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Pursuit Vehicle: Overfinch unveils tricked out Range Rover Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Land Rover, UK 
Click for hi-res gallery of Overfinch's RR Country PursuitsTake a ride through Los Angeles and you very well might see a Range Rover with a gun rack, but even with those giant spinners it won't be as pimpin' as Overfinch's Range Rover Country Pursuits Concept. Although labeled as a concept vehicle, the Overfinch Country Pursuits is available for order for a cost-no-object $287,000.
 The show car unveiled at the London Salon Privé appeared resplendent in Aubergine purple with custom bodykit, including custom front and rear bumpers, side skirts, roof spoiler and exhaust tips. Inside it's all posh in Light Avocado and Cordovan leather with Olive Ash wood trim, plus a specially-crafted gun compartment complete with three sliding drawers for a removable gun case, ammo, and -- just to round things out -- a crystal stemware set. But just in case you thought it was all show, Overfinch has tuned the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 from 396hp all the way up to 470, along with fitting Brembo brakes with silver branded calipers and a special on-the-fly adjustable suspension. We know this is targeted as the ultimate hunting accessory, but frankly we're not sure who would be buying such a vehicle, nor are we sure we'd want to meet him.
[Source: CarScoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
HItting $2,500 difficult for Tata's Nano as steel prices rise Filed under: Economy, India, Tata 
The Tata Nano exudes frugality, and when you're trying to build a capable vehicle for a paltry $2,500, that's not exactly unexpected. Unfortunately for the Indian automaker, the quickly rising cost of steel may thwart plans to hit the magic price-point. The price of steel has risen by 50 percent in less than a year, and even though the little Nano is only 1,300 lbs, when you're making an econobox on the mega-cheap, every penny counts. Like US automakers have done in the past, Tata is looking to its suppliers to shoulder some of the financial burden. Amazingly, the suppliers are okay with that, provided that Tata does its share.
Even with concessions from suppliers, it's still up in the air as to whether Tata will achieve its lofty target. It appears using a nice round price as a selling point for a vehicle that's a year away wasn't such a good idea after all.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BMW and Fiat teaming up for new small car platform Filed under: Euro, BMW, MINI, FIAT, Rumormill 
Fiat wants to become the platform-sharing kings of Europe, and with deals with Tata, Suzuki, Ford, and PSA, the Italian automaker is well on its way. Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News Europe that another cooperation would be announced tomorrow, but details were scarce. Suppliers in the know are saying that a new deal is imminent to share the next generation Punto platform with BMW. The platform would be used to underpin the third generation MINI, which would help keep BMW engineers out of the FWD business and cut costs for Fiat at the same time. Fiat has been trying to produce a competitor to the popular MINI Cooper, and now it appears the Italian automaker will be working with an even playing field when it comes to platforms.
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows 
The London Motor Show opens up on July 22nd and with it, comes a new concept from Honda, the Open Study Model or OSM. The lightweight, two-seater, open-air sports car is another design study by Honda that attempts to blend performance and sustainable motoring into a comprehensive package. Designed by Honda's R&D center in Offenbach, Germany, the OSM is a vehicle in the same environmentally friendly vein as the CR-Z concept unveiled in Tokyo last year, considered to be a low emissions alternative to the traditional sports coupe.
The CR-Z is still slated to be released sometime next year, but Honda insists that the OSM is strictly a design study and is not confirmed for production. However, as OSM (read: awesome) as it may be, it's not the next S2000, according to Honda spokesperson Steve Kirk.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Steve Saleen celebrates 25 years with 720-horsepower anniversary Mustang concept Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford 
Click above for a high resolution image
If you've noticed that there are more than a handful of Mustang variations out there, then consider Steve Saleen a trend setter. He's been tweaking Mustangs for 25 years now, and even though he and Saleen, Inc. parted ways last year, Steve has continued to work on Ford's ponycar with his new company, SMS Limited. While SMS released a rendering of an upcoming Challenger back in May, this 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept is the first actual vehicle the company has built. It features a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 720 horsepower, carbon fiber bodywork, 15-inch brakes, carbon fiber exterior trim, and a custom leather interior with two-tone seats. The SMS Mustang also has a unique Red Butterfly induction system and a pretty trick Light Blade taillight system. Follow the jump for a history of Steve Saleen's career and a complete list of features of the SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept.
[Source: SMS Limited] Continue reading Steve Saleen celebrates 25 years with 720-horsepower anniversary Mustang concept Permalink | Email this | Comments
Maserati hosts Salon Privé just for the ladies Filed under: Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows, UK 
Click for hi-res gallery of Maserati's Salon Privé Ladies' Day
English grammar doesn't assign gender to inanimate objects, but if there was ever any doubt that Italian sportscars were feminine, Maserati's latest event should put the issue to rest. The Trident marque's British subsidiary recently hosted a special event just for female clients. Held at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London, the Salon Privé Ladies' Day was headlined by our favorite supermodel Joie Kidd and Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson (reportedly the first woman to win a race behind the wheel of a Maserati).
The event included an exclusive fashion preview at Maria Grachvogels Sloane Street store followed by a private viewing of the high-performance S versions of both the GranTurismo and new Quattroporte. Funds raised went towards the Prince's Trust. Check out the images in the gallery and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Maserati] Continue reading Maserati hosts Salon Privé just for the ladies Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volvo's suitor of the week: China's Chery Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Volvo  Following up on our report last month about Volvo possibly going to the Chinese, state media is now reporting that Chery Automobile, one of the largest independent and fastest growing Chinese auto manufacturers, has its eyes on the Swedish automaker. Although officials at Chery rule out the possibility of buying Volvo, other sources have stated that the Chinese automaker has already negotiated funding for a possible acquisition. If so, that funding will be significant-insiders put Volvo's value at 30 billion yuan (about $4.4 billion dollars). This isn't the first time that Ford has been rumored to be cashing-out on Volvo... however, it was just two months ago that Ford officials reiterated that Volvo was not for sale. We wouldn't bet our yuan on it.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volvo Trucks roll down the catwalk (down the catwalk, yeah) Filed under: Etc., Volvo 
Click for hi-res gallery of Volvo Trucks clothing
Trucker chic isn't exactly the same in Europe as it is in America, where every tool with a practical-joke or retro-themed television show is punkin' out the mesh-backed trucker hats. Case in point: the new apparel collection launched by Volvo Trucks.
Although the fashion-forward collection might seem more aligned with Volvo's latest passenger cars than commercial vehicles, remember that, since 1999, the two divisions are separately owned (one independent, the other by Ford... for now) and both share the same name and logo. Commendably, Volvo Trucks didn't just slap its name on some t-shirts and backpacks and called it a day. The recently launched collection consists of more than 100 items, on which the company's designers collaborated with IKEA fashion designers for over a year. The line includes leather jackets sporting shoulder sections modeled on the company's trademark grille and watches shaped like the cabin's instruments. Clever, eh? We don't know who is driving the big-rigs on that side of the pond, but the Volvo Trucks collection has things for the whole family, including men, women and even children - like baby tees with UV protection to safeguard their fair Swedish skin. The items are available via the company's online shop at www.volvotrucks.com/merchandise. In the meantime, you can check out the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below.
[Source: Volvo Trucks] Continue reading Volvo Trucks roll down the catwalk (down the catwalk, yeah) Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
All-new Chevrolet Cruze coming to Paris, sales begin Spring 2009 Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet 
Chevrolet has big... well... smallish plans for Paris, where the automaker will unveil an "all-new" compact vehicle dubbed the Cruze. Born from Chevy's global design and engineering team, the Cruze will sport many of the exterior elements we've seen on recent concepts, so expect lots of angular lines, a high belt-line and a squat greenhouse. The Cruze will supposedly be able to handle a parcel of five passengers, along with whatever junk they can fit in the trunk, and will measure in at 4.6 meters (181 inches) -- think of it as the next Cobalt.
After its world premier in the City of Lights this October, the Cruze will go on sale across Europe in the spring of 2009, and, according to the press release below the fold, will be available in "other global regions" afterwards.Continue reading All-new Chevrolet Cruze coming to Paris, sales begin Spring 2009 Permalink | Email this | Comments
AutoblogGreen for 07.08.2008 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green 
click image to visit AutoblogGreen
Ooooh, a real Prius with a solar panel. Too sweet. And a paper Mitsubishi i MiEV? Double sweet. And we get to see the production version of the Chevy Volt soon? Sweet yet again. More sweetness available at AutoblogGreen.
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Abarth releases limited-edition 500 "Opening Edition" Filed under: Hatchbacks, FIAT, Special/Limited Editions 
Click for hi-res gallery of Fiat 500 Abarth Opening EditionAt its unveiling at this past March's Geneva show, it was immediately apparent that Abarth had carried off a transformation of the Fiat 500 from a demure retro-hatch into a veritable pocket rocket. But for those for whom the 135 hp turbo four is just not enough, the performance division has unveiled a new limited edition "500 Abarth Opening Edition".
 Although the name might suggest a convertible, the 500 Opening Edition is a fixed-roof hot-hatch distinguished by a 160hp engine, dropping a half-second off the conventional 500 Abarth's 0-60 time, now down to a sprightly 7.4 seconds. The Opening Edition also gets red brake calipers behind special 17" alloys in white or titanium finish, tinted glass and a revised interior with red leather and special badging with a serial number plate. Available in either pearl white or Campovolo gray (the latter available with a red-and-white checkered roof), only 100 examples of the 500 Abarth Opening Edition will be offered, complete with a special car cover to keep the exclusive vehicle protected from the elements.
Check out the big gallery of high-resolution images by clicking the thumbnails below.
[Source: CarScoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Japan's automakers focus on weight loss, one ounce at a time Filed under: Japan, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota 
Automakers across the globe are in a frenzy to produce highly efficient, fuel saving vehicles that remain relatively inexpensive, yet still offering the modern conveniences and safety features consumers have grown to expect. While development on advanced drivetrains is going strong at almost every automaker, Japan's big four (Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda) realize that performance and efficiency gains aren't the exclusive purview of what's under the hood. The hood itself is part of equation.Continue reading Japan's automakers focus on weight loss, one ounce at a time Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The wait is over. First U.S. Nissan GT-R delivered at 12:01 AM Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Nissan UPDATED with video from our friends at Streetfire.
After we've had to adore the turbocharged Skyline GT-R from afar for nearly two decades, Nissan is officially selling its game-changing super coupe on U.S. shores for the first time. In a late night ceremony at a Universal City, California dealership, Daryl Alison took delivery of the very first GT-R sold Stateside - by the automaker. The event included all the pomp and circumstance you'd expect, including an appearance by notorious hot-shoe, Steve Millen. Alison, a long-time Nissan fan whose garage has housed a number of sports cars, including several 350Zs, was grinning from ear-to-ear while he got a rundown on this black GT-R in Premium trim. Not surprisingly, Alison paid sticker price ($72,900) for his GT-R, likely to be the first and last to do so as owners begin taking delivery of their own GT-Rs in the following weeks.
Hit the jump for the full press release from Nissan.
Continue reading The wait is over. First U.S. Nissan GT-R delivered at 12:01 AM Permalink | Email this | Comments
Mopar unveiling Dodge Challenger drag race pack on July 13 Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Dodge 
2006 Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept
With a name like Challenger, Dodge's new muscle car had better put down some serious quarter-mile times or else be able to propel itself into outer space. Fortunately, Chrysler's performance parts division Mopar is preparing to do one (if not the other) when it unveils its new Drag Race Package for the Challenger at the annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals at the Bandimere Speedway in Denver next week.
While specific details on the package - which we previewed in our exclusive video last week - remain scarce before the official debut, the Challenger Drag Race Package marks the 70th anniversary of Mopar and forty years since the company's last factory-built drag-race package. Based on the Challenger SRT8, the Drag Race Package features a composite "Body-in-White" direct from the factory and a host of lightweight components, to say nothing of all the parts being deleted for drag-strip use. The engine has been repositioned and the wheelbase actually shortened to optimize weight distribution and driveline angle. Designed in cooperation with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and previewed back in 2006 by the 392 HEMI Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept at SEMA (pictured above), Mopar will build 100 examples of the race-prepped Challenger with three different engine packages available.
Stay tuned for more information on July 13, but don't blink or you just might miss it. Press release after the jump.
[Source: Mopar] Continue reading Mopar unveiling Dodge Challenger drag race pack on July 13 Permalink | Email this | Comments
Theissen: more automakers considering entering F1 Filed under: Motorsports 
According to Mario Theissen, a number of carmakers are carefully thinking about getting into Formula One. Theissen is head of BMW Motorsports, and after running the Bavarian automakers foray into engine supply in partnership with the Williams team, led the company towards buying the Sauber team wholesale. In a short span of time and with minimal investment, Theissen has transformed the team from a solid midfield contender to a legitimate challenger for the championship alongside McLaren and Ferrari. Theissen believes that other automakers, inspired by BMW's success, are re-examining the prospect of joining Formula One. The BMW chief also believes that the development of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) being implemented in F1 is a strong motivator for automaker participation, noting that BMW's own R&D departments are anxiously knocking at Sauber's door to derive road-going systems based on KERS.
Although Formula One presents a lackluster case for American automakers, many of the world's leading foreign manufacturers participate in the sport, including BMW, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Honda and Toyota. So who does that leave? Theissen says Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche are closely considering entering F1, along with several unnamed Asian automakers. Although its sister company Renault already runs a team, Nissan has been touted as a possible entry. More likely, however, is that Hyundai/Kia will seek the prominence and the technology to go with its rise in the ranks by joining the fray.
[Source: F1-Live, Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rain dampens Ultima GTR 'Ring record attempt Filed under: Supercars, UK 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ultima GTR720 at the NurburgringThere is no shortage of automakers out there claiming to make the ultimate "race car for the road", but few of them can touch the Ultima GTR. While others try to make their road cars as close to racing cars as possible, the British sportscar-maker set about making their Noble-based racing car as close to a road car as possible. The result is blistering performance, with the latest GTR720 setting several Guinness-verified world records, including a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds, a quarter mile below ten seconds and a 0-100-0 time in 9.4. With those numbers in the books, Sport Auto Magazine set its sights on setting a new Nurburgring road car lap record.
 Unfortunately, after booking two, half-hour sessions at the 'Ring, the heavens opened up and soaked the track, so the attempt was aborted. The current record, held by the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, stands at 7:27, but Ultima ambitiously projects that its car could undercut that with what would be a staggeringly fast lap time under 6 minutes, 55 seconds. Sounds impossible? Consider the performance stats quoted above, and that the lightweight track demon has hit a top speed of 231 mph. That was with the previous gearing setup, but with a taller fifth gear ratio, Ultima thinks it can reach even higher speeds. After the disappointment of a failed attempt due to the bad weather, the company's founder Ted Marlow turned around and headed back to England, claiming to have hit 220mph on a derestricted Autobahn along the way. We'll just have to wait until a more successful attempt to see if the record is shattered, but in the meantime we can enjoy the images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Ultima] Continue reading Rain dampens Ultima GTR 'Ring record attempt Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rendered Speculation: Lancia Delta HF Integrale Filed under: Motorsports, Euro, FIAT, Rendered Speculation 
Back when Japanese automakers like Mitsubishi and Subaru were still making awkward little econo-boxes, the Lancia Delta Integrale was the king of the hill on the rally circuit, kicking up dirt and taking championships in resplendent Martini livery. So when the Italian automaker revealed the new Delta, nostalgic rally fans began twitching with excitement.
Although Lancia has yet to reveal any plans to make a high-performance version of the new Delta, one such rally fan has drawn up his impression of what form such a gravel-chomping beast could look like. For our part, we're hoping Lancia will take note and give us a new Integrale, complete with jumbo-turbo power and all-wheel-drive... however unlikely that may seem while sister company Abarth runs the IRC circuit with their pumped-up Super2000 Puntos. Until that day comes, European customers will have to make do with the current front-drive 200hp 1.8-liter turbo to satisfy their longing for the good old days.
[Source: autoblog.it via CarScoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials 
Sales of General Motors' one time cash cow, full-size trucks, are declining faster than the value of the US dollar, but with a birthday coming, GM still wants something to celebrate. This September, the world's largest automaker will be celebrating its centennial under a financial pall unlike any it has faced since its early days under Billy Durant. The car that GM management hopes will represent a new beginning is the Chevrolet Volt, which has been locked in for production for November 2010 and the shape of the production car has reportedly been finalized. The Volt team is apparently planning to unveil the definitive Volt shape as the star of the big party this September.
Early powertrain development mules have been running for several months now and GM insiders claim the lithium ion battery packs are exceeding performance expectations so far. The big question at this point seems to be cost. With everyone focused on GM's cash burn rate, the company is hoping that showing the production version of the extended range electric vehicle will divert attention to something positive. However, without some serious cost reduction of the battery and some hefty tax breaks from the government, the Volt may just end up making things even worse. GM desperately needs the Volt to be successful, but with the current financial situation, one has to wonder how long they will be able to build Volts at a loss?
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
'08 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Welcome to Goodwood Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Time Warp, UK, Celebrities 
The Goodwood Festival of Speed begins on Friday and we wanted to let you know that we'll be there, once again, to cover the action. Just like last year, we hope to provide you with massive galleries chock full of high res pics of everything from the motorbikes to the rally cars, from the concours to the F1 action, from the special displays to the air show. As an overview of the event and of our coverage, we've posted a few essential lists after the jump. We understand that most of you can't attend, but for those going to Goodwood House on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the event schedule is below the break. There's also a list of the highlights expected at this year's event, which has adopted the theme: 'Hawthorn to Hamilton - Britain's Love Affair with World Motor Sport.'
Picking highlights from an event like this is really a chore. The whole event is a highlight, with so many of the greatest vehicles from automotive history assembling in such a scenic location and being driven by some of the most legendary names from motorsports lore. And finally, Goodwood is all about special anniversaries, so there is also a list of some of the milestones being commemorated this year in West Sussex. For all of the other details about tickets, camping at the manor, directions and the like, visit the official Goodwood site.
As for the focus of the show -- the cars -- we're especially looking forward to seeing the Audi R8 V12 TDi, Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS, Artega GT, and Mazda Furai run; the flyover by the Airbus 380; the anniversary collections of cars from McLaren, Cosworth, Lola, and Porsche; the Gulf liveried cars; the Bond cars; the collection of dragsters that will be started twice a day on the Cricket Pitch; and of course the modern F1 cars. We hope you can make it down to Goodwood this year, but if you can't, we you know you're a click away when our coverage begins Friday.
[Source: Goodwood]Continue reading '08 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Welcome to Goodwood Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Maserati GranTurismo convertible Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Maserati  Maseratis are capable of tremendous momentum, and that's exactly what the company has been carrying forward. With only a two-model line-up, Maserati has been hard at work coming out with new variants and updates at every turn. Following on the heels of the GranTurismo and GranTurismo S, the Trident marque is in the process of unveiling the new Quattroporte, but the next batter is already on deck and ready to swing.
Although these spy shots are heavily disguised, the wheels and front end betray a GranTurismo, but the hunched back - like that seen on test mules of the new Ferrari California before its launch - suggest a convertible roof mechanism. While previous reports couldn't ascertain whether the anticipated cabrio version of the elegant GT would incorporate a folding hard-top or more traditional cloth enclosure, the size of the test mule's appendage suggests the former. Reports indicate a launch in March of next year, which could coincide with a public unveiling at the next Geneva show.
[Source: Auto Express]
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