2009 C3R Retro 'Vette, Part 2

Could GM possibly be considering going retro with the next Corvette? The signs are there, sparking generous rumors. With the next iteration being delayed indefinitely, and other car makers experiencing great success with the retro look, it would come as no surprise if Chevrolet pulled the trigger.

We reported a few weeks ago about an enthusiast by the name of Christian Cyrulewski, who has taken matters into his own hands by using the third-generation Corvette as inspiration for a rebodied C6, the current version of America's sports car. This is the second version of the C3R, as it's designer calls it, and it's received some tweaks since last time we showed it to you, with more to come we're told.

Design elements like the Mako Shark-inspired front fender peaks and steeply flowing rear buttresses from the early C3 series are present, as are hideaway head lights, which were a Corvette staple until the latest C6.

While there are no firm plans to produce a car based on these renderings, past indications are that Cyrulewski would like to see the first C3R running down Woodward Avenue for next year's Dream Cruise.

First ever 1955 Ford Thunderbird to be sold at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale

Ford Motor Company's first-ever production Thunderbird model, a 1955 Raven Black example, will go on the auction block at the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car event in Scottsdale, Arizona held January 11-19, 2009.

Penned by the Blue Oval's famous Frank Hershey, the original Thunderbird is said to have started the brand's sports-car heritage. T-Birds were initially available with a 292 Y-block V-8 engine mated to a Fordomatic transmission. The first edition being sold was built on September 9, 1954, and comes standard with power steering, brakes, windows, and seats, as well as five Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, factory radio, heater, and telescopic steering wheel. To boot, the car features a Continental Kit, engine dress-up kit, backup lights, and windshield washer.

Synapse Turbo boosts Chevy Cobalt SS to 371 whp, 383 lb-ft

ecoTechnik Cobalt SS by synapseTurbo.com from Morgan Spurgas on Vimeo.
The new turbo powered Cobalt SS is a dream come true for the tuner crowd, as the switch to turbo power opens the door to many aftermarket modifications. Even if you opt for the large, fast and furious wing, the SS is still a decent sleeper compared to most others in it's class.

Scotia, NY based Synapse Turbo has taken on the task of turning the rice burner into, well, more of a rice burner. They have developed a kit that helps the little Cobalt pump out 371 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Stage 3 kit consists of a Garrett GT2871R turbo, stainless steel 4-1 exhaust manifold, three-inch downpipe, three-inch intake, TurboXS BOV, a new intercooler and aluminum plumbing. ECU tweaks were provided by the HP Tuner system and redline has been raised to 6,700 rpm.

Go ahead and start building up your wrist strength to deal with the torque steer. Hopefully we'll have some performance numbers soon.