Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Video: Autocar plays chase with a Corvette ZR1



There are lots of fun things one can do with a Corvette ZR1. Autocar decided it was going to strap a camera to the back of a car and let the 'Vette play chase. The results are pretty entertaining, to say the least.


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

SEMA Preview: 2010 FlatBack Mustang


This year's SEMA show in Las Vegas is still a few months away, but that won't stop tuners from showing some of the goods they plan on bringing to the table in November. The first Mustang to be previewed for the show is this, the "FlatBack" from CGS Motorsports.

The black on black 'Stang features goodies like a two tone paint job, 22 inch wheels, Roush body kit, Baer brakes, KW coilover suspension, and a Whipple twin screw supercharger to up the pony count. Check out the press release below for all the details.

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. CGS has built several trucks and SUVs for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for Ford, which will be showcased at the 2009 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new 2010 Ford Mustang, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs, and named "FlatBack"

This modern day street machine will feature custom matte paint by BASF Refinishes with paint preparation by 3M, 22" one-off Colorado Custom wheels, Pirelli Tires, custom seats by Recaro, coil over suspension by KW, body kit by Roush, Baer racing brakes, and a supercharger by Whipple Superchargers.

As illustrated in the rendering, FlatBack will feature a Matte grey metallic paint, with gloss black graphics. So be sure to check out the completed FlatBack at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Shelby Distribution announces new and improved Daytona Coupe MKII


Based on one of the most legendary cars of all time, the Superformance Daytona Coupe is a modern interpretation of what is also one of the most expensive cars of all time, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe.

And now Shelby Distribution USA has announced that it will be building a newer and better version of the car, the Daytona Coupe MKII. For those who want a Daytona Coupe but can't pony up the multimillion's of dollars necessary to get one, this is the perfect back up plan.


In addition to the new name, the Daytona gets an updated interior with more room for the driver, external door handles, and electric windows. It also receives a host of performance upgrades, including revised air scoops behind the rear window, a revamped suspension setup, and an improved cooling system. Pricing comes in at $89,000 – plus the cost of an engine and transmission of your choosing.


PRESS RELEASE:

Irvine, CA - The long-awaited new CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII with a number of improvements, upgrades and new features has arrived in the USA. The new model will be allocated CSX9000 series chassis numbers and will come complete with a Shelby-issued MSO certificate and Chassis tag.

"The new CSX 9000 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will replace the SPF Daytona Coupe and this famous marque will in future only be marketed as a Shelby product,", says Lance Stander, President of Shelby Distribution USA of Irvine, CA.

The new models are available with a fiber glass body or aluminum-body.

"Every CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will be listed in the Shelby World Registry, making this new addition to Carroll Shelby's stable of sports cars a collector's dream. The new Coupe will feature Shelby signature door handles and seat covers, and the stopping power for the powerful Coupe will be provided by Shelby branded brakes."

Asked how the Coupe had had progressed from a Shelby-approved replica of the original World famous Shelby Cobra Daytona CSX2000 series Coupe, that in 1965 won the World Manufacturers Championship, Stander said market requirements had demanded that the new model be upgraded and improved in a manner that would make it worthy of the Shelby appellate.

"A sports car with the heritage and image of the Coupe begged for improvements and new features to make it a worthy contender in the market in which it already is one of the most sought after contenders. This awareness led to the development of the CSX 9000 series," says Stander.

In order to increase the clearance between the driver's head and the roof as well as between the driver's left hand and the A-post, the seats were repositioned and the steering wheel moved over to the right. This created a much more comfortable seating environment.

New external door handles do not mar the sleek look of the coachwork and facilitates entry without the use of a remote key, and the doors are fitted with electric windows.

The side air intakes behind the doors now form part of the rear panel behind the B-pillars with an added quarter vent style window. In addition to improved interior air flow, visibility has been significantly improved.

Gear heads will be delighted with the improved front and rear independent suspension. This development includes the replacement of the rose joints with ball joints, and the new design facilitates the adjustment of camber, caster and toe adjustment up front, as well as easy camber and toe adjustment at the rear.

To eliminate noise, the front and rear anti-roll bars have been redesigned, the chassis has been stiffened and a new fuel tank with internal baffles incorporates a swirl pot design.

To improve oil cooling the oil cooler has been separated from the radiator and fitted in an area with adequate air flow, the radiator core diameter has been increased and more efficient radiator fans are fitted.

"With the high ambient temperature in most of the USA in summer, and the congestion on our roads, adequate engine and oil cooling are "must haves" in an auto that is as comfortable cruising along at 20 mph or when hugging the corners at well over a 100 mph!" remarked Stander.

In keeping with modern design, the heater and climate controls for the air-conditioning have no cables and are operated via servo units, the side muffler pipes have been increased in diameter to ensure a deeper rumble, and the wheel wells have been adapted to accommodate 18 inch, deep dish Shelby Cobra style rims.

"Although the new Coupe shares all the visual magic of the original, the new CSX 9000 series is just so much more sophisticated and will have enormous appeal in the market for full-blooded American retro-styled sports cars," said Stander.

The first two new Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes have already been delivered. The order book is filling up fast, and Shelby dealers are now taking orders for later deliveries. Production will initially be limited to two units per month.

The MSRP of the fiber glass bodied CSX 9000 is $89,900.00 TKM and the aluminum-bodied model will be offered at $195,900.00 TKM. Orders can be placed by following this lead to the Shelby dealers' web site.

www.shelbydistributionusa.com

Or 1-888-SHELBYUSA.