SEMA preview: GM Performance Parts 638hp LS9 Crate engine

GM has announced that the blown beast that lives under the hood of the new Corvette ZR1 will be available as a crate motor next fall. We can only imagine the possibilities that this will spawn.

With 639 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of twist available from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and dimensions shared by the LS3, any number of vehicles could make a happy home for the LS9. According to GM, the engine comes fully dressed, with an ignition system, exhaust manifolds and supercharger, and only needs an external oil tank and coolant tank (for the charge cooler), an ECU and wiring harness.

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: Roush Performance

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

2007 HB-R Mustang GT by Roush Performance

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: Polished Roushcharger; Black Jack Power Pulley upgrade; off-road exhaust system; chrome alternator; CPR fuelrails; crinkle-finish blue valve covers; Roush billet trim

Chassis Type and Modifications: Roush suspension system, billet lower control arms, strut tower brace, and six-piston slotted 14-in. braking system; BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires; VIP forged three-piece custom 20-in. wheels

Exterior Modifications: Custom GMFI ST1 'glass hood; Roush body kit, front fascia, hood scoop, side skirts, rear wing, rear fascia, and quarter-window panels; Hillbank/Roush 427 HB-R graphics package; smoked exterior light lenses

Interior Modifications: Custom Connoly leather and Alcantara suede two-tone seats; Hillbank/Roush logos; custom body-color painted interior trim; Roush sidesills, billet shift knob, shifter bezel, A/C knobs and pedals; Kenwood multimedia center, DVD, navigation, and GPS

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: Zeitronix

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: Zeitronix Zt-2 wide-band AFR meter and data-logging system; MagnaCharger supercharger and intercooler kit; APR Performance carbon valve covers; K&N high-flow air filter; Bassani long-tube headers and race exhaust; Centerforce lightened flywheel and dual friction clutch system

Chassis Type and Modifications: Eibach lowering springs, sport shocks, and anti-roll bars; SSBC big brake kit; ALT 20x8.5-in. and 20x10-in. wheels; Firestone Firehawk tires; Gorilla wheel lock system

Exterior Modifications: APR Performance side mirrors and engine cooling plate; 3D Carbon body kit, rear spoiler, hood and side scoops, E-Grille and bulb replacements; PPG orange stripes with silver pinstripe; StarShield Armor paint protection; Classic Design Concepts style bar with sequential brake lights; Sylvania/Valeo HIDs

Interior Modifications: Magden M.1b performance computer and all-in-one touch screen; JBL audio amplifiers and GT-series speakers and sub; VizuaLogic headrests and LCD screens; Roadwire leather interior; Passion Auto center console, shift boot and handle covers

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: Motorsports Legends

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 by Motorsports Legends

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: Magnaflow 3-in. cat-back exhaust

Chassis Type and Modifications: Calipercovers.net rear brake caliper covers

Exterior Modifications: CDC hood struts; Modern Image 3M clear bra; quarter-window scoops; painted mirrors; Shelby Razor 20-in. rims and tires

Interior Modifications: Floor and trunk mats

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: Trufiber

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

2006 Ford Mustang GT by Trufiber

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: 4.6L OHV 24V V-8; 465.1 hp, 437.2 lb-ft of torque; EEV-V engine electronics; TR 3650 five-speed manual transmission; 10psi polished high-output Whipple twin-screw supercharger; Fluidyne high-volume air-to-water intercooler; dual Ford GT fuel pumps; Samco Sport red silicone coolant hoses; Pi-Thon polished billet hose locks; Mac Performance polished stainless radiator cover and fuse box cover; Stage III clutch with billet flywheel; Scott Drake billet-aluminum fluid caps

Chassis Type and Modifications: Front and rear Eibach Pro-Kit coil springs; power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; 14-in. Saleen/Stoptech slotted and vented front disc system with four-piston calipers; Brake Designs Inc. drilled and slotted rear rotors with stock calipers; 20-in. custom Raceline wheels with spin-on knockoffs; 20-in. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires

Exterior Modifications: Custom paint by SW Body and Paint; Trufiber front fascia, GTS III ram air hood, custom front fenders and carbon-fiber chin splitter; Saleen HID headlights and "PJ" rear quarter-window covers; Cervinis ducktail rear spoiler; Street Scene side scoops and rear bumper fascia; 3D Carbon headlight splitters; painted mirrors by HCM

Interior Modifications: Katzkin Leather seating; custom-painted center console to match car color and stripes by HCM

2010 Mustang teaser pic of the week - the center console

And the agonizingly slow trickle of detailed pictures continues. This weeks teaser picture of the 2010 Mustang reveals the lower part of the center console and full view of the gear shift. The short shifter with the metal ball grip can be seen rising from its leather boot in a chrome-trimmed rectangular recess, while buttons for the trunk release, traction control and hazard lights are embedded close by. We also see the HVAC controls are situated at the bottom of the center stack below the stereo controls. There are only three more locked slots left to reveal on Ford's mini-site for the 2010 Mustang before the car itself is revealed in full at the LA Auto Show next month.

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: Trufiber

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

2007 Ford Mustang GT Convertible by Trufiber

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: 4.6L OHV 24V V-8; EEV-V engine electronics; 519-hp, 511 lb-ft of torque; Whipple supercharger; Nitrous Express 150 shot system; TR3650 five-speed manual transmission

Chassis Type and Modifications: Front and rear sport-tuned coil springs; front and rear anti-roll bars with HD bushings; N2 front struts and rear shocks; three-link live rear axle with Panhard rod; power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; slotted and vented front disc brake system with four-piston calipers; 20-in. Saleen extreme wheels; Dunlop Sport Maxx tires

Exterior Modifications: HCM custom paint; Trufiber front fascia, rear bumper, side skirts, custom fenders, hood, and wing; tonneau cover; CDC light bar; vertical doors; directional mirrors; LED-sequential taillights; HID headlights; LED underbody kit

Interior Modifications: Corbeau seats; Arc audio system; custom-painted interior to match exterior

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: APR Performance

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

The first Mustang we'll preview here is the APR Performance 2009 Mustang GT.

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: Supercharged with air/water intercooler; high-flow air filter; exhaust headers; high-flow catalytic converters with race exhaust; lightened flywheel; high-performance clutch

Chassis Type and Modifications: KW coil-over suspension system; Hotchkis anti-roll bars and links; StopTech big brake kit

Exterior Modifications: APR widebody kit; carbon mirrors; and GTC-500 carbon rear wing

Interior Modifications: APR's carbon center console; Magden M.1b performance computer gauge system and two-DIN all-in-one touch screen; Recaro race seats

Superformance and Roush team up for special edition MKIII-R

Superformance, the only Shelby-licensed producer of Cobra kit cars, has teamed up with Roush for a special edition version of their MKIII replicar that features a Roush 427 IR crate motor pumping out 576 horsepower.

In addition to standard features like TIG welded ladder frame chassis, independent front and rear suspension, fiberglass body, and Wilwood brakes, the MKIII-R gets custom Cobra seats with four-point harnesses, black chrome trim, Roush floor mats and short throw shifter, custom Roush-engraved wind wings, and a unique Monza Red paint scheme with silver stripes and black pin stripes.

The package is now on sale and will be sold as an upgrade for the standard MKIII chassis. You can check out the full details in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

The Question:

What happens when you take the most sought after 1965 licensed reproduction Cobra replica and shoehorn in an engine built by a company that has more Ford wins than any other manufacture?

The Answer:

You get the Roush/Superformance Special Edition MKIII-R!

The Project:

The Roush/Superformance Special Edition MKIII-R was built specifically to tour the country and represent the bread and butter of what Roush Performance Engines and Superformance LLC have to offer. The plan was to build a one off display vehicle, but the project's high interest quickly changed everyone's mind and suddenly the car was slated for production. The Special Edition car was introduced to the public at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas Nevada. The MKIII-R showed the public what it has always wanted to see - two industry leaders working together to produce the best of both worlds, a stunning double diamond with the roar of a lion under the hood. A car that is truly pleasing to all of your senses!

Now Available for Purchase:

The Roush components will be available as an upgrade package that will be sold separately from the standard Superformance MKIII roadster. The interior features a set of Roush embroidered leather seats, unique gauges, billet short-throw shifter, Roush embroidered floor mats, dual gauge pod, and a serialized plaque. Customers can choose from a variety of Roush crate motors including the 427 IR V8 that is dyno tested at 576 horsepower and comes with a 2-year/24,000 mile warranty.

The Players:

Superformance LLC, the leader in "Licensed Reproduction" replica and continuation component chassis of the 1960's. As one of the first players in the industry, Superformance has over 20 independent dealers throughout the world including Europe, Africa, and Australia. Superformance has earned the reputation of being the best through their relentless attention to detail, quality, craftsmanship, fit, finish, and customer service. Superformance teamed with Hi-Tech Automotive RSA (the world's largest specialty car production facility with more than 600 craftsmen and associated employees in their 400,000 square foot build facility located in South Africa) has built over 4000 rolling component chassis to date.

Roush Performance Engines, a division of Roush Industries and better known to the general public as Roush Fenway Racing has been producing complete performance crate "street engines" since 2003 and currently has over 15 different combinations from mild to wild to choose from.

Hillbank Motor Corporation is Southern California's Superformance licensed reproduction replica and Shelby continuation vintage racing and component chassis dealer. Hillbank has the largest selection and inventory of complete "turn-key minus" MKIII's, Cobras, Daytona Coupes, and GT40's on the West Cost and is a premier retailer of the top name brand and genuine aftermarket American Muscle performance parts & accessories.

Exotic Auto Restorations is a well respected installation center for Hillbank Motor Corp. Exotic specializes in custom fabrication of classic vintage race cars, early & late model Mustangs, and show quality vehicles. Owner, George Cunha and his crew have over 26 years of experience in and around the custom fabrication and restoration industry. Exotic holds numerous awards with their show winning cars and has recently been seen on Hot Rod TV.

The Journey:

Hillbank Motor Corp collected all the pieces of this performance puzzle and began to align the stars for this new venture. Once the pieces were all collected, Hillbank called on Exotic Automotive Restorations to masterfully assemble the dream car!

The MKIII-R started its journey in South Africa, where it was built completely minus the engine and transmission by Hi Tech Automotive RSA and shipped Hillbank Motor Corp. After 5 weeks on the water it arrived at Hillbank and was quickly sent over to Exotic where it began the transformation process.

The Exotic crew first removed all of the chrome factory trim pieces including the windshield, hood and trunk latches, headlight rings, quick jacks, all the way down to the Tonneau cover rivets and roll bar and sent them out to be coated in a black chrome finish. With the help of our sponsors (Roush, GTP, Wilwood Engineering, Tremec, American Racing, Sube Sport, Michelin USA, and Snake Power Performance) this vehicle was well on its way to its new transformation!

Specs:

2007 Superformance MKIII chassis
Monza red paint with dark silver Le Mans stripes and black pin stripes
Independent Suspension
Limited slip differential
Billstein shocks and custom H & R springs
GTP sway bars
Heavy duty TIG welded ladder frame chassis with crumple zones
Custom Wilwood upgraded power- assisted vented disc brakes. 4 pot calipers
Heater and defogger
American Racing 18" pin drive wheels
Hand laminated fiberglass body with reinforcing inserts
Original style Smith gauges
Original style Lucas switches
Safe Craft fire suppression system
Ceramic coated headers and side pipes
Custom floor mats
Custom Roush engraved wind wings
Cobra seats with custom embroidery
4 point harness seat belts
Black chrome trim
Tri pod head lamps
Soft top and tonneau cover
Stainless steel 17 gallon pressure tested fuel tank
Roush 427 IR dry sump motor:
o 576 HP
o 2 year/24,000 mile warranty
o Hard coat anodized billet covers
o Tremec 5 speed transmission
o Oil cooler and braided hoses

Giugiaro Mustang doing donuts on video

Image via WikipediaThe Giugiaro Mustang concept has been around since the 2006 LA Auto Show, but it's still a great looking car. The upcoming 2010 Mustang has even taken some of it's styling cues, especially on the front end.

It's no secret that the Fabrizio Giugiaro-designed pony car concept has been out on the street being driven since its debut, as Mr.Giugiaro messed up a rim while (poorly) parking his creation in Bulgaria last year.

This video has surfaced from last February showing the Mustang doing some donuts in a parking lot. Even more impressive is the fact that most concept cars don't even run under their own power, let alone do donuts. And the ones that can don't see this kind of tomfoolery because they cost millions of dollars.

1963 Corvette Grand Sport to be auctioned in January

There are a lot of legendary Corvettes - – the L88, ZL1 and Z06 to name a few. None, however, have obtained the legendary status of the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport.

Only five were produced by the "father of the Corvette", Zora Arkus-Duntov, to battle with Shelby's Cobra roadsters before General Motors cancelled its motorsports activities in 1964.

The Grand Sports are rarely offered up for sale, and this is the first time one is being put up for auction. Both RM and Keith Martin, publisher of Corvette Market Magazine, have declared the car to be the most important Corvette ever to be offered for sale.

This particular Grand Sport is chassis #002 and is one of only two roadsters. It features a completely original unrestored body and was previously owned by Roger Penske and George Wintersteen. No price estimates were given, but the bidding will surely go into the millions of dollars.

Dodge Viper now available for employee pricing

Chrysler may be trying to unload the Viper brand to the highest bidder, but first it's going to give millions of Americans the opportunity to buy their own supercar at a discounted price.

Until now the Viper remained outside Chrysler's Employee Purchase and Certain Designated Individuals discount program, but that's about to change as the supercar joins the list of eligible vehicles.

While Chrysler employs over 130,000 people, we doubt many of them, especially in this economic climate, will have the means or motivation to pick up the gas-guzzling V10 muscle car. However, an arrangement between Chrysler and Wal-Mart extends the benefits program to employees of the mega-retail chain, and with over 1.2 million employees, we're sure there are a few who'll take Chrysler up on its offer. Don't go rushing to pick up an ACR, however, as the track-focused model remains outside the program.

MT gets better numbers from ZR1 than C&D

Most automotive journalists have already experienced the raw, unbridled power of the new Corvette ZR1. Motor Trend has joined the party, and they brought their own extensive list of testing equipment with them.

Motor Trend tested the ZR1 at the Chrysler Proving Grounds because its 5-mile loop is one of the few places that has the space to test the ZR1's top speed. The mag was able to crest 200 wind-adjusted mph, and MT computers showed that the ZR1 was still pulling when that magical number was achieved.

Hitting 200 mph puts anything on four wheels in the supercar club, and a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds ranks the ZR1 near the top of any exclusive car club. MT testers also needed only 11.2 seconds to travel a quarter mile and crossed the magic line at 130.5 mph, which they point out is 6.1 mph faster than the Dodge Viper.

Car and Driver was the first to test the ZR1 and posted slightly slower 0-60 and quarter mile times of 3.4 and 11.5 seconds, respectively. Other impressive stats from MT, however, include a 60-0 brake distance of just 97 feet and max lateral acceleration of 1.1 g, which easily bests the Viper's .99.

Bottom line is, the ZR1 is fast.

Hotchkis Dodge Challenger(s) to debut at SEMA

Ok, it's a bad photoshop. But the picture above gives you an idea of one of two Dodge Challengers that Hotchkis will be bringing to SEMA.

The two matching Challengers will bring focus to the company's blend of old and new. The two matching Challengers – a 1970 T/A 340 Six-Pack and a 2009 SRT8 – will share yellow paint schemes, graphics and wheels, along with a host of parts that should make the T/A stick as well as – if not better – than the 2009 model.

The 1970 Challenger, known as E-MAX, was originally converted to 340 Six-Pack trim by the previous owner, and now features new fabricated steel upper A-arms bolted into relocated pickup points, strut rods with Heim joints, aluminum steering rods and a set of front and rear sway bars, along with a new set of springs that lower the Granddaddy Challenger by two inches. In addition to replacing the aging front suspension, Hotchkis set out to create a well-rounded classic, equipping the T/A with Stoptech brakes, a Flowmaster exhaust and Forgeline wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires.

Hotchkis likes to point out that all its suspension parts can be removed and replaced with the factory units, allowing owners to keep things traditional for shows and swapped out when the time comes to drive.

Chevrolet Camaro "Black"

One of the stars of the upcoming SEMA show is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, and GM has every intention of using the show to pump up anticipation for it's shiny new musclecar. So it's not so sup rising that there will be a handful of show car variations of the Camaro shining under SEMA's lights.

We've already seen video of the General's in-house tuning team ripping apart a few pre-production models in preparation for the big day, and Chevrolet has released a teaser sketch of the first bespoke Camaro, tentatively dubbed "Black." Details are scarce, but the list of modifications range from a new front lip spoiler, bigger exhaust tips, five-spoke wheels and a pair of red-lit halo headlamps. Stay tuned next week for more.

Pontiac G8 will be dead in 5 years

Image via WikipediaGM's excitement division looks to become a lot less exciting with the rumored death of the G8 sedan. Despite the fact that the G8 has received nothing but glowingly positive press, the realities of fuel prices and the global economy appear set to kill of the performance sedan in the prime of it's production cycle. GM will reportedly not renew the G8 after its Holden-sourced chassis architecture is redesigned following a planned five-year run.

The Pontiac Solstice in both coupe and convertible forms is also unlikely to see a second generation. Unfortunately, the Solstice, Saturn Sky and their Opel spin-off don't generate enough sales to support another go-round, which could leave Pontiac with exactly zero vehicles with overtly sporting pretensions. While the G6 may be a decent car, it and a Cobalt derivative in the form of the G5 and a rebadged Aveo known as the G3 do not a BMW competitor make. What does this mean for the future of Pontiac as a brand? We'll see.

Fresh spy shots: 2010 Mustang

Spy shots of the new Mustang are easy to come by nowadays, as Ford has seemingly been tooling around Detroit in them without a care in the world. This time we bring you shots of the '10 GT model, taken in the parking lot of a shopping mall.

The pictures show off most of the goods, including the new front end inspired by the Giuigiaro Mustang Concept that debuted in 2006 at the LA Auto Show.

The 2010 model has a tougher job on it's hands than the '05 model. This time it's a refresh instead of a major design change. Not to mention that the Mustang faces some stiff competition in the form the the Challenger and Camaro.

And no, the cow-like paint scheme will not be a factory option.

Ford's 2010 Mustang Teaser Pic of the Week

We're now only four weeks from the unveiling of the new Ford Mustang, so take solace that the slow trickle of teaser pics will soon come to an end and we will be able to see the car in it's entirety.

This week's photo shows us a portion of the 2010 stang's hood, complete with a "power bulge." This image confirms the cowl design that was leaked several weeks ago. There's still no official word on whether the new hood design is functional or just for looks, but we did notice that Ford tagged the image file as "powerdome". Perhaps just a name, but we're hoping it's a sign that Ford has given its pony car a boost in power that won't leave Mustang owners too jealous of the Camaro's 400 horsepower.

Twin Turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang on Ebay

While Ebay in general can be a helpful shopping tool and present some great deals, sometimes it is just a tease that has us all thinking wishfully. In this case, seeing a Parnelli Jones Mustang that has been twin turbocharged by it's owner, said editor has feelings to the latter.

With it's Trans Am inspired looks and super exclusivity thanks to only 500 being built, the Parnelli Jones edition trumps pretty much all of the other thousands of Mustang special edition variants. Most owners figure to have put their copies of the car in a hermetically sealed chamber to preserve it's value.

But not this particular owner. He added dual 57mm Precision turbos, upgraded forged pistons, aluminum heads, a full three-inch exhaust system, and much, much more. In total, the motor produces 768 horsepower and 769 lb-ft torque -- at the wheels! The exterior remains stock, providing as much of a sleeper look as possible when one's car is painted grabber orange.

As of this writing, the car is up to $41,000, which isn't a bad deal at all considering. So if you have the funds and the driving ability to handle this one, here's the link.

Corvette C7 put on indefinite hold

Image via WikipediaAccording to multiple unnamed sources speaking with Autoweek, General Motors has put its plans for a C7 Corvette on "indefinite hold, with no official or set timetable." That's a pretty broad admission, but not entirely surprising considering the financial issues plaguing GM, the rest of the domestics and the world as a whole.

Originally it was thought that the current C6 Corvette would undergo significant upgrades over the course of the next five years, with the C7 coming to market in 2014. That timeframe doesn't appear to hold water anymore, and Autoweek maintains that GM's leadership doesn't have a clear plan for what the future holds for the 'Vette, not to mention the rest of the General's lineup.

However, Corvette vehicle-line executive Tom Wallace assured the weekly pub that the halo coupe isn't going anywhere. "We're still working on future Corvettes," Wallace said, and "there are changes, some neat stuff, coming for 2010 that I can't talk about yet." Wallace went on to say that the 2010 model wouldn't be considered an all-new car and that the 35-mpg CAFE standards for 2020 are having an effect on future drivetrains specs of the next Corvette.

560 hp Dodge Challenger Convertible

Coach Builders Ltd is best known for it's convertible conversions of the Chrysler 300 and Cadillac CTS, so after Dodge nixed any plans it had of building a Challenger drop top, they stepped right in to fill the void.

The Florida-based company will bring a customized soft-top Dodge Challenger SRT8 to SEMA, packing a Vortech supercharger good for 560 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the hydraulically powered acrylic polyester cloth roof (complete with sound and temperature insulation), the Challenger is dropped courtesy of a KW coil-over suspension over 22-inch Foose wheels coated in Nitto rubber.

The cost of the conversion, which also includes a heated glass rear window, matching headliner and a rear strut bar to shore up the chassis, is a whopping $16,000, making for a $58,000 hair dryer when rolled into the $41,695 base price of an SRT8. But for those looking to buy a drop top Challenger, it's the only way to go.