Power Enterprises developing twin-charger system for Nissan GT-R

If your 478 hp Nissan GT-R just isn't powerful enough for you, have no fear. The tuners at Power Enterprises are working on a solution for you. PE has two kits available, and a third coming to the Tokyo Auto Salon in January. The 35GTR 560 (as in 560 hp) kit features a PE P-Map ECU, PWR Air Impulse II air filters and an upgraded intake kit. The 35GTR 600 kit has the above upgrades, plus upgraded wastegate actuators and a Supersonic Titanium 89 mm exhaust.

And if that isn't enough power for you, Power Enterprises is also working on a twin-charger setup (as in twin superchargers). A pair of Rotrex C30-94 superchargers to bump the power quotient to 650 ponies. More importantly, the superchargers should provide nearly limitless mid-range torque, making turbo lag a non-issue.

Cobra Technology Nissan GT-R

Cobra Technology has released some pictures and info on it's tuned Nissan GT-R, the Cobra N+ Tuning Concept. Here's what you need to know: When equipped with the Stage One package, output rises to 550 hp while torque grows to 500 lb-ft. So equipped, Cobra says its GT-R will run to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and max out at 199 mph. If that isn't enough, a planned race performance version is expected to pump out 620 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

To get those numbers, Cobra reprograms the ECU, ups the boost pressure by 0.15 bar and modifies the air intake. A new free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust system is also in the works and the upgrades aren't just restricted to the engine bay. Cobra has worked its magic on the suspension, wheels and brakes. Three-piece, 21-inch, lightweight rollers make room for eight-piston brake calipers and 15.9-inch discs up front, and the coil-over suspension features adjustable ride height and damper rates.

The interior gets two options: luxurious Alcantara and leather, or racing-spec carbon fiber seats and a roll cage. Exterior changes include a front fascia claimed to reduce lift and improve cooling, new rocker panels, and a reworked rump with an integrated diffuser and a larger wing.

The Cobra N+ tuning program will be available when the Nissan GT-R reaches the European market in the spring of 2009. Check the press release below for more juicy details.

PRESS RELEASE

The COBRA N+ Tuning Concept for the New Nissan GT-R

Rarely has a new car attracted this much attention a full year before its official market launch. The Nissan GT-R reaches for the stars on the wings of a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine with 485 hp / 356.9 kW and permanent four-wheel drive. The development of an extensive tuning program at COBRA N+, the division of Cobra Technology amp; Lifestyle (Alleestrasse 15-19, D-33818 Leopoldshohe, Germany, phone +49 / (0) 52 02 / 99 92 60, fax +49 / (0) 52 02 / 99 92 50, Internet www.cobra-sor.com) that exclusively deals with the customization and tuning of Nissan automobiles, is running at full steam.

Power can only be substituted with more power. The COBRA N+ engineers are already hard at work developing engine tuning for the turbocharged engine. The first tuning stage is projected to deliver 550 hp / 404.8 kW, with an increase in torque to 680 Nm. To achieve this goal the engine electronics are reprogrammed, boost pressure is increased by 0.15 bar and the air intake is modified with sport air filters. Also under development is a free-flow COBRA N+ stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts.

Thus powered the Nissan GT-R from COBRA N+ will sprint to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of some 320 km/h. Plans exist for a COBRA N+ RACE PERFORMANCE engine version with 620 hp / 456.3 kW and a peak torque of approximately 800 Nm.

COBRA N+ also adds further sporty character to suspension, wheels and brakes of the new top-of-the-line model from the Japanese carmaker. Three-piece, extremely lightweight 21-inch COBRA N+ light-alloy wheels are slated to fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. They'll also create the necessary space for COBRA N+ eight-piston brake calipers and 405-mm brake discs on the front axle. A COBRA N+ coil-over suspension gives the sports car even better handling. It features a multitude of selectable settings for ride height and damper rates.

The COBRA N+ tuning concept for the GT-R also includes a sporty designer suit. The front of the two-door car receives added character with a new COBRA N+ front apron with large air dams. The aerodynamic-enhancement part also reduces lift on the front axle and improves cooling-air supply of radiators and front brakes. COBRA N+ rocker panels ensure optimal air flow between front and rear wheel arches. The rear is upgraded with a new COBRA N+ rear apron with integrated diffuser, and a larger COBRA N+ rear airfoil. The COBRA N+ Speed and Stripes decal kit accentuates the striking lines of the sportscar.

For customizing the interior COBRA N+ offers two different options. Nissan GT-R owners can choose from a luxurious COBRA N+ interior with specially sewn upholstery for seats and doors, made from a high-quality combination of leather and Alcantara, and a COBRA N+ racing cockpit with ultra-light carbon-fiber racing seats, six-point seatbelts and roll cage.

The COBRA N+ tuning program for the Nissan GT-R will be available for the car's European market launch in the spring of 2009.

Ford Taurus SHO to make a comeback?

The Ford Taurus SHO still has quite a following, experiencing a long lasting popularity. The original SHO featured a 220hp Yamaha built 3.0L V6, and was heralded during it's heyday for being an M3 contender for half the price. The original Taurus' design received much praise for being way ahead of it's time.

And now Jalopnik has published many images of the new Taurus, showing the SHO moniker on the passenger side dash of a 2010 Taurus. One would think that maybe Ford is producing a Taurus SHO concept car that could debut after the base car's reveal at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month.

It's also a possibility that the SHO could be powered by Ford's new EcoBoost V6, producing 350hp and 350lbft of torque. But this is all just mere speculation, and we'll have to wait and see just what Ford has up it's sleeve for this one. A new SHO would at the very least generate some interest for the rebirth of the Taurus, a car in desperate need of an image makeover.

First 2010 Shelby GT500 to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

Continuing what has become a tradition at Barrett-Jackson, the first Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will be auctioned off next month in Scottsdale. Last year, the Corvette ZR1, Dodge Challenger, and Shelby GT500KR made their way across the block, and this year it will be the Chevrolet Camaro along with a trio of Fords.

In addition to the very first 2010 Shelby GT500, Ford will bring the very first Mustang GT and Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. This all but confirms that the "big announcement" that Ford has promised will indeed be the new GT500, bowing a few days before the Scottsdale auction.

Proceeds for the auction will be donated for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Hennessey offers 600hp Nissan GT-R package

The Nissan GT-R, or Godzilla as it's commonly known, is one fast car. It's also Motor Trend's Car of the Year. And next year will bring the GT-R V Spec, with more power to the tune of 520hp.

Of course, more is never enough, so Henessey is offering an assortment of upgrades that will boost a GT-R to 600hp. There are a total of seven mods in the package, and none of them seriously alter anything, like the stainless steel turbo downpipes and a wastegate actuator upgrade. But they do add 120hp to the already formidable car.

While there is no price on the package (only listed with "Call"), there is also an affordable Stage 1 kit that upgrades the car's software for an increase of 65hp and 75lbft for only $995.

Hit the link here to check out the two packages.

G-Power sets new 4 door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS

Top speed numbers are all about bragging rights, but how many owners of said supercars actually drive them to even half of their limit? The likelihood that one can find a long enough track to sustain speeds over 200 miles per hour, let alone have the cahones to do so is slim. But if you could arrange a top speed race with someone that owns some form of two door supercar, this would be your opportunity to embarrass that someone with your four door speed demon.

Brabus has long held the four door speed record, first with E V12 that hit 206 mph in 1996 and most recently upping that mark to later upping the mark to 227.23 mph with the CLS "Rocket". With that number set in their sights, BMW tuner G-Power took an upgraded version of their M5 Hurricane to the ATP High-Seed test track in Papenburg, Germany last month hoping to set a new record. That they did, eclipsing the Rocket's top speed with a best run of 228.4 mph. Lest Brabus seek to take back the title, G-Power claims that they can improve on the number by increasing the boost from the twin superchargers mounted to the BMW's V10.


PRESS RELEASE:

After the record for the world's fastest BMW sedan, G-POWER did it again and broke the long-standing record of the BRABUS Rocket for the fastest sedan in the world.

In November 2008 the 750 hp strong G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS realised a top speed of 228,4 mph. This speed has been clocked and certified at the ATP High-Seed test track in Papenburg. With it the since October 2006 valid record of 365,7 km/h has been broken.

The G-POWER high-speed world record has been realised with a 20 hp stronger evolution of the famous G-POWER M5 HURRICANE which has been clocked with 360 km/h earlier in 2008 and holds the record for the fastest BMW sedan. The extra power of the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS is the result of two modified superchargers from G-POWER's technology partner ASA, with enlarged capacity. In the following the boost level of the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system could be raised from 0,7 bar rel. to 0,8 bar rel.

But still the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system has not yet reached its limit. According to CEO and engineer Christian Stöber:" ...we can rise the boost level up to 1,0 bar rel. and more" and CEO Zoran Zorneke is of the opinion:" we can still improve, if we see the need for it."

We are curious if this will be necessary...

GM suing supplier to keep Camaro production going

Image via WikipediaGM seems to be facing all sorts of trouble these days, from begging for bailout money to public criticism to rumors of bankruptcy. The latest problem concerns supplier Cadence, LLC, which produces interior parts for the next generation Camaro. Cadence declared bankruptcy in in August, and is currently in liquidation proceedings. Joining Cadence in it's decent are the machines that GM needs to make parts for the Camaro.

If GM can't get it's hands on the tooling there will certainly be delays at the assembly plants. The General would then have to pay again to get the same tooling made, which would obviously be substantial. GM would like to have a new supplier in place by January 12, 2009 because Camaro production is slated to begin on February 16, with deliveries in mid-March.

So far, it's unclear as to who actually owns the machines in question - Cadence or GM - and Cadence has had nothing to say on the matter. Regardless, if GM doesn't get its way, then it has to spend a chunk of the money it just fought for to recover old ground. The most recent precedent isn't promising: Chrysler tried to get the tooling from bankrupt parts supplier Plastech, and was denied.

Zenvo ST1, a Danish 1,104 horsepower twin charged machine

In spite of the dwindling economy and rising gas prices, supercar upstarts are seemingly coming out of the woodwork. Lamborghini posted record sales and profit this past year, so those wealthy executives must be compelled to spend nonetheless.

The latest company to trot out a 1000+ horsepower super ride is Danish based Zenvo Automotive, with it's new ST1. The car features a mid-mounted turbocharged and supercharged 7.0 liter V8, pumping out an amazing 1,104 horsepower complete with a six speed transmission.

The project was started back in 2004, with the first cars being planned for sale in 2009. The initial performance tests were completed in October and the car ran from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds (with no traction, we can imagine). The run to 120 mph was done in under nine seconds and top speed is an electronically limited 233 miles per hour.

The Zenvo ST1 is a unique looking ride that is sure to separate you from the run of the mill average supercar. After all, who wants to drive a boring old Lambo or Ferrari?

Innotech Chevrolet Corvette

Independent Czech manufacturer Innotech first came on the automotive scene in 2000 with the Mysterro, a supercar with a carbon fiber and Kevlar body and a Corvette V8. The company initially planned a run of 25 cars, but only one was produced.

Now Innotech is back on the scene with a new styling package for the C6 Corvette with additional upgrade options for the interior, brakes, wheels, suspension, and engine.

The design has a heavy Italian influence as evident primarily by the front end design. A speedster will follow, along with Z06 and ZR1 options. The package is a nice alternative for those looking to distance themselves from the typical Corvette crowd.

[Source: Innotech]


PRESS RELEASE:

INNOTECH's Corvette lineup, starting in January 2009 with modified C6 Corvette coupe and convertible (based on 2005-2009 models), is for sports car enthusiasts seeking exotic body styling combined with great performance. INNOTECH Corvettes offer the best mix of unique styling, exiting performance and great value for money.

Styling: Compared to a stock C6 Corvette Coupe or Convertible, INNOTECH´s approach results in a more distinctive looking, sporting, and elegant body design, evoking an Italian lineage. INNOTECH Corvette features a new front and rear fascia which set it appart from competition. Combined with new INNOTECH rear window side louvres, the styling of the car stands out of the crowd. There is a choice of stock or louvered hood, with other distinctive body parts coming in 2009. A wide body kit will also be available for C6 Coupe and Convertible. All new INNOTECH body parts are made in fiberglass or carbon fibre.

Corvette interior upgrades include fine Italian or English leather and optional carbon fibre seats with leather upholstery.

INNOTECH Corvette styling packages can be combined with various performance upgrades (from mild to wild).

Brakes: BAER or Brembo 14´´(355mm) or 15´´(380mm) ventilated, drilled and slotted rotors, 4 or 6 piston calipers.

Wheels: forged aluminum 9x19´´ front and 12x20´´rear, HRE or Forgeline (also with optional center lock hub), offered in several wheel designs. Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels option.

Exhaust systems: modified headers, mufflers and tips for better flow, sound and appearance.

Engines and transmissions: Corvette engines : LS2 (6.0L) or LS3 (6.2L), performance modified to 500 hp – 560 hp if naturally aspirated, or 600 hp – 1000 hp supercharged or twin-turbocharged. The engines are mated with Corvette 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Performance: INNOTECH Corvette C6 Coupe (e.g. naturally aspirated 560 hp LS3 engine) with approx. 1400 kg curb weight has one of the best power/weight ratios available. Supercharged and turbocharged versions give extreme, but streetable supercar performance.

Several distinctive INNOTECH Corvette Packages and Limited Editions, both performance and luxury oriented, will be offered to discriminating buyers in 2009.

During 2009 we will create an exiting INNOTECH C6 Speedster, as well as customized INNOTECH C6 Z06 and ZR1 versions (the above mentioned INNOTECH rear fascia and rear window side louvres already fit Z06 and ZR1 models). – With five distinctive bodies for the sixth generation Corvette, combined with many performance upgrades, INNOTECH will offer more attractive Corvette choices than anyone. Although INNOTECH company is based in the Czech Republic, INNOTECH cars will be assembled in the USA. Modified Corvette parts as well as complete cars will be delivered worldwide, while USA is supposed to become a key market for INNOTECH Corvettes.

CONSTRUCT company, the largest Czech manufacturer of vehicle anti-theft systems, has been technological partner of INNOTECH Corvette project.

For more info please visit INNOTECH Corvette new web site www.innotechcorvettes.com which is currently under construction and will be launched around New Year.

The fastest car in Europe, a 252 MPH Pontiac Trans Am

One would imagine that the fastest car in Europe would be some form of super car, an exotic such as a Lambo or Ferrari. But one would be wrong, as the car that lays claim to that title is actually a 1987 Trans Am.

Not your average Trans Am, of course. This one is complete with 1400 horsepower, and the goods to back up all that power. The 8.9 litre V8 has officially been clocked at a startling 407 kph, or 252 miles per hour.

Needless to say, there isn't much that is stock about this car. Built by Polly Motorsport of Norway, there's a wealth of expertise under the normal looking skin. And the best part is that the car is allegedly street legal!

Check out the video here.

Subject: Fastest street legal official road car in Europe!

A 1987 Trans Am fastest official street legal road car in Europe!

Paul brought his Pontiac to the Papenburg car testing track, one of the newest and most advanced test tracks in the world. Mercedes where testing their new AMG sports models the same day as Pal was going for his personal speed record. Some engineers from AMG team criticized the optimistic Norwegian team for bringing an 80's trimmed American car to this super test track for the advanced European supercars. But what they didn't quite comprehend is that Pal Arvil Blytt and his Polly motorsport team from Norway works at a motor tuner garage in Godvik Norway and most important of all nothing more than the shell of this car resembles the stock Pontiac. With a brisk 8.9L V8 producing a whopping 1407 HP, Pal was soon doing AMG top speeds of 300km/h in his warming laps. After driving a couple of rounds around the track, Paul felt ready to see what his road machine would do! And after pressing the pedal to the metal the ARP technician Christoph Tharrey came over with his laptop computer with a big grin. Here we have the official numbers: 407.134 km/h

You may say well the 9FF team drove 409km/h in an extremely rebuilt Porsche 911 at the same track; this speed was recorded with their own equipment and therefore can be fixed and therefore is not recorded as an official speed record. Bugatti Veyron 407km/h is also recorded with their own equipment.

As the Papenburg track is to small for the Pontiac to reach its potential top speed of 435km/h and Volkswagen's test track costs 25.000 Euro an hour to rent. Paul is bringing his road legal car to the US in 2009 to challenge Shelby supercars official record of 412km/h.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 order guide leaked online

At the 2010 Mustang's debut in L.A., Mark Fields told the crowd that "another chapter in the Mustang story" would be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. With all sorts of camouflaged Shelby GT500's running around Detroit, the assumption is the next generation GT will be the "next chapter."

While Ford has not announced any details about the new Shelby or when it will be released, a leaked order guide posted on MustangBlog.com confirms that the car will be produced as a 2010 model and reveals some details about the new car.

In addition to the new sheetmetal, the Shelby benefits from 19 inch wheels, while the convertible gets 18 inchers. The car will come equipped with an aluminum hood complete with a power dome and a single functional heat extractor.

The supercharged 5.4L remains, but power levels are unknown. A 3.55 ratio is now standard, and the suspension is tuned by SVT. An optional electronics package provides voice activated navigation and and dual climate control. The leather seats will feature a stripe that color coordinates with the exterior stripes as well as Alcantera accents. New exterior colors will correspond with the standard 2010 Mustang and include Grabber Blue, Kona Blue, Sterling Grey, and more.

SSC Ultimate Aero: 1287 hp, top speed of 270 mph

The numbers tell it all. Not content with taking the Guiness Book top speed world record, SSC has revamped the Ultimate Aero for 2009 to make it even faster. The 2008 model sported a healthy 1187 hp, but SSC has bumped it to 1287 hp thanks to a new one piece billet aluminum block that improves structural integrity and and oiling capabilities.

Helping to push all that horsepower through the air is a redesigned front fascia with a new center grille opening, as well as carbon fiber louvers that feed 20% more air to the radiators. The aerodynamic changes, combined with the increased power, yield an estimated 270 mph top speed.

SSC has also given the interior a thorough refresh, adding carbon fiber trim to the dash, air vents, door sills, and around the gauge cluster. A new center console features an Azentek PC Infotainment system that can process the car's onboard diagnostic system.

There's no word on whether they'll attempt to best their top speed record achieved earlier this year, but we're sure SSC would like to further distance themselves from the Bugatti Veyron or the 9ff GT9.

[Source: Shelby Supercars]


PRESS RELEASE:

After holding the "World's Fastest Production Car" title for the past year, the Shelby SuperCars' Ultimate Aero is receiving several refinements for the 2009 model year. The SSC engineering team equipped the 2009 Ultimate Aero with a 15% increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and an array of important interior upgrades. The most substantial change is an SSC-designed, 1-piece billet aluminum engine block. A milestone for the limited-production automobile manufacturer, the new block improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing SSC to boost the power output to 1287 horsepower while improving durability.

Armed with the more powerful new engine, the '09 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 MPH, raising the benchmark for supercars and pushing the limits of current production car technology. In order to accommodate the '09 Ultimate Aero's unique fuel system requirements, SSC turned to American company Aeromotive to develop a flawless system. The aggressive nose is redesigned with enhanced aerodynamics to accommodate the 2009 Ultimate Aero's higher top speed, and carbon fiber louvers on the side intakes draw in an additional 20% of air into the radiators for improved cooling. The improvement in overall performance will widen the already sizeable gap between the Ultimate Aero and its competitors. The '09 Ultimate Aero also introduces the AeroBrakeTM a rear spoiler system that deploys under braking situations. Finished in carbon fiber, the rear spoilers actuate up an additional 8" when the brake pedal is depressed. The speed of the spoiler actuation is set by the amount of brake pedal pressure. The complete AeroBrakeTM system can be disabled by the push of a button, for town driving or situations where braking and downforce assistance are not necessary.

Rounding out the '09 Ultimate Aero's improvements is a revamped interior. A redesigned dash prominently displays sleek, exposed carbon fiber dash halves and inset air vents. Carbon fiber accents run along the doorsills, surround the new gauge cluster, and continue onto a revised steering column, which includes an analog speedometer and tachometer with a sequential shift light integrated into the tachometer needle. The new center console incorporates a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor along with an Azentek PC base Infotainment unit. The revolutionary Azentek unit offers all the capabilities of a PC and processes SSC's onboard diagnostic software.

For more information, go to www.ShelbySuperCars.com

GM Performance Parts to offer race ready Camaro body

Pundits will argue that the new Chevrolet Camaro will be short lived like it's predecessor, thanks to high oil prices and the tanking economy. It's times like these when you need to cater to your true fans, and that's exactly what GM is trying to do by offering up a plain white Camaro body for sale.

Fans of traditional muscle have long clamored for a basic model of today's muscle cars, complete with a low base price and a lack of options (and weight). While no one has offered a "stripper" model per say, the availability of a plain body for race use is a start anyway.

The Camaro BIW package will be a full body assembly available through GM Performance Parts for $7,000 beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The chassis will not have a VIN number, so there will be no means for street registration. Any application must be submitted to GM for approval before a transaction is made. See the press release for more information on this race ready body.

PRESS RELEASE:

RACERS REJOICE! GM PERFORMANCE PARTS TO OFFER NEW CAMARO BODIES IN WHITE

Grand Blanc, Mich. – Racers who want to slip into something more fashionable at the track next year will find the 2010 Camaro is just their size. GM Performance Parts will offer body in white packages of the new Camaro starting in the first quarter of 2009.

The basic package lists for $7,000 and includes an assembled body structure, including the front fenders, hood, front valance/grille header panel, roof, doors, rear quarters, trunk lid and rear valance. The structure also includes the complete floorpans and chassis rails.

Racer must fill out an online application to be eligible to purchase one. The form is available at www.gmperformanceparts.com. Bodies will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no limit to the number an approved racing team can purchase.

"This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to build a race-ready new Camaro," said Dr. Jamie Meyer, of GM Performance Parts. "We envision racers using these bodies for all types of competition, from Pro Street and Competition drag racing to road racing."

The body in white includes only a painted body shell and no additional components or materials. The bodies do not have vehicle identification numbers, so they may only be used as racing vehicles that will never be licensed for street driving.

Racers will add powertrain, fuel system, suspension, interior components and glass (or sanctioning body-approved alternative), and safety equipment, then go racing.

"For the racers who would strip down the entire car and replace most of the components with racing-spec parts, the body in white saves time and money," said Dr. Meyer. "Drag racers, for example, won't have to worry about swapping out for a solid axle – they can just bolt one up and go."

The body in white's unadorned interior also saves time and money by allowing racing teams to eliminate the process of stripping a fully equipment production car in order to reduce weight and prep the chassis for a roll cage.

And when it comes to building up the body in white, GM Performance Parts offers crate engines, engine controllers, high-performance transmissions and hundreds of other parts to help complete the project – including dedicated drag racing engines and engine suited for circle track and road racing competition.

GM Performance Parts – Tested to the Limits, Backed by GM

GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation; requiring that the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. And if that's not enough, GMPP installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for ongoing testing and continuous improvement. It's that commitment to quality and durability that allows General Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24 month / 50,000 mile warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12 months / 12,000 miles warranty.

Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads, high performance transmissions and components, from GMPP Authorized Center dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com.

Yenko collection being auctioned at Barrett Jackson

Don Yenko is a GM legend, having made some of the most wanted cars of the muscle car era. They are just as coveted today, if not more, than they were when they were sold new. Yenko just simply built some of the most powerful bowtie muscle cars of the 1960's.

And since there were only a few hundred built, they are also some of the most desirable and valuable. Coming up at the Barrett Jackson auction in January, a private collector will be selling off his collection of 5 Yenkos, which are amoung the best and most original in existence.

On the block will be three 1969 Camaros, a 1981 Turbo Z Camaro, and a super rare Yenko Nova. The highlight is the Daytona Yellow Camaro that is one of three existing cars used by Yenko for NHRA racing. It features a COPO 427/425 V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, Hurst shifter, and more.


[Source: Barrett-Jackson]


PRESS RELEASE:

Five rare Yenko muscle cars from a celebrated collection will be sold at No Reserve during the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009. For the first time, four Yenko Camaros and a Yenko Nova from the Gary Holub Collection (Lot #'s 1276-1278) will be offered to the public. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™," the Scottsdale auction and lifestyle event will feature a diverse mix of the world's most desirable collector vehicles. SPEED will broadcast nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.

"Many muscle car enthusiasts and car collectors worldwide believe that the Yenko Camaro defined America's appetite for performance in the late 1960s," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "Road racer and Chevrolet dealer Don Yenko learned how to manipulate the secret factory 'Central Office Production Order' (COPO) to turn the new Camaro into a formidable competitor to the Ford Mustang and Plymouth 'Cuda. The result was a special run of high-performance Yenko Camaros and later, special versions of the Nova, Corvair, Chevelle and Vegas, that ruled the roads. We're pleased that five of these rare muscle cars from a very special Yenko collection will cross the block at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale."

With only a few hundred Yenko cars ever built, they are highly coveted in today's market. Many consider the cars owned by Gary Holub to be among the most original and desirable gathered in one location.

The Daytona Yellow Camaro (Lot #1278), also known as the "Preston and Lawrence Yenko", is one of only three surviving 1969 Camaros personally sold by Don Yenko for use in NHRA drag racing. It has the COPO L72 427/425hp engine, 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, Hurst shifter, black vinyl roof and COPO 9737 Sports Car Conversion. The car features a special ducted hood, dual exhaust, increased cooling capacity and special suspension. It is heavily documented including Don Yenko's name on the paperwork, original dealer package file, purchase order, Bill of Sale, shipper sheet, and paperwork from COPO Connection and Yenko Chevrolet.

"I've been enamored with Yenkos since I was in high school," explained Gary Holub. "My goal then was to own one in my lifetime, but I've been fortunate enough to own 44 Yenkos throughout the years. The five special cars that will be sold at Barrett-Jackson include unprecedented documentation. The Daytona Yellow Camaro, for instance, includes the original Window Sticker and dealer packet from 1969."

One of 50 Yenkos built under COPO 9560 to qualify for NHRA, the 1969 Camaro ZL-1 COPO coupe (Lot #1277.1) features an aluminum 427 ZL-1 engine, special ducted hood, heavy duty radiator, springs and a 4.10 posi rear. The powerful Yenko is one of only 10 ZL-1's in Fathom Green and is documented with paperwork from GM, Fred Gibb Chevy and COPO Connection.

The other 1969 Yenko Camaro (Lot #1277) is one of 30 built with the 427/425hp engine with an automatic in Fathom Green. The car is equipped with a special hood, dual exhaust, special suspension, 140mph speedometer and larger stabilizer bar. This car is a 10-time show winner and is documented by COPO Connection. It includes the Yenko dealer invoice, judging sheets and owner's registrations.

The final Yenko series built was a Camaro that debuted in 1981 as a Turbo Z. This particular car (Lot #1276) is number 10 of 19 and is the first Camaro to win the prestigious Don Yenko Memorial Award. Yenko Turbo Z #10 is believed to be the only one fitted with a cigarette lighter. This is a 100 percent original car with original tires, spark plugs, turbocharger, paint and interior. It is documented in the Yenko Turbo Z Registry and includes the Window Sticker and Yenko dealer invoice.

The Silver Yenko Nova (Lot #1276.1) is one of 175 built and one of only 25 with a silver exterior. The Nova "Yenko Deuce Coupe" features a LT1 Corvette 350 engine, a Muncie 4-speed manual, F41 sport suspension and a 12-bolt differential with a 4.10:1 posi-traction. Its documentation includes a Don Yenko Inventory List, COPO Connection Certificates, owner's registrations and a portion of the Build Sheet.

"Experts have said that Don Yenko wanted to be Chevrolet's answer to Carroll Shelby," added Davis. "He leveraged his success racing Corvettes and his father's GM relationship to create a series of Chevy super cars that harness some of the most impressive muscle engineering of the time."

The Yenkos will join the world's most desirable collector vehicles and automobilia to be sold at the historic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Lifestyle attractions will also return to Barrett-Jackson in January in the form of luxury vendors, galas and fashion shows. Barrett-Jackson's trendy night-spot, "The Garage," will be the site of exclusive gatherings throughout the event.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Garage 419 runs GT-R against rental Corvette

NOS Rental Vette vs Nissan GT-R - Garage419
The challenge sounded daunting and impossible: find a $500 car to race against a Nissan GT-R in the 1/8th mile. Host Matt Farah had the easy route, piloting a GT-R complete with 478 hp, all wheel drive, and launch control. Editor Gene Sanchez had the daunting task of finding the $500 competitor that would run with the GT-R. Sanchez had a sneaky idea, however. He rented a Corvette for $200 a day from the Hertz Fun Collection and plumbed in $300 worth of nitrous. Who won the battle? Check the video to find out.

GM introduces turbo upgrade for Solstice GXP, Sky Redline, and HHR SS

The Solstice GXP, Sky Redline, and HHR SS are little pocket rockets complete with a 260 hp 2.0L. And now GM Performance is offering an LNF turbo upgrade kit to boost the direct injected engine up a notch.

The kit consists of a new engine calibration and MAP sensors that will push your turbo four to 290 horsepower and 340 lbft of torque with the six speed manual transmission, and 315-325 hp with the automatic. The kit also allows owners to retain the factory warranty.

The LNF Turbo Upgrade also gives the GXP, Redline and SS the same "no-lift shift" functionality as the Cobalt SS Turbo, which enables you to shift without taking your foot off the accelerator. The kit also bumps the redline by 200 to 6500 but will require premium fuel.

GM is also working on a similar kit for the Cobalt SS. The upgrade kit is available at GM dealers for $650, a small price to pay for a decent power upgrade.