Alfa Romeo could kick off U.S. return with Giulia large sedan instead of MiTo hatchback

Americans still haven't fully embraced the concept of the hatchback as a useful, practical vehicle for families, and nowhere is this more true than in the luxury segment. BMW and Mercedes-Benz both make premium small cars, but neither sells the hatch versions in the U.S. And so it appears Alfa Romeo is following a similar line of business logic, with the latest reports indicating the Giulia sedan - a replacement to the European 159 (pictured) - may be the first Alfa Romeo to return to U.S. shores.


"The Giulia is a car that could be the most interesting for the U.S. market,” Cravero told Bloomberg. “We need to build cars together with Chrysler that have an Alfa Romeo soul."


Of course, the Alfa 8C Competizione has been sold in here in the 15 years since the brand left, but the Giulia would mark the return of the everyday production cars to American sales. Earlier reports had pegged the MiTo and Milano as the first models destined for the land of the Stars and Stripes, but a new interview with Alfa Romeo CEO Sergio Cravero points in the opposite direction.


Large sedans typically have more headroom in their price, meaning more profitability per unit sold compared to small cars like the MiTo. In the currently still-depressed market and with the American intolerance for pricey small cars, the Giulia intro may be the smartest decision.


And that tells a lot of the story right there - Alfa Romeo is already a none-too-successful division of Fiat in the rest of the world. Making the costly re-entry to the U.S. market can't be another cash-sink for the brand. It needs a financial success more than ever.


"We have to find a solution that makes sense economically," Cravero said. "We can’t wait 10 years to see results."

The new stance on the Giulia also fits well with recent statements from Alfa that the U.S. simply isn't ready for the MiTo.


The question then becomes: how do Chrysler and Alfa Romeo build the car to share a platform while maintaining sufficiently independent brand identities while also being competitive in their segments and profitable at the same time?



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Chevrolet Corvette Racing C6.R GT2 Officially Revealed

Next year will see the introduction of a single GT class in the American Le Mans Series and the Corvette Racing team will be going for gold after throwing in the towel on the 2009 Championship. In preparation some heavy revisions have been made to the racing car by introducing a new Corvette C6.R which is based on the production ZR1. The new regulation means Corvette will be competing with the likes of Ferrari, BMW, Panoz, Ford, Porsche and Aston Martin.


"One of the many benefits of the Corvette Racing program has been the opportunity to demonstrate the technology transfer between the race car and the production car," said Mark Kent, GM Racing manager. "The global movement toward a single GT class will allow us to compete head-to-head with more marketplace competitors while increasing both the production content of the Corvette C6.R race cars and the relevance of racing to our customers. This is a step that positions Corvette for the future of production-based sports car racing worldwide, and a move that is perfectly aligned with GM's marketing and business objectives in racing."


The C6.R will be sharing more componentry with its street brother than ever before. That includes the aluminium frame and chassis structure, the steering system, the aerodynamic package and the body design.


The driver lineup has not been changed with Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen sharing the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R. Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta will drive the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6. R. Antonio Garcia and Marcel Fassler will join them at Petit Le Mans. Corvette debuts the new car at the Acura Sports Car Challenge at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio on August 8.


‘Vette fans want to hear more words like these, that their cars are just as good as those put on the racing track. Providing power for the rest of the 2009 season is a 6.0-litre V8 which is based on the 7.0-litre LS7.R that was used in the GT1 version. It now makes 470hp (350kW), a drop of 120hp (90kW). An even smaller 5.5-litre V8 is being developed to run at the start of the 2010 season. The 6.0-litre runs on E85R ethanol racing fuel.


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Press Release


Corvette Racing will open a new chapter with the competition debut of the next-generation Corvette C6.R at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 6-8. In anticipation of a single GT class in 2010, Corvette Racing will test and develop the latest Corvette C6.R in the GT2 category in the final five rounds of the 2009 American Le Mans Series. With the upcoming move to a unified GT category, the twin Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars will compete against rivals representing Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Viper, Panoz, and Ford.

Based on the Corvette ZR1 supercar, the next-generation Corvette C6.R has even stronger links to the production version of America's performance icon than its predecessors. The GT2 rules require the use of many production-based components, expanding the opportunities for the two-way transfer of technology between the race track and the showroom. The updated Corvette C6.R utilizes the ZR1's body design, aerodynamic package, aluminum frame and chassis structure, steering system, windshield, and other components. The race team has prepared the cars for the rigors of endurance racing with safety and performance modifications as permitted by the GT2 rules.

"One of the many benefits of the Corvette Racing program has been the opportunity to demonstrate the technology transfer between the race car and the production car," said Mark Kent, GM Racing manager. "The global movement toward a single GT class will allow us to compete head-to-head with more marketplace competitors while increasing both the production content of the Corvette C6.R race cars and the relevance of racing to our customers. This is a step that positions Corvette for the future of production-based sports car racing worldwide, and a move that is perfectly aligned with GM's marketing and business objectives in racing."

Previous versions of the Corvette C5-R and C6.R race cars have dominated the GTS and GT1 categories in the last decade, winning 77 races and eight consecutive ALMS championships. The GT1 Corvettes were retired following Corvette Racing's sixth victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14, 2009.

"In our decade in GT1, our primary focus has been on racing victories and the validation of the Corvette as a world-class sports car," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "As an authentic way to communicate to knowledgeable customers, nothing beats racing. As a cost-effective means to improve vehicle performance, nothing beats racing. These are the reasons racing is in Corvette's DNA.

"Behind the scenes, the race team and the production car team have grown closer together, finding numerous ways to support each other and to make both cars better," Juechter said. "Most automotive companies give lip service to claims like 'racing improves the breed' or 'race on Sunday, sell on Monday'. For team Corvette, it is a daily reality. It is now impossible to imagine one team without the other."

The upcoming GT regulations required a comprehensive redesign of the Corvette C6.R package. In place of the GT1 Corvette's steel frame, the GT2 version utilizes the production ZR1's hydroformed aluminum frame as the foundation for a fully integrated tubular steel safety cage. The GT1 version's wide, louvered fenders are replaced by production-based ZR1 fenders with wheel flares. In accordance with the aerodynamic regulations, the rear wing is reduced 25 percent in width, the diffuser is a flat panel without fences or strakes, and the splitter extends only as far as its production ZR1 counterpart. Steel brake rotors have replaced the carbon discs used previously, and the wheels are aluminum instead of magnesium. The adjustable steering column and steering rack are sourced from the street Corvette.

"Integrating a steel safety cage that meets GM Racing's stringent standards as well as the strength and durability targets required in racing is a challenge with an aluminum frame," explained Corvette Racing engineering director Doug Louth. "Working in conjunction with the structure and chassis engineers in the Corvette production group, we designed, built and tested numerous examples before we finalized the configuration. We went through a similar process with the production Corvette group on the body design and aero components. It was truly a collaborative effort between the production engineers and the race team."

In the remaining races in 2009, the Corvette race cars will be powered by 6.0-liter GM small-block V8s that are based on the 7.0-liter LS7.R that powered the GT1 version. This reduction in displacement was achieved by shortening the crankshaft stroke from 3.875-inch to 3.32-inch. The diameter of the series-mandated intake air restrictors was decreased from 30.6 mm to 28.6 mm, with a corresponding reduction in engine output from 590 to 470 horsepower. A 5.5-liter production-based GM small-block V8 is currently under development and will be introduced at the start of the 2010 season. The Corvette Racing team is continuing its commitment to green racing with the use of E85R ethanol racing fuel.

While much of the hardware has changed, Corvette Racing's roster of championship-winning drivers remains the same. Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen will share the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R, and Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta will drive the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6. R. They will be joined by Antonio Garcia and Marcel Fassler at Petit Le Mans.

Corvette Racing also has the continued support of its long-time sponsors and technical partners. Compuware is the team's primary sponsor, with Mobil 1 supplying low-friction lubricants and Michelin providing its world-class racing tires. Corvette Racing's sponsors also include XM Satellite Radio, UAW-GM, Genuine Corvette Accessories, Bose, Motorola, PRS Guitars, and BBS.

"Compuware leads the world in application performance solutions, and partnering with Corvette Racing gives us another high-tech, high-performance and high-impact platform for communicating to our customers and prospects," said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. "The launch of the Corvette C6.R in GT2 is a great extension to our relationship with General Motors, Chevy and Corvette. We look forward to even more victories in the months ahead."

The GT2-spec Corvettes were designed, built and tested on a compressed schedule. The program was approved and announced in September 2008, and construction of the first chassis began in early December. The first track test was conducted at Road Atlanta on April 8-9, followed by single-car tests in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and Sebring, Fla.

"The Corvette Racing team had to take on several challenges simultaneously to execute this program," said Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager. "We were preparing for our regular race season with the GT1 cars while designing the GT2 version. The cars were being built and tested in the midst of our preparations for Le Mans. The team was multi-tasking to the extreme, operating on a leaner budget and a faster timeline. It was a monumental effort to have these cars ready for the Mid-Ohio race."

Advanced technology tools enabled Corvette Racing to meet the challenge. "With the short development schedule, we relied on 'virtual' design and computer simulation more than ever before," said team manager Gary Pratt. "We made design, engineering and manufacturing simultaneous processes as much as possible. For example, while the first chassis was being built, we continued to run computer simulations on suspension geometry and refined the aerodynamics using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) because these areas didn't have to be finalized until later in the production timeline. We have developed the capabilities to do finite element analysis and composite fabrication in-house, which has accelerated our design and production cycle.

"We're not running for a championship this year, so we're looking at the upcoming races as preparation for 2010," Pratt said. "Our only testing from this point on will be at the races, and we'll be doing it in the public eye. Certainly we hope to achieve the same level of success that we did in GT1, but the caliber of the competition we will face in GT2 is very high. When we started in GT1 in 1999, it took a while to win; now we have 10 years of experience that should help us to become competitive in a new category. Everyone at Corvette Racing is looking forward to the challenge."

Fehan is confident but cautious about Corvette Racing's prospects in the GT2 category: "In the limited testing we've done so far, we've been very impressed with the car's durability, reliability and performance," he said. "We'll continue to focus on those three factors in the upcoming races. We view the rest of this year as a development cycle, and we believe that our experience as a team in preparation, race strategy, and pit stop execution should allow us to be competitive even if there is a slight performance disparity."

The GT2 version of the Corvette C6.R will make its debut in the Acura Sports Car Challenge at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The two-hour, 45-minute race is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday, August 8. ABC will televise the race tape-delayed at 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 9.

About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

Corvette Museum to Raffle One-of-a-Kind 2010 Grand Sport at the 15th Anniversary Celebration

The National Corvette Museum will be celebrating their 15th Anniversary celebration in early September and one of the high points of the 4-day event will be the raffle of this one-of-a-kind NCM 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe.


The Corvette to be raffled is a collector's dream. The Arctic White 2010 Corvette Grand Sport features a unique black hood treatment featuring Corvette Racing's Jake mascot ghost painted in the center bulge, much like those found on the 2009 GT1 Championship Editions. A red stripe outlines the hood graphics and compliments the Grand Sport's red hashmarks on the fender. The National Corvette Museum logo on the B-pillar adds the finishing touch on this special edition.
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Chevrolet Agile Renderings Revealed

General Motors is launching the Chevrolet Agile exclusively to the South American market towards the end of 2009. The Agile, rendered in these official pictures, is a compact hatchback that also serves to give crossover appeal.

"The Agile goes beyond a traditional hatchback," said Carlos Barba, General Director of GM Design Mercosur. "Our task was to conduct a vehicle for a demanding client. Our task was to conduct a vehicle for a demanding client. Great design, interior space and a crossover... a car to attract customers from a different urban public or to a surfer who loves the countryside."


The GM manufacturing plant in Argentina is already tooled up for the Agile operation and workers have been trained in its assembly. It will join other products being sold in the Mercosur market such as the Chevrolet Corsa models, Spark, Aveo, Astra, Meriva, Vectra, Zafira, Blazer, Captiva, S10 and Corvette.


From the front grille it looks like a typical Chevrolet with the golden logo clearly posted in the middle. The interior is said to be of high quality with innovative design and utility.
via:worldcarfans

Ford Mustang Officially Confirmed to Enter NASCAR for First Time

One of America's best-loved muscle cars the Ford Mustang, has had a successful racing career in a number of series including NHRA, Grand-Am, IMSA, SCCA and NMRA. Missing from that list is NASCAR, the nation's premier racing series. Now Ford has announced that the Mustang brand will compete for the first time in NASCAR from the 2010 season.
via:worldcarfans


Press Release

Mustang is already the most successful single nameplate in Ford Racing's professional racing history, but it hasn't competed in NASCAR-until now.

Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports, made the announcement today that Mustang will debut as part of NASCAR's new car limited rollout in the 2010 Nationwide Series.

"We're excited about Mustang coming to NASCAR," said Wolfe. "It's the most successful product nameplate in racing history, and it seems only right that it should be coming to the most popular form of racing in North America.

"We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as part of its vision for a ‘muscle car' rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of differentiating the series from Sprint Cup," said Wolfe. "We loved the idea, so we jumped on the chance to extend Mustang's racing legacy to a new series reaching a huge and loyal audience. Mustang has dominated other forms of racing, including NHRA drag racing, Grand-Am Cup road racing, and Formula D drifting, and now it's coming to NASCAR Nationwide.

"I think race fans-and Mustang loyalists-will be very pleased when we publicly roll out the first car later this fall."

Ford Racing has gone through the official NASCAR submission and approval process for the new car, and, once templates are finalized, production of Mustang parts will start so teams can build the first cars for testing later this fall.

"We're excited about the new car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and particularly the new body styles such as the Ford Mustang," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "It's going to be one good-looking race car."

The 2010 Ford Mustang will join the 2010 Fusion (Sprint Cup) and the 2009 Ford F-Series (Camping World Truck Series) as Ford's competitive entries in NASCAR's three major professional series.

"We're excited about being able to race Mustang in front of our loyal NASCAR fan base and know it's going to win races and championships just like it has in every other series it has competed," said Wolfe. "The Mustang created the pony car movement when it debuted in 1964. Now, the NASCAR Mustang has the opportunity to create a whole new look to stock car racing at its highest levels."

MUSTANG IN RACING
From the time the very first Mustang rolled off the assembly line in 1964, it was destined to race. Whether it be from the ‘60s drag racing cars and the Shelby GT350-R SCCA racers, to the Trans-Am Boss 302 Mustangs of the seventies, to the IMSA and Trans-Am cars of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to the drag race and sports car racing Mustangs of today, Mustang has been a winner.

Mustang currently competes professionally in the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions and places like the Grand-Am Koni Challenge, SCCA World Challenge, and the Mustang Challenge Series. In addition, thousands of Mustangs see action by grassroots racers at road courses and drag strips all across America.

Since its debut in 1964, Mustang has compiled more than 2,000 professional racing victories in NHRA, Grand-Am, IMSA, SCCA, NMRA and NMCA, as well as other racing series.

THE 2010 MUSTANG
Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang-America's favorite muscle car for 45 years straight-hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with 315-horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." Customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

The new Mustang was recently launched through the The ‘10 Unleashed campaign, which gives enthusiasts the chance to unleash their Mustang side behind the wheel of the new 2010 Mustang-whether it be drifting in Japan like world champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. or customizing a new Mustang using Ford Racing Performance Parts.

Through Aug. 15, consumers may submit their own Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less via Ford's The ‘10 Unleashed site at www.the2010Mustang.com. Written submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and execution of idea. Winning submissions will be selected every few weeks, and winners will be able to turn their Mustang experience into reality.

Boys in Blue Acquire Lexus IS-F V8 Police Car in the UK

Humberside Police made automotive headlines today in the UK after the department announced that it has taken delivery of its first Lexus IS-F police car. The 168mph (270km/h) rear-wheel drive sports sedan that is powered by a 417HP 5.0-liter V8 engine will replace the current Subarus employed by the Roads Crime Section. Special decals and LEDs aside, the police version of the IS-F is equipped with £30,000 (about $50k or €34k) worth of on-board computers and communications equipment.

The department, which is responsible for policing the area covering the East Riding of Yorkshire, the city of Kingston, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, said that specially trained officers spent 12 months evaluating a number of high performance vehicles before reaching a decision.





Sergeant Mike Peck of the Humberside Police Roads Crime Section said: "The purchase of the vehicle was far from an easy decision and involved research and advice from the force fleet manager, financial managers and a vehicle dynamics expert."

"The Lexus was tested during a 12 month period along with similar vehicles and proved itself to be ideally suited in providing a dynamically safe high performance chassis along with an electronically stable platform for the computer equipment. In the past this equipment has placed huge demands on vehicles but the Lexus IS-F easily met with our requirements," Peck concluded.
via:carscoop

2010 Chevrolet Chevy Camaro headed to Europe

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is off to an impressive start in the U.S., with inventories sold out in spite of the general economic slowdown. The resurrected muscle car will get the opportunity to repeat this success overseas, as GM has confirmed that the Camaro will be sold in Europe. No on-sale dates or pricing have been released.


U.S. pricing for the Camaro starts at $23,040 for the V6 and $35,425 for the V8-powered SS. That's about €16,400 and €25,215, respectively. GM has not yet released German or any other European pricing information for an exported Camaro.


Auto Motor und Sport reports that Jurgen Keller, general manager at Chevrolet Germany, confirmed GM's plans to export the Camaro to Europe. Sale dates will likely be forthcoming as production catches up.


There's no word as to which of the Camaro's three available engines will make the leap across the Atlantic. In the U.S., the Camaro is available with a 304-horsepower 3.6 liter V6 and a choice of 400 or 426-horsepower 6.2 liter V8s, depending on transmission choice. GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management is available on the 400-horse V8. The Camaro also sports a four-wheel independent suspension and available stability control. The ride and handling are uniquely American, a fact that will be considered a good thing to some European buyers and a bad thing to others.

Possible styling changes to meet Euro regulations have also not been discussed.
Source:worldcarfans

Cadillac XTS Luxury Sedan to Arrive in 2011?

A new luxury sedan called the Cadillac XTS is apparently being planned for production by the new General Motors. The car is said to be going after the best from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, which means the A8, 7 Series, LS and S-Class respectively. Suppliers were told about this high-class stretch sedan at a briefing where it was also revealed that manufacturing will happen at the company's plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Cadillac will be replacing the slow-selling DTS with the XTS.
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2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake released with 725hp

　
Las Vegas-based tuners Shelby are releasing another new set of mods for the Mustang. The limited edition 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake includes improvements both to power and performance.


The Super Snake gets a standard Ford Racing handling package, which includes lowered springs, adjustable dampers, front strut tower brace and tuned stabilizer bars. You can purchase the optional Shelby/Eibach handling package as well. Custom Alcoa 20-inch wheels surround the cross drilled rotors. A six-piston Shelby/Baer brake system is also part of the package, as are the front brake cooling ducts.


"Over the past 12 months, my team of hot rodders was hard at work on a Super Snake package for the next generation GT500," said Carroll Shelby. "Every lesson we learned kicking the competition around on the track over the past two years has been poured into this new car to keep Shelby owners out front."


That is why the company mounts an optional Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit, which raises power output to 725 horsepower. You can also take the car down a peg, and opt for the Ford Racing Supercharger, which helps to produce a maximum 630 hp and 590 ft-lb of torque. Either way, the driver will take control of a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio via the short-throw shifter. A Borla exhaust unit is also included on both.


Although the company does say that, "Exclusivity will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built," what they do not say is how few units will be produced. This information would surely be beneficial to anybody considering the car as an investment.


Visual changes begin with the new fiberglass hood, Super Snake striping, rear decklid lettering, and various badging. Shelby headrests and floormats are also included.


The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake will begin production in August. Pricing for the 630 hp package starts at $29,495, while the 725 hp kit goes for $33,495. Installation is included, but the price of the car is not.
via:worldcarfans

Michael Jackson dead - leaves behind large car collection

Michael Jackson 1988 Lincoln Town Car limousine

Jackson owned at least four limousines, including a 1999 Rolls Royce Silver Seraph that was unusually decorated, to say the least. Our friends at Jalopnik described it well, when they said, "The dark blue Seraph wears an interior which looks to have been pulled directly from the Palace of Versailles." Jackson was said to have designed the interior himself, which probably explains the generous use of 24-carat gold. The vehicle was said to have a 5.4-liter V12 aluminum engine that generated up to 322 horsepower.

Michael Jackson 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Touring Limousine

Back in February it was announced that a collection of items belonging to Michael Jackson would be auctioned off, including his own fleet of vehicles. Although that auction was cancelled in mid-April, it gave us a chance see how the King of Pop lived while being chauffeured around California.

Michael Jackson 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Limousine

Now that MJ has passed on, we decided to take a look back at these vehicles. It is unknown what will happen to many of the Neverland Ranch possessions (Jackson did have a lot of debt), and surely some of these will wind up either on the auction block, or in a museum.

Michael Jackson's 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special 4 Door sedan from Driving Miss Daisy

Jackson owned a 1990 RollS Royce Silver Spur II, trimmed in contrasting white leather and black fabric. Dark, tinted windows were adorned in white curtains, and a full-service bar that was used for god-knows-what. His white, 1988 Lincoln Town Car had a much more subdued interior that used gray leather and fabric. The fourth limo is the same 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood used during the filming of Driving Miss Daisy. Jackson's collection included a 1997 Neoplan Tour Bus with individual seats and booths, and a king's crown embroidered in the carpet. Possibly used on the HIStory World Tour, the bus featured a bathroom lined in porcelain, gold, and granite.

Michael Jackson 1988 GMC V Jimmy Half-Ton High Sierra Classic and 1993 Ford Econoline E150 van

Jackson other vehicles included a 1993 Ford Econoline van with leather seats, individual tv screens, and an old-school video game console, a 1986 GMC High Sierra firetruck, a 1988 GMC Jimmy, and a replica of a 1909 Detamble Model B Roadster. Amongst the collection was an electrified horse-drawn carriage, and a 2001 Harley Davidson touring police bike.

Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley electrified horse-drawn carriage Michael Jackson's custom Peter Pan golf cart Michael Jackson's black Dodge Viper mini-car with The Simpsons decorations Michael Jackson's 1909 Detamble Model B Roadster Replica
Source:worldcarfans

700-hp, twin-turbo Reed Speed Ford Mustang coming to a dealer near you

There's no shortage of Mustang tuners in this world, but Randall Reed Ford is removing the middle man and will begin offering its own "signature edition" 2010 Ford Mustang GT through Randall Reed stores and select dealerships across the country.

Developed in partnership with Artisan Performance, the Reed Speed SSE is packing a reworked engine, complete with forged rods, new pistons and Total Seal rings. The new internals drop the compression ratio to accept the 12 psi of dual-intercooled boost huffed through a set of Artisan Rear Mounted twin turbochargers. According to Reed, the combination is good for 700 hp, and will only be backed by a proper manual gearbox.

In addition to the engine mods, the stock stoppers have been replaced by 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers supplied by SSBC, while a custom body kit widens the track of the Reed Speed 'Stang by 1.5-inches in front and 3.0-inches in the rear. Housed within the stretched sheet metal are 20-inch iForged wheels, measuring 11 inches wide in front and 13 inches in the rear, and along with the two-tone custom BASF paint and smoked lens, each Mustang comes with a numbered plaque and "owner's package." There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but expect the SSE to be available later this summer.
Source:autoblog

Corvette ZR1 to get Upgrades & Price Bump in 2010

The cost to own America's own 638-horsepower supercar just got more expensive. GM recently released prices of all Corvette models to dealers and the 2010 Corvette will now start at $107,830. Add the required $1,700 gas guzzler tax for the Corvette ZR1 and the new out the door price increases to $109,530, an increase of $2,910 over the 2009's MSRP + gas tax of $106,620.


To offset the price bump, Chevy is equipping the '10 ZR1 with performance traction management technology, launch control and standard side air bags. According to GM, the PTM system "optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance" by modulating engine torque 100 times per second and automatically managing acceleration dynamics when exiting corners at full throttle.


The 2010 Corvette ZR1 does feature several new enhancements over the current model. New is the Performance Traction Management technology, Launch Control and standard side air bags. A new cashmere interior will be available later this fall and now the Corvette ZR1 can be ordered in any of the Corvette’s standard colors including Torch Red, Arctic White and Crystal Red Metallic.


Thankfully, the ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over untouched. With 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) of torque, the ZR1 rockets to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
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