Mustangs a year. They sold 22,000 on the first day.

"When the Mustang was unveiled, the reaction was so positive that there was no doubt it was going to be a success," said chief designer Joe Oros.

The birth of this pony car launched an entirely new segment, with the likes of Dodge and Chevy introducing the Challenger and Camaro soon after.

With 9 million sold, Ford's Mustang played an integral role in the muscle car era. All I can say is, "Thank you!"
..............................................................................................................................
The great shot above is from Fabio Aro on Flickr. Take a look at his stream. He's got some great car photography.

GM Adds Extra Shift at Oshawa Plant Due to Camaro Demand

Demand for the 2010 Chevy Camaro has prompted GM to add a shift for the week of June 29th at the Oshawa, Ontario plant. That week was originally planned as a week off.

The Peterborough Examiner is also reporting that the flex line workers will begin working overtime on Saturdays during June, July and August.

GM Recalling the 2010 Camaro to Fix a Battery Cable Issue

At the end of April a Camaro5 forum member Bumleb was driving his brand new 2010 Chevy Camaro SS with only 40 miles on it, when it shut down. The culprit was a battery cable that was run from the trunk. The insulation had worn down from rubbing against the starter, which caused it to short out and shut down the car. GM has issued a voluntary safety recall of the 2010 Camaro SS because of a potential shorting problem with the starter making contact with an exposed battery positive starter cable.

GM has a temporary fix, which involves wrapping the battery positive starter cable with protective insulating tape and rerouting the cable to ensure proper clearance between the starter and the battery positive starter cable. A permanent fix is available after May 11th and that includes doing the same procedure as the temporary fix, but with engine wiring harness tape.

Owners have the option of getting the temporary fix now or they can leave their cars at the dealer until the engine wiring harness tape is received by the dealers on May 11th. Lastly the recall only affects V8 equipped Camaros.

Lingenfelter releases info on engine packages, body kit for 2010 Camaro

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering of Decatur, IN have long been known as creators of the ultimate modern GM street machines. We fully expected their engineers to be lying in wait for the 2010 Camaro, and they haven't let us down. Lingenfelter has released details for its engine packages, starting with a supercharged version putting out 550 horsepower and topping out with an intercooled, twin-turbo 7.0L LS7 packing 800 horsepower. They have also teased a Camaro body kit with drawings that show off a new front fascia and splitter, grille bar insert, hood with air extractors, rear spoiler, taillight panel, and rear fascia extension that can house quad exhaust tips.

The list of engine modifications is rather impressive, and worth a read by opening up the press release below. It is not just the performance that gets a makeover. Lingenfelter also has their own body kit for the Camaro. This includes a new front splitter, front fascia with rocker extension, and hood with built-in air extractors. At the back you'll notice the rear fascia rebuild, new exhaust, rear lip spoiler, and new tail lamps.
Pricing was not listed for the 2010 Lingenfelter Camaro.
via:autoblog

Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition by Exotic Auto Restoration

Exotic Auto Restoration is offering a package to enhance the exterior and interior on one of the most iconic American cars - the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. Designed by Peter Brock, Exotic Auto Restorations is giving enthusiasts the chance to bring all the good looks of the Le Mans to their own driveway with a little more power.

The package includes new fender flares on the front and rear, 18-inch wheels, heavy duty Bilstein shocks and H&R springs, alcantera suede seats with “Le Mans Edition” embroidery, ”Le Mans Edition” gauges with 200 mph speedometer and more.

Power for the Daytona Coupe Le Mans pictured above comes from a Roush 402R V8 producing 530-hp with a peak torque of 515 lb-ft mated to a Termec T56 6-speed transmission. Exotic Auto Restorations is also offering a track-oriented version powered by Shelby 351 V8 stroked to 427ci. Output for the track-oriented model comes in at 560-hp with a maximum torque of 530 lb-ft.

Click through for more details and the high-res photos.

Exotic Auto Restoration - Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition:

Press Release:

The Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition by Exotic Auto Restoration - the spirit of Le Mans in your driveway

In 1964, Shelby took the motorsports world by storm with the Daytona Coupe. With a revolutionary design by Peter Brock, the car was capable of reaching an incredible 187 mph on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans. In 1965, the Daytona Coupe became the first and only American car to win the FIA GT World Championship, cementing its legacy in motorsports history. Now Exotic Auto Restoration of Costa Mesa, CA is allowing car enthusiasts to bring the legend of Le Mans to their own driveway. Based on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe built by Superformance and also designed by Peter Brock, the Le Mans Edition has been upgraded in the spirit of the original racecar.

To enhance both the looks and performance of the Daytona Coupe, Exotic Auto Restoration has designed new body and interior components that blend seamlessly with the rest of the car. “I wanted to give the car a wider, more aggressive stance as well as the capability of turning better lap times,” explains George Cunha, owner of Exotic Auto Restoration. Named for the Le Mans 24 Hour race that the Daytona Coupe won in 1965, this package includes the following:

- Group 5 fender flares front and rear
- Wider 18-inch wheels and tires
- Heavy duty Bilstein shocks and H&R springs
- Functional billet aluminum top and side hood louvers
- Reclinable Alcantera suede seats with “Le Mans Edition” embroidery
- Brushed billet aluminum dashboard with aircraft-style toggle switches
- “Le Mans Edition” gauges with 200 mph speedometer and 10k rpm tachometer
- Suede Momo racing steering wheel

Customers can choose from a variety of motors based on the Ford 351 Windsor block. Powering this particular Daytona Coupe Le Mans is a Roush 402R V8 producing 530 horsepower and 515 lb-ft torque mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed transmission.

In addition, a track-oriented version is also available. Only six will be built (two have been pre-sold, leaving four available) in this configuration to commemorate the six original racecars, each featuring an authentic Shelby-built V8. Adding to the standard Le Mans Edition components, this package includes the following:

- 6-point roll cage
- Lightweight wheels with 2.5-inch locking nut
- 14-inch, 6-piston brakes front, 13-inch, 6-piston brakes rear
- Carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser
- A/C delete
- Carpet delete
- Full race seats with 6-point harnesses
- Quick-release steering wheel
- Dash-mounted programmable ignition module
- Dash-mounted brake bias controls
- Shelby aluminum block 351 V8 bored and stroked to 427ci
- 560 horsepower and 530 lb-ft torque
- Tremec TKO-600 transmission
- Full dry sump lubrication system

The Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition can be seen in person at the Pasadena Art Center Car Classic on Sunday, July 19. For additional information on the Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition, contact Exotic Auto Restorations at 714-979-7100, on the web at www.carsbyexotic.com or by email at exoticauto@sbcglobal.net

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Exotic Auto Restoration

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

Original post by Raptor-AM

Original post by Yo Ghurt

Original post by Vision Automotriz Magazine

Original post by Vision Automotriz Magazine

Cool sunny sports cars: the ABT Eos and ABT TT-Roadster

The ABT Eos and ABT TT-Roadster show just what the renowned vehicle tuner from Allg?u understands by a real open-top sports car: The company from Kempten developed components for both the Volkswagen Cabrio as well as the open-top version of the successful VW model, which emphasise the character of the respective cars and make them come across more striking from any angle. The lowered front spoiler, the side skirts as well as the rear apron insert with the typical 4-pipe rear muffler underline the sporty ambitions of the cool ABT Eos and give it a confident appearance.

The lowered front spoiler, the side skirts as well as the rear apron insert with the typical 4-pipe rear muffler underline the sporty ambitions of the cool ABT Eos and give it a confident appearance. And even more so with the BR alloys, which when standing even signalise a need for speed. The fact that this wheel also perfectly fits the TT-Roadster is understandable, as this breathtaking vehicle looks dynamic even without the body kit from ABT. The company from Kempten converts the open-top TT into a real athlete which when motionless looks like a 100 metre sprinter waiting for the gun: the spoiler, the side components, the rear apron unit and the rear wing form one all-round successful unit. With it the sports car cuts an exceedingly good figure, not just on highways and motorways but also on the boulevard.
more detail. ...
ABT Volkswagen EOS

ABT AUDI TT-Roadster