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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
 |  Aug 12, 10:34 PM

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Hurst Performance is well established for their limited edition muscle cars and their newest entry to their collection is this turbocharged Chevrolet Camaro V6. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times when even domestic vehicles are going the turbocharger route for forced induction rather than a supercharger, but it is worth noting that Hurst’s Chevy Camaro won’t be powered by your traditional turbocharger setup.

Teaming up with tire manufacturer BFGoodrich, Hurst has opted for STS’ rear-mounted turbocharger setup that has been popular among the Corvette crowd. And interestingly enough they’re starting with a V6 rather than the SS V8. But bragging rights goes to Hurst by throwing down 50% more horsepower and torque than the factory 304-hp from the 3.6L V6. All the while saving 30% more gas than the larger 6.2L V8 from the SS Camaro.

The exterior of the car receives a subtle rear deck spoiler from Hurst’s AIR-SPEED line and 18-inch Hurst T1 alloy wheels for the classic yet muscle-car inspired look. Painted graphics are the finishing touch to the classy exterior.

Handling suspension duties are Hurst / Detroit Speed coilovers while the 18-inch wheels are (obviously) wrapped with BFGoodrich’s Radial T/A Spec Redline Edition rubber. The interior receives quite the overhaul as well with Katzkin leather from Hurst with embroidered Hurst logos and contrasting stitching. Each vehicle receives a numbered plaque with Hurst announcing that only 50 of these beauties will be made each year in Irvine, CA.

Check out the official press release after the break.

Continue Reading…

 |  Aug 09, 4:53 PM

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Looking to customize your new Camaro, Mustang or Challenger? Hurst Performance has opened up Hurst Garage to the Southern California public. Hurst Garage’s own technicians are now available to install the parts that are researched and designed in the same facility.

And to personalize the overall experience of having your vehicle customized at Hurst Garage, each vehicle will receive an individually signed, dash-mounted plaque and certificate of authenticity. The VIN of the vehicle is also recorded as registration of the work done so that it can be carried along to future owners or collectors. Those that choose to have their work performed at Hurst Garage will also receive a tour of the facility when picking up their vehicle.

Hurst is also open to receiving vehicles from all around the world and will be more than happy to aid the customer in shipping arrangements. So much like what many of the European tuners have been doing, Hurst is now bringing to America.

GALLERY: Hurst Garage

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Official press release available after the break.

Continue Reading…

 |  Aug 05, 8:12 PM

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When the new Chevy Camaro surfaced, ideas immediately began brewing in many enthusiasts’ head about a return of the Pontiac Firebird. With Pontiac out of the picture, thankfully there are passionate enthusiasts like those at Classic Design Concepts.

Classic Design Concepts has unleashed their FireBreather at a retail price of $60,000. That gets you a redesigned Chevrolet Camaro featuring Firebird-style influences. It’s an odd blend of the two designs, the sharp angles that resemble a Firebird with the muscular, bulky lines of the Camaro. Classic Design Concepts also claims the Camaro’s 6.2L V8 will throw down 599-hp to the rear wheels.

We do dig the black with red highlights on the car and can’t help but think about Knight Rider when we see it. It’s also a retro alternative to the Lingenfelter Trans Am and the Kevin Morgan Designs Trans Am.

GALLERY: Classic Design Concepts FireBreather Chevrolet Camaro

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[Source: FireBreatherCar]

 |  Jul 19, 8:14 PM

It’s that time of the year again, when car’s are handed out like candy bars to select companies and builders for the 2010 SEMA Show. Last year Chevrolet made a huge splash with a massive display of Camaros, having a diverse variety of builders designing and creating their own unique creations. And this year it looks like Chevy isn’t stopping, with some Camaro build previews already being released for SEMA.

First on our list is intake and exhaust manufacturer CGS Performance Products. Having done several Fords and GMs in years past, CGS is no stranger to building beautiful, high quality show cars. This Camaro however will be sticking to its true roots with a custom paint job, ACS body kit and a ZR1-influenced hood. From CGS themselves will be custom handmade chrome moldings and their signature exhaust system, while Whipple Industries will be supplying their twin-screw supercharger in order to pump out 500-hp.

A rendering of the Camaro show car has some serious hot rod-influenced, with a staggered set of 22- and 24-inch Genuine Boyd wheels. The rear rollers will be a ridiculous 15-inches wide wheel with Pirelli’s all new 405/25/24 tire – that’s a lot of rubber! CGS claims they’ll be stuffing these without any fender modifications, but merely by swapping out the rear suspension with Chris Alston’s Fab 9 rear end with a latter bar and coil over suspension. We are definitely curious on the finished product and will be sure to report back, with extensive SEMA coverage when the show takes place in early November.

 |  Jul 19, 7:02 AM

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Looking to own a true, one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang collectible? Well, this one is gonna cost ya. RM Auctions is offering the 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept, originally introduced at the 2004 New York International Auto Show as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance. A custom built Mustang with performance and race-inspiration in mind, RM Auctions is estimating that the GT-R concept will sell for $250,000 to $350,000.

For a vehicle that’s neither DOT nor EPA certified, that’s a pretty penny to pay for a track-only car, or something to sit in your show garage. But what the lucky owner will get is a Valencia Orange painted 2004 Mustang sporting a high compression, fully built 440-hp powerplant. Mated to a TTC T-56 six-speed transmission.

Inside the entire chassis has been overhauled with a full roll cage, Sparco racing seats and stripped to its bare necessities. Suspension upgrades include coilovers with remote reservoirs, ready to hit the track. 20-inch wheels are found on each corner, wrapped with Pirelli slicks with Brembo brakes peeking behind the classic five-spoke design.

Lastly on the outside is an abundance of carbon fiber components giving the car a more aggressive look while improving aerodynamics.

So you have a hole burning in your pocket?

GALLERY: 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

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[Source: MustangsDaily]

 |  Jul 18, 4:43 PM

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If you’ve never heard of Zagato’s Perana Z-One (what a mouthful), it’s OK, we understand. The original intention of Zagato for the Perana Z-One was for it to be strictly sold in Europe and the United Arab Emirates. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette chassis, the Perana Z-One has garnered enough attention that Zagato has decided to import it to America.

Two successful showings by Zagato at the Geneva Auto Show and Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Italy was all the automaker needed to push forward on producing the car. But now a partnership has been struck with Superformance out of California to import the vehicle to the U.S.

Those interested in purchasing the Perana Z-One will have several options similar to what they could choose from a Corvette. Powerplants include the 6.2L V8 LS3 (436-hp), or the Z06′s popular 7.0L LS7 V8 (505-hp). Both of these options are mated to a six-speed ZF limited-slip differential equipped transmission.

Inside the car, the fortunate driver will be greeted with Recaro sport seats reupholstered in leather and Alcantara. Basic technology is standard with built-in navigation and power accessories.

The outside clearly has plenty of influences from American classics such as a Shelby Cobra and Daytona Coupe with a bit of Italian spices mixed in. Zagato says a limited production of 999 units will be made with a small number making it to America. So for those looking for something truly unique, get ready to shell out under $100,000 for it. Just how under, we’re not sure. But here’s to hoping it’s not $99,999.

AutoGuide will be sure to check one out in person at next month’s Concorso Italiano!

GALLERY: Zagato Perana Z-One

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[Source: Motor Trend]

 |  Jul 16, 10:02 PM

As Ford Racing just announced, they will be supplying 43 Fiestas to the Team O’Neil Rally School in New Hampshire in order to create the Fiesta Rally School. The O’Neil Rally School will outfit each Fiesta with a roll bar, rally suspension, and off-road tires so that aspiring rally drivers can safely learn the Scandinavian flick and other sideways rally driving techniques.

This partnership further solidifies Ford‘s commitment to using the new Fiesta as their global rally car in 2011 and beyond, where it’ll be seen running in the FIA World Rally Championship and in Rally America with highly skilled hoonage provided by the likes of DC Shoes headman and rallying driver extraordinaire Ken Block.

The 43 donor Fiestas are being repurposed from the 100 European-spec versions that arrived in North America for the Fiesta Movement. The Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience will be the only rally experience offered by a manufacturer in North America, which combined with the Ford Racing School of High Performance Driving at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah gives the blue oval an impressive motorsports presence on both sides of the country.

“Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience will provide consumers with the opportunity to experience Fiesta in a true rally environment,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford and Lincoln Marketing. “From learning how to drive high-performance Mustangs on the track at Miller Motorsports to driving a Fiesta on a rally road course at Team O’Neil, these driving schools allow consumers to experience our products in unique and different environments.”

“The opportunity to find a second life for nearly half of the cars from the Fiesta Movement is a way to keep alive the legacy these cars have brought to the Fiesta launch in North America,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “Fiesta’s nimble driving dynamics and precise handling attributes make it a perfect fit to serve as a rally school car at Team ONeil.”

“Our philosophy at Team O’Neil is to teach drivers how to master front-wheel drive in order to keep speed in the corners, accelerate through the corners, and use the brake to make a turn,” said Tim O’Neil, five-time U.S. and North America rally racing champion. “Fiesta is a strong, light, front-wheel-drive car. The addition of Ford Racing-developed performance parts including an rally suspension, underbody protection and roll bar gives us a great future with these cars.”

For more information on Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience and to register, go to www.teamoneil.com

 |  Jul 13, 7:23 AM

For the first time ever two of the greatest names in Mustang-lore, Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush, will team up to build a one-off special edition Ford Mustang. Called the SR-71, after the Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird, there’s a long list of connections that give purpose to the designation. For starters, in this case “SR” will stand for Shelby Roush. Then there’s the fact that the SR-71 first took flight the year the Mustang was introduced. Plus, Shelby is a former USAF flight instructor and Roush is a P-51 Mustang pilot. And to tie it all together, the car will be built and auctioned off with proceeds going to support the EAA’s (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles program, which Ford has supported for 15 years running.

Vehicle highlights will include a new 5.0-liter TiVCT V8 engine equipped with a 2.3-liter Whipple Twin Screw Supercharger, a Ford Racing handling pack, Ford Racing exhaust, SVT Track Pack, matte-silver paint with SR-71 details, custom Recaro seats, rear seat delete, a modified Nav screen and instrument cluster and custom badging. Oh, and those racing seats will feature the embroidered signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby.

The auction is set to take place on Thursday, July 29th at 7:30 PM (Central Time) at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Those wishing to bid can hit the jump to get more info or go here: www.airventure.org/gathering

No doubt this will be a valuable collectors item.

GALLERY: Shelby Roush SR-71 Mustang

[Source: Roush]

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Jul 08, 9:30 PM

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Ford is making a major push in marketing their Fiesta to the trendy, hip youth market of tomorrow…or today’s automotive enthusiasts. From teaming up with Ken Block to custom commercials on American Idol, to the impressive Fiesta Movement social marketing phenomenon, Ford seems to have a lot of bases covered. Their emphasis has been on customization and personalizing the trendy Fiesta, offering versatility and custom graphics. But now Ford has taken another leap by announcing their Fiesta body kits and accessories.

Starting with the aesthetics, Ford will be releasing a four-piece body kit for the Fiesta which includes a front air dam, side skirts and rear valence. Custom graphics ranging from tattoo-style, bubbles, flames and even ninja blades. For the interior, illuminated door sills, LED cup holder lights, armrest and a shift knob that’s illuminated with a gear number can all be added.

Obviously these aren’t for everybody, but you can’t knock Ford for trying to appeal to somebody. The more boring accessories are pretty run-of-the-mill including floor mats and splash guards. One thing’s for sure though, the Fiesta should be quite successful and we’ll be seeing quite a lot of them in the near future.

View the official press release after the break.

GALLERY: Ford Fiesta Body Kits and Accessories

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Read AutoGuide’s Ford Fiesta First Drive by Clicking Here

Continue Reading…

 |  Jun 11, 2:49 PM

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Ford has just announced a new package for the 2011 Mustang and unlike retro styled kits like the California Special, this one really gets our blood pumping. Designed by pro-drifter Vaugh GittinJr., the RTR package will be available for all 2011 models and includes a complete aero kit including a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Also a part of the package are M Falken FK-452 on 19-inch wheels as well as special RTR interior details and racing stripes.

GALLERY: Vaughn Gittin Jr. RTR Package for the 2011 Mustang

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Get all the info after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Jun 08, 9:37 PM

We promised we’d follow up on the Toyota Supra 2JZ-Powered Ford Mustang of Jaw’s Gear and Axle and we finally have some results in. Recently the vehicle was taken to Bakersfield for the SCE Summer Nationals at Famoso Raceway with no prior testing. Weighing in at 3,530 lbs, Jaw’s Gear and Axle opted to race in two different classes in order to get in as many runs as possible hoping to dial-in their Ford Mustang hybrid.

Their qualifying efforts required a lot of fine-tuning and tweaking, but they settled in on the first night with a fastest time of 9.630 @ 145.93 mph. They knew they had a lot more in the car and that an 8-second pass was surely possible before the weekend of racing was over. Through some luck, they were able to make some rounds in order to continue competing with their Mustang, netting a new time of 9.159 @ 157.45 mph in the second round.

As the night started coming to a close, the Jaw’s team found themselves in the finals making it an already successful debut for the Mustang. But they wanted more, perhaps knowing they wouldn’t get an event win, they still aimed for an 8-second pass. So despite losing the final round, they were able to achieve their other goal of tripping the lights at 8.962 @ 159.37 mph at the end of the quarter mile.

It’s a great starting point for the Mustang and clearly the car has a lot of potential. It’ll be exciting to see how many more domestic enthusiasts have their eyebrows raised from this unique Ford Mustang Hybrid.

GALLERY: 2JZ Powered Ford Mustang

[Source: Titan Motorsports]

 |  May 28, 8:08 AM

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It’s no surprise that Gittin Jr. has really helped push the Ford Mustang brand with younger enthusiasts. From drifting to his Mustang RTR, to the awesome and RTR-C (that debuted at SEMA 2009), he has captured the attention of many using modern designs and modern Mustangs.

Now he’s taking a step back, way back to 1969. That’s right, instead of planning a 2011 Mustang for SEMA this year, Gittin Jr. is planning to build a bad-ass 1969 Stang.

The project is a collaboration with Team Need for Speed from EA Games. Yes, the same Need for Speed that we see on the shelves at Wal-Mart and Best Buy for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Dubbed the RTR-X, the project has already been in the works for the greater half of this year.

Gittin will be starting with a Dynacorn 1969 Ford Mustang fastback body rather than sourcing a used chassis himself. Considering the amount of work that they plan on doing to this car, it’s probably the best move. The suspension will be completely overhauled with the aid of Maier Racing. Under the hood will be new-age technology, featuring a 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L V8. Clearly the stock engine won’t be enough for a monster driver like Gittin, so individual throttle bodies from Kinsler will be in the works.

Interestingly enough, Gittin is opting for a set of JDM wheels from Work Wheels – 18×10 and 18×12 Work Meisters. Falken’s RT615-Ks will surround the wheels naturally and brakes will be supplied by Wilwood.

Much of the build will be assisted by Twins Turbo and Steen Chassis, all brilliant minds in the industry that have more than enough experience to back the project. From renders to reality, we’re really excited to see how this project will turn out. Adding some modern flair to a classic vehicle while sporting influence from all facets of motorsports really makes this project a complete one-of-a-kind.

[Source: Speedhunters]

GALLERY: 1969 Mustang RTR-X

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 |  May 21, 7:29 AM

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Running 9 seconds in the quarter mile is quite a feat for any sports car. It takes come serious modifications to get a Toyota Supra or Chevy Corvette to go that fast. And just recently we reported on the first Nissan GT-R to break the 10 second barrier. So imagine how surprised we were to hear of a 9-second SUV. That’s right, a Jeep SRT8 has gone down the quarter mile with the quickest time of 9.658 and the fastest mph of 146.72.

The high performance version of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, the SRT-8 sports a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 that pushes out 420-hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque from the factory. Stock 0-60 is under five seconds with a top speed of 150-mph. But hey, that means absolutely nothing for this SRT-8 that’s pushing close to the factory top speed in less than 10 seconds and in a mere quarter of a mile.

Built by Lewis Performance Machine, the SRT-8 sports a 426-stroker built to handle 1500 AWD horsepower. Details are naturally a little hard to find, but the owner reports the obvious: upgraded fuel system, drive line and rear end. He does let the public know that a 75-shot of NOS is used to help get the Jeep off the line while the trans brake and 2-step is still being tested. The beast is tuned by Johan at Diablo and rolls on Nitto NT05Rs on the stock rims.

The video after the jump shows the SRT-8 running a 9.87, which the owner claims is on 13 psi and the 75 shot. The 9.659 was with 16 psi and the 9.658 was at 19 psi with the boost tube blowing off. Naturally the Jeep SRT-8 had a lot more in it, given that its 9.658 pass was at a lowly 139.36 mph vs the 146.72 it hit with the 9.659 pass.

It should only be a matter of time before the SRT-8 hits Orlando Speedworld again, so we’ll keep you guys up to date if they enter the record books with an 8 second pass.

Make sure you check out the video after the break!

[Source: JeepGarage]

Continue Reading…

 |  May 18, 12:29 PM

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In a perfect example of a good concept with poor execution, this brand new Chevy Camaro sports a retro-style 1969 Camaro SS front end. Sure the idea behind it is interesting, giving the Camaro more of a traditional, old school hot-rod look to the new-style body. But let’s face it; modern car design lines often just don’t mesh with the classics that inspired them.

The whole project reminds us of when in the late ’90s the import world got scarily overwhelmed with body kits that incorporated different headlights or even taillights to the fold. Civics with Acura CL headlights, or entire Integra front ends; some sporting Supra taillights and headlights. The variations were so random in combining body components from other cars that we all breathed a sigh of relief when the fad ended.

But now it’s just a pure oddity to see this showing up with traditional domestic tuners and hot-rodders, taking the perfectly fine looking new generation Camaro and squeezing on a completely disproportional front end that from a classic ’69 Camaro SS.

The car in question was spotted at the recent Carlisle Performance & Sound show, which is mostly full of domestics and hot rods. The whole project is sort of an interesting idea to us, paying homage to a real classic, but if another company is going to step up to the plate to offer another retro-style kit, they better execute with better flowing lines and elongate the front end a bit more. Post your thoughts in the comments!

[Source: CarDomain Blog]

GALLERY: Retro-Style New Camaro

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 |  May 12, 1:44 AM

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SpeedFactory is all about performance out of Chrysler-brand automobiles. They take the stock and mundane, albeit powerful foundations, and convert them to customized and thrilling driving adventures. A brief drive-by on their website reveals a fine collection of Dodge Challengers, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Magnums, Chrysler 300s, Ram trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokees available for sale, fully modified with several stages to choose from.

With the Dodge Challenger being the affordable, hot performance vehicle from Dodge’s line it’s no surprise that SpeedFactory offers a plethora of upgrade choices to the vehicle. From naturally aspirated to supercharged packages, horsepower can range anywhere from 475-hp to 700+ depending on your budget and desires.

Their most recent creation is the 6-speed, SF600R Dodge Challenger that’s priced for at $73,900. For a car with an MSRP that starts at $23,460, that’s quite the increase. So what do you get with a hefty chunk of change from SpeedFactory? Well for starters, you’ll be behind the wheel of a stroked 7.0L Hemi block that pushes out a guaranteed, dyno-proven 595- to 605-hp. The motor is completely reworked from bottom up along with bolt-ons in the form of an air intake and Corsa stainless steel exhaust.

Other modifications include a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS to get the power to the ground safely and reliably. Performance springs and sway bars help balance the handling while front and rear strut tower braces tightening up the chassis. Last but not least, the Challenger receives some stylish points with a set of 20-inch BBS Black Edition CH-R wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

While the horsepower figures are incredibly impressive, offering plenty of power in a properly-built motor, we have to think that you can get the same set of modifications, engine build and more for the difference in the price. But hey, those with hefty wallets that don’t have to think twice – SpeedFactory is your choice.

The official press release is available after the break.

GALLERY: SpeedFactory Dodge Challenger SF600R

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Continue Reading…

 |  May 03, 12:26 PM

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It was inevitable, but the first special edition Ford Mustang is here, and not surprisingly, it’s a V6. The 2011 DUB edition Ford Mustang comes in a coupe, convertible or full-length glass roof bodystyle, with a Roush front end treatment, racing stripes, quarter window covers, windshield banner, and DUB logos embroidered onto the front headrests. 20-inch wheels, Pirelli tires and Roush lowering springs help give the car a low and wide look, while a 3.31 axle ratio should improve acceleration times, or compensate for the massive wheels.

Press Release After The Jump

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 28, 1:09 PM

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Hurst has just unveiled its latest project, a one-of-one Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car, which recently debuted at Virginia International Raceway and which will be auctioned off later this year for charity. A combined project with Ford Racing, the black and gold 2010 Convertible gets all sorts of goodies, ranging from a 550-hp supercharged engine to gold 20-inch wheels to the requisite Hurst Competition/Plus shifter.

Along with serving pace car duty at the Mustang Challenger series, the drop-top is scheduled to make several stops along the Hot Rod Power Tour, as well as at several Larry H. Miller dealerships. It will end out the year at the 2010 SEMA Show, before hitting the auction block in January of 2011, with all proceeds going to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

Car collectors, open your wallets!

GALLERY: Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car

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Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 26, 6:50 PM

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Last year, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering announced its new Chevy Camaro Engine Packages bragging about major horsepower upgrades while maintaining daily-driving performance. A little less than a year later, Lingenfelter is lighting up the quarter-mile track, putting on a display with their own Chevy Camaro demo vehicle.

This Camaro packs a real punch, sporting a built LS9 supercharged V8 throwing down 855-hp. The motor has been reinforced with JE forged aluminum pistons while the head has been CNC ported with upgrade cams from LPE. At South Georgia Motorsports Park, the Camaro laid down several mid-to-low 10 second passes with a best of 10.36 @ 139.95 mph. This was done with the stock six-speed transmission.

This new generation of American muscle is capturing a whole new audience, with many previously devoted import fanatics looking at the new Chevy Camaro as a great platform to customize. If you need some inspiration, make sure to check out the video of Lingenfelter’s Camaro lighting up the track after the jump.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 22, 3:06 PM

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There’s an old adage that floats around the drag racing track that goes something like this: “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Sometimes this means throwing in a 100-shot of nitrous oxide to keep up with the competitors, or dropping your credit card at the local shop to replicate what someone else has done.

While this Mustang probably had other ways of beating its competition, Jeff Wilson of Jaw’s Gear and Axle decided to shoe-horn a Toyota Supra 2JZ-GTE powerplant into his Ford Mustang. Forget the big displacement and heavy torque that every Mustang-fanatic brags about. The turbocharged inline-six will be making a statement to everyone at the drag strip for its reliability, strength and horsepower potential.

We’ve seen plenty of videos of Supras generating more than 1200-hp as well as blistering the quarter mile in 7-second passes. So it’s no surprise that this Ford Mustang will probably devastate some of its competition while raising plenty of eyebrows and stirring controversy within the pits. Look for the Jaw’s Gear and Axle Mustang at WCHRA events in the LT5 class for 2010. The project is a combination of minds with Titan Motorsports contributing parts, Enterprise Motorsport’s fabrication skills, Dave Engine’s engine building, Black Sheep Racing’s technical knowledge and world-renowned tuner John Reed. We’re looking forward to seeing Jaw’s Gear and Axle’s Mustang take on the competition!

[Source: Titan Motorsports Blog]

GALLERY: Toyota Supra Powered Ford Mustang

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 |  Apr 21, 3:53 PM

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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]


 |  Apr 19, 9:04 PM

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The 2011 Mustang is receiving quite the attention these days thanks to a recently updated design and the new high-horsepower, fuel efficient 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8. With all things Ford Mustang, we knew it wouldn’t take long before Saleen SMS Supercars would produce its own version, specializing in high performance while accenting the newest Stang’s already good looks. Steve Saleen founded Saleen Autosport in 1983 and hasn’t looked back since, producing high performance, modified Mustangs with daily-driving as their main focus.

SMS Supercars is Steve Saleen’s vision of producing lifestyle performance automobiles – the complete package. From bumper to bumper, each SMS Supercar has been modified from the factory to personify its owner. Most recently is the new 302 Mustang release, carrying the 302-nomination thanks to the change in displacement for 2011′s V8.

Two versions of SMS Supercars’ 302 Mustang will be offered, one for the naturally aspirated enthusiast and one for the forced induction fan. The naturally aspirated version produces 440-hp from the factory 412-hp. Meanwhile the supercharged 302SC version will boost its way to 535-hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque.

Aesthetically the 302 Mustang receives its proprietary body kit, hood, heat-extracting grilles on the outside, while suspension upgrades gives the car a more aggressive stance on its 20-inch wheels and tires. Peeking behind the classy five-spoke wheels are SMS-branded brakes. Nowadays no custom vehicle is complete without interior upgrades. The SMS 302 Mustang sports Alcantara seats, 200-mph gauges, short-throw shifter and more.

For those that just want the nitty gritty tech specs, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter does 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds while the 302SC blasts away at 4.3 seconds. Neither of these vehicles can be had without paying a premium however. The NA model is available with an MSRP of $54,990 and the 30SC sports a $64,990 price tag.

GALLERY: SMS Supercars 302 2011 Ford Mustang

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The official press release is available after the break.

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 |  Mar 22, 1:01 PM

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Legendary Mustang tuner ROUSH has build a special Barrett-Jackson Edition ‘Stang that will be auctioned off in April at the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Florida, which runs from April 1-3. The car is technically being billed as a concept car, which will be followed by 25 production models based on the 2010 Mustang and an additional 25 models based on the 2011 car.

The production models will sell from $41,495 (plus the cost of a Mustang), although the auctioned model is likely to fetch considerably more. It will, however, be put on the block without a reserve bid.

Each car will get 540-hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque thanks to a R2300 ROUSHcharger and new forged internals. Other highlights include 20-inch wheels and high performance Cooper RS3 tires, along with a fully modified suspension, upgraded brakes and a complete aerodynamic package. Owners will be able to pick from a wide variety of colors.

“The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang ties two leading automotive brands together in an amazing package combining performance and unique styling,” said Jack Roush. “People who drive a regular production ROUSH Mustang are used to getting plenty of second looks.  But with the custom Barrett-Jackson paint in such gorgeous colors, these owners will experience envy on an entirely new level.”

The ROUSH Barrett-Jackson Edition Mustang Concept is painted “Back in Black” with “Red Hot Chili Pepper” stripes and is expected to hit the block on April 3rd.

[Source: RoushPerformance]

Official release after the jump:

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 |  Jan 25, 4:09 PM

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The very first street car to come from legendary racer Richard Petty’s own shop sold for a solid $130,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdate, AZ over the weekend. Built by Petty’s Garage, the Challenger SRT8 is a prototype for a future production model is features the 0001 serial number. Along with the custom body and a long list of suspension modifications, this Challenger features a HEMI V8 built by Arrington Engines to produce 585-hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque. It has also been painted a special (and trademarked) Petty Blue paint made specially by BASF.

All proceeds of the sale will go to the Petty Family Foundation, including charities like the Victory Junction and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

GALLERY: Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8

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See after the jump for more details on the Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8:

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 |  Jan 19, 1:47 PM

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Carroll Shelby’s own tuning company Shelby American has announced the return of the GT350 model, debuting it at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale 45 years after the original GT350 was released.

Based on the new 2011 Mustang GT, the GT350 gets a Ford Racing supercharged mated to the stock car’s 5.0-liter V8 to make roughly 500-hp – which shouldn’t be hard considering the stock motor already makes 412-hp. The engine also gets some bling with Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps.

In addition, the GT350 conversion includes a complete aero kit with a dual central-exit exhaust system, 19-inch Cragar wheels, Goodyear tires and a Baer six-piston front brake setup up front. Several changes have been made to the suspension with Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable camber/caster plates.

“In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary’s car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350′s return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name.”

All GT350 conversions are performed at Shelby American’s facility in Las Vegas for a price of $33,995 (plus the cost of the car). Yikes!

GALLERY: Shelby American GT350

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Official release after the jump:

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