2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 at the Detroit Auto Show

Not like anyone is in any way surprised, but here it is! The 2010 Shelby GT500 made it's official debut today at the Detroit Auto Show, and it's just as fabulous as we thought it would be.



In ironic fashion, the Shelby made it's debut directly after Ford's EV presentation. But $1.50 gas makes the new snake a little easier to swallow right now. And besides, who's gonna drive one of these things daily?



Thoughts of a lithium ion-utopia were vaporized when Fields theatrically announced the arrival of "the best Mustang ever." On cue, a Torch Red GT500 coupe with white stripes and a Grabber Blue GT500 ragtop with red stripes roared into the arena.



Carroll Shelby emerged from the red car, and a big hug was exchanged between Fields and the living legend, who just turned 86. With the pleasantries out of the way, the GT500s left trails of rubber as they made way for the star of Ford's show.



PRESS RELEASE



2010 FORD SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE POWERFUL PUNCH





Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 increased to 540 horsepower, torque increased to 510 foot-pounds, downforce increased and drag reduced

New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency

Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and "Gurney Flap" spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet

2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring



DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 1, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too.



"The 2010 Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford's continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, the 2010 Shelby GT500 is an estimated 2 miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway."



"We're proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we've now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. "Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive."



Ford's Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR "King of the Road" Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobras from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.



"Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang," stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang's leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable."



"The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive," said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. "We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that."



More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality

The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.



The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine expected to produce 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car's aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby's appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.



The Shelby's open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine's efficiency.



A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.



The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust.



A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.



The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.



The Shelby's distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.



"You still hear the supercharger but not so that it's intrusive," said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. "It's the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you're driving something special, but you don't want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.



"We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It's a nice balance; one isn't overpowering the other."



Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT's signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.



Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control.



The team also stiffened the steering shaft.



"All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible," Hameedi said. "The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear."



The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a "recipe" for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear's team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.



The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates "blade" spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.



The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. The default "on" mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford's Personal Safety System.



Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.



"We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible," Baldori said. "We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can't go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths.



"The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we've increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Shelby GT500."



Directing the air so it's used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car's "flush" hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler. SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500's distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.



A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Mustang lineup. "The design we chose was a 'flush' hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle," Hameedi said. "That's very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very, very different from the base Mustang."



"This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang," added George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. "It's all about power and expressing power."



Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.



Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. "Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles," Hameedi notes. "That's something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition."



Rounding out the Shelby's exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features, round out the exterior modifications. "We wanted the spoiler raked back aggressively to minimize drag, but we also have an integrated Gurney Flap that provides the downforce," Saridakis said.



What's inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500

The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.



Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. "You'll definitely know you're in a Shelby," said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, Shelby GT500.



The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the "GT500" logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.



This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang's powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word "SHELBY" engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.



All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red "SVT" logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.



"When customers drive this car, they're not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they're going to see all these carefully designed details and know they've bought a well-crafted car," Saridakis said.



Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional "H" pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.



Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500

The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including:

SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.



911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.



Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer's paired and operable mobile phone.



Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.



Available options:

Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.



This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.



The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring. The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

Autoblog drives the Hurst Hemi Challenger

Well, somewhat of a first drive. Although they were limited to 25 mph, the folks at Autoblog were able to obtain some opinions on what makes the car tick.



The speed limitation was due to the fact that the car still wears prototype wheels, in all their retro glory. The car itself is a nice homage to Hurst's glorious history of making shifters as well as the Hurst Olds of the 1970's. The gold and white package complete the package.



For the complete and somewhat limited, driving impressions, head over to Autoblog.

Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series on the dyno

Mercedes isn't playing games with it's new SL65 AMG Black Series, especially with it's powerplant. The V12 is very potent on it's own, but a pair of turbos ensure that the Black Series is ridiculous enough to warrant it's high price tag.



Automobile decided to see just what kind of numbers they could pull with this shiny new Mercedes on the dyno. And it didn't disappoint, laying down 573 hp @ 5300 rpm and 682 lb-ft @ 3620 rpm at the rear wheels. The Black Series SL65 showed its superiority over the S65 AMG, as the more spartan AMG Benz put down 36 fewer ponies and 61 fewer lb-ft. At 5500 rpm, the Black Series' beefier turbos out-muscled the the S65 by 100 hp and 100 lb-ft.



Source: Automobile Magazine

Cobra Technology Nissan GT-R

Cobra Technology has released some pictures and info on it's tuned Nissan GT-R, the Cobra N+ Tuning Concept. Here's what you need to know: When equipped with the Stage One package, output rises to 550 hp while torque grows to 500 lb-ft. So equipped, Cobra says its GT-R will run to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and max out at 199 mph. If that isn't enough, a planned race performance version is expected to pump out 620 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.



To get those numbers, Cobra reprograms the ECU, ups the boost pressure by 0.15 bar and modifies the air intake. A new free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust system is also in the works and the upgrades aren't just restricted to the engine bay. Cobra has worked its magic on the suspension, wheels and brakes. Three-piece, 21-inch, lightweight rollers make room for eight-piston brake calipers and 15.9-inch discs up front, and the coil-over suspension features adjustable ride height and damper rates.



The interior gets two options: luxurious Alcantara and leather, or racing-spec carbon fiber seats and a roll cage. Exterior changes include a front fascia claimed to reduce lift and improve cooling, new rocker panels, and a reworked rump with an integrated diffuser and a larger wing.



The Cobra N+ tuning program will be available when the Nissan GT-R reaches the European market in the spring of 2009. Check the press release below for more juicy details.



PRESS RELEASE



The COBRA N+ Tuning Concept for the New Nissan GT-R



Rarely has a new car attracted this much attention a full year before its official market launch. The Nissan GT-R reaches for the stars on the wings of a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine with 485 hp / 356.9 kW and permanent four-wheel drive. The development of an extensive tuning program at COBRA N+, the division of Cobra Technology amp; Lifestyle (Alleestrasse 15-19, D-33818 Leopoldshohe, Germany, phone +49 / (0) 52 02 / 99 92 60, fax +49 / (0) 52 02 / 99 92 50, Internet www.cobra-sor.com) that exclusively deals with the customization and tuning of Nissan automobiles, is running at full steam.



Power can only be substituted with more power. The COBRA N+ engineers are already hard at work developing engine tuning for the turbocharged engine. The first tuning stage is projected to deliver 550 hp / 404.8 kW, with an increase in torque to 680 Nm. To achieve this goal the engine electronics are reprogrammed, boost pressure is increased by 0.15 bar and the air intake is modified with sport air filters. Also under development is a free-flow COBRA N+ stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts.



Thus powered the Nissan GT-R from COBRA N+ will sprint to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of some 320 km/h. Plans exist for a COBRA N+ RACE PERFORMANCE engine version with 620 hp / 456.3 kW and a peak torque of approximately 800 Nm.



COBRA N+ also adds further sporty character to suspension, wheels and brakes of the new top-of-the-line model from the Japanese carmaker. Three-piece, extremely lightweight 21-inch COBRA N+ light-alloy wheels are slated to fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. They'll also create the necessary space for COBRA N+ eight-piston brake calipers and 405-mm brake discs on the front axle. A COBRA N+ coil-over suspension gives the sports car even better handling. It features a multitude of selectable settings for ride height and damper rates.



The COBRA N+ tuning concept for the GT-R also includes a sporty designer suit. The front of the two-door car receives added character with a new COBRA N+ front apron with large air dams. The aerodynamic-enhancement part also reduces lift on the front axle and improves cooling-air supply of radiators and front brakes. COBRA N+ rocker panels ensure optimal air flow between front and rear wheel arches. The rear is upgraded with a new COBRA N+ rear apron with integrated diffuser, and a larger COBRA N+ rear airfoil. The COBRA N+ Speed and Stripes decal kit accentuates the striking lines of the sportscar.



For customizing the interior COBRA N+ offers two different options. Nissan GT-R owners can choose from a luxurious COBRA N+ interior with specially sewn upholstery for seats and doors, made from a high-quality combination of leather and Alcantara, and a COBRA N+ racing cockpit with ultra-light carbon-fiber racing seats, six-point seatbelts and roll cage.



The COBRA N+ tuning program for the Nissan GT-R will be available for the car's European market launch in the spring of 2009.

Zenvo ST1, a Danish 1,104 horsepower twin charged machine

In spite of the dwindling economy and rising gas prices, supercar upstarts are seemingly coming out of the woodwork. Lamborghini posted record sales and profit this past year, so those wealthy executives must be compelled to spend nonetheless.



The latest company to trot out a 1000+ horsepower super ride is Danish based Zenvo Automotive, with it's new ST1. The car features a mid-mounted turbocharged and supercharged 7.0 liter V8, pumping out an amazing 1,104 horsepower complete with a six speed transmission.



The project was started back in 2004, with the first cars being planned for sale in 2009. The initial performance tests were completed in October and the car ran from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds (with no traction, we can imagine). The run to 120 mph was done in under nine seconds and top speed is an electronically limited 233 miles per hour.



The Zenvo ST1 is a unique looking ride that is sure to separate you from the run of the mill average supercar. After all, who wants to drive a boring old Lambo or Ferrari?

Innotech Chevrolet Corvette

Independent Czech manufacturer Innotech first came on the automotive scene in 2000 with the Mysterro, a supercar with a carbon fiber and Kevlar body and a Corvette V8. The company initially planned a run of 25 cars, but only one was produced.



Now Innotech is back on the scene with a new styling package for the C6 Corvette with additional upgrade options for the interior, brakes, wheels, suspension, and engine.



The design has a heavy Italian influence as evident primarily by the front end design. A speedster will follow, along with Z06 and ZR1 options. The package is a nice alternative for those looking to distance themselves from the typical Corvette crowd.



[Source: Innotech]





PRESS RELEASE:



INNOTECH's Corvette lineup, starting in January 2009 with modified C6 Corvette coupe and convertible (based on 2005-2009 models), is for sports car enthusiasts seeking exotic body styling combined with great performance. INNOTECH Corvettes offer the best mix of unique styling, exiting performance and great value for money.



Styling: Compared to a stock C6 Corvette Coupe or Convertible, INNOTECH´s approach results in a more distinctive looking, sporting, and elegant body design, evoking an Italian lineage. INNOTECH Corvette features a new front and rear fascia which set it appart from competition. Combined with new INNOTECH rear window side louvres, the styling of the car stands out of the crowd. There is a choice of stock or louvered hood, with other distinctive body parts coming in 2009. A wide body kit will also be available for C6 Coupe and Convertible. All new INNOTECH body parts are made in fiberglass or carbon fibre.



Corvette interior upgrades include fine Italian or English leather and optional carbon fibre seats with leather upholstery.



INNOTECH Corvette styling packages can be combined with various performance upgrades (from mild to wild).



Brakes: BAER or Brembo 14´´(355mm) or 15´´(380mm) ventilated, drilled and slotted rotors, 4 or 6 piston calipers.



Wheels: forged aluminum 9x19´´ front and 12x20´´rear, HRE or Forgeline (also with optional center lock hub), offered in several wheel designs. Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels option.



Exhaust systems: modified headers, mufflers and tips for better flow, sound and appearance.



Engines and transmissions: Corvette engines : LS2 (6.0L) or LS3 (6.2L), performance modified to 500 hp – 560 hp if naturally aspirated, or 600 hp – 1000 hp supercharged or twin-turbocharged. The engines are mated with Corvette 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.



Performance: INNOTECH Corvette C6 Coupe (e.g. naturally aspirated 560 hp LS3 engine) with approx. 1400 kg curb weight has one of the best power/weight ratios available. Supercharged and turbocharged versions give extreme, but streetable supercar performance.



Several distinctive INNOTECH Corvette Packages and Limited Editions, both performance and luxury oriented, will be offered to discriminating buyers in 2009.



During 2009 we will create an exiting INNOTECH C6 Speedster, as well as customized INNOTECH C6 Z06 and ZR1 versions (the above mentioned INNOTECH rear fascia and rear window side louvres already fit Z06 and ZR1 models). – With five distinctive bodies for the sixth generation Corvette, combined with many performance upgrades, INNOTECH will offer more attractive Corvette choices than anyone. Although INNOTECH company is based in the Czech Republic, INNOTECH cars will be assembled in the USA. Modified Corvette parts as well as complete cars will be delivered worldwide, while USA is supposed to become a key market for INNOTECH Corvettes.



CONSTRUCT company, the largest Czech manufacturer of vehicle anti-theft systems, has been technological partner of INNOTECH Corvette project.



For more info please visit INNOTECH Corvette new web site www.innotechcorvettes.com which is currently under construction and will be launched around New Year.

SSC Ultimate Aero: 1287 hp, top speed of 270 mph

The numbers tell it all. Not content with taking the Guiness Book top speed world record, SSC has revamped the Ultimate Aero for 2009 to make it even faster. The 2008 model sported a healthy 1187 hp, but SSC has bumped it to 1287 hp thanks to a new one piece billet aluminum block that improves structural integrity and and oiling capabilities.



Helping to push all that horsepower through the air is a redesigned front fascia with a new center grille opening, as well as carbon fiber louvers that feed 20% more air to the radiators. The aerodynamic changes, combined with the increased power, yield an estimated 270 mph top speed.



SSC has also given the interior a thorough refresh, adding carbon fiber trim to the dash, air vents, door sills, and around the gauge cluster. A new center console features an Azentek PC Infotainment system that can process the car's onboard diagnostic system.



There's no word on whether they'll attempt to best their top speed record achieved earlier this year, but we're sure SSC would like to further distance themselves from the Bugatti Veyron or the 9ff GT9.



[Source: Shelby Supercars]





PRESS RELEASE:



After holding the "World's Fastest Production Car" title for the past year, the Shelby SuperCars' Ultimate Aero is receiving several refinements for the 2009 model year. The SSC engineering team equipped the 2009 Ultimate Aero with a 15% increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and an array of important interior upgrades. The most substantial change is an SSC-designed, 1-piece billet aluminum engine block. A milestone for the limited-production automobile manufacturer, the new block improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing SSC to boost the power output to 1287 horsepower while improving durability.



Armed with the more powerful new engine, the '09 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 MPH, raising the benchmark for supercars and pushing the limits of current production car technology. In order to accommodate the '09 Ultimate Aero's unique fuel system requirements, SSC turned to American company Aeromotive to develop a flawless system. The aggressive nose is redesigned with enhanced aerodynamics to accommodate the 2009 Ultimate Aero's higher top speed, and carbon fiber louvers on the side intakes draw in an additional 20% of air into the radiators for improved cooling. The improvement in overall performance will widen the already sizeable gap between the Ultimate Aero and its competitors. The '09 Ultimate Aero also introduces the AeroBrakeTM a rear spoiler system that deploys under braking situations. Finished in carbon fiber, the rear spoilers actuate up an additional 8" when the brake pedal is depressed. The speed of the spoiler actuation is set by the amount of brake pedal pressure. The complete AeroBrakeTM system can be disabled by the push of a button, for town driving or situations where braking and downforce assistance are not necessary.



Rounding out the '09 Ultimate Aero's improvements is a revamped interior. A redesigned dash prominently displays sleek, exposed carbon fiber dash halves and inset air vents. Carbon fiber accents run along the doorsills, surround the new gauge cluster, and continue onto a revised steering column, which includes an analog speedometer and tachometer with a sequential shift light integrated into the tachometer needle. The new center console incorporates a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor along with an Azentek PC base Infotainment unit. The revolutionary Azentek unit offers all the capabilities of a PC and processes SSC's onboard diagnostic software.



For more information, go to www.ShelbySuperCars.com

Steve Saleen announces 2010 Signature Series Mustangs

It seems like yesterday when the 2010 Ford Mustang finally made it's official debut, and the hype has been non stop. Tuners have expectedly jumped on the wagon to develop parts and special edition versions of the Mustang. With the economy as flat as it is, a series of new pony cars this year and next will hopefully help to revive the aftermarket.



Steve Saleen has announced the first special edition of the new car, called the Signature Series 460 Mustangs. Each will features a supercharged version of the 4.6 liter V8, starting out at 475 horsepower and going all the way up to 650. The mechanicals of the new Mustang are largely carryover from the previous model, which is good news for enthusiasts as a full market of parts is already available.



Aerodynamic enhancements for the SMS Mustang will be penned by noted designer Phil Frank, and the cars will also feature upgrades for the drivetrain, suspension, tires, wheels and more upscale interior. Check the press release below for more details.



[Source: SMS Supercars]



PRESS RELEASE:



Dec 14, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen announced today that he and his new company SMS (Steve's initials) will design, engineer, certify and manufacture an all-new family of ultra-high performance Mustangs. Steve's 25 year legacy with the Mustang will continue into the next quarter century with the launch of his 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs.



The introduction of the SMS 460 Mustangs keeps Steve Saleen in the saddle with the model that made him famous as a manufacturer of high performance sports cars. Since leaving his former company, Saleen, Inc., Steve has entered exciting new territory with SMS. The first products to wear the new badge - the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger, will begin shipping in late January.



"After 25 years of rich Mustang heritage, I am excited to begin work on the 2010 model" explains Steve. "Ford has hit the spot with the excellent new Mustang package and has provided me with an outstanding starting point. "The SMS 460 Mustangs will be truly world class performance vehicles and they will be available though the entire Ford dealer network!"



Hinting at the character of his latest creation, Steve says, "We are carrying over a host of performance features and innovations from my SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary model, which is a stunning performer and an aesthetic beauty!"



The fully-certified and street-legal SMS 460 Mustangs are based on the exciting 2010 Mustang GT platform and will feature an SMS Supercharged 4.6L engine with power ratings from 475 to over 650 horsepower! Both models will feature extensive design refinements and performance innovations, including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components. Look for all-new and upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.



"The 2010 Mustang already has an exciting and sculptural exterior, as well as new, up-scale interior," notes Phil Frank, SMS Chief Creative Officer. "The SMS 460 Mustangs will evolve our design DNA in a more aggressive and aerodynamic direction."



Each of these limited edition vehicles will be hand signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Annual production volume will be restricted, adding to the exclusivity of ownership. Contracts are issued on a first-come first-served basis and deposits are now being accepted for early production numbers scheduled for build in the second quarter of 2009.



Interested customers can contact SMS Supercars directly by calling (714) 400-2121 or by logging onto to www.smssupercars.com.

Video: 2010 Ford Mustang gets busy

Introducing the 2010 Ford Mustang

From all accounts, the new 2010 Ford Mustang is a marked improvement over it's predecessor in every way. We had to wait an agonizingly long time to see the car in it's entirety, and now we have to wait to drive or purchase one.



But in the meantime we can take solace watching some Ford drivers take the pony car through it's paces for the cameras. What you will witness here is 44 seconds of an intoxicating exhaust note along with a nice donut and smoky burnout. Is there any other way to drive one?



Okay, so it's obviously CGI. And it's the same video you see when you go to the official 2010 Mustang site. But hey, it's all we got right now.

Hand made Lamborghini built in a basement sees the light of day

This is actually old news, but it was lost amoungst all the mayhem between SEMA and the L.A. auto show. The story is so incredible, however, that we were determined to post this as a credit to the craftsmanship and amazing dedication that was poured into this project.



Seventeen years ago, Ken Imhoff watched Cannonball Run and became so enamored with the Lamborghini Countach in the film, he hand-built his own, in his basement. In what we imagine might be the most Jalopnik build ever undertaken, Ken designed and fabricated his own tig-welded frame, installed a thoroughly massaged 351 cubic inch V8 with a ZF-25 5-speed transmission, hand-formed the aluminum body over a meticulously measured and accurate body form, and finished it all off in a beautiful metallic gray. It took Ken 10 years to complete the project, and the results — as you can see in the gallery — are amazing. There's only one problem, when you build a car in a basement — how do you get it out?



Ken went into the project fully aware of the problem of a getting the car out of his basement — it was your classic ship-in-a-bottle project problem. When the faux Lambo was complete, he actually hired a contractor to knock out a part of the basement wall, build an earthen ramp, and then drag the car out of its subterranean workshop.



A little history on the car.

100% hand crafted Countach out of aluminum and a space tube frame. All aluminum body formed on a wooden buck using an English wheel. My own design space frame with Corvette hubs and custom A-arms. Mated to a ZF-25 5 speed. S.S. 180 degree headers GT40 design "bundle of snakes" Boss 351 bored stroked to 377 515hp 48 IDA Webbers. One off TransAm BBS rim shells to my own center section wheels. Custom brake package to fit 16" wheels. Fuel cell, twin aluminum sprint car (Howe) radiators. All aluminum interior with leather dash, Momo seats and 5 point harness, on board halon fire bottle. quick release steering wheel. Low to the ground at 2700 lbs. 100% body correct by using a real Countach to measure from. Over 10 years in the making.



Major kudos to you, Ken! It's folks like you that keep our hobby alive, and show that anything is possible with the right amount of dedication and time, not to mention money!