The Ferrari aficionado who commissioned the one-off 612 GTS Pavesi must have been a fan of Bon Jovi and Trans Am’s in a previous life, because he somehow decided that the base Ferrari 612 wasn’t awesome enough – it needed a T-Top.

This particular 612 was allegedly done by Ferrari’s in-house customization program, and also sports a Tubi exhaust and an apparent output of 550 horsepower. The name “Pavesi” is also shared with an Italian go-kart engine manufacturer, giving a clue to who the owner may be. The carbon fiber roof must have cost a lot to engineer and install, and only an industrial magnate would have the budget for such an expenditure. Rock on, bro.

[Source: Autoblog]

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The Chrysler Sebring is one of America’s least liked cars, and the convertible has the ignominious honor of being lampooned on The Office as the official car of Michael Scott, the incompetent, ostentatious company boss.

Chrysler is hoping that the Sebring droptop will get a fresh start when it adopts the new nameplate and look of the Chrysler 200 sedan. We’re fairly confident that the 200 convertible will still drive like a wet towel stretched stretched over a pipe-cleaner, but the Sebring-err-200 will have a built-in audience among rental car companies looking for a low-cost convertible for their fleets. That alone is reason enough to keep the car in production.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible will debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show. AutoGuide’s coverage begins November 17th. Until then, see our 2010 LA Auto Show preview here.

Along with the new 2011 Avenger, Dodge has just revealed the redesigned 2011 Grand Caravan with a new look, significantly updated interior and just one engine.

Under the hood of the updated Grand Caravan is just one engine, the company’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, that makes a best-in-class 283-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. It replaced the old 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter helping Chrysler cut costs, while a new Fuel Economizer Mode lets drivers save on fuel.

Other upgrades include a 12 millimeter lower ride height and other adjustments to help reduce drag to improve fuel economy. Outside, the Grand Caravan gets Dodge’s new corporate “split crosshair” grille.

The biggest changes, however, might just be on the inside, with a new “super” center console and completely revised dash, with higher grade materials throughout. Plus, it’s the first minivan with a heated steering wheel option.

For 2011, the Grand Caravan will be offered in our trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew and the “Man Van” R/T. (Targeted at dads, could R/T mean a a HEMI V8? We hope so, but doubt it).

The 2011 Grand Caravan will go on sale later this year.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Official release after the jump:

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Dodge has just revealed the latest of its 2011 redesigns, the updated Avenger sedan, boasting the most powerful engine in its class as well as a host of other upgrades.

A new base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine joins the lineup, while the optional V6 boasts 283 best-in-class horsepower, plus a significant 260 ft-lbs of torque. But Dodge didn’t just toss in some extra power, they’ve also significantly revised the car’s suspension with an all new setup that includes a 1-inch wider track, wider 225 (compared to 215) tires, and a lower center of gravity thanks to a front end that’s lower by 12mm and a rear end that’s been dropped 6mm.

Outside, the overall shape of the car doesn’t change much with a new “split crosshair” grille shared with the rest of the lineup, while a lower front fascia helps give it a meaner and more dynamic look.

Inside, the changes are much more significant, with new instruments and a new steering wheel, not to mention upgraded seats. Plus, Dodge will now offer two-tone interiors and much of the cabin features soft touch items – replacing much of the hard plastic. Added sound deadening results in one of the quietest cabins in its class (claims Dodge).

It’s been a long time since we’ve wanted to drive an Avenger (maybe this is even the first time), but we’re eager to get behind the wheel and see if the new Chrysler can deliver.

The new 2011 Dodge Avenger will go on sale near the end of this year.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Avenger

Official release after the jump:

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At the annual RM Auction in London yesterday, American businessman Harry Yeaggy purchased the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in two James Bond Films. The price? An astonishing $4,600,000.

The car was owned by Jerry Lee, of Philadelphia, PA who bought the car from Aston Martin Lagonda in 1969 for $12,000. Lee, who founded the Jerry Lee Center of Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania and the Jerry Lee Centre of Experimental Criminology at Cambridge will donate the proceeds to his own charity, the Jerry Lee Foundation, which works to fight the root causes of poverty and crime.

The vehicle is reportedly roadworthy in the U.K., even with the machine guns behind the headlights – although we have to think that at $4.6 million, it’s certain to be tucked away in a museum collection.

[Source: InsideLine]

The folks over at InsideLine have received a few interesting pics of a Ford Mustang test car, speculating that it could be an EcoBoost GT model. There are good reasons for the story, but there are stronger reasons against it.

For: The car sports a front bumper that looks designed to work with an intercooler. Inside the car there’s a “premium fuel only” sticker and a tachometer that stops at an alarmingly high 9000 rpm. Plus, Ford has said the EcoBoost technology will end up in almost all of its vehicles, and they already have a rear-drive versions – as found in the current 2011 F-150.

Against: The biggest fault with the EcoBoost V6 suggestion is that it would never hit 9000 rpm. Currently, in cars like the Taurus SHO it makes peak power of 365-hp at just 5500 rpm.

While we don’t want to ignore the intercooler idea, might we suggest an even higher revving 5.0-liter V8, pushing power closer to the 450-hp mark.

Ford is likely to deliver an EcoBoost Mustang, but it will likely be as a third option, sitting between the traditional V6 and V8.

[Source: InsideLine]

Chrysler‘s high-performance Mopar division has already teased and revealed a few of its SEMA projects and now they’ve released a short video of a few more Moparized models headed to the world’s largest aftermarket expo. The three vehicles covered have actually been shown one before, but their debut wasn’t well publicized, taking place at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Of the trio, the Jeep NuKaiser 715 easily stands out, based on the J8 military vehicle. Using a 2.8-liter diesel engine, it’s off-road capable thanks to Dynatrac axles and 38-inch BFG tires. Designed to look like the original Kaiser truck, it features a chopped top and an aftermarket AEV Brute pickup box designed for he TJ.

The second Jeep is the Wrangler J7 Stripper that does away with frivolous items like fog lights and carpets, while adding a two-inch lift and 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires.

Finally, there’s the Ram Power Wagon. Based on the Ram 1500 it features a a 4-inch suspension lift an massive 40-inch tires, plus plenty of custom bodywork.

Coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starts November 2nd here. Until then, check out our SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: Mopar Off-Road Concepts for SEMA

[Source: CarScoop]

Check out the video after the jump:

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Nissan has announced a recall of 2.14 million vehicles worldwide relating to an issue with the ignition system that could cause the cars and trucks to stall. Included in the recall are models sold outside the U.S., like the March, Micra and Note, while here at home vehicles affected include the Titan pickup, the Versa (sold as the Tiida overseas), the Cube and the Infiniti QX56. A total of 762,000 vehicles in the U.S. are affected.

In certain cases the vehicle could stall and not be able to start again.

No accidents have been reported as a result of the problem and Nissan says the issue is a simple fix, even stating that it could take less than an hour to repair affected vehicles.

Nissan is expected to announce a complete list of models involved and begin notifying owners.

[Source: Detroit News]

It looks like there might not be room for anyone but Ford at the SEMA Show this year. The Blue Oval has already announced a lineup of eight Fiestas, seven F-Series trucks and a selection of other vehicles that include everything from a Taurus to a Lincoln MKX; and now Ford has released info on nice 2011 Mustangs that are sure to attract a crowd at the world’s largest aftermarket expo.

While Ford will have their own Ford Custom Accessories Mustang on hand showing just how you can equip your ‘Stang straight from the dealer, some of the more impressive vehicles include the Mustang drag car build by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Ford, sporting a Ford Racing Performance Parts supercharger, Roush front-end and Cervini’s hood. Also of note is the Raceskinz Mustang with a ProCharger supercharger mated to the 5.0-liter V8 and a rear-seat delete. And let’s not forget the Mobsteel Mustang that’s all blacked-out and includes a turbocharged V6 under the hood.

And with Ford getting more progressive with the classic lines of the Mustang, let’s not forget the sport-compact themed Team Baurtwell car that includes a 3dCarbon aero kit or the Tjin Edition car. There’s also a solid chance the Street Scene Equipment Mustang Convertible could be a stunner in person.

And let’s not forget the Creations n’ Chrome Mustang that was built to raise awareness for breast cancer with a Vortech supercharger, HRE wheels, 3dCarbon aero kit and, of course, bright pink paint.

AutoGuide’s coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starts November 2nd an we’ll be sure to bring you extensive photos of each car from the show floor. Until then, check out our SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: 2010 SEMA Show Ford Mustangs

Official release after the jump:

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Ernie Manansala is no stranger to building cars. Most well known for his NOS Lexus SC300, it looks like Manansala has moved on to bigger and better things, teaming up with Wraptivo to build one menacingly good looking Nissan GT-R for SEMA.

On the outside, it looks like the GT-R has received a full flat black wrap treatment with some carbon fiber accents including the roof. The wheels look fully powdercoated a contrasting matte red with a “hellaflush” fitment with wheelspacers courtesy Fatlace. That is an awesome and aggressive fitment, pushing the wheels as far out as possible, without looking too ridiculous.

Suspension upgrades come from a set of KW coilovers while the Advan wheels are wrapped with a set of Falken Tires. Ernie hasn’t disclosed any full vehicle shots, but we’ll be sure to add this to our growing list of cars to check out at SEMA this year. No doubt it will be joining a host of other wild creations at Meguiar’s Wraptivo booth at SEMA.

Full SEMA coverage starts November 2nd. Until then, check out our SEMA Preview here.

[Source: Fatlace]

See more pics of the GT-R after the jump:

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