Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Video: Hennessey GTR700 runs 2.8 0-60


John Hennessey makes a living out of making fast cars faster. The GTR700 is no exception, based on the already seriously fast Nissan GT-R and cranking it up a few notches. The upgraded Godzilla pumps out 715 horsepower thanks to numerous mods including a stainless steel exhaust system, new ECU programming, modified turbos with larger compressor wheels, 100mm cold air intake, high-flow fuel injectors, transmission cooler, clutch pack upgrades, and more.

The result is just plain ridiculous, with sixty miles per hour coming in 2.8 seconds, 100 mph in 6.7 seconds and 150 mph in 14.5 seconds. Compared to a stock GT-R, the GTR700 reaches 186 mph in less than half the time. Check out the video to see Hennessey's creation hit a full 1.0g on it's way to a 10.87 sec @ 132 mph quarter mile run.


Sunday, March 29, 2009

n2a Motors previews it's Stinger Corvette

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n2a Motors has made a name for itself in recent years, producing unique coach cars like the 789 and the Anteros. Now they are releasing renderings and clay models of it's next project, dubbed the "Stinger."
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The Stinger takes visual cues from the 1963-1967 Corvettes and applies them to a C6 Corvette complete with modern chassis and drivetrain. The composite body panels, custom interior, wheels, and exhaust system are all added on. The standard Corvette with a 430hp V8 is used as a base model, with the option of using a Z06 or ZR1 as well.
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n2a is currently taking deposits to reserve a serial number, with production planned to start in October of this year.


PRESS RELEASE:

n2a Motors announced today that it is accepting deposits on the Stinger, the latest model in their line of critically-acclaimed coachbuilt automobiles. Slated for January 2010 delivery, the Stinger is inspired by the
2nd generation 1963, '65, and '67 Corvette Sting Rays and is built atop the 2009/2010 C6 Corvette chassis.

The '63-67 Corvettes are among the most revered, iconic, and beautiful cars in automotive history. The Stinger pays homage to the historic 2nd generation Corvette with a sleek, carbon-composite body featuring the front end and hood scoop from the 1967 Corvette, a mid-section reminiscent of a '65 Corvette, and the famous split-window rear end of the '63 Corvette, and has a level of performance and safety that engineers of the era could never have dreamed possible. Utilizing a new Corvette donor car, the Stinger achieves 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine rated at 16 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Since the chassis and safety equipment remain unmodified, GM's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Stinger can be serviced at any GM dealership.

n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette's body panels and installing the new carbon-composite Stinger body, a process that takes over 800 hours for n2a's coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured leather seats, leather dash, wool carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels. Wheels and cat-back exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a's custom-made components. The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations, ensuring that each customer receives a unique car customized to his or her tastes.

n2a Motors has reserved serial numbers 001,002, and 003 for ZR1-based Stingers. Featuring the 638-hp LS9 engine, the ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever produced. Stingers built on the ZR1 platform rocket from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205+ mph. Serial numbers 004-010 are reserved for Z06-based Stingers, which are 505 hp with a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds. n2a Motors is accepting deposits to reserve a serial number and a place in the production order. Production is expected to commence October 1st.

The Stinger is n2a's third model, following the successful 789 and Anteros models that debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Both are built on the C6 Corvette platform and utilize carbon-composite bodies, a carry-over from n2a's background in stealth technology prototyping for military contractors.
About n2a Motors

n2a Motors was founded in 2004 to revive the art of American coachbuilding. The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations. Kanter Concepts, n2a's parent company, produces concept cars for Detroit and foreign automakers and stealth technology prototypes for military contractors.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Chevrolet Chevelle collection to be auctioned at Mecum

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Mecum auctions, based out of Marengo, Il, will be broadcasting it's latest on Discovery HD in May. They've already procured several desirable rides, such as an original Shelby Daytona Coupe for the 22nd annual event.

Also going up on the block will be Dana Mecum's personal Chevelle collection. The cars will be sold as a group, meaning the winning bidder will be taking home a total of eight Chevelles ranging from a 1965 SS hardtop with a 327ci V8 to a numbers-matching 1970 convertible with a 450-hp LS6 V8 and four-speed transmission.

PRESS RELEASE:

MARENGO, Ill. - Mecum, the high-performance and collector car auction specialists, is giving collectors a chance to own an elite collection of Chevrolet Chevelles when they are auctioned at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Dana's Chevelle Collection is an unparalleled assembly of high-performance convertibles and hardtops. The collection will be sold as a group on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The sale will be broadcast live on national TV during "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on HD Theater - Discovery Communications' first 24-hour high-definition cable network.

* Lot S121 - 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Door Hardtop 327/350 HP, 4-speed. Very popular among collectors today, this carefully preserved classic has low miles and remains in its original and unrestored condition.

* Lot S122 - 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Z16 2-Door Hardtop 396/375 HP. This big block muscle car was the original Z16 prototype for GM, making it the very first SS396 Chevelle. It boasts a 4-speed manual transmission and Rally Red exterior.

* Lot S123 - 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible 396/350 HP, 4-speed manual. The car was originally built for display at GM's Corporate Headquarters showroom in Detroit.

* Lot S124 - 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO Hardtop 427/425 HP, 4-speed manual. As one of 323 vehicles produced, this rare L72 Central Office Production Order is the only black 4-speed manual ever built.

* Lot S125 - 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible 396/375 HP L78 Engine. Featuring a 4-speed manual transmission and documented with Protect-O-Plate and Build Sheet, it is believed to be one of six existing SS396 L78 of 1970 vintage with its combination of original equipment, including power windows, tilt steering, White stripes and Cowl Induction.

* Lot S126 - 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible 454/450 HP LS6 Engine, 4-speed manual. This well-documented Fathom Blue Chevelle is numbers matching and has a 100% original engine, M-22 transmission and rear end. It was the first LS6 convertible in the Diamond Certification Registry.

* Lot S127 - 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Hardtop 454/450 HP LS6, Automatic. With 32.9 actual miles, collectors would be hard-pressed to find a better example of an unrestored original LS6 that this gem, which is described as the lowest-mileage, highest-horsepower muscle car in existence.

"These Chevelles are highly valued in the market today because of their high horsepower and special options," said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. "The LS6, for example, is the most powerful engine offered in a production car and is on the A-list of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. With such remarkable caliber and variety of historically significant, rare vehicles coming up for sale at the Original Spring Classic, that auction is the ideal stage for this collection to be showcased."

The Chevelle Collection joins other high-profile vehicles - including a 1967 Camaro Cherokee - at the must-attend Original Spring Classic Auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information, visit www.Mecum.com. The Original Spring Classic Auction is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles and will be broadcast live on Mecum's popular television series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on HD Theater - Discovery Communications' first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.