Drop Top Customs, known to convert today’s hottest cars to convertibles, will be bringing a Chevy Camaro T-Top variant to SEMA 2010 along with their Cadillac CTS. The T-Top option for the fifth generation Chevy Camaro will give owners the versatility of a convertible when they want it, and the perfectly stock look when they need it.

Drop Top Customs President Jeff Moran said, “The installation utilizes our exclusive convertible understructure reinforcement. Most of these T-top Camaros will come supercharged, so there is no need for concern when you want to let your pony run.”

Conversion pricing has been announced at $6,500 with availability starting after SEMA in mid-November. The conversion definitely looks clean, which is almost an obvious assumption given that Drop Top Customs has been doing conversions since 1976. We’re more surprised it’s taken this long.

We’ll be sure to grab more photos of the car from the SEMA Show with complete coverage starting November 2nd. Until then, check out our SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: Drop Top Customs Chevy Camaro T-Top

[Source: Inside Line]

Nissan has released information about a new plug-in sedan set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, a vehicle known as the Ellure. No details or photos have been released, but a nice bit of marketing fluff states that “Nissan’s dramatic new-value sedan exploration, the Nissan Ellure, is designed to bring a higher level of progressive and distinctive expression to the segment – adding passion and emotion to traditional sedan efficiency.”

The Ellure will debut alongside the Murano CrossCabriolet, as well as the new Quest minivan. Hit the jump to see the official press release.

[Source: Nissan]

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James Glickenhaus’ bespoke race car, the P 4/5 Competizione, has competitive ambitions, and the team has announced a driver lineup of veteran wheelmen, some with a more extensive Ferrari background than others.

The fearsome foursome includes Mika Salo, Nicola Larini, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Luca Caparelli. Between the four of them, there is significant sports car experience, including victories at LeMans, the 24 Hours of Spa and an overall DTM championship. Salo famously filled in for Michael Schumacher in 1999 after the Ferrari ace broke his leg.

The P 4/5 will be built on a Ferrari 430 Scuderia platform, rather than an Enzo chassis, and Glickenhaus apparently has plans to drive it on the street.

[Source: p45c.com ]

Mazda is still developing their next-generation rotary engine, dubbed the 16X, but development has been slowed by a number of issues, among them the engine’s failure to meet emissions targets.

Even though the 16X is expected to bring a 30 percent increase in fuel economy compared to the current 1.3L rotary engine, the 16X is so far off from emissions targets that it will take Mazda a minimum of two years before they can determine a timeline for bringing it to market.

The upcoming SKYACTIV engines and gearboxes also took much needed resources to develop, but one Mazda engineer re-affirmed the company’s commitment to the rotary engine, stating “we will never give up”.

[Source: Automotive News]

Most people’s perception of BMW owners is likely rooted in negative stereotypes; the inattentive soccer mom driving her X5 while on the phone or a douchey, sunglasses wearing M3 driver, blasting techno while holding the wheel with one hand.

BMW is hoping to conquer this by releasing a video called “BMW Unscripted”. The video shows BMW’s being used as cross-country motorcycles, ferrying wildlife observers into the African desert and as the infamous “Ring-Taxi” on Germany’s Nurburgring race track. We also see some brief glimpses of meerkats and a gorgeous BMW 3.0CS.

Hit the jump to see the official video

[Source: BMW]

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Mazda proudly announced that their upcoming Japanese market Mazda2, set to bow in the second half of 2011, will get an astonishing 70 mpg without any hybrid technology, making it the most fuel efficient gasoline car on the road.

Using an all new family of chassis, engines and gearboxes, Mazda’s SKYACTIV system is designed to get the most mileage out of Mazda’s cars without resorting to hybrid technology. The Mazda2 will use a direct-injection gasoline engine with an astonishing 14:1 compression ratio, but diesels will be available on other models, notably the Mazda6.

The already svelte car will also get a stiffer and lighter chassis as part of the upgrades. No word on whether we’ll see this car in North America, but you can check out our review of the U.S. and Canadian spec Mazda2 here.

[Source: Automotive News]

From the man who brought you the Falafel Song and Hummus Rap comes “Saudis Driving Audis.”

If you’re in the mood for a good laugh (who isn’t) or your searching for the next YouTube hit – here it is. The man who goes by the name Remy has produced another humorous take on Middle Eastern culture and life under his alter ego Habib. This time it’s not about food though, but abut wealthy Saudis and their German luxury cars.

“They call me oil, I’ll tell you why / it’s because I’m crude and unrefined,” is just a taste of the lyrical genius of Remy.

Hit the jump for a good laugh:

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EVOMS is known for its “intelligent tuning” capabilities on some of the world’s finest luxury and exotics. Their lineup of ECU upgrades includes products for Porsches, Lamborghinis, AMG Mercedes, Bentleys, Bugattis, Ferraris, Maseratis, VWs and Audis. In short, some of the greatest creations that sport four wheels.

This time around, EVOMS has teamed up with FabSpeed Motorsport to refine the brand new Ferrari 458 Italia. Equipped with FabSpeed’s headers and high-flow cats, EVOMS was able to retune the Italian beauty for an increase of 87-hp and 57 ft-lbs more torque. That’s extremely impressive when you consider just how expertly tuned the Italian exotic’s V8 already is with with 562-hp on tap.

Even though the focus is on EVOMS and their tuning prowess, it’s worth noting the craftsmanship in FabSpeed’s headers and high-flow cat creations. Their headers sport a fancy 4-into-1 high velocity merge collector and offer a 13 lb weight saving. Their high-flow cats incorporate extremely expensive 200-cell genuine German imported catalytic converters which then offer a nice 12 lb weight savings.

We’re guessing this 458 Italia sounds wicked and hopefully we’ll see some video of it soon.

[Source: EVOMSit Facebook]

GALLERY: EVOMSit / FabSpeed Ferrari 458 Italia

Chrysler is recalling 26,397 vehicles over fault power steering hoses that could leak and cause a fire. Vehicles affected include the 2010 Chrysler 300, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey and Dodge Challenger.

NHTSA released a statement regarding the recall stating “Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly. Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.”

The recall is expected to begin at the end of the month. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

[Source: Inside Line via NHTSA]

Volvo is recalling nearly 10,000 cars in the United States due to the possibility of air bags failing to deploy properly. The recall involves 9,746 2010-11 S80 and XC70s and 2011 XC60s and 2010 V70s.

Volvo said that the airbag issue involved “an intermittent fault in the driver’s airbag clock spring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system.”

Volvo said it has received 142 complaints worldwide regarding the condition, calling it “potentially critical.”  Volvo dealers will install a metal shim in the driver’s airbag to remedy the issue.

[Source: Detroit News]