eBay Find of the Day: Sole remaining 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT prototype

It might not be the very first production Thunderbird ever made, but it is a pretty special T-Bird nonetheless, and it is up for auction, not at Barrett-Jackson, but rather on eBay Motors. Item number 190283235126 is a rare, 1 of 4, 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT Concept prototype.


The description tells us that the other three were crushed by the Blue Oval, making this the sole survivor. What makes this SVT concept special is the engine. It features a turbocharged 4.8L V8 instead of the supercharged V6 that went into the production Thunderbird SC. Black with a gray leather interior, it appears to have aged well, with nearly 70,000 miles on the clock.


The car has been with one owner for the past ten years and was featured in Makes & Models Magazine in 2005. Unfortunately, it has a few non-stock "upgrades," including a racing fuel cell and a fiberglass hood with an airbrushed bird on the underside. Check out the gallery and click over if you feel its worth at least the $30,000 starting price.
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Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events

Thanks to your suggestions, we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts. Event cancellation notices are also greatly appreciated.

Highlights for February include the Chicago Auto Show, which we will be covering obsessively from McCormick Place; the kickoff of the NASCAR and NHRA seasons with the Daytona 500 and the Winternationals, respectively; and the RetroMobile show in Paris. There's plenty of other fun stuff scheduled all over the country and indeed around the world.

Read more

Bee Four revives BRM brand, reveals in-wheel motor source

It's been announced that the electric race car we were telling you about from Bee Automobiles Ltd will now contend for the British Speed Hill Climb Championship in 2010 as the BRM Bee Four ERV.

This revives the BRM (British Racing Motors) brand that was born 60 years ago and has a rich and proud history. This also delays the original plan by a year, but should give them the necessary time to introduce a car that is fully tested and ready to win. There is hope that we'll see it before then as it is rumored that it may make some cameos at events this year.
more detail. ...



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New Ford Focus RS Video

The Focus RS is a serious performance machine, all indications point towards this. But on this video a more somber, normal Focus RS shows itself proving that there's more to this spicy lime hatch than mere numbers.


Pushing the car forward is a 6-speed manual gearbox that helps the RS reach the 100km/h target in second gear. For certain engine frequencies a ‘sound symposer' is used to transfer certain pleasing sounds the car makes as it goes along into the cabin. Those bonnet louvers are there to help with idle cooling especially after heavy runs on a track so they aren't just there for aggressive looks.


For the longest time Ford wasn't even breathing a word related to the Focus RS. Then suddenly a flood of information came through, including confirmation that the RS would make a return after a six year hiatus. When details burst out, few really believed that the RS was to be driven through the front wheels, given its power figures of 300bhp (224kW) and 440Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre turbo.


After all, front-wheel-driven cars with slightly less power than the RS are known to have excessive torque steer. Nevertheless Ford had an answer to that in a hi-tech system called RevoKnuckle, a specially design steering knuckle containing two ball bearing sets which help compensate for torque steer. Additionally an LSD is fitted for extra traction.





via:World Car Fans



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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE view

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

Base Price	$15,670
Vehicle layout	Front-engine, FWD
Engine	2.2L/155-hp/150-lb-ft DOHC 4-cyl
Transmission	5-speed manual
Curb weight (dist f/r)	2780 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	103.3 in
Length x width x height	180.3 x 67.9 x 55.7 in
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	25 / 37 mpg
MT observed mileage	24.4 mpg (combined city/hwy)
CO2 emissions	0.66 lb/mile

2009 Cadillac CTS-V views and specs

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2009 Cadillac CTS-V views

2009 Cadillac CTS-V interior

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout	Front engine, RWD
Engine type	Supercharged 90 deg V-8, alum block and heads
Valvetrain	OHV, 2 valves/cyl
Displacement	362.1 cu in/6162 cc
Compression ratio	9.0:1
Power (SAE NET)	556 hp @ 6100 rpm*
Torque (SAE NET)	551 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm*
Redline	6200 rpm
Weight to power	7.7 lb/hp
Transmission	6-sp automatic; 6-sp manual
Axle/final	3.23:1/2.16:1, auto; 3.73:1/2.35:1, man
Suspension, front; rear	Control arms, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar
Steering ratio	16.1:1
Turns lock-to-lock	2.8
Brakes, f;r	15.0-in vented disc; 14.7-in vented disc, ABS
Wheels	9.0 x 19-in; 9.5 x 19-in, forged aluminum
Tires	255/40R-19 96Y; 285/35R-19 99Y Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	113.4 in
Track, f/r	61.8/62.0 in
Length x width x height	191.6 x 72.5 x 58.0 in
Turning circle	37.9 ft
Curb weight	4281 lb (auto), 4292 (man)
Weight dist., f/r	54/46% (auto); 53/47 (man)
Seating capacity	5
Headroom, f/r	38.8/37.2 in
Legroom, f/r	42.4/35.9 in
Shoulder room, f/r	56.7/57.4 in
Cargo volume	13.6 cu ft

2008 D3 Cadillac XLR-V

2008 D3 Cadillac XLR-V

2008 D3 Cadillac XLR-V white color

2008 D3 Cadillac XLR-V views

2008 Cadillac CTS Specs and Views

2008 Cadillac CTS red color

2008 Cadillac CTS

2008 Cadillac CTS Interior

2008 Cadillac CTS Specs

Months/miles in service	8/11,442
Avg econ/CO2	17.2 mpg/1.13 lb/mi

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Views

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Views

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super interior

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Specs

Base price	$32,605
Vehicle layout	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door, sedan
Engine	5.3L/300-hp*/323-lb-ft* OHV 16-valve V-8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Curb weight	3800 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	110.5 in
Length x width x height	198.1 x 73.0 x 57.4 in
0-60 mph	6.0 sec (MT est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	16/24 mpg
CO2 emissions	1.03 lb/mile (est)

Geneva Debut _2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Official Details & Video

Porsche has revealed the updated and slightly more powerful 2010 911 GT3 ahead of its official debut at Geneva Motor Show in March.


The Euro base price of the new GT3 is €98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is €116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at dealerships in October at a price of $112,200 (MSRP without taxes). Porsche fans in the UK can expect the new model to be in dealerships this fall with a starting price of £81,914.


The new model receives many of the subtle exterior updates as the rest of the 911 family but adds a unique racing flair to the mix. Up front there is a new bumper with a lower spoiler, larger air intakes with mesh inserts, and modified bi-xenon headlights. Other changes to the new GT3 include a redesigned rear spoiler, rear LED taillights, and a new rear bumper.


Helping to keep all that power on the road are updated stability and traction control systems which aim to keep Porsche's legacy of offering outstanding vehicle dynamics while providing an enhanced measure of safety. The new version of Porsche Stability Management offers drivers the option of deactivating stability and traction control in separate steps, allowing for a custom tailored driving experience. Should the new safety systems fail to keep you on course, the larger carbon ceramic brakes will be there to help bring you to a halt.


Power comes from an enlarged version of Porsche's naturally aspirated flat-six engine which now comes in at 3.8-liters and boasts 435 horsepower and 317 ft-lbs of torque. This allows the GT3 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 194 mph. Compared to the current GT3, the new model features an additional 200cc in displacement which helps to create the extra 20 hp.
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First time on video for New 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet

Our spies showed up on the scene while three prototypes were at a fuel stop. They took full advantage, capturing over two minutes of raw video, showing the much-loved car from many different angles. Engineers have been looking into winter performance capabilities of the 998 in the north of Sweden, where extreme weather pushes cars to their limits. Two cabrios and a coupe were being road tested.


Generational improvements will include raised headlights, new side mirrors placed on the doors, with LEDs expected at both the front and back. Inside, more room will be made at the back, requiring the car to be stretched a bit longer. Power should come from direct-injection engines, with a possible 3.0-liter version coming standard. Customers will have the choice of upgrading to an all-wheel-drive version, or keeping the standard RWD. Transmission choices include a manual transmission, or the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch currently seen on the 2009 model.


The drivers looked to be doing some reconnaissance work of their own, snapping several photos of the spies as they headed back to the highways.


The new 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet have been caught on video for the first time. This is the new generation of Porsche's flagship sports car, internally referred to as the 998.
via:World Car Fans



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2010 Renault Megane Sedan Spy Photos

Today we have first pictures of the new Megane Sedan with heavy camouflage that was spotted in snowy Sweden doing winter testing.


Renault has already officially introduced the third-generation Megane Hatchback and the Coupe. Just recently we brought you spy shots of the Grandtour version.


Just like the new Megane hatch, power will come from a range of gasoline and diesel engines. Gasoline engines range from 1.4-liter to 2.0 liter(225 hp when turbocharged) and diesel engines offered are 1.5-liter and 1.9-liter dCI turbodiesels with power from 89 hp to 178 hp.



Built on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai, it will go against the Peugeot 308, Fiat Bravo and VW Golf VI, and will obviously be much more than just a mature evolution of the current Megane.

Source:globalmotors



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Geneva: Wiesmann GT MF4 Roadster BMW M3 with heart

If the speculation will correct Wies Mann Geneva unveil the roadster version of the GT MF4. And therein, in addition to the already known 367 hp 4.8 liter V8 from BMW, the block of the BMW M3 (4.0 V8 420 hp) are available.


In his dense brother, the GT MF4, the M3 block all at once become available. It is not confirmed, but the appearance of a roadster version of the MF4 probably means the end for the MF3 Roadster. Because in this model is the 3.2 six-in-line BMW M engine that recently went out of production. For the Roadster MF3 Wies Mann has no engine and therefore will be stopped with this model.


For the people by the letters and numbers no longer know the different models, below a small overview:

Roadster MF4 (4.8 V8, 367 hp, induction in Geneva)
Roadster MF4-S (4.0 V8, 420 hp M3 engine, introduced in Geneva)

GT MF4 (4.8 V8, 367 hp, all available)
MF4 GT-S (4.0 V8, 420 hp M3 engine immediately available)

GT MF5 (5.0 V10, 507 hp M5 engine, already available)

And next year Roadster MF5?

via autoblog.nl



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Vauxhall's hot new Insignia performance car previewed by Opel OPC

Power is not yet disclosed but the twin-turbo V6 is thought to produce around 320bhp. Expect to see this styling model at the Geneva show in March, with the production version making its debut at the Frankfurt show in September if not before.


Running OPC Prototypes have lapped the Nürburgring in a little over eight minutes, according to Opel managing director and engineering guru Hans Demant. With its four-wheel drive and 255/35 R20 tyres it's said to be very grippy, very stable and very benign in its handling. Wheels have five concave spokes, are painted in dark metallic grey and have polished rims and spoke outlines.


This is the OPC version of Opel's Insignia, to be known in the UK as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This prototype styling model, a saloon rather than a hatchback, shows the vertical front air intakes that were a striking feature of the Opel GTC Concept coupé that previewed the Insignia's design language at the 2007 Geneva motor show.
Source: evo.co.uk



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Reports say problems with new Renault

Jan.28 (GMM) The opening test of Renault's 2009 car did not proceed as planned for the French team, the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell reports.

Although the Portimao test was badly marred by the weather last week, it is suggested that Renault struggled with the early performance of the new R29.

The aerodynamics of the unique-looking racer is apparently the culprit, and at the end of the only dry day in Portugal last week, Fernando Alonso was easily the slowest of the four new cars.

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New Nissan 370Z Pricing to Start at £26,895

370Z is now offered with a new 7-speed automatic priced at £1400. It is equipped with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode, using either the gear selector or paddles behind the steering wheel. In automatic mode, the driver can relax and let the gearbox change gear, reacting to the driving style to choose the most appropriate shift-mapping.


The entry level 370Z, priced at £26895, comes equipped with Intelligent Key, engine stop/start button, power adjustable seats, climate controlled air-conditioning, 18” alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, curtain airbag, alarm, audio with auxiliary input and Bluetooth hands free phone connection.



GT Pack priced at £30195 gets 19” forged RAYS alloy wheels, heated seats trimmed in black suede and leather, a six-CD Bose audio system with eight speakers, cruise control, speed limiter and Synchro Rev Control; a new innovation that automatically matches the revs, during up and down-shifts, with the manual gearbox, making gear changes faster and smoother.


Topping the range and priced at £31895 is the GT Ultimate which includes Persimmon suede leather along with a DVD satellite navigation system with full European mapping covering 33 countries and voice guidance in seven languages. Hands free operation is possible with voice recognition which also integrates with the MP3 compatible audio system.


Metallic paint is the only other option available for £450 and with this you also get Nissan’s Scratch Shield Paint*, which, thanks to its advanced resin coat, automatically repairs the light scratches and blemishes which are typically collected by light stone chips.


Compared with the outgoing 350Z, the new 370Z now sports a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials resulting in a weight reduction of 32kg, updated engine with more horsepower, all of which combine to improve its agility and responsiveness.


Inside, buyers will welcome the removal of the rear strut brace (replaced with less intrusive structural reinforcements) and the addition of a new “shelf” area behind the seats, creating an ideal storage area. A retractable cover is standard on the 370Z and a locking glove compartment has also been added.
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