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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.
 |  Oct 27, 1:44 PM

Tribe Agency will be unveiling their Fiat 500 Alpha Bravo project at this year’s SEMA Show at the Meguiar’s Car Crazy Corral. For now, we’re treated to a render of the project which looks to feature a custom wrap by Wraptivo/Meguiar’s sporting a two-tone black and army green finish. Up top is a custom Inno sports rack while the Fiat 500 gets a menacing stance thanks to Air Lift. On all four corners are 6015-T6 forged wheels paired with Falken rubber.

The theme of the build was to transform the Fiat from an economy car to an extreme sports-based, all-terrain, fully-equipped action vehicle. While we’re not sure a Fiat 500 could ever be prepared for all-terrain travel, the project does do a great job in inspiring people to think outside the box on the Italian subcompact.

[Source: Fatlace]

 |  Oct 27, 8:15 AM

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The world’s largest aftermarket expo is just days away and Ford has released a second batch teaser images, highlighting the customization potential of its truck and SUV offerings.

Three modified versions of the new Ford Explorer will be on hand at the 2011 SEMA Show. The first, called the “Business Edition” Explorer is built by Stitchcraft Interiors will feature luxurious leather and Alcantara interior with a custom charcoal and orange exterior. The DSO Eyewear Explorer is designed to embrace a “active urban lifestyle” with 24-inch Niche wheels, a pear white paint job and “Midnight Tuscany” leather interipr with “Raven Suede” accents. And finally there’s the Tjin Edition Explorer, also with 24-inch wheels (from iForged), Eibach suspension, a Baer brake upgrade, while inside the car gets a Lamborghini-esque black leather interior with orange stitching.

Heading into the realm of real trucks, you won’t be able to miss the F-350 Super Duty, which has been transformed into the Matchbox Superlift Brush Truck. With a 10-inch Superlift Suspensions lift kit and 41-inch wheel and tire package. Painted “Oh, So Orange” the truck gets a complete firefighting utility bed and equipment, along with all the necessary lights and sirens. (And we secretly think its a Transformer).

The “Project No Compromise” F-150 gets a solid array of mods, from a MagnaFlow exhaust and Skyjacker Suspensions four-inch lift, to a two-inch fender flare kit. A real truck, it also boasts Ford’s new fuel efficient and powerful EcoBoost V6 engine.

Built by CGS Performance Products the “Tarmac” F-150 is notably more urban, sitting low to the ground with an extensive list of mods that include Colorado Custom billet wheels, a Whipple twin-screw supercharger, a modified exterior with a new hood and grille, plus a custom red leather interior.

And finally there’s the “Black Mamba” F-350 Super Duty (above) with its Bentley-styled front-grille and suicide rear doors.

GALLERY: Ford Explorer, F-Series SEMA Show Cars

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Check out AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here.

 |  Oct 27, 8:00 AM

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On display at the upcoming SEMA Show this year will be a custom Chrysler 300 SF6, built and inspired by the annual Spring Festival owners gathering in Southern California. With a focus on discrete styling and Mopar performance parts and accessories, the 300 gets a nice overhaul just in time for the sixth-annual event.

Unfortunately Chrysler didn’t release a rendering or teaser image of the 300 SF6, but we can probably use our imagination by taking a look at the modification specs. The outside of the 300 will be overhauled significantly thanks to a set of 22-inch Savini Mono Di Forza SM3 aluminum wheels. Chrysler’s 300 SF6 will sport a staggered wheel set with 22×9.5-inchers in the front and 22×10.5-inchers in the rear. The 300 then received a set of custom Mopar/KW coilovers, front and rear strut tower braces and larger SRT8 performance brakes.

Additional horsepower comes from Mopar’s cold-air intake, long-tube headers, and a Mopar/Corsa custom exhaust system, giving the 5.7L HEMI V8 plenty of room to breathe. The styling of the vehicle was also enhanced by the addition of a unique body-color grille, front chin and trunk spoilers, and a gloss black-painted roof.

On the inside, an athletic-luxury theme was done with Mopar/Katzkin performance seats trimmed with black and black/blue perforated leather with Mopar blue accent stitching. Interior accents including the center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door-panel were all finished in Piano Black. Stereo-wise, Mopar equipped the 300 with their Kicker audio system, which features a pair of 10-inch subwoofers, a pair of two-way speakers, 6×9′s in each door and a pair of 3.5-inch in the front and right corners of the instrument panel.

Other Chrysler Group vehicles to be unveiled at SEMA include the Dodge Durango Tow Hook, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR, the RAM 392 Quick Silver, as well as the Fiat 500 Carbon and Titanium Editions.

Look for pics from the SEMA Show with live coverage starting here November 1st.

 |  Oct 25, 8:00 PM

Lexus will be bringing a fine collection of vehicles to this year’s SEMA Show, and AutoGuide has compiled a guide to all the ones we’re expecting to see. In addition to the previously mentioned GS 350 F-Sport, Lexus will also be showing off a custom GS F Sport and CT 200h by Five Axis, a custom IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon, a custom LX 570 by JT Grey Racing, while Lexus themselves will be bringing F Sport variants of their CT 200h, IS 350, and IS 250C models to go along with their IS F.

Starting with the pair of Five Axis projects, the GS F Sport by Five Axis will feature a Five Axis widebody conversion on a Glacier White GS350. The white exterior will further be accented with unique Slate Gray pieces, while the GS350 will be brought down to the show floor thanks to AirRunner’s TC-5 air suspension system. On all four corners will be Five:AD S5:F alloy wheels while Stoptech’s front and rear big brake kit will be concealed behind each wheel. Last but not least, a custom fabricated exhaust with dual finishers will be housed in the rear diffuser.

Turning our attention to the CT200h hybrid, Five Axis worked their magic with another custom widebody with a striking JDSU “Dark Passage” paint job. Suspension duties are handled by TEIN’s Flex coilover system while custom Five:AD wheels finish off the exterior. Braking performance is upgraded with Stoptech’s high performance big brake kit, featuring large 12-inch front rotors. The interior has been redone by Turinmodel, Inc. with uniquely appointed seats with laser-etched Ultrasuede EcoDesign inserts. The headliner also received a similar treatment with Ultrasuede EcoDesign upholstery.

Next on our list is a customized IS350C by VIP Auto Salon. The convertible coupe features a custom Chameleon paint by K&W while it gets a more aggressive stance thanks to F Sport springs and Bilstein shocks. Wheel upgrade comes in the form of 19-inch F Sport full-faced forged alloys while a Seibon carbon fiber hood round off the exterior modifications. A nice performance upgrade is courtesy of Power Enterprise’s Rotex supercharger by A’PEXi and VIP Auto Salon. The interior has been overhauled by Top Stitch with custom inserts while the fog lights received the HID treatment.

The custom LX 570 by JT Grey Racing was built to show off how capable, reliable and durable the Lexus LX 570 is. Custom King Road shocks were fitted onto the LX 570 along with 17-inch F Sport wheels paired with 37-inch BF Goodrich Baja TA race tires. The off-road race theme continues with 70-watt carbon fiber HID lighting and Sparco race seats in the interior.

All the F Sport vehicles Lexus will be bringing sport various F Sport modifications to their respective models, including wheels, suspension, and aerodynamic packages.

GALLERY: Lexus SEMA 2011 Cars

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See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here and look for complete coverage starting November 1st.

 |  Oct 25, 7:15 PM

Dodge will be showing off a flashy Durango “Tow Hook” at this year’s SEMA Show, featuring a vibrant four-coat orange and satin-black color scheme that has been applied inside and out on the vehicle. Accenting the bright orange paint is a satin-black roof, bumper and hood accents, and blacked-out lighting. On all four corners are 22×9.5-inch forged Superalloy wheels paired with Pirelli rubber.

The custom Durango Tow Hook also sports a throatier note thanks to a custom Corsa exhaust system, aiding in giving the Durango some additional horsepower as well. Finishing touches on the outside include a Piano Black split-crosshair grille and suspension lowering the Durango by almost an inch.

On the inside, the black, perforated Mopar Katzkin leather is accented by orange leather trim, stitching and piping. For seat inserts, perforated Barracuda suede was used while smooth suede bolsters with orange stitching and silver metal brush trim is shared on the dash and just above the glove box.

AutoGuide will be sure to stop by the Chrysler booth to check out their huge collection of vehicles at this year’s show.

See the complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here and look for full coverage starting November 1st.

 |  Oct 25, 6:30 PM

Fiat has announced that it will be showcasing a pair of custom 500s at this year’s SEMA Show. According to Fiat the 500 Titanium is a discretely tuned 500 with more aggressive styling while the Fiat 500 Carbon features more subtle modifications, accenting the Italian hatchback’s styling, craftsmanship and nimble handling. Both vehicles get upgraded products from Mopar including their respective cold-air intake, strut-tower brace and cat-back exhaust.

Starting with the Fiat 500 Titanium, Mopar has outfitted the Italian subcompact with a new aggressive front bumper with large honeycomb grilles. A satin black insert on the front bumper features integrated LED fog lamps while the circular projector headlamps have been finished in gloss black to match the Titanium’s exterior paint. For wheels, the Titanium features custom 16×6.5-inch Matte Titanium rollers with a two-piece design.

Lowering the vehicle are custom Mopar springs while braking performance has been upgraded with Matte Titanium front and rear brake calipers with larger rotors. Styling is further enhanced with a pair of side skirts and a large liftgate spoiler while the rear bumper has been completely redesigned with a rear diffuser. A center-mounted rear Mopar exhaust tip can be seen housed in the new rear diffuser.

On the inside, the Titanium features a black with Titanium Metallic accents color scheme. Both front and rear seats have been reupholstered in smooth black leather and accented with Titanium Metallic vinyl seat centers. Metallic Gray stitching accents the finished product.

Meanwhile, the Fiat 500 Carbon features an Anodized Azzurro (blue) exterior with blackened accents inside and out. The front bumper on the Carbon features integrated satin carbon fiber foglamp bezels and lip spoiler. The headlights have been refinished in a Dark Hyper Black finish while 17×7-inch Dark Hyper Black aluminum wheels are on all four corners. Similar to the Titanium, Mopar outfitted the Carbon with their lowering springs, strut tower brace and cold-air intake.

In the rear, a carbon fiber liftgate spoiler improves the aerodynamics while a powdercoated carbon fiber exhaust tip is a nice, subtle touch. Carbon fiber can also be seen in the rear bumper and valence while the tail lamp bezels have been refinished in Dark Hyper Black. The interior continues with a dark black theme, but has been contrasted with Anodized Azzurro accents.

That’s a lot of description for just a teaser photo, so stay tuned for AutoGuide’s 2011 SEMA Coverage starting here November 1st, and check out the complete 2011 SEMA Preview here.

Discuss this story at Fiat500Owners.com

 |  Oct 25, 6:00 PM

For all the Dodge Ram enthusiasts out there, Chrysler has something for you at this year’s SEMA Show. Based on a 2011 Ram R/T, the team at Mopar Underground outfitted the Ram with a collection of modifications, enhancing performance while giving the truck some good looks. Powering the Ram 392 Quick Silver is a 392 HEMI V8 from Dodge’s SRT lineup packing 470-hp. The motor was mated to the R/T’s 4.10 gear set with a high-stall converter. Additional performance comes from Mopar’s cold-air intake kit, headers, and cat-back dual exhaust.

Braking performance has been upgraded thanks to a Brembo big brake kit, featuring 15-inch rotors and six-piston calipers. Everything on the truck besides the gloss black roof has been finished in a three-stage bright silver. Contrasting it all are anodized red wheels, grille inserts, mirrors and select interior trim components. All the exterior lighting has been smoked while a reverse deep-down aluminum hood adorns the front of the truck. Suspension modifications lowers the truck by 2-inches, further accented by a Mopar body kit.

Though the wheels on the render looks to be from HRE, the release only specifies that Mopar Underground added 22-inch pieces wrapped with 275/45/22 and 305/40/22 tires. On the inside, high-bolster SRT seats are covered in Katzkin leather with red stitching and accents to match the steering wheel, instrument panel and Laramie Longhorn inspired leather shift knob, door panels and center console trim. Kicker speakers add additional audio to the cabin while woofers in the doors add plenty of bass.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Preview here

 |  Oct 25, 3:00 PM

Developed by Chrysler Group’s Mopar Underground team, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR is heavily influenced by the success of the Mopar Drag Pak Challenger and more recently, the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that reset the production lap time record at the Nurburgring. Based on the Challenger SRT8 392, Mopar Underground focused on paying homage to the original option-delete cars of the 1960s and 70s with the SRT8 ACR that will make its debut at this year’s SEMA Show.

On the outside, the Challenger SRT8 ACR takes design cues from the infamous Viper SRT10 ACR. The Challenger will sport a white body, charcoal-painted roof, carbon fiber hood, rear deck lid, rear spoiler and tail lamp surround, and an offset flame red stripe that runs the length of the project. The mirror caps and brake calipers were then painted red, contrasting the white while giving the Challenger a true race-inspired theme. For wheels, 20-inchers adorn each corner in a unique black-painted finish. To top off the aesthetics, red ACR fender badging was added.

The red and white theme continues onto the interior where Mopar Underground added white accents on the carbon fiber door panels, red armrest bars with white foam padding, red door latch release tethers, red painted roll bars and accents on the carbon fiber racing seats covered in black Katzkin leather.

But what Challenger SRT8 featuring the ACR badging wouldn’t have performance modifications? Mopar Underground outfitted the Challenger with a complete collection of parts straight out of a Mopar catalog. The suspension has been completely overhauled thanks to a set of coilovers, braces and brace caps in the front and the rear. A cat-back exhaust with custom headers were bolted on, giving the Challenger SRT8 a whole new note and extra horsepower while minor accessories include a Drag Pack center stack, carbon fiber bezel kit, door sill entry guards, Mopar fuel door and a short-throw shifter. The race-inspired vehicle has also had its rear seat removed in exchange for a roll bar and fire extinguisher.

Dodge did not make any announcement on whether or not they plan on producing the Challenger SRT8 ACR. One can only hope.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here

 |  Oct 25, 12:43 PM

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As promised Lexus will debut its new F-Sport GS350 model at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Taking the all-new 2013 GS sedan, the F-Sport package adds, um, sport, by bolting a long list of “racing-inspired” components.

Included in the package are 19-inch F-sport wheels measuring 8-inches up front and 9-inches in the rear (AWD models will be 19×8 front and rear). Also added are thicker sway bars, new bushings, and a more aggressively tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension system. Other upgrades include larger brakes with high-friction pads and rear-drive models will get a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system.

Helping convey the car’s added capability is an F-Sport aero kit with new front and rear bumpers as well as a new rear lip spoiler, F-sport badging and an F-Sport grille up front. Available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian, Lexus will also offer the F-Sport model in two exclusive colors, Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum.

Inside the car gets a unique aluminum trim and perforated black leather with aluminum pedals, plus a 16-way power sport driver’s set with improved lateral support and power side bolsters. An optional Cabernet Red leather will also be available.

No changes have been made under the hood, with the 3.5-liter V6 continuing to generate 306-hp for a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds.

“The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport

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See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here

 |  Oct 25, 10:30 AM

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Chevrolet will make their small cars the focus of the brand’s presence at the upcoming SEMA Show, bringing a huge collection of customized Sonics and Cruzes to the show floor. The majority of the Sonics and Cruzes coming from Chevrolet will feature products from the Z-Spec lineup, including performance, styling and personalization accessories.

Chevy isn’t revealing the custom Sonics and Cruzes built by some of the country’s top builders yet, but they did release teaser details (and a few pics), commenting that they’ll be bringing their Z-Spec #1, Z-Spec #2, Z-Spec 4D Concept and Dusk for their Sonic line. The pair of Cruzes Chevy will be showing off are the Cruze Z-Spec and Cruze Dusk.

Z-Spec #1 will be a turbocharged Sonic five-door sporting a collection of concept Z-Spec accessories. A ground effects kit, spoiler, unique grille and graphics package are applied to a Torch Red exterior further accented by a set of 18-inch Z-Spec concept wheels. On the inside, perforated black suede seat inserts, a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel accent the interior. Performance comes from four-piston brake calipers, new suspension and a high-flow exhaust system.

Z-Spec #2 is similar to the Z-Spec #1, but features a more aggressive exterior styling package and will be shown off in a Flat White with Torch Red accents. The 4D Concept will show off the sedan accessories in an Ashen Gray Metallic finish while the Dusk is a subtle Berlin Blue exterior with 18-inch wheels in a dark Galvano Silver finish.

For the Cruzes, the Z-Spec will feature a ground effects package, 18-inch wheels, an accessory spoiler and a high-flow grille. A new stripe package is also added to the exterior while the interior accessories are similar to the Sonic’s offerings. The Cruze Dusk will also be similar to the Sonic Dusk, offering a look at a more subtle package of accessories and upgrades.

GALLERY: Chevrolet SEMA Sonics

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See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here and look for coverage starting November 1st.

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Chevy Sonic Review Here

 |  Oct 25, 9:45 AM

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ARK Performance has been hard at work on their SEMA 2011 Project Hyundai Veloster, and now finished photos of the vehicle have popped up online at Veloster.org. The theme of the project was to build a rally-inspired Veloster, featuring a custom twin-scroll turbo setup giving it 210-hp while its bright green and flat gray paint scheme gives it the aggressive look it needs.

ARK fabricated the custom turbo kit and intercooler system and also outfitted the Veloster with a six-piston brake kit, eight-point chromoly rally-style roll cage, and DTP track coilover system. Additional suspension modifications include front and rear upper sway bars, camber arms and control arms, ARK’s GRIP dual exhaust, downpipes and test pipes.

For the inside, ARK turned to JPM Coachworks to outfit the Veloster with Alcantara interior upgrades on the seats, shift boot, dashboard, headliner, doors and visors. A custom stereo install featuring Image Dynamics components was also done thanks to Adam Perry.

ARK focused on the aesthetics, transforming the subtle Veloster to one mean looking machine thanks to their CFX Designs line of accessories. ARK outfitted the Veloster with their own front and rear wide fenders, front lip, side skirts, rear bumper and grille. In the rear is an ARK SFX rear wing while OneEighty supplied the project with new headlights, taillights and fog lamps. The wheels are Advan’s RZ in Gunmetal wrapped with Nitto NT05 rubber. The custom paint on the body was done by Beyond Autobody.

GALLERY: Ark Performance Hyundai Veloster

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[Source: Veloster.org]

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here and look for live coverage starting November 1st.

 |  Oct 23, 3:30 PM

Addictive Desert Design is teaming up with JPM Coachworks to build a one-of-a-kind Luxury Performance Ford Raptor for this year’s SEMA Show. Starting with a 2011 Raptor SVT SuperCrew, the team revamped the sport truck from bumper to bumper, with a collection of some of the industry’s finest products available for the Raptor.

The first stop for the Raptor SVT was nowhere else but Hennessey Performance where the SVT was outfitted with their VelociRaptor 600 SC package, giving the truck 605-hp thanks to a supercharger. From there, it headed down to JPM Coachworks where the interior was completely redone with Royal Hides from Edelman Leather and Alcantara. Next, it headed over to High Desert Mobile where it received a complete audio upgrade featuring products from Mosconi, Blackhole, Chasecam, Visualogic and Tsunami.

The now-heavily modified Raptor was then shipped to Addictive Desert Designs where it received front and rear bumpers from Stealth, LED lighting from Rigid, rock guards, King Shocks coilover shocks, Fuel Hostage wheels with Goodyear MTR Kevlar tires. Braking upgrades come from Baer Brakes with their Extreme Plus Calipers and 15-inch rotors.

Bodywork enhancements were done over at Hi Tech Collission where some custom touches were added. Spintech Muffler then added a one-off true dual exhaust system while the bed, wheel-wells, underside and bottom 12-inches of the body were coated by Line-X.

Affliction Clothing will be holding a contest to name the finished Raptor SVT project and participants interested in contributing some suggestions will have a chance to win some prizes.

The full build process can be seen at LuxuryRaptor.com or on Facebook.

[Source: Truck Trend]

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here

 |  Oct 21, 12:00 PM

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Are you getting excited for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas? It’s less then two weeks away, and to get you a fan-frenzied mood, Ford has begun to tease us with its bespoke designs.

From subdued to outrageous and brand-spanking new to ancient, Ford will be showing off a little something of everything at the show, but taking the spotlight with be a few customized Fiesta and Focus models.

Sure to draw attention from the crowd are seven Focus hatchback and sedan models that boast customization by 3dCarbon, ROUSH Performance Products, The ID Agency, Capaldi Racing, Steeda, Bojix Design, and COBB Tuning. With such prominent names, you can expect to see some radical performance and styling modifications to these cars.

“Millennials, which this car is all about, want to personalize every aspect of their lives – everything from laptop covers to body art, and even cars,” said Mike Murphy, Ford C-Car Marketing manager. “Being unique allows them to stand apart and be different, and all the Focus models we have on display at SEMA live up to that standard.”

On the Fiesta side, there will be three customized models, courtesy of M2-Motoring, Gold Coast Automotive and Aaron Vaccar.

Expect to hear more from Ford about what it is bringing to the table at the SEMA show this week, including an all-new 363-cubic-inch Ford Racing stroker engine and a Ford licensed restoration part for the classic ’64-65 Mustang.

GALLERY: Ford Focus and Fiesta SEMA Show Cars

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See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show Preview here

 |  Oct 20, 9:00 PM

The guys over at Tjin Edition followed up the teaser of their two SEMA Ford projects with this rendering of their Honda Civic Sedan project from Gurnade Design Firm. This will be the fourth Honda Tjin Edition has built for SEMA and this time around, Tjin Edition teamed up with Wraptivo, Daley Visual, Gurnade, Rotiform, Function and Form and Baer.

The project will debut at this year’s SEMA Show and is the only Honda Civic Si Sedan Honda handed out to builders this year. Tjin Edition kept it clean and simple, focusing on form, function and family when building the project. The suspension comes courtesy of Function and Form coilovers, giving the Civic the adjustability it needs to look right on a set of 19-inch Rotiform Concave BLQ wheels. The color scheme is unique as well, as Tjin Edition informed us that it’s the last roll in existence of this particular color from Wraptivo. The matte exterior is clearly contrasted by orange-anodized wheels with Baer brakes peeking behind them. It’s further accented by the fact that the Baer calipers appear to be in a bright, purple finish.

AutoGuide will be sure to check out all the project cars in the Honda booth this year’s SEMA Show.

Discuss this story at 9thGenCivic.com

 |  Oct 19, 12:45 PM

Along with the debut of a new B-Spec budget race car, Kia is looking to showcase its updated 2012 Soul at the 2011 SEMA Show.

In total, the Korean automaker will display six sports-themed vehicles. The first of the group has already been teased (above) and is a colorful creation inspired by pro golfer Michelle Wie – whom Kia has used before in its ads. In addition, Kia has announced a second of the six cars will be themed around NBA star Blake Griffin. As for what that car will look like, and the remaining four vehicles, we’ll have to wait for SEMA to find out.

Look for full coverage on AutoGuide’s 2011 SEMA Show coverage page here, starting November 1st.

 |  Oct 17, 6:30 PM

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Toyo Tires has just announced their vehicle lineup for this year’s SEMA Show, bringing four high-profile and customized vehicles to their booth and announcing three of them today.

Headlining the debuts will be the Toyo Tires Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes 2011 Dodge Durango, which will also be given away to a lucky winner. Along with the Durango, Toyo will have a 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor, a 2011 BMW 5-Series  customized by Wald, and a yet-to-be-announced vehicle at their booth.

The giveaway Durango is a Mineral Gray Metallic Heat Edition 4×4 features a set of Toyo Proxes ST II rubber matched with 22-inch Savini Forged SV28c wheels. The Durango is further modified with a Magnaflow exhaust system while Mega Motorsports outfits it with a custom Alpine Audio entertainment system. Roadwire further modifies the interior with black leather upholstery contrasted with blue stitching. Up front is a T-REX four-piece flat black mesh grill featuring a UFC logo. Those attending the show will have the opportunity to scan a QR code to automatically enter themselves into the giveaway.

Second on the list is a custom Ford F-150 Raptor done by Street Concepts. The exterior features a Snow Camo vehicle wrap with 20×9-inch matte black Fuel Boost wheels wrapped with Toyo’s Open Country M/T rubber. The F-150 will be show-ready at SEMA thanks to Icon Vehicle Dynamics’ suspension, Brembo brakes, new bumpers and lighting. On the inside, Street Concepts gave the interior a carbon fiber-wrapped interior accented by black Alcantara. Kenwood supplies the in-car audio on this truck project.

Last of the announced vehicles will be a complete Wald F10 Black Bison, a customized 2011 BMW 5-Series. The 5-Series will feature a full Wald Black Bison body kit with 20-inch Wald R12 two-piece wheels paired with Toyo Proxes T1 Sport UHP tires.

The fourth vehicle remains a secret but Toyo promises it’ll be a crowd-stopping show car. Autoguide.com will be sure to stop by Toyo’s booth at this year’s SEMA Show to see these masterpieces in person.

GALLERY: Toyo Tires 2011 SEMA Lineup

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 |  Oct 13, 9:00 PM

Hyundai will unveiled a one-off Genesis coupe at SEMA, dubbed the Genesis Hurricane SC, built in collaboration with Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing, Harman International and Torvec Inc.

Magnuson is a well known maker of superchargers, and will be contributing the “SC” part of the equation, though technical details haven’t been released. Horsepower has been announced at 450 horsepower.

What has us intrigued is a small nugget buried in the press release, where a Hyundai engineer mentions that HATCI (Hyundai’s Michigan technical Center) has been “…working for years with Magnuson to ensure high engine output is available on future Hyundai vehicles.”

Does this mean that a supercharged Genesis Coupe is on the way as a replacement for a long-rumored but often denied V8-powered Genesis Coupe?

Check out our coverage of the 2011 SEMA show here

 |  Oct 12, 10:30 AM

110 years ago, Henry Ford entered a 10-lap, 10-mile race at the Detroit Driving Club in Grosse Point, Michigan in his self-built race car called “Sweepstakes”. Going up against heavily-favored Alexander Winton, Henry Ford took the surprising win that ultimately changed automotive manufacturing forever. With his win, the Ford Motor Company got the funding it needed to launch less than two years later. At this year’s SEMA Show, Ford is celebrating its 110 years of racing heritage by bringing some of its most iconic race cars to the huge convention.

The star lineup will include Ford’s Le-Mans winning 1967 GT40 MkIV (pictured), Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Mustang Boss 302, Jim Clark’s Lotus (winner of the 1965 Indy 500), various John Force Funny Cars and this year’s Daytona 500 winner. These are just a few of the race cars Ford will be representing with, and we expect to see more given Ford’s success in various forms of motorsports including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Baja 1000, X Games Rallycross, Rally Great Britain and the Bathhurst 1000.

Keep your eye out for AutoGuide’s extensive SEMA 2011 coverage where we’ll be sure to check out all of the historic race cars that will be representing over a century of Ford racing heritage.

And check out AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here.

 |  Oct 06, 3:00 PM

While most of the cars at the SEMA Show are built to be over-the-top displays of horsepower and gaudiness Hyundai is preparing to showcase at least one of its new Veloster models that takes a different approach.

Make no mistake, the car created by marketing agency PM Lifestyle and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) will display a full suite of modifications, but it’s designed to be representative of what the average tuner could do with his or her car. The message is clear: Hyundai is betting the Veloster will be a hit with the tuner crowd and with auto enthusiasts and is working to showcase just how attractive a platform it can be.

Far more than just IHE (Intake, Header, Exhaust), the ‘Versatile Veloster’ will get a Sequence-X body kit, Konig wheels and plenty of Seibon carbon fiber goodies, including the hood and trunk, with a custom blue paint job covering the rest of the car. Performance upgrades include an AEM Cold Air Intake, Magnaflow exhaust and a custom header, while KW was contracted for a full coilover suspension and SSBC is supplying the brakes. Making an expected 163-hp (up from in the stock car), there’s also a Nitrous Express system for some added power.

On display at the 2011 SEMA Show from November 1-4, the PM Lifestyle ‘Versatile’ Veloster will then go on a three-year show tour with UTI, making appearances at 120 autocross, supercross and demonstration events.

Get a full rundown of the modifications after the jump and see AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here:

Discuss this story at Veloster.org

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 |  Oct 05, 8:15 AM

If you like tuner cars, you probably love the SEMA Show. At the 2011 installment of this custom car show, you could enter your personal ride to be forever immortalized in the digital world of the Gran Turismo game. Interested? Read on!

This year, as in some previous years, Sony/Polyphony will be holding a contest to see which show car should win the prize of being included in the next game. Five categories are open for the contest, which are Truck/SUV, Asian Import, European Import, Domestic Auto or Hot Rod.

The winner from each category will then be judged by Gran Turismo creator Kazumori Yamauchi, who is a bit of a car nut himself. He will pick just one car from the five categories to be sent to the digital lab for it to be reborn in the game. This vehicle will be included in the next installation of the Gran Turismo game.

Seeing how the last game took forever to hit the market, the winner of this contest is advised to not hold his/her breath waiting to see their ride appear in the game. Find out how to enter here.

The 2011 SEMA Show runs from November 1 – 4. Check out AutoGuide’s complete preview and coverage here.

 |  Oct 01, 12:00 PM

The 2011 SEMA Show is just around the corner (November 1-4), and the list of vehicles vying for a SEMA Award has been released. And if you’ve got one of this year’s nominated vehicles, you could win a featured spot at the SEMA show, along with credentials to attend the annual trade-only event in Las Vegas.

SEMA awards recognize vehicles that are setting the trend in the specialty equipment industry, boasting platforms that work well with customization. There are four categories for top trending vehicles to fall into: Hottest Car, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4×4-SUV and Hottest Sport Compact.

SEMA Show exhibitors will pick the four winners of the SEMA Award based on the vehicles on display at the booths. Each booth vehicle represents one vote, and the most prominent models in each category will be named the SEMA Award winner.

Here’s where you come in. If your own one of the SEMA Award contender vehicles (you can check out the list of contenders after the jump), all you have to do is submit a video clip that shows off your vehicle’s modifications. The winner will receive a spot to feature their vehicle at the SEMA Show, along with credentials (and all the perks that come along with it) to attend the annual trade-only event.

To enter a video clip, visit the 2011 SEMA Award Contender Contest page. And you can see the full list of contenders after the jump.

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 |  Sep 29, 3:00 PM

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The SEMA Show is sneaking up on us again and one of the first vehicles we’re learning about is the ARK Performance Hyundai Veloster.

Set to be unveiled at the Korean automaker’s stand at the annual aftermarket expo and built by ARK Performance, the rally-car styled Veloster will get some massively flared fenders and a custom interior – with the obligatory blinged-out audio system like no one told them it’s not 1998. Perhaps more exciting is a twin-scroll turbocharger under the hood helping the Veloster make 210-hp. While not breathtaking performance, it’s a solid hint at the amount of power a rumored factory Veloster Turbo could make. Sadly, this isn’t a production engine, but a custom turbo setup.

This latest show car marks the third time Hyundai and ARK Performance have teamed up for SEMA, with a Genesis Coupe on display last year and a Tiburon before that.

GALLERY: ARK Performance Hyundai Veloster

ARK Veloster - frontview.jpgARK Veloster - rearview.jpgARK Veloster - sideview.jpg

Discuss this story at Veloster.org and read AutoGuode’s 2012 Hyundai Veloster review here

See after the jump for a full list of the car’s planned modifications:

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 |  Sep 28, 2:15 PM

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Meguiar’s is sending nine of the world’s top show cars from around the world to this year’s SEMA Show, holding its first ever Car Crazy International Vehicle Showcase. These nine cars along with their owners will be brought in from all over the globe and will be on display front and center right outside the Convention Hall, next to Meguiar’s Car Crazy TV Stage. All week long, both the vehicles and their owners will be a major attraction of this year’s SEMA Show.

Each vehicle was meticulously selected to ensure that they represent their respective country with pride. Just some of the vehicles that are heading to Meguiar’s Car Crazy International Vehicle Showcase include a 1953 Ford Truck F100 from Costa Rica (pictured), a 1981 VW Golf Mk1 from the United Kingdom, a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Custom from Mexico, a 2000 Toyota Celica from China, and a 1978 XC GS Ford Falcon Hardtop (pictured) from all the way in Australia.

Prior to making the trek to Las Vegas though, the vehicles will make a pit stop during the month of October at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Southern California for private showings to visitors throughout the month.

GALLERY: Meguiar’s Car Crazy Vehicle Showcase

Australia Falcon.JPG Costa Rica Ford.jpg

 

 |  Sep 08, 9:00 AM

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Former Corvette Racing driver and motorsports icon Ron Fellows recently had the pleasure of being inducted into Corvette’s Hall of Fame. And as if that wasn’t a big enough honor for Fellows, he was also presented with this wicked 2012 Corvette Z06 at the National Corvette Museum’s 17th Annual Labor Day celebration. This particular Chevy Corvette has been dubbed the SEMA/Spring Mountain Special Edition and chances are we’ll be seeing it in action at the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School right outside Las Vegas at Spring Mountain Raceway – not to mention at the upcoming SEMA Show in November.

The special edition 2012 Z06 features a carbon fiber hood and full-body racing stripes. On all four corners are black wheels with a red stripe, borrowed from the Centennial Edition, while the interior features embroidered seats with “100 Years” on them. Displayed prominently on the side of the car is Ron Fellows’ #3 racing number which is complemented by graphics stating “Hall of Fame”. In the rear, the Vette has graphics from Mosport Raceway, which Ron co-owns, plus logos from his own driving school.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Check out the video after the jump:

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