2010 Chevrolet Chevy Camaro headed to Europe

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is off to an impressive start in the U.S., with inventories sold out in spite of the general economic slowdown. The resurrected muscle car will get the opportunity to repeat this success overseas, as GM has confirmed that the Camaro will be sold in Europe. No on-sale dates or pricing have been released.


U.S. pricing for the Camaro starts at $23,040 for the V6 and $35,425 for the V8-powered SS. That's about €16,400 and €25,215, respectively. GM has not yet released German or any other European pricing information for an exported Camaro.


Auto Motor und Sport reports that Jurgen Keller, general manager at Chevrolet Germany, confirmed GM's plans to export the Camaro to Europe. Sale dates will likely be forthcoming as production catches up.


There's no word as to which of the Camaro's three available engines will make the leap across the Atlantic. In the U.S., the Camaro is available with a 304-horsepower 3.6 liter V6 and a choice of 400 or 426-horsepower 6.2 liter V8s, depending on transmission choice. GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management is available on the 400-horse V8. The Camaro also sports a four-wheel independent suspension and available stability control. The ride and handling are uniquely American, a fact that will be considered a good thing to some European buyers and a bad thing to others.

Possible styling changes to meet Euro regulations have also not been discussed.
Source:worldcarfans

Cadillac XTS Luxury Sedan to Arrive in 2011?

A new luxury sedan called the Cadillac XTS is apparently being planned for production by the new General Motors. The car is said to be going after the best from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, which means the A8, 7 Series, LS and S-Class respectively. Suppliers were told about this high-class stretch sedan at a briefing where it was also revealed that manufacturing will happen at the company's plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Cadillac will be replacing the slow-selling DTS with the XTS.
Read full story from worldcarfans

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake released with 725hp

　
Las Vegas-based tuners Shelby are releasing another new set of mods for the Mustang. The limited edition 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake includes improvements both to power and performance.


The Super Snake gets a standard Ford Racing handling package, which includes lowered springs, adjustable dampers, front strut tower brace and tuned stabilizer bars. You can purchase the optional Shelby/Eibach handling package as well. Custom Alcoa 20-inch wheels surround the cross drilled rotors. A six-piston Shelby/Baer brake system is also part of the package, as are the front brake cooling ducts.


"Over the past 12 months, my team of hot rodders was hard at work on a Super Snake package for the next generation GT500," said Carroll Shelby. "Every lesson we learned kicking the competition around on the track over the past two years has been poured into this new car to keep Shelby owners out front."


That is why the company mounts an optional Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit, which raises power output to 725 horsepower. You can also take the car down a peg, and opt for the Ford Racing Supercharger, which helps to produce a maximum 630 hp and 590 ft-lb of torque. Either way, the driver will take control of a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio via the short-throw shifter. A Borla exhaust unit is also included on both.


Although the company does say that, "Exclusivity will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built," what they do not say is how few units will be produced. This information would surely be beneficial to anybody considering the car as an investment.


Visual changes begin with the new fiberglass hood, Super Snake striping, rear decklid lettering, and various badging. Shelby headrests and floormats are also included.


The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake will begin production in August. Pricing for the 630 hp package starts at $29,495, while the 725 hp kit goes for $33,495. Installation is included, but the price of the car is not.
via:worldcarfans

Michael Jackson dead - leaves behind large car collection

Michael Jackson 1988 Lincoln Town Car limousine

Jackson owned at least four limousines, including a 1999 Rolls Royce Silver Seraph that was unusually decorated, to say the least. Our friends at Jalopnik described it well, when they said, "The dark blue Seraph wears an interior which looks to have been pulled directly from the Palace of Versailles." Jackson was said to have designed the interior himself, which probably explains the generous use of 24-carat gold. The vehicle was said to have a 5.4-liter V12 aluminum engine that generated up to 322 horsepower.

Michael Jackson 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Touring Limousine

Back in February it was announced that a collection of items belonging to Michael Jackson would be auctioned off, including his own fleet of vehicles. Although that auction was cancelled in mid-April, it gave us a chance see how the King of Pop lived while being chauffeured around California.

Michael Jackson 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Limousine

Now that MJ has passed on, we decided to take a look back at these vehicles. It is unknown what will happen to many of the Neverland Ranch possessions (Jackson did have a lot of debt), and surely some of these will wind up either on the auction block, or in a museum.

Michael Jackson's 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special 4 Door sedan from Driving Miss Daisy

Jackson owned a 1990 RollS Royce Silver Spur II, trimmed in contrasting white leather and black fabric. Dark, tinted windows were adorned in white curtains, and a full-service bar that was used for god-knows-what. His white, 1988 Lincoln Town Car had a much more subdued interior that used gray leather and fabric. The fourth limo is the same 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood used during the filming of Driving Miss Daisy. Jackson's collection included a 1997 Neoplan Tour Bus with individual seats and booths, and a king's crown embroidered in the carpet. Possibly used on the HIStory World Tour, the bus featured a bathroom lined in porcelain, gold, and granite.

Michael Jackson 1988 GMC V Jimmy Half-Ton High Sierra Classic and 1993 Ford Econoline E150 van

Jackson other vehicles included a 1993 Ford Econoline van with leather seats, individual tv screens, and an old-school video game console, a 1986 GMC High Sierra firetruck, a 1988 GMC Jimmy, and a replica of a 1909 Detamble Model B Roadster. Amongst the collection was an electrified horse-drawn carriage, and a 2001 Harley Davidson touring police bike.

Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley electrified horse-drawn carriage Michael Jackson's custom Peter Pan golf cart Michael Jackson's black Dodge Viper mini-car with The Simpsons decorations Michael Jackson's 1909 Detamble Model B Roadster Replica
Source:worldcarfans

700-hp, twin-turbo Reed Speed Ford Mustang coming to a dealer near you

There's no shortage of Mustang tuners in this world, but Randall Reed Ford is removing the middle man and will begin offering its own "signature edition" 2010 Ford Mustang GT through Randall Reed stores and select dealerships across the country.

Developed in partnership with Artisan Performance, the Reed Speed SSE is packing a reworked engine, complete with forged rods, new pistons and Total Seal rings. The new internals drop the compression ratio to accept the 12 psi of dual-intercooled boost huffed through a set of Artisan Rear Mounted twin turbochargers. According to Reed, the combination is good for 700 hp, and will only be backed by a proper manual gearbox.

In addition to the engine mods, the stock stoppers have been replaced by 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers supplied by SSBC, while a custom body kit widens the track of the Reed Speed 'Stang by 1.5-inches in front and 3.0-inches in the rear. Housed within the stretched sheet metal are 20-inch iForged wheels, measuring 11 inches wide in front and 13 inches in the rear, and along with the two-tone custom BASF paint and smoked lens, each Mustang comes with a numbered plaque and "owner's package." There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but expect the SSE to be available later this summer.
Source:autoblog

Corvette ZR1 to get Upgrades & Price Bump in 2010

The cost to own America's own 638-horsepower supercar just got more expensive. GM recently released prices of all Corvette models to dealers and the 2010 Corvette will now start at $107,830. Add the required $1,700 gas guzzler tax for the Corvette ZR1 and the new out the door price increases to $109,530, an increase of $2,910 over the 2009's MSRP + gas tax of $106,620.


To offset the price bump, Chevy is equipping the '10 ZR1 with performance traction management technology, launch control and standard side air bags. According to GM, the PTM system "optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance" by modulating engine torque 100 times per second and automatically managing acceleration dynamics when exiting corners at full throttle.


The 2010 Corvette ZR1 does feature several new enhancements over the current model. New is the Performance Traction Management technology, Launch Control and standard side air bags. A new cashmere interior will be available later this fall and now the Corvette ZR1 can be ordered in any of the Corvette’s standard colors including Torch Red, Arctic White and Crystal Red Metallic.


Thankfully, the ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over untouched. With 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) of torque, the ZR1 rockets to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
More Photos

Kuga Coupé on the prowl

TAKE a look at the new 4x4 that’s going to turn heads on and off-road! This striking machine is a coupé version of Ford’s popular Kuga, and it’s set to take style to the top of the agenda in the SUV sector.

Now that the Kuga is firmly established in the off-road market, Ford has decided it’s time to expand the range. With plans to grow the five-door version, there’s room for a sporty little brother that puts the brand in a class of its own.

As BMW demonstrated with the X6, there is a demand for cars that combine the raised seating position SUV buyers love with coupé looks and a sporty driving experience. And as you can see in our exclusive images, the new Ford certainly has style on its side. Pivotal to the remarkable shape is the dramatically sloping roofline, while the distinctive C-pillar takes some of its inspiration from the three-door Fiesta.


The muscular yet athletic proportions are reminiscent of the original Iosis X, which previewed the Kuga. A neatly curved rear window, classy roof spoiler and sleek tail-lights complete the look. At the front is an evolution of the new design language seen on the Iosis MAX concept. Huge alloys fill chunky arches, the ride height has been raised, and off-road cues include front and rear skid plates.

The Kuga Coupé won’t command an X6-style price tag or cost a lot to run, though. While the current five-door model is a 4x4, most versions of the three-door are likely to be sold with two-wheel drive for better fuel economy and emissions figures.

Under the bonnet, the newcomer will benefit from the same range of EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines as the upcoming third-generation Focus. These are set to include a new 1.6-litre turbo, available with 148bhp or 178bhp outputs, which will combine storming pace with excellent consumption. Diesel options for the Kuga Coupé are going to include a new 128bhp 1.6 TDCi and a flagship 2.0-litre, available with 168bhp or 197bhp options.


As for transmissions, a Powershift twin-clutch auto is to be available for the first time on the Kuga. It will an optional alternativve to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Expect the new model to get stop-start from the factory, too. Sitting on a modified platform from the next-generation Focus, the Kuga Coupé is to have class-leading driving dynamics with sharp steering, well controlled body roll and plenty of cornering grip.

It will be the sportiest car in its class and while most sales are likely to be front-wheel drive, an all-wheel-drive variant will also be offered. Options such as a panoramic glass roof, the latest hi-tech integrated sat-nav and Bluetooth compatibility, along with a reversing camera, are going to help make the Ford feel every inch the mini X6.

Production is still some way off, though, because Ford’s immediate priority is the launch of the new Focus and C-MAX next year. Those are set to be followed by a Vauxhall Meriva-rivalling, Fiesta-based MPV. So we will see the new model, along with its five-door brother, at a major motor show in 2011.
Source:autoexpress

Honda Commemorates 50 years of Innovation in America

Honda's fiftieth anniversary in the American market came and went yesterday, with company employees celebrating at Honda's U.S.commemorating the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in a small Los Angeles storefront on June 11, 1959. Honda associates observed the occasion with a brief ceremony at the company’s Torrance, Calif. headquarters.


Honda operates 10 U.S. manufacturing plants with two new plants under construction, along with 14 R&D facilities and more than 12 regional sales, parts and service, and finance offices around the country. The company’s network of U.S. parts suppliers comprises 545 companies in 34 states with annual purchases exceeding $17.5 billion in 2008.


Honda has certainly come a long way from their American beginning in a small, Los Angeles storefront. The company now employs 27,000 across 36 facilities in the United States.


In 2008, the company began leasing its next-generation FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan, the industry’s most advanced zero-emissions vehicle. In March 2009, Honda introduced the 2010 Honda Insight, America’s most affordable hybrid, with plans to launch another all-new hybrid within the next several years based on the company’s sporty CR-Z hybrid concept vehicle.
more detail. ...


Press Release

Honda Commemorates 50 years of Innovation in America

Torrance, California. - Honda today marked its first 50 years in America, commemorating the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in a small Los Angeles storefront on June 11, 1959. Honda associates observed the occasion with a brief ceremony at the company's Torrance, Calif. headquarters.

"On behalf of the tens of thousands of Honda associates in America, past and present, we offer our deepest thanks to our customers for placing their trust in Honda over the past 50 years," said American Honda President & CEO Tetsuo Iwamura. "Today, in the face of new challenges, including the preservation of our environment, we renew our commitment to exceed the expectations of our customers and society."

Starting in 1959, with the fuel-efficient Honda 50 motorcycle, to the newly launched 2010 Honda Insight gas-electric hybrid vehicle, Honda has introduced new technologies and business strategies that have shaped the industry and the growth of Honda, including:

* First automaker to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter - Civic CVCC (1974)
* First vehicle to top U.S. EPA list of most fuel efficient cars - Civic (1977)
* First Japanese automaker to build motorcycles (1979) and automobiles (1982) in America - Marysville, Ohio*
* First Japanese automaker to establish a luxury automobile brand -- Acura (1986)
* First mass produced gas electric hybrid car introduced in America -- Insight (1999)
* First government-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle -- FCX (2002)

Honda has steadily expanded its U.S. presence to encompass a broad range of products and operations. Today, Honda employs more than 27,000 U.S. associates engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and servicing of Honda and Acura products including automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal water craft, power equipment, and an advanced light jet.

Honda operates 10 U.S. manufacturing plants with two new plants under construction, along with 14 R&D facilities and more than 12 regional sales, parts and service, and finance offices around the country. The company's network of U.S. parts suppliers comprises 545 companies in 34 states with annual purchases exceeding $17.5 billion in 2008.

Honda History in America

American Honda was the first overseas subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., established eleven years after HMC's inception as a small motorcycle manufacturer in Japan. Honda entered the U.S. market in 1959 with the step-through Honda 50 motorcycle and helped spur the dramatic growth of the U.S. motorcycle market, as it became the best-selling brand in America.

The introduction of the fuel-efficient Civic in 1973 paved the way for Honda's entry into the U.S. auto industry. As America faced the first oil crisis in 1973 and then the U.S. Clean Air Act tightened air emissions standards in 1975, Civic became both the first automobile to meet the Clean Air Act without the need for a catalytic converter and was ranked number one on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's first list of America's most fuel efficient cars (1977).

Based on its longstanding commitment to develop and build products close to the customer, Honda established research and development operations in America in 1975, and U.S. manufacturing in 1979, starting with production of motorcycles in Marysville, Ohio. Honda became the first Japanese automaker to build cars in America with the start of Accord production at the Marysville Auto Plant in November 1982. In May 2009, Honda reached the 15 million unit milestone in U.S. automobile production.

In 1986, the company expanded into the luxury automobile market with the creation of the Acura brand, the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker. Acura earned a top rating in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index for four consecutive years (1986-1989).

In the 1990s, Honda introduced the U.S. automobile industry's first low-emissions vehicles, meeting challenging new emissions requirements in California while also enhancing fuel efficiency. In 1999, Honda introduced America's first mass production hybrid vehicle, the Insight, followed in 2002 by the Honda FCX, the first fuel cell vehicle certified by the U.S. government for daily use and the first to be placed in the hands of an individual consumer.

In 2008, the company began leasing its next-generation FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan, the industry's most advanced zero-emissions vehicle. In March 2009 Honda introduced the 2010 Honda Insight, America's most affordable hybrid, with plans to launch another all-new hybrid within the next several years based on the company's sporty CR-Z hybrid concept vehicle.

"Looking to the future, we are committed to advancing Honda's legacy of environmental leadership to help address the twin challenges of global climate change and energy sustainability," said Iwamura. "Along with a renewed focus on quality, we begin our next fifty years by accelerating our efforts to develop and deploy new technologies that put Honda at the forefront of this global challenge, to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come."

Gaplin Auto Sports brings U.S. Air Force technology to the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger

Next up is the stealth-black Air Force ‘Vapor’ based on the Dodge Challenger. On the outside, Vapor features one-off carbon fiber wheels, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors and a 360- degree camera with a ¼ mile range. Open the vertical doors to the Vapor and you’ll see an interior complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision on the front windshield.



Galpin Auto Sports (or GAS) is an automobile repair shop in Van Nuys, California. GAS is better known for its TV show on USA otherwise known as Pimp My Ride on MTV. The group responsible for KITT in the 2008 Knight Rider series (and for embedding in 7-inch TV screens into bumpers on MTV’s Pimp My Ride), has now teamed up with the United States Air Force to create two customized cars for the 2009 Super Car Tour. We have to say; both vehicles have blown us away - literally.
more detail. ...

Ford Fiesta Rallycross heads to Pike's Peak Hill Climb

Ford's new Fiesta won’t be arriving in local showrooms until early next year, but the company is pulling out all the stops to promote the stylish compact with various motorsport and social marketing campaigns to build excitement. To further this, the Blue Oval recently announced a goal to get 100,000 people to test-drive the new Fiesta before the North American production version is released, and now the company has announced that its Rallycross racing version will tackle the arduous Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb on July 19.


Andreas Eriksson, 35, is a four-time Swedish rally champion, with multiple Rallycross victories, and Marcus Gr0nholm, 41, is one of World Rallying’s greatest drivers, with two world championships and 30 WRC victories on his resume.


Backing two separate cars will be Sweden’s Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution, headed by Andreas Eriksson. The two Fiestas will be driven by Eriksson and rally legend Marcus Gronholm in the Unlimited Class, and the duo are hoping to be the first team to break the 10-minute mark over the 12.4-mile, 156-turn pavement and gravel course.


Expected to cost less than $15,000 when it arrives early next year, the North American-spec Fiesta will differ slightly from its European counterpart. First and foremost will be the introduction of a sedan variant, although the hatchback will also be offered. Production will be handled at Ford's assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.



The Pike's Peak International Hill Climb event itself dates back to 1916, and is the second oldest motorsport event in America, taking its name from the famous mountain peak that towers above Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains. Ford has been involved with the event since the very first race in 1916, when four Ford-powered cars competed. In 1922, Ford scored its first victory when Noel Bullock raced a 50hp (37kW) Ford Special, nicknamed “Tin Lizzy”, to a surprise victory in the time of 19m 50.9s.
Source:motorauthority

Chevrolet Aveo Spied on the Nurburgring

Sometimes the unexpected happens. Like catching a Chevrolet Aveo at the Nurburging for instance. Mind you a high-performance version of the tiny hatch would be perfectly suited to the track but this spied model is a normal one. Although previous spy pictures did not convincingly show the car as an Aveo, this is the real deal.


General Motors will most likely be left with Chevrolet as its global mass-market brand. The Aveo will play a central role in attracting new customers to the GM fold. Therefore a lot of development work has gone into making sure it meets these expectations. One of the main ways to do that was to create a high-quality interior. To that end Chevrolet used the Cruze (aka Lacetti in Korea) and Orlando as design inspirations for the Aveo's interior.

We should see a production version unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

It is said to be due for launch in 2010 as a 2011 model. Gamma 2, the platform on which it is to be based, will be shared with the next-generation Opel Corsa and the upcoming confirmed Beat.


There is also a body of thought which says this Aveo is the same as a car called the Viva which is a premium subcompact rivalling the likes of the Honda City. The Viva is scheduled for release in South America this year.
Source:World Car Fans



Other article:
New Mazda Spied

Porsche GT2 Champ Of BeaveRun; GT-R Poised For Overall One Lap Win

Ian Stewart and Peter Lier's Porsche GT2 performed masterfully today at BeaveRun Motorsports Park. With Stewart behind the wheel, the GT2 stormed to first place in both events around the 12-turn track, setting a 3:08.4 cumulative lap time in the morning and afternoon.

Still, the Cannonball GT-R -- which placed second in both events -- leads the GT2 by 100 points overall. With one event and 24 hours remaining in this year's competition, the Nissan looks as though it will clinch the overall win barring a catastrophic mechanical failure.
Read More



Other article:
Spy Photos: Porsche Aerokit Cup for 997 Facelift
Video : TH2 Volkswagen T5: 558 pk
Most Successful Porsche Race Cars Reunite at 12 Hours of Sebring
Geneva preview：TechArt Magnum based on Cayenne Turbo

One-off Corvette ZR1 Hero Edition

A one-of-a-kind Corvette ZR1 goes on raffle on December 23rd to raise funds for the Kids Wish Network. Called the 2009 Hero Edition ZR1, the car stands out with its red accents, special graphics, and additional carbon fiber components. Unique emblems and embroidery will ensure the owner feels extra special.
via:carscoop


Press Release

The Corvette ZR1 "Hero Edition" was specially built by General Motors to honor the Kids Wish Network's "Hero of the Month", a child that has faced and overcome traumatic and life-changing circumstances with courage and spirit. This special edition ZR1 will be paired with a Black/Red 1967 Corvette 427/390 hp roadster and raffled off at the end of the year in the Win The Vette's Corvette Dream Giveaway.

The Hero Edition serial #1 of 1 is the only Corvette ZR1 produced with red accents, special graphics, and additional carbon fiber components. Under the hood, the now-famous blue cowl covering the Eaton supercharged 638-horsepower LS9 V8 engine has been replaced with a one of a kind red version that can be seen through the hood's polycarbonate window. One-of-a-kind emblems and embroidery confirm its unique place in automotive history.

Corvette Team Members Ray Krawczyk, Harlan Charles and Tadge Juechter have all signed their names under the hood to further authenticate this 1 of 1 special edition Corvette.

Last year's Corvette Dream Giveaway generated enough donations to fund the Hero Program for an entire year. The Kids Wish Network provides a "Hero" gift package to a deserving child at a monthly award ceremony at each participating hospital.

Tickets for the Corvette Dream Giveaway start at just $3. There is no cap on how many tickets will be sold and by purchasing more tickets, the price per ticket decreases while your odds of winning increase. The drawing for the two Corvettes will be held December 23rd and winners will be notified.

Most people never get to own a Corvette;
Few people will ever own a ZR1;
Only one person will ever own the Hero Edition

To enter the "Win The Vettes" raffle and help the heros of the Kids Wish Network, click here to purchase tickets or call 866-WIN-Both to speak with a representative.
WinTheVettes.com






Other article:
UgurSahinDesign Mallett Z03: A Sexy, 999 HP Twin-Turbo Corvette Cruise Missile
A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing: New Corvette GT2 racer takes cues from ZR1
Corvette GT1 Commemorative Edition Unveiled Ahead Of Sebring
2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition: Like A C6R, Only Slower
Jeremy Clarkson's Car of the Year: the Corvette ZR1