Roughly five months after it was announced at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas; Yukon, Oklahoma based Classic Recreations has now revealed its built to order G.T.500CR. Endorsed by Shelby American, each of these potent ’67 original fastbacks will be powered by modified 427 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) small-block Windsor V8s and feature Tremec transmissions and modern coil-over suspension.

Every G.T.500CR comes with an official Shelby serial number and will be listed on the Shelby World Registry. Three different versions of the car will be offered: Performance, Intro and Venom. The Performance version features a 545-hp engine, Tremec five-speed manual gearbox, coil-over suspension and custom crafted interior, including seats tailored to the buyer’s specific requirements with Carroll Shelby’s signature. The Performance G.T.500CR, first revealed in February at Las Vegas Speedway, is now available for ordering. Intro and Venom models will follow shortly, the latter featuring a supercharged 780-hp Windsor V8 and unique four-link rear suspension among other things.

Classic Recreations has been modifying, fabricating and building custom and classic vehicles for a decade. Each G.T.500CR takes approximately four months to build with around 2500 man hours in each car from start to finish. For more information visit:

www.1967fastback.com

[Source: 1967Fastback]

Mere months after escaping a seemingly certain death at the hands of General Motors, Saab is back, under the ownership of Dutch supercar outfit Spyker, and taking aim at rival European luxury sedans with their new 9-5 sedan.

At the outset of the 9-5′s July launch, the only trim level available will be the flagship Aero model, priced at a not-so-modest $49,990. While this may seem steep, the Aero features a 300 horsepower 2.8L twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive and the quintessential air-conditioned gearbox. Other high tech options include a heads-up display, Harmon/Kardon stereo and a lane-departure warning system.

The 9-5 Aero will be joined later on by an entry-level model featuring a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine and will start at “under $40,000″ according to Saab.

Earlier today Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne outlined his company’s 5-year plan, even going to far as to discuss what products each brand in the Fiat family will deliver in the future. But Marchionne didn’t give all the details, leaving many to speculate and fill in the blanks.

One such speculation comes from MotorTrend, which claims that a proposed Alfa Romeo Spider will be based on the current Chrysler rear-drive large car platform – which currently underlies models like the 300C and Dodge Charger. MT says that the 200-C Concept shows this rear-drive platform can be downsized for use in a small sports car – which sounds like a stretch to us. We’d say its equally plausible that the next Maserati Quattroporte platfrom could underpin future Alfas.

In more concrete news, Marchionne has explicitly said that Alfa’s return to the U.S. will include six models in total, including the Spider, MiTo hatchback, Guiletta hatchback (replacing the current 147) and the new mid-size Guilia (replacing the current 159), plus two new SUVs.

[Source: MotorTrend]

The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is one of the wildest rides on the market, but for those who want a little extra, Renntech has just the ticket. With an upgraded ECU, intercooler and muffler system, power jumps from a stock output of 670 horsepower to 801 horsepower. Even more impressive is the 1000 ft-lbs of torque put out by the Renntech car, elevating the SL65 from “mere” supercar status, to the highest echelons of the automotive world.

Only the Bugatti Veyron makes similar torque numbers, and its pricetag is more than double that of the SL65 Black Series. Renntech’s modifications add a $16,390 premium on top of the $246,299 retail price of the SL65 Black Series, but next to the $1,000,000 sticker of the Veyron, it looks like a bargain.

GALLERY: Renntech SL65

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After debuting the 550i and 535i earlier this year, BMW has now released a more budget-conscious 528i model, starting at $45,425 – including the $875 shipping fee. For the record that’s $1,400 less than last year’s 528i and along with an entirely new chassis and body, the new 528i gets one other major improvement – an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 3.0-liter inline-six 528i model makes 240-hp and 230 ft-lbs of torque, an improvement of 10-hp and 30 ft-lbs respectively. The added power, plus he new 8-speed auto box combine for a 6.6 second 0-60 mph time – a half a second faster than the previous gen 528i.

Options on the 528i include Xenon headlights, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, a Heads-Up Display and the Dynamic Handling Package which includes Driving Dynamics Control and Dynamic Damping Control.

No fuel economy numbers are available yet but they should increase by a noticeable margin. The 2011 528i will be in dealerships this July.

GALLERY: 2011 BMW 528i

Official release after the jump:

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It’s been 15 years since a new Alfa Romeo has been sold in North America (not counting the ultra-exclusive 8C Competizione Supercar), but by 2012, the famous Milanese manufacturer will be back, according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne. Along with the MiTo hatchback (above), the Guiletta hatchback (replacing the current 147) and the new mid-size Guilia (replacing the current 159), a new Spider sports car and two new SUVs will join the line-up.

While the Spider, Guilia and Guiletta are iconic nameplates for the brand, the two SUVs represent an effort to appeal to North American sensibilities. Despite the brand’s long absence, a loyal core of owners and fans still exist, and Alfa Romeo should slot in nicely as a premium brand positioned above Chrysler.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia will both look to bring start-stop technology to its model lineup in North America in 2012. Start-stop technology is already popular in Europe, allowing the engine to shut off at stop lights or wen in traffic. It’s also part of most modern hybrid setups, allowing the green-machines to get the impressive fuel economy they do. The improvement in fuel economy is said to be roughly 3 percent – which isn’t much, but ever little bit counts.

Currently, Hyundai’s greenest model is the upcoming Sonata Hybrid (above), which already gets an impressive 37/39 mpg (city/highway).

We don’t know which model will get the start-stop system first, but it won’t be until a new production cycle starts in 2012..

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

As a part of a larger press conference held today Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne outlined the product plans for each of the Italian automakers brands – including Ferrari. In an unprecedented move, Marchionne laid bare his plans, likely in an attempt to shore up support for a company that continues to lose money and which made a risky move in buying into the failed Chrysler corporation.

In total, four new Ferrari models are set to debut by 2014, with a steady progression that is mostly expected. Coming first is a replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, as well as a spider (convertible) version of the new 458 Italia. Both models will launch in 2011.

The following year will be considerably more exciting, however, with the launch of a successor to the 599 GTB, as well as a replacement for the Enzo. Then in 2013, Ferrari will debut an updated version of the California.

Fiat has big hopes for the Maserati/Ferrari side of the company, and plans to focus on increased differentiation between models. This will also include two new Maserati models that will slot in underneath the GranTurismo in the current lineup.

[Source: AutoNews]

Brad and Jennifer. Ben and J.Lo. OnStar and General Motors. It’s always sad when a power couple breaks up and goes their separate ways. But it looks like OnStar is going to keep custody of a mutual friend.

It turns out that Saab, which GM sold to Dutch sports carmaker Spyker Cars NV in February, will continue to install Onstar in U.S.-market Saabs for an undisclosed amount of time. The relationship between Saab and OnStar starts with the 2010 model year, and offers the same service that was available with GM’s U.S. vehicles: one year free, with the option to renew.

It looks like Saab will really benefit from this split – OnStar is a great tool that can help Saab compete with other brands. But you have to wonder… is this just a rebound relationship or will it stand the test of time?

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

Let’s get this right out in the open: Why do the Swedes get all the fun? How awesome is this Volvo C30 “Performance Concept” prototype? It packs a 405 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs turbocharged 5-cylinder T5 motor (similar to the one used in the Ford Focus RS500), all-wheel-drive, front-and-rear limited slip differentials, Öhlins suspension components, Brembo brakes, and, yeah…you get the idea.

The body kit is similar to the one used on the — defending champion — Polestar Racing STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship) C30 race car. Polestar Racing is the official partner of Volvo Cars in the STCC and is used to winning on the track. Polestar Performance Power Operations is an aftermarket line of upgrades sold through the Volvo dealer network — and it appears they’ve applied a bunch of their tricks here.

It’ll be unveiled in full at the Gothenburg Motorshow, held from April 22-25 2010.

Full specs (in slightly broken English) and a video of the heavenly-sounding Polestar Racing STCC Volvo C30 embedded after the jump!

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