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.

Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" to be auctioned for charity

If you've ever felt torn between spending your hard earned green on an ultra rare collectible muscle car and donating to a charity like the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, now you can do both. Carroll Shelby has donated the Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" from his personal collection to home furnishing retailer Restoration Hardware to auction for charity. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own one of my personal performance cars," said Carroll Shelby, founder of the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation and legendary car builder and racer. "It's a stunning tribute to the legendary 'Green Hornet', which I used to test some of the era's most advanced technology back in the late 1960s. Along with our friends at Restoration Hardware, I'm challenging enthusiasts across America to take part in this charity auction on eBay for a chance to win the ultimate Christmas toy."

The "Black Hornet" was built by Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T., an authorized builder of re-creations of classic Shelby Mustangs. It was built as a tribute to Shelby's original "Green Hornet" test car that his team used to design everything from an independent rear suspension to electronic fuel injection. The "Black Hornet" is an accurate reproduction of the "Green Hornet" built from a 1968 Ford Mustang and painted "Stetson Black" in honor of Shelby's preferred choice of headgear. Aside from the color, the "Black Hornet" is an exact replica of the "Green Hornet" after it received four-wheel disc brakes but before the fuel injection or independent rear suspension.

The "Black Hornet" is powered by a 335-hp. 428 cu-in V-8 and has been a part of Carroll Shelby's personal collection since 2003. It is the only authorized reproduction of the "Green Hornet" in existence and is included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

The "Black Hornet" appeared at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this week and will be auctioned off on eBay from December 2 to 12. A portion of the sale will be donated to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, which helps children around the world who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses and promotes organ and tissue donation. Bidding will start at $100,000.

Vehicle Specifications:

* Cobra Jet 428 V8 Engine
* Marc Underdrive Pulley System
* Cobra Jet Manifold Exhaust System
* Holley High Volume Fuel Pump
* Mallory Unilight Ignition System
* Holley 700 Carburetor (new)
* Edelbrook Aluminum Heads
* Shelby Intake manifold
* Shelby Water Pump
* Shelby Valve Covers
* Cobra Air Cleaner
* Griffith Aluminum Radiator
* Legendary Autometer Customized Gauges
* Top Loader 4-speed transmission
* Power Steering/Power Brakes
* new tinted glass
* Standard interior without Roll Bar
* Deluxe Black Interior with Console
* original seatbelts
* Original '68 Cobra Steering Wheel
* 9" Currie Rear End - 3.25 ratio
* Original Style AM Radio
* Shelby 10-Spoke Wheels
* Goodyear GTII Tires
* Sequential Tail Lights
* Lucas fog lights

The customization of the 2010 Mustang begins!

Ford is wasting no time letting it's future Mustang owners customize their soon to be new ride. They realize that a stock Mustang is nothing more than a canvas for enthusiasts, a starting point for a thriving aftermarket. With this in mind, visitors to the L.A. Auto Show are able to digitally customize their own version of the pony car right on the showroom floor.

A total of 43 accessories will be available, from wheels to spoiler to hood scoops. Wheels will be available in a variety of finishes, and body parts will come in black, silver, or body color. A carbon fiber package will even be available. Taking it a step further, Ford will have the crew from Galpin Auto Sports on hand to pick a design every hour and actually install the parts on a V6 convertible and a GT coupe to provide a real life look at the car.