Tuesday, July 20, 2010

CGS Camaro in the works for SEMA debut

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CGS Motorsports is known for being one of the leading manufacturers of high performance exhaust systems. It is also know for bringing some high grade vehicles to SEMA in the past, like the FlatBlack Mustang. This year will continue that tradition, as CGS is preparing a new Camaro to bring to this year's SEMA.

The 2011 Camaro will get new paint, a ZR1 type hood, and a body kit on the outside. Inside there will be custom leather courtesy of Pecca Leather. Performance will be enhanced with a CGS cat-back exhaust (duh), and a new twin screw Whipple Supercharger. Power should be in the 500hp range. Be sure and keep up with the build progress at www.cgsmotorsports.com and check out this year's SEMA coverage for the finished product.

Press Release

CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of High Performance Cat Back Exhaust Systems and Air Intake Systems for late model cars, trucks, & SUVs.

Besides being one of the leading manufacturers of Performance Products, CGS has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA Show vehicles over the years and CGS has built several vehicles for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for GM, which will be showcased at the 2010 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new '11 Chevy Camaro.

This new GM muscle car will feature custom paint, the Camaro will feature a ZR1 influenced hood, and body kit by ACS. The CGS team is also designing and building handmade chrome moldings. Custom leather from Pecca Leather, of course one of CGS's Cat-Back Exhaust Systems, and Whipple Ind. new Camaro twin screw supercharger producing close to 500hp.

As illustrated in the rendering, 22" wheels up front a set of 24"x15" rear wheels by Genuine Boyds, Pirelli's new 405/25/24" rear tires, the rear wheels and tires will be stuffed under the back without any type fender fairing. All the rear suspension will be replaced with Chris Alston's Fab 9 rear end with a latter bar and coil over suspension.

So be sure to check out the completed vehicle at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. www.cgsmotorsports.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

Ford, Roush, and Shelby team up to build SR-71 inspired Mustang

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Of all the aftermarket names associated with Mustang performance and parts, Roush and Shelby are two of the biggest. Neither is a stranger to building parts or even whole turnkey performance versions of the venerable pony car. But work together to build one? That's not something you see every day.

In each of the last two years Ford has built a special edition Mustang for auction to benefit the Young Eagles association at EAA AirVenture, the AV8R Mustang and the AV-X10. This year's car will be inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, and will bring together Jack Roush and Caroll Shelby for the first time.

The reworked 2011 GT features a black and gray matte exterior, custom SVT wheels, roll cage, Ford Racing supercharger, upgraded suspension, and a custom exhaust. The Recaro seats feature both Jack Roush and Caroll Shelby's signature. The SR-71 Blackbird Mustang will go on display in the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture beginning July 26th.

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Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., July 13, 2010 – Two automotive icons, legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush, have come together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviation-themed SR-71 "Blackbird." The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles July 29 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's greatest aviation celebration. Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and all of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be held from July 26 to Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

The "SR-71" designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, "SR-71" refers to the car's design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, "SR" represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts were also added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car. The sale of the SR-71 "Blackbird" will highlight an evening of festivities at the EAA Gathering of Eagles July 29 during AirVenture.

The group that will directly benefit from the auction proceeds is EAA's Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. "Ford Motor Company's historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company's commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president.

"Ford's generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 'Blackbird' to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages."

In 2008, Ford's inaugural vehicle specially-built in support of the Young Eagles, the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV8R, raised a record $500,000 for the charity. "The excitement around the 2008 AV8R, our first one-off Mustang ever produced, inspired us to push for another, first, the collaboration of Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush," said Edsel B Ford II, a member of Ford's Board of Directors. "This year's SR-71 Blackbird is a special tribute to Ford's lineage of performance vehicles, as well as to the promising innovators of EAA's Young Eagles." Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1 million to support the Young Eagles.

The Mustang SR-71 "Blackbird" is Build #1 of 1 and presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The vehicle is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From there, the car takes on a design personality similar to that of the original SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The Mustang's stunning design theme includes black and gray matte exterior paint with harmonious SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to reflect the car's connection with its namesake aircraft, which made its inaugural flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. The "Blackbird" nickname is reflected in the car's exterior paint treatment, complete with markings from the liquids which leaked and streaked until the plane came up to speed. A unique screen print glass roof design and exterior artwork reflect the unbridled spirit of the Ford Design team.

The interior cockpit will seat only two and includes a roll-cage, racing seats and fire extinguisher, The signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby are embroidered into the seats, and special gauges and instrument cluster graphics have been added.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang SR-71 "Blackbird" will feature an appliqué autograph area capturing Roush and Shelby's signatures and badging to further reinforce the uniqueness of the car. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 26.

Additionally, Ford and EAA will give AirVenture attendees the chance to win a 2011 Mustang GT convertible and other cash prizes in a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the EAA Young Eagles program.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology, as well as many of the industry's most revered classics at the popular "Ford Hangar" on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford activities will include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

The annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), EAA AirVenture features more than 2,500 show aircraft, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft, and is expected to attract nearly 600,000 aviation enthusiasts. During the week, more than 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others. EAA AirVenture is a 24-hour event. For more information, please visit www.AirVenture.org.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Mustang GT-R Concept hightlights RM's Monterey auction

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The RM auction in Monterey always seems to bring some interesting cars to the public, and this year's lineup looks to be no exception. Ford alone will bring eighteen concept cars built from 2000 to 2004, including 2001 Lightning Rod Concept, the 2001 Forty Nine Concept, the 2003 Supercharged Thunderbird Concept and the 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept, and the 2004 Mustang GT-R Concept. Proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center.

Press Release

RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, kick starts its annual Sports & Classics of Monterey sale on August 12th with a special evening auction devoted exclusively to "the company that put the world on wheels": the Ford Motor Company.

Featuring over a century of automotive design and innovation, this special sale presents some 57 fantastic Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns, spanning from the company's earliest days of production through to a host of modern concepts.

For those with a penchant for early automotive history, the star attraction is one of the oldest surviving Fords in existence, an early 1903 Ford Model A Rear-Entry Tonneau*. Offered from a large private collection and with a known history and documentation from the Henry Ford Museum, this example is considered one of the most important cars in the commercial history of the auto industry (Estimate: $600,000 - $800,000).

Another historically significant example set for the auction podium is the 1962 Lincoln Continental "Bubbletop" Kennedy Limousine, Secret Service fleet number 297-X, used by President John F. Kennedy and even more frequently by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Considered one of the most important parade cars in America's history, over its years in the White House fleet, 297-X hosted an endless stream of visiting dignitaries, diplomats and important guests. (Estimate: $500,000 - $750,000).

The Thursday event also showcases some of Ford's latest designs and innovations with 18 Ford Motor Company concept vehicles on offer, the proceeds of which will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center, an organization based in Michigan, US, that addresses the needs of troubled children, youths and families.

"RM Auctions is honored to have been chosen to present the selection of Ford Motor Company concept vehicles as part of this year's Sports & Classics of Monterey event", says Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

"Continuing RM's long-standing relationship with Ford, this unique segment, featuring 18 concepts in total, not only provides a great opportunity for the savvy collector, but illustrates both RM and Ford's ongoing commitment to supporting today's youth," Kelleher adds.

Among the exciting series of concepts on offer are:

- 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept**, introduced at the April 2004 New York International Auto Show, this example was built as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance (Est. $250,000 - $350,000)

- 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept, combining the Thunderbird spirit with Lincoln luxury and featuring innovative easy-entry doors and a sumptuous cockpit (Est. $200,000 - $250,000); and,

- 2003 Ford Supercharged Thunderbird Concept, conceived to gauge public interest in a performance version of the new two-seat Thunderbird, this example was debuted at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show (Est. $175,000 - $250,000).

"Concept cars serve as the auto industry's vision into the future, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase these vehicles at RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey", says Edsel B. Ford II, Board Director, Ford Motor Company.

"It is our hope that the funds raised through this effort bring us closer to our vision of a day when there is a cure for diabetes, and a safer and brighter future for all of our youth."

The Ford Motor Company is a strong supporter of both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), through its Ford Global Walk Team, and The Children's Center.

The Ford Motor Company established the Ford Global Walk Team - an employee-driven fundraising team supporting JDRF- in 1998. Since its inception, over $30 million has been raised through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford's partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.

The Children's Center of Wayne County also has strong ties to the leading automotive manufacturer as it was founded by U.S. Senator James Couzens, a former general manager of Ford Motor Company. Today, the company and the Ford Family remain strong supporters and advocates for the agency and serve as models for corporate responsibility and commitment to the city and its children.

RM's Ford-themed auction is followed by an unparalleled roster of other important and historic automobiles as the company's annual Sports & Classics of Monterey event continues on August 13th and 14th. In total, the three-day Monterey sale features over 200 investment-quality motor cars as part of the most significant auction offering ever presented on the Monterey Peninsula.

For a complete list of auction offerings, visit www.rmauctions.com/montereycarlist or call +1 519 352 4575.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gets its own commercial

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One of the cars that doesn't really need to be advertised is the much beloved Chevrolet Corvette. For decades it has been the consummate American sports car, an icon that needs no introduction. But a little bit of showing off never hurts, as demonstrated by this ad.

The commercial ran during the Major League Baseball All-Star game this week, perhaps to remind America that Chevrolet, baseball, and, um, rockets are as American as apple pie. It features the ZR1, a car that deserves to brag a little on its world beating performance. Check out the video via YouTube.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Corvette owners can build their own engines - for a price



The idea of letting customers build their own engines is pure genius in today's personalized and individual obsessed world. And this is exactly what Chevrolet is going to make happen, for future owners of a Corvette Z06 or ZR1 in the 2011 model year.

The LS7 and LS9 engines used in these respective models are already hand assembled at Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, MI by a single technician. When assembly is complete, a name plaque is is applied. This makes it an excellent platform for letting customers assemble the engines themselves.

But don't think that doing part of the work in building your own Corvette will allow you a discount on the purchase price. Chevrolet is looking to charge around $5,800 for this experience, not including travel. But if you are willing to shell out the money, you get the bragging rights and unique experience that come with it.

Press Release

Build Your Own Engine Option Offered to Corvette Enthusiasts

Exclusive Program Lets Customers Help Create Their Own Corvette


DETROIT – For enthusiasts who want to be personally involved in creating their Corvette, Chevrolet's new Corvette Engine Build Experience allows them to literally build the engine for their new car.

In what is believed to be the world's most hands-on super car program, customers who order a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 can choose an option to help assemble their cars' LS7 or LS9 engines at General Motors' Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.

"Corvette owners are some of the most passionate – and most involved – enthusiasts in the industry," said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. "The Corvette Engine Build Experience offers customers an unprecedented opportunity to participate, hands on, in creating the car."

In addition to building their own engines, Corvette buyers can attend driving school in Arizona or Nevada, take delivery of their vehicles at the National Corvette Museum or watch their vehicles being built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.

"In a way, this is a dream program for a Corvette customer. I would have jumped at the chance to build the 427 in my '67 'Vette, and that didn't have half of what goes into one of these modern precision engines," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. "Today's LS7 and LS9 Corvette engines are pinnacle achievements in engineering, and to personally involve our customers in their final creation shows the depth of Chevrolet's commitment to make lasting connections with the customer."

The Engine Build Experience is an option with a suggested retail price of $5,800. When a customer selects the PBC option for a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 and the dealer submits the order to Chevrolet, a special concierge contacts the customer to verify participation and help coordinate arrangements. While travel arrangements to and from Metro Detroit are the customer's responsibility, the Chevrolet concierge helps schedule the engine build; coordinates the customer's activities at the Performance Build Center; assists with booking local lodging and meals, and arranges local transportation.

At the PBC, the customer doesn't merely view the engine's assembly; he or she builds it under the supervision of and support from skilled technicians. When the engine is assembled, a personalized nameplate is added to the engine next to the builder's name. It is then sent to the Corvette assembly plant for installation in the customer's car.

The Corvette Engine Build Experience is possible because of the hand-assembly processes used at the 100,000-square-foot PBC. Technicians hand-build the Corvette Z06's LS7 7.0L engine, the Corvette ZR1's 6.2L supercharged LS9 engine and a variation of the Corvette Grand Sport's LS3 6.2L engine. The PBC incorporates the best practices of low-volume niche manufacturers and the established quality and manufacturing standards at GM to ensure the highest-quality specialized engines.

Like all engines assembled at the PBC, Engine Build Experience engines are covered by Chevrolet's five year / 100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty.

The Engine Build experience is the latest program Chevrolet offers for Corvette owners. Other programs include:
Corvette plant tour, where customers can follow their vehicle down the Bowling Green assembly line
Corvette Museum delivery, where customers take delivery of their new Corvette at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
Corvette ZR1 Driving School, which offers complimentary attendance at either Bob Bondurant's Corvette Driving School in Arizona, or Ron Fellows' Corvette Performance Driving School near Las Vegas.

"Simply put, no other sports car manufacturer can match the level of personal customer involvement that Corvette offers," Campbell said. "The Corvette Engine Build Experience takes this personal involvement to an unprecedented level."

For more information, see facebook.com/corvette.

About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer up to 40 miles of electric driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.chevrolet.com/"www.chevrolet.com.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Chrysler to phase out Hemi and go green?

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While the popularity of muscle cars is high, most people realize that we can't keep burning oil like it's 1970 again. Today's muscle is much more refined, and modern technologies have produced some seriously powerful engines that are more efficient than ever.

Chrysler's Hemi engines are a blast from the past, a reminder of the good old days when power was our only concern. But is Chrysler beginning to shy away from the legendary moniker in order to change its image? The Wall Street Journal thinks so.

WSJ is reporting that Chrysler will indeed try to change the way its Hemi brand is perceived, but not necessarily its presence in their vehicles. The mighty V8's Multi-Displacement System is certain to receive more press, and the company will begin pushing its new V6. In other words, you can still get a Hemi, but for how long?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Chrysler announces limited edition Mopar '10 Challenger

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Mopar is a name that most Chrysler enthusiasts should be quite familiar with, but they are also a parts provider for all things aftermarket. While you have always been able to get parts from Mopar, now they are offering an entire car.

The Mopar '10 Challenger hits dealerships next month with a host of goodies. Based on an R/T Challenger, it adds a hood venting system, cold air intake, front strut brace, engine cover, and strut tower brace to the mix.

On the inside, you will find Katzkin leather seating, Mopar shift handles, leather wrapped steering wheel, and a serialized dash plaque. Only 500 of the Mopar '10 Challengers will be built, starting at $38,000. Hit up the press release below for more details.

Chrysler Group LLC to Introduce Mopar® '10 Challenger

Company Continues to Leverage, Grow Mopar Brand

- Mopar '10 will be available in August
- Pricing starts at $38,000, which includes destination
- Five hundred special-edition cars to be built, customers may pre-order now

For the first time in its history, Chrysler Group LLC will launch a special-edition Mopar® version of one of its vehicles. The Mopar '10, a Mopar 2010 Dodge Challenger, arrives in Dodge dealerships next month.

"Our Mopar '10 Challenger is a collaboration of two iconic brands with tremendous heritage," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC. "Dodge put the heart into this Challenger and Mopar added the soul. The result is a unique, special-edition car that only we can offer."

The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Mopar '10 is $38,000 for an automatic transmission and $39,000 for a manual transmission. Both prices include $750 for destination. Customers may pre-order now.

"Mopar '10 has a wicked, sinister appearance that will turn heads." said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of Dodge, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Mopar brand resonates with hard-core enthusiasts, and this car will too."

Dodge and Mopar collaborated to create Mopar '10, a "Mopar modified" 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T. Under-the-hood features include the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, a hood-venting system, a cold-air intake, a front strut-tower brace with shock caps, and a unique engine cover. Under the decklid is a rear strut-tower brace that stiffens the chassis and improves handling characteristics of the car.

Mopar '10 will be available in Brilliant Black with a choice of three accent colors: Mopar Blue, Red or Silver. Accent colors will appear on side stripes as well as in the stitching on the steering wheel and seats. Exterior features include 20-inch forged heritage gloss-black wheels, black-chromed grille surround, and a functional, vented T/A-style hood with vintage hood pins. Mopar logos and graphics are prominent on the front fascia, hood, hood-pin caps, body-side stripes, windows and on the chromed fuel door. A special Mopar '10 car cover also comes with the vehicle.

Interior features include Katzkin leather seating, custom leather-wrapped steering wheel with baseball-style stitching, Mopar shift handles (T-handle for automatics, Pistol Grip for manuals), a serialized dash plaque with Mopar '10 logo and Mopar branding throughout.

Every customer who purchases a Mopar '10 will receive a special owner kit that includes a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), date of build completion, and build number. The kit also includes a limited-edition sketch of the vehicle signed by Chrysler Group design chief Mark Trostle, a book that highlights the special vehicle build, and Mopar '10 merchandise.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Last Dodge Viper rolls off the line, gets custom paint

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As we bid the current iteration of the Dodge Viper goodbye, we are being reminded of its awesomeness by the availability of special editions and other goodies. And now we have for you the final Viper to roll off the assembly line, and of course it got some special paint.

What you see here is a Viper covered in House of Kolor bronzed gold paint with copper colored stripes. SRT's Bob Soroka was kind enough to airbrush those stripes with layouts of race tracks that are of significance to the Viper.

The car itself is a coupe, factory customized for owner D'Ann Rauh. D'Ann and her husband, Wayne Rauh, own the world's largest private collection of Vipers. The car also features special stitching in the interior.

Press Release

Dodge Celebrates the Ultimate Factory Customized Viper
July 1, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.
Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles (right) and plant manager Shelly Brown Gordon (third from right) welcomed more than 400 hundred loyal Viper owners at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit today to present the ultimate factory customized 2010 Dodge Viper coupe to proud new owner D'Ann Rauh (second from right). Rauh and her husband Wayne from Arp, Texas, own more than 40 Dodge Vipers - the largest personal collection of Vipers in the world.

A member of the Mid-South Viper Club of America, D'Ann Rauh worked exclusively with the Dodge Design team to select the personal touches she wanted on her car. The custom bronzed gold exterior paint was supplied by House of Kolor. The custom interior features various leather appointments, which were crafted by Tony Spampinito from Venzano, who has worked with the Rauhs on previous Viper projects.

Bob Soroka, from Chrysler Group LLC's Street and Racing Technology team, airbrushed layouts of Viper-significant race tracks into the custom-painted copper stripes applied by Prefix. The five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels are custom painted in dark graphite.

Members from both the Motor City Viper Club and the Viper Club of America participated in the celebration.

Rauh's Viper is the last of the current-generation Vipers built at the plant. Dodge has created more special-edition Viper models for the 2010 model year than all other model years combined. Production on the Dodge Viper started in 1992.

Friday, July 2, 2010

RCR and Pennzoil team up to build 2010 Camaro

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To correspond with Pennzoil's new line of products, the company is teaming up with the RCR Street Performance Group to produce a special edition Camaro that you can win in the "Get Your Key to Clean" promotion.

The Camaro has lots of goodies, such as a carbon fiber body kit, new interior, revamped suspension, and a supercharged engine. Only three of the cars will be built, and you can stake your claim to one by registering to win at www.pennzoil.com.

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Press Release

Pennzoil and RCR Street Performance Group Unveil Track-Worthy Camaro

In Celebration of the Launch of the Next Generation of Products, the Makers of Pennzoil Motor Oil Announce Consumer "Get Your Key To Clean" Promotion

HOUSTON, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- In late May, Pennzoil announced the start of the "Get Your Key to Clean" promotion to celebrate the launch of Pennzoil's best cleansing portfolio of products ever. The promotional sweepstakes provides consumers the opportunity to win a VIP weekend at the Bank of America 500 in October, as well as a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, a piece of automotive history, the first vehicle produced by the newly formed RCR Street Performance Group.

The special edition 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is the first of its kind and has been up-fitted and enhanced with numerous performance upgrades that are befitting one of the most successful NASCAR teams, Richard Childress Racing, and the maker of some of the most technologically advanced motor oils available, Pennzoil®. Additions to the vehicle include a carbon fiber body kit to increase downforce and performance, a completely reupholstered interior using the iconic colors of Pennzoil® and RCR, and a completely revamped suspension and supercharged engine for NASCAR-inspired performance. Contestants can go to www.pennzoil.com to register to win it.

"The RCR Street Performance 2010 Camaro SS project is an opportunity that translates more than 40 years of RCR racing knowledge to the neighborhood garage. Only three of these high-performance street cars will ever be built, so the winner of the Pennzoil 'Get Your Key to Clean' sweepstakes will end up owning a piece of history," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "Through the Pennzoil 'Get Your Key to Clean' promotion, the folks at Pennzoil have provided an exciting opportunity for one lucky race fan to win a very special street car."

The RCR Street Performance Group was created for people with a unique appreciation for the finer - and faster - things in life. From the design and production of high-performance engines, to the precision fabrication of chassis and bodywork, to the custom design and manufacture of parts for both engines and chassis, the RCR Street Performance Group is the culmination of more than 40 years of championship racing experience at Richard Childress Racing.

Just this year, the RCR Street Performance Group has taken the years of experience and knowledge gained on some of NASCAR's toughest tracks and begun completing performance upgrades on various Chevrolet vehicles. The 2010 Camaro SS is the first of many models to be modified by the fabled race shop and made available to consumers. Allowing the Camaro SS to be the prize for one lucky consumer is a further testament to the technological relationship that RCR and Pennzoil share.

Since the start of the Shell-Pennzoil sponsorship of the No. 29 car in 2007, Pennzoil's technical support program with RCR has provided the race team with its most advanced motor oil technology along with the support of a team of industry leading scientists. Through excellent collaboration, Pennzoil's team of scientists engineer motor oils that resist heat, shear and wear, while keeping the engine clean even during the most demanding race conditions. The most recent example of this collaboration is the use of the Hyper Cleansing Technology(TM) found in Pennzoil Ultra(TM) motor oil in each of the engines on the track for RCR.

"Building on the success of Pennzoil Ultra(TM), today marks the beginning of the next generation of Pennzoil® as we have engineered our motor oils to provide consumers with the best cleansing Pennzoil® oils ever," said Pennzoil Global Brand Manager Debbie Van Schalkwyk. "Our new portfolio of products includes five Pennzoil® motor oils that elevate cleansing and engine protection beyond industry requirements. We are happy that RCR has worked with us to celebrate this milestone by helping make 'Get Your Key to Clean' an exciting promotion for our consumers."

The "Get Your Key to Clean" promotion, which runs through July 31, 2010, will treat five finalists and a guest to an RCR VIP Experience at the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway the weekend of October 16, 2010. A ceremony will be held before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race where each of the five finalists will be presented with a key, one of which will start the engine of the RCR Street Performance Camaro SS. The finalist with the key that starts the engine will win the car and be announced the Grand Prize Winner.

To see the official rules and for more information about the promotion, how to enter and additional details about Pennzoil's best cleansing portfolio of motor oils ever, visit www.pennzoil.com. For more information about the RCR Street Performance Group visit www.rcrstreetperformance.com.

The complete list of performance upgrades are as follows:
Exterior Accents:
-- Front Splitter: Carbon Fiber
-- Rear Diffuser: Carbon Fiber
-- Side Skirts: Carbon Fiber
-- Rear Spoiler: Carbon Fiber
-- Hood: Carbon Fiber Scoop
-- Custom paint and graphic
-- 22" Custom Wheels, Front 22x9, Rear 22x10.5
-- Performance Tires, Front 295/30/22, Rear 265/35/22
-- Black out rear light area and tail lights
-- Old School Grille
Interior:
-- Custom yellow trim piece on doors and around dash area
-- Custom Upholstery: Yellow and Black Hounds tooth w/Suede accents and Full Suede headliner
-- Customs Floor Mats
Performance:
-- Cold Air Intake
-- Performance based coil over kit with new bushings
-- Custom six caliper big brake kit by Wilwood
-- Stainless steel exhaust
-- Magnusson Super Charger
-- Stage 4+ clutch w/ billet steel flywheel
-- Custom ground cam shaft
-- Performance based dual valve springs
-- Hardened push rod set
-- ARP LS cam retainer plate
-- Kevlar spark plug wire booties
-- Custom headers
-- Billet aluminum valve covers

About Pennzoil®
Pennzoil® is the #1-selling motor oil and one of the most trusted brands in America. The Pennzoil line of quality products meets or exceeds industry specifications to offer exceptional engine protection, and includes Pennzoil Ultra(TM) motor oil with Hyper Cleansing Technology(TM), Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil® Advanced Protection motor oil, Pennzoil Gold(TM) motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about Pennzoil products, please visit www.pennzoil.com

Pennzoil is produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants. The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume.(a) The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell CASSIDA®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX®, Jiffy Lube® and a portfolio of leading car care brands.

(a) Kline & Company, "Competitive Intelligence for the Global Lubricants Industry, 2008 - 2018."