2009 Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport Edition

General Motors is spicing up the Corvette lineup in lue of the new ZR1 with a Competition Sport package for 2009.



There's a bit of substance here, as the kit adds the Z51 Performance Package, performance exhaust system, differential cooler and a set of racing pedals to the standard 1LT package, resulting in a power peak of 436 horsepower.



Those planning on actually visiting the track can opt for the race-ready Z06 package and its 505-horsepower 7.0L V8. Visual mods for both versions include Competition Gray stripes, wheels and headlamps along with a splattering of "Jake" and CSR logos inside and out.



A set of racing numbers will also be delivered to the buyer based on the particular car's build sequence.



PRESS RELEASE



GM Announces 2009 Corvette Competition Sport Package



The Competition Sport Package, available on the 2009 Corvette Coupe 1LT and Z06 models, is the perfect Corvette for the enthusiast who attends driving schools and track events. The package includes Competition Gray exterior stripes, wheels, and headlamps; Corvette Racing 'Jake' and CSR logos on b-pillar, headrest, and center armrest; ebony interior with titanium embroidery; Corvette racing pedals; a special engine cover; and racing style numbers based on build sequence (to be installed by customer).

Video: Cobra Venom V8 Concept

The original Shelby Cobra is arguably the most famous and sought after car of it's era. It showed the world what light weight combined with a large American V8 could do, and won it's fair share of races in it's time.



There has been an endless number of kits and reproductions around for many years now, and now this Cobra Venom V8 concept has surfaced. Designed by Jamie Martin, this snake sports a theoretical 524 hp supercharged Ford V8. Check out the computer animated repop in the video.

News concerning Ford's future engines, including the 5.0!

PickupTrucks.com is reporting that by the end of 2010, Ford will alter the three engine options that currently make up the engine choices in the F-150. What is coming in time for the 2011 model year will be a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 code-named "Coyote."



Subbing the V6 EcoBoost for the V8 is about providing the same power with more efficiency. Said to be the premium engine for light-duty trucks, the direct-injection gas engine will offer something like 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque while carrying an EPA rating of "at least 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway." Those power numbers handily beat what you'll get from any of the current engines on offer, even though it's down two cylinders.



The "Coyote" 5.0-liter, modular, four-valve V8 will have "huge heads," and will return the same numbers as the V6: 400 hp and 400 lb-ft. This engine will become the standard F-150 lump, returning the same gas mileage as the current 5.4-liter but with much more power. This same engine will also reportedly find its way into the Mustang. That will leave the 6.2-liter V8 (the Boss) slated for the Raptor later this year as last engine choice (unless there's a 4-cylinder EcoBoost added in 2013), and it will go into special edition F-150s and the Super Duty trucks.



[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

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?

SEMA Dodge Challenger wrapup

The Chevrolet Camaro was the official vehicle of SEMA, but you couldn't walk ten feet without tripping over a Challenger at the show. Dodge's reborn pony car has been a big hit so far with the tuner crowd, and it was obvious by all of the variations seen at this year's SEMA.





George Barris' Red Demon – The flagship model of a three-car series, the Red Demon is packing a 725-hp, supercharged 6.1-liter V8, which motivates 20-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) rollers. However, no amount of power could help the Red Demon escape the long reach of the ugly stick. With an ungainly set of carbon fiber hood scoops, odd 3D roof stripe and a split rear spoiler, we're happy to report that production is limited.





Newport Convertible Engineering Inc – Dodge may have made the decision not to offer the Challenger sans roof, but a number of firms are stepping up to hack the lid off the modern-day muscle car. NCE made an admirable attempt at creating an OEM-like fit and finish, but it's still a bit rough and there's no word on additional bracing to avoid the chassis doing its best wet noodle impression.





Mopar Underground Blacktop – The brawny black brawler is only equipped with a cat-back exhaust, intake, coilovers and wheels, but what it lacks in mods it makes up for with presence.





Class Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody – Mixing a menacing stance with a Vortech supercharger, 15-inch Baer brakes and a KW coilover setup, the widebody Challenger is ready to do battle against its pony car competition.





Mr. Norm's AAR 'Cuda – Drag racing legend Mr. Norm is in touch with his inner speed demon and the result is this 900-hp (claimed) 'Cuda redux with SSBC brakes, forged wheels, Hotchkis suspension and a Plymouth-inspired grille.





Mopar Underground Targa – We're a sucker for road-going racers and particularly those that have a grueling campaign under their belts. The Targa Challenger hits both points and comes equipped with tweaked HEMI V8 putting out 540 hp and 490 lb.-ft. of torque to a Tremec six-speed manual and modified rear diff. The KW suspension and StopTech brakes round things out, making the Targa one of the most desirable Challengers on the floor.





Mopar Drift Challenger – Sam Hubinett is a lucky guy. Not only does he get to slide cars sideways for a living, but he gets to do it in this 850-hp Challenger. While it's hardly subtle, we're sure the paint scheme will catch spectator's eyes and we're digging the fender-mounted roller blade wheels to keep barrier brushes to a minimum.





Hurst HEMI – It's one of the most subtle and attractive Challengers on the floor, and even has those of us less than enamored by the coupe have a soft spot for the Hurst. The 530-hp, Stage 4 package helps too.





Group Five Limited TT G5/R – Two turbos, a tuned ECU and plenty of custom upgrades make the Group Five one of the most heavily modified Challengers on the floor.





Challenger SRT10 Concept – 8.4-liter Viper-sourced V10. Period. The Bilsteins, brakes and custom body panels are nice too. But 600+ hp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque does most of the speaking.

SEMA preview: GM Performance Parts 638hp LS9 Crate engine

GM has announced that the blown beast that lives under the hood of the new Corvette ZR1 will be available as a crate motor next fall. We can only imagine the possibilities that this will spawn.



With 639 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of twist available from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and dimensions shared by the LS3, any number of vehicles could make a happy home for the LS9. According to GM, the engine comes fully dressed, with an ignition system, exhaust manifolds and supercharger, and only needs an external oil tank and coolant tank (for the charge cooler), an ECU and wiring harness.

More pics of the Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

Following up on a previous video that was posted of the new Mustang FR500CJ engaged in some dragstrip action, we now have some more pictures of Ford's new Cobra Jet.



Ford is supposedly only going to build 50 of these dragstrip terrors, all of which are powered by a blown 5.4 liter 32 valve V8 based on the GT500 motor.



The engine has been breathed on heavily over the "stocker" and much has been stripped off the car to save weight. With it's "big and little" tire combo, it looks track ready.



We'll have more details on the FR500CJ when they become available. And seriously, if you haven't seen the video, check it out here. It's well worth it just to hear the this thing run down the strip.

MTM supercharged Audi R8

MTM is a well known aftermarket company that has been injecting power into Audis for over 20 years. Now they have put all of that experience into developing a new twin-screw supercharger system that pairs up to the 4.2-liter V8 in the Audi R8. The addition of forced induction brings total output to 552 hp.



In addition to the supercharger kit, MTM also offers a complete line of products for the R8 including brake upgrades, 20" forged wheels, high-flow exhaust system, and a variety of exterior style upgrades.



MTM R8R Technical Data:



engine V8 compressor, twin srew supercharger belt driven

capacity in ccm 4163 ccm

drilling x stroke in mm 84,5 x 92,8 mm

densification 12,5 : 1

gearbox construction type 6-speed manual gearbox

power (max.) 560 PS (412 kW) bei 7.750 U/min

supercharging pressure (max.) 0,55 bar bei 7.750 U/min

torque (max.) 580 Nm bei 5.500 U/min

Vmax limited (unlimited) 301 km/h (315 km/h)

acceleration 0 -100/200 km/h: 3,9 sec./12,5sec

drive permanent all-wheel drive Quattro

brakes VA 380 x 34 punched, ventilated

HA 356 x 32 perforated, ventilated

rims VA mtm bimoto Forged 9 x 20" ET 42

HA mtm bimoto Forged 11 x 20 ET 50

tyres VA Michelin Sport Cup 245/30-20"

HA Michelin Sport Cup 315/25-20"

Performance West Group Ford F-350 Striker to debut at SEMA

In stock form, the Ford F-350 is a formidable sight. It looks much like a freight train coming down the highway, both in size and looks. It's the perfect platform for excess.



Enter the F-350 Striker, a heavily fortified show truck version of the F-350 created by the mad scientists at Performance West Group which will make it's debut at SEMA. Part truck and part Mustang GT500KR, the Striker will be intimidating other, lesser vehicles at the show.



Gale Banks is tuning the PowerStroke V8 engine above its 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. Hulst Customs is fabricating the bodywork. American Lightweight will be providing the aluminum 24" wheels. Katzkin Leather and Sony are doing duty inside to make sure you enjoy what will surely be a monster system in beauteous comfort.



The truck will then be covered in Striker Silver and Badass Blue before being set loose. Even if the thought of fueling the thing up scares you more than seeing it behind you on the highway, the Striker would make a nice driveway conversation piece.

Saleen to introduce "Dark Horse" Mustang

With the 2010 Mustang set to debut in November, time is running out for special edition versions of the current pony car. Saleen is going out with a bang in respects to the current model with it's recently announced "Dark Horse" Mustang.



The super 'stang will feature the 620 horsepower V8 from the S302 Extreme plus the SuperShaker system that combines a functional ram air system with Saleen's twin-screw supercharger system - a first for a Saleen production car.



The "Dark Horse" will sport the Heritage body style and have additional features exclusive to the model. Production will begin in the Fall of 2008, and only 25 will be produced.



The car will officially debut next week, we'll bring you additional details when that happens.

2008 Mercedes Brabus Bullit Black Arrow

Just how fast is too fast? Most humans barely ever experience 150 mph in a car, let alone 200 mph. Can anyone really tell the difference between 195 mph and 200 mph? Once you experience speed in this elite range, it can be hard to tell the difference.



"It's not so much the actual experience that counts, but the imagination of what it might be like to do 200, 210, or 220 mph," says a grinning Ulrich Gauffrés, the head honcho of Brabus's R&D department. "With the long axle ratio, the Mercedes Brabus Bullit Black Arrow could theoretically exceed 230 mph. But because of the extreme mix of power, torque, and load, we pull the plug at 350 kph [217 mph]. Incidentally, all our customers so far have opted for the more explosive but ultimately less dramatic shorter final-drive ratio."



Four of these uber sedans have been built to date, none have exceeded 196 mph as of yet. That's fast by any one's standards except for maybe the firm that builds them, Brabus, who has a long history of building fast Mercs. Plant your foot on the gas pedal and general mayhem ensues. Tires spin uncontrollably, the rear tries to take over the front. But when your punishing the rear axle with 974 lb ft of torque, that can be expected. As a matter of fact, the bad Brabus has to be chip restricted to 811 lb ft to somewhat protect the rest of the drivetrain.



Masochists can opt for the total package by opting for the matte black finish for an extra $6200.



Powering this freight train is a 6.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 that musters 720 hp at 5100 rpm and serves up 811 lb-ft of torque from 2100 rpm. Compared with the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter unit that it's based on (the one that powers Mercedes-Benz's S600, CL600, and SL600 models), the uprated engine features a longer-stroke crankshaft, bigger-bore cylinders, special pistons and connecting rods, high-performance camshafts, and a free-flow exhaust that's brutal enough to crack an egg from a mile away.



The transmission is a five speed automatic, which is reasonable since it's recommended that you keep both hands on the wheel to prevent being embarrassed. Traction and stability control help, too, as do the 285/30YR-19 rear Yokohamas, which are a little fatter than the 265/30YR-19 footwear on the front wheels. Other chassis upgrades include beefier antiroll bars, a wider track, high-performance brakes, and a specially prepared ten-way-adjustable spring and damper setup. Extra money buys carbon-ceramic brake discs, but the standard setup is better-suited for everyday use. Combining twelve-pot fixed calipers and 15.0-inch rotors in the front with six-piston calipers and 14.2-inch discs in the back, the Bullit decelerates with vigor.



the 4079-pound Bullit will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to Brabus. After 10.5 seconds, the Bullit reaches 124 mph. Give it fourteen more seconds, and it will thunder past 186 mph, still gaining momentum. While lesser cars like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG or the BMW M5 start to run out of steam at 155 mph, the monster from Brabus keeps charging ahead. To save stress and fuel, fifth gear is summoned relatively early, but there is still so much oomph on tap that this maximum Merc doesn't run into an invisible wall until an indicated 202 mph, which is all the relatively short 2.65:1 axle permits.



Unfortunately, no Bullits will be officially sold in the U.S. For those who are so inclined, the asking price will be around $587,000 and up. But if you're a millionaire looking for an outrageously fun toy, this car's for you.

Ford to charge $700 for EcoBoost option, F-150 to have 340+ horsepower

Image by Ford Motor Company via Flickr Ford will reportedly charge $700 for it's upcoming EcoBoost engines as an option on many of it's future vehicles when the engine goes on sale in 2009. The first of the EcoBoost engines will be a 3.5L V-6 that will first find its way into the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and the 2010 Ford Flex crossover.



A version of the engine is on it's way for the 2010 F-150 that will reportedly develop in excess of 340 hp and at least as much torque, easily besting the present the F150's 300 hp 5.4L V-8.



Ford is heavily promoting it's EcoBoost engines, which are turbocharged four and six cylinder engines, as an alternative to V8 power with much better gas mileage. Ford will use the increased efficiency of the smaller engines as an explanation of the increased premium in price.



Six cylinder EcoBoost engines will feature direct injection and twin turbos. The smaller four cylinders will use single turbos. The EcoBoost has produced a lot of positive PR for Ford, but we'll have to reserve judgement until they finally hit the road next year.



Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their line of Ford F150 Truck Parts.

Saleen introduces the new Racecraft brand at Mustang Week 2008!

Today at Mustang Week 2008 in sunny, tourist laden Myrtle Beach, Saleen introduced it's newest brand to the general public. Dubbed Racecraft, it's premise is affordable performance packages for Mustangs. "The Racecraft moniker has been synonymous with Saleen performance since the first Saleen Mustang, "said Saleen Automotive General Manager, Marques McCammon. "Racecraft is a brand that our enthusiasts know as the secret sauce in Saleen suspensions, now that brand name will grow to encompass a full line of exciting performance vehicles." The Racecraft brand will prove not only great value for it's customers, but also an easy canvas for customization and business first styling that puts go before show. Sounds like they're talking my language! "This formula is one of legitimate performance that you can see, hear, and feel. It just seemed a natural for us to say that Racecraft will `Power Your Senses` ", said McCammon. Racecraft model names will correspond with the horsepower package that is offered with each model. For instance the first model in the lineup, the 420S, will feature a 420 horsepower supercharged V8. Each Racecraft vehicle will also feature the signature Racecraft suspension, Bridgestone performance tires, light weight aluminum alloy wheels, race inspired graphics and signature interior accents. Each vehicle is backed by a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. Consumers will be able to purchase an array of performance additions that can boost power to 475 hp without voiding their factory warranty. Pricing for the 420S will be in the sub $40,000 range, which will include transportation and applicable federal taxes. Typical parts for the car will run below $1000. "There are many customers out there who want to experience extreme performance reasonably priced; we designed the Racecraft brand with this buyer in mind, says McCammon. There was a lot of speculation at first that Racecraft would replace the Saleen moniker, but this is false. The brand is intended to be an entry level model for Saleen, much like a Ford compared to a Lincoln. The 420S is just the first in a entire line of future products. "Consumers should expect to see the next Racecraft model as early as the fall", said Product Planning Director, Julie Zona. I'm pretty surprised that it took this long for someone to have such a great idea come to fruitation. With the announcement of the Challenger drag package, let's hope that more companies follow suit and build some affordable bare bones muscle cars, just like the old days! RaceCraft 420S Mustang features: · Racecraft 4.6L SOHC Supercharged V-8 · Horsepower: 420 @ 5800 RPM · Torque: 400 ft.-lbs. @ 4000 RPM · 39 lb. fuel injectors · 98 mm mass airflow sensor · hi-flow inlet tube and air box cover · Performance air filter · Racecraft specific rate front and rear coil springs · Racecraft front struts (N2) · Racecraft rear shocks (N2) · Racecraft front sway bar and pivot bushings · Bridgestone Potenza All-Season Performance Radial Tires · 18"x9" Front and 18"x10" Rear Aluminum Alloy `Torque Blade` wheels · Racecraft exterior badging · Racecraft logo side rocker graphics · Racecraft `420S` performance vinyl hood graphics · Racecraft rear decklid graphics · Racecraft 180 MPH silver faced speedometer with MyColor feature · Satin aluminum instrument panel upgrade · Racecraft steering wheel badge · Leather-wrapped steering wheel · Leather wrapped billet aluminum shift knob · Leather shift boot · Performance cloth seats with Racecraft embroidered headrest · $38,995 MSRP