Saleen shows off 351 Mustang prototype

Saleen wants to take back the crown of being the premium Ford tuner in the world to prove its supremacy in the segment, company founder Steve Saleen is all set to revive one of the brand’s most iconic productions from the years gone by. Trying to wipe the memory off the recent bad years from its fans’ minds, the tuner is now bringing back the iconic Saleen 351 Mustang albeit the modern day
iteration is still in a prototype form for the time being.

However, Saleen has promised that the model would be released in a production variant by the end of the year and tool to the Southern California based Knott’s Berry Farm where the prototype was shown off at the Fabulous Fords event. The model of course is more than just a simple revival of a classic model. In fact, the new vehicle would be an entirely new generation of model itself.

The original Saleen 351 Mustang was created and sold in ’99 where it used a 495 horsepower engine. However, to give the model currency, Saleen has given it a whole new powertrain built around the 296 setup. The powertrain thus features a supercharged 5.75-liter V-8 engine displacing 351 cubic inches. This new engine allows the model to displace 655 pound-feet of torque and a peak power output of 700 horsepower.

The prototype version of the model was shown off with an automatic transmission though Saleen claims that the production variant would be offered with both an automatic as well as a six-speed manual transmission. The prototype of the Saleen 351 Mustang featured an Orange County Orange finish as well as upgraded interior appointments wheels and body kit. Pricing, availability and trim options would be announced by Saleen at a later date.

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PONTIAC BANSHEE: T-TOP AND CONVERTIBLE ARE COMING

Remember the 2011 Pontiac Banshee model made by Hermance Design and Restore a Muscle Car? Probably Banshee and Lingenfelter TA are the best Pontiac conversions ever made so far. Both models are converted from 5th generation Camaro.

This time, Ben Hermance himself informed amcarguide.com: “We’re currently building a T-top car that Mike Lavallee of Killer Paint will be doing a custom flamed bird and graphics.  A Blue/White TA convertible that will follow that one.”

Sweet! Can’t wait for the real photos to come.

Source: www.amcarguide.com

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1970 FORD TORINO SUPER COBRA JET

Even though Ford Torino Cobra wasn’t as powerful as some other rivals, it was still a decent muscle car and strong enough on the road. The new 1970-1971 Torino was lower, wider, and longer with beautiful aerodynamic lines. 1970 saw the introduction of the 351 Cleveland engines in the Torino as well as the new 429 Thunder Jet, Cobra Jet, and Super Cobra Jet engine options. The top option of the 429 cubic engine was the 429 Super Cobra Jet which developed 375 HP. A regular 429 gained Super Cobra Jet [SCJ] name when the “Drag pack” was ordered. It required 3.91:1 or 4.30:1 axle ratio and included 4-bolt engine block, forged pistons, oil cooled, Holley carburetor and optional Ram Air induction which made no difference in power ratings.

source: www.amcarguide.com

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2012 FORD MUSTANG COBRA JET

Ford announced a 50-unit limited run of 2012 Cobra Jet Mustangs – the legendary turn-key ready drag race cars are legal for NHRA stock car racing, IHRA and NMRA classes only [photos above - 2010 model].
2012 Cobra will be based on 2010 Mustang and feature a aluminum 5.4 liter DOHC V8 with 2.3 liter TVS supercharger or 4.0 liter Whipple supercharger [430 HP and 500 HP]. Updated include Manley H-beam connecting rods, Strange Engineering brakes, a double keyed crankshaft snout, and black anodized wheels with Goodyears. 2012 Jet comes in red, Grabber Blue or Winner Whiter colors with optional graphics package.

source:www.amcarguide.com

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Dodge Challenger Vapor U.S. Air Force

American tuners Galpin Auto sports have created this custom for the U.S. Air Force to wheel out on their 2009 Super Car Tour.  This will be used as recruitment tools for the  military outfit.

The Dodge Challenger Vapor takes a different approach and features an all black matte finish designed to create a stealth bomber affect. Everything is black except for the headlights and tail lamps. Even the wheels are completely covered. 

The stealth-black Air Force Challenger ‘Vapor’ features a biometric access to open the Vertical doors, a custom Stealth body kit with Jet enhancements and a carbon fiber exterior trim. 

Inside, there is an infrared thermal imaging system paired with a heads-up display running the length of the windshield. This car also features a jet cockpit with three large LCD screens and switches to run with just two mufflers in whisper quiet mode.

The jet like feeling also translates to the Dodge Challenger Vapor thanks to the "radar-absorbing" stealth-black paintjob.  The military aspects only begin with the exterior look; stealth exhaust lets the vehicle run in near silence, but the driver can open the headers to create a surprise aggressive engine noise.  The Vapor requires biometric verification to gain entry to the driver compartment.  Once inside, the driver can view the night and thermal vision as it is projected onto the windshield.

However, if the driver is unable to get into the car, he or she can still command the vehicle from a remote control system modeled after the Air Force's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.  The remote system can be accessed worldwide through the internet.

The interior of the ‘Vapor’ is complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision via a film on the front windshield, and the most technologically-advanced computer system with remote control UAV-type access from anywhere in the world utilizing the internet.

Other exterior components include one-off carbon fiber wheels, a custom stealth exhaust mode that allows the vehicle to run in complete silence or you can open up the headers to facilitate the aggressive sound of the engine, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors, and a 360-degree camera with ¼ mile range.

The ‘Vapor’ also comes with two custom flight helmets in line with the Air Force theme of the vehicle.

About Galpin Auto Sports

Galpin Auto Sports, located in Van Nuys, Southern California, is widely known for its corporate and one-off vehicle designs, through its involvement with various movies and TV projects, including the 2008 “Knight Rider” series’ KITT car, the upcoming movie car in the thriller “The Red Mist” and the acting-home base of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”.

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Widebody Dodge Challenger SRT-8 by Ultimate Auto

Car tuner from Florida Ultimate Auto has finished on a project based upon an SRT-8 widebody Dodge Challenger. They built complete composite body panels and re skinned the entire side of the car to make room for the massive footprint. The massive wheels are covered with wider, vented fenders. Other details include the hidden electric door handles that pop open the much wider doors.

They installed a new front bumper with revised openings lending a modern look while the hood features a clear plexiglass window to make the Magnacharger supercharger visible. The rear bumper surrounds a massive center exit exhaust tip that tops off the Magnaflow exhaust system. The body features a custom two-tone finish that adds to the menacing look of this Hemi.

As for the wheels, they fitted it with Savini Forged wheels sizing 24×15 inches on all four axles. The wheels come with a huge 12 inch lip and a custom matte charcoal finish not to mention the floating center caps. These wheels are then wrapped in Pirelli 405/25-24 tires.

Just a recap, the SRT-8 is powered by a 392-cubic inch 470-horsepower 6.4 liter HEMI V8 engine that does 0-60mph in high four-second range. Its MSRP is $45,125.

info: gtspirit

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1968 L88 Corvette

Boasting a top speed of about 170 mph with a special order package, the 1968 L88 Corvette is thought to be the end-all, be-all in the Corvette world. The 550 bhp motor was designed specifically for racing and GM didn’t want the L88 on the open road due to its power. More standard features of everyday cars such as air conditioning and a radio weren’t even offered to make this powerful car less attractive to the common man.

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1969 Z28 Camaro

Not the most powerful, the 1969 Z28 Camaro was built for the excitement of road racing and loved for its sense of style and handling capabilities. Perhaps one of the most stylish muscle cars, this Camaro could do a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds though only at a speed of a little more than 100 mph. Despite that obvious lack of raw power, it was noted for its great handling with four-disc brakes, positraction and power steering.

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1965 Pontiac GTO

Possibly the one to start the American muscle car craze, the Goat or 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO option featured racing car options that remained inspirational long after it was out driven in speed and power. From 0-60 in 6.1 seconds was not shabby, but not awe-inspiring considering the next 10 years of muscle cars. Regardless, this muscle car has the chops to make this list just by starting the phenom that has turned car enthusiasts into weekend warriors under the hood.

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Muscle cars and e-bikes

Hello, guys! We strive to provide you with cool and unique articles about American Muscle cars and today we’re gonna talk about muscle cars and …. electric bikes. Yes, electric bikes![Via:musclevehicles.com]

You all know why carmakers build muscle cars – because people buy them, and they add luster to the brands. They’re wrapped up in the flag, right along with apple pie and motherhood. Does Car and Driver or Road & Track put Ford Fiestas on the cover, or Boss 302 Mustangs? Incidentally, that model first appeared in 1969 and 1970, which is when muscle car fever was in full bloom. No early muscle car had anything but a V-8 under the hood and that was amazing, but when you think about 1969 Boss 429 got 9-12 mpg on premium fuel.. well, that’s the other side of the coin. However, the new muscle cars era does better with about 17 mpg in the city and a credible 26 mpg on the highway. Back in the days the gasoline was 30 cents, now it’s $3.30 per gallon and don’t get me wrong – I love muscle cars, but recently I stumbled upon the Predator Offroad Electric Bike from REEF Bikes.

REEF Bikes is Australia`s Number 1 Electric Bicycle Brand providing quality electric bikes to suit your lifestyle. E-bikes are a fun and sustrainable form of transport – they help reduce traffic jams, C02 emmissions and public transport delays. Many people claim that cycling has its health benefits and that’s true, but what about people with health reasons, knee problems, etc. who love riding bikes? Well, as I said earlier, the Predator Offroad Electric Bike really got my attention.

With its 500 Watt powerful brushless electric motor, this bike can reach up to 30 km/h without pedaling within a few seconds! The dual disc brakes and monster dirtbike “Zoom” suspension take very good care of your safety, so that you may fully enjoy the offroad experience! According the specifications, the featured electric motor is powered by high quality Panasonic battery that fits inside the frame and you can go up to 50 km with one charge. Please note that it doesn’t charge while you pedal, because the aim is to make your pedaling easier, thanks to the Torque Sensor Pedal Assist.

Another cool feature is the 2 inch LCD digital display that will keep track of your speed, mileage, battery, etc. and the hydraulic suspension saddle will make your ride far more comfortable. I almost forgot about the Dual High-Beam Headlights – these provide great visibility and enhanced safety in low-light conditions. Anyway, you can view more details about this product at the manufacturer’s website.

In conclusion I will say that muscle cars will never die, despite President Obama is looking at a 56.2 mpg standard for 2025, but if you love cycling and want to do it in style, then you should definitely check out these e-bikes.

Via:musclevehicles.com

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1969 FORD MACH 1

The sight of this ’69 Mach 1 was a real jaw-dropper for Billy Jay Espich. It was buried under insulation, wooden boards, and other “stuff.” Rust poked through the tops and sides of the fenders, though Billy Jay could see original paint and factory side stripes. The Mustang sat low to the earth wearing flattened Tiger Paw 70 raised-white-letter tires on Magnum 500 rims.

The Mach 1 resided in a “rundown, horrible garage” with an alley outlet in Indianapolis. The scene was eerie, to say the least.

What led Billy Jay, a custom pinstriper and painter from the Indianapolis area, to this car was his driving his own ’69 Mach 1 down the street. A mechanic at a BMW dealership noticed and made a point to brag about a ’69 Mach 1 he owned.

Read more: hotrod.com

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1969 Chevy Camaro – Completely Custom

While some people are happy going out and buying a new Camaro with all the modern bells and whistles, others want to transform old iron in to 21st century modern marvels. Such is the case with this 1969 Chevy Camaro being built by the master fabricators over at Greening Auto Company for customer Dale Stuban. As Jesse Greening told us, “We wanted to restyle the ’69 as though it was being produced by Chevrolet in 2011, with all of today’s available components.” They did, however, decide to forgo the typical LS engine and, in a nod to the past, power it with the biggest-inch engine currently available in GM’s inventory: a 572ci big-block. Also, since real hot rods have three pedals, that mill will be backed by a Tremec five-speed transmission

Under the reworked body is a tubular chassis designed by Art Morrison Enterprises with a C5 Corvette suspension up front and a Ford 9-inch bringing up the rear. Custom one-off 19- and 20-inch wheels will roll around Wilwood binders. In terms of bodywork, it would be easier to tell you what they didn’t massage, since every panel has been tweaked. As an example of the extreme work being done, over 90 percent of the roof was removed and replaced with a custom-formed piece of Lexan.

 Source: www.camaroperformers.com

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1933 Duesenberg SJ Speedster

Isn’t she lovely? Even Stevie Wonder could see that this 1922 Duesenberg SJ Speedster is one of those cars which only comes around once a decade. Selling for a biblical $2.6 million on eBay, it goes down as the second most expensive classic car ever sold on the site, and easily one of the most justified.

Only 36 cars were ever produced, and all of them were given a supercharger and 320bhp – which, in 1933, would have been terrifying.Via: toptenz.net

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1967 Chevrolet Corvette

The standard Chevrolet Corvette is a lovely car, no doubt; but the special version, the L88 C2-generation Corvette, was the one to have. This car was bonkers fast and barely street-legal, thanks to a rumored 560bhp, race brakes, differential, and improved suspension. While the thought of 560bhp in 1967 may scare some of you, the buyer who shelled out $850,704 for this car on eBay clearly was not.

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1964 PLYMOUTH MAX WEDGE

Max Wedge and Hemi are the two most famous words in Mopar history. They have inspired several generations of Mopar enthusiasts to go faster and quicker than those that preceded them. These two engines can be directly linked to the spirit of the first 300C – a spirit of drive and determination coupled with engineering innovation and thinking “out of the box”. These traits have been a part of Mopar history since 1937 and continue today with exciting new products such as the Drag Paks, 426 crate engines and the Mopar 12. In 1964, the culmination of the inspiration to create performance parts was fully realized in Max Wedge and Hemi performance. Named Max Wedge to distinguish its combustion chamber shape from the famous Gen 2 Racing Hemi introduced in 1964, both Hemi and Wedge cars would become terrors on the street, strip and track. Available with a Chrysler built 4-speed transmission for the first time, the racer could still opt for the famous Torqueflite. With original horsepower ratings up to 425, the 426 ci designation continues to be revered by today’s Mopar enthusiast. With a signature cross ram manifold, still sold today by Mopar Performance in both Hemi and Max Wedge versions, these special vehicles are the stars at auctions across the country. Built in very limited numbers they have been cloned by countless enthusiasts and can still be seen at both local and national event drag races. The 1963 and 1964 Max Wedge cars, along with the 1964 426 Hemi car, truly represent the birth of the modern Mopar brand and are benefactors of the original notion of a line of Mopar Performance parts.

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1970 Plymouth GTX

The 1970 GTX received a minor redesign (new grille and rear taillights) but sales still suffered as the car did not look much different from the Road Runner. Stylists made the lines smoother, and a "power bulge" hood was introduced, as well as non-functional rear brake air scoops. The convertible model was dropped in 1970. The Air Grabber hood was brought back, but instead of having two narrow openings running length-wise as in 1969, it had one opening scoop located on the power bulge. The GTX was available with the standard 440 4 barrel, as well as the 440+6 barrel (three two barrel carburetors) and the 426 Hemi. The 440+6 could compete closely with the Hemi, up to highway speeds. In keeping with the GTX marketing strategy, the 1970 model included many standard features. The only other performance luxury model in Plymouth's lineup was the full-size Sport Fury GT, built on the C-Body platform. The GT was added to the lineup in 1970. The GT never received the recognition of the GTX, even though they shared many performance features. The Sport Fury GT was the full-size member of The Rapid Transit System. The Sport Fury GT was often viewed as more of a mature gentleman's performance luxury car.

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Gone In 60 Seconds Eleanor Mustang To Be Auctioned

The 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Eleanor from ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ will be auctioned off by COYS at the 2012 Autosport International show in Birmingham January 14th.

This is one of the three surviving cars, out of a total twelve built for the film. Not sure exactly if it’s the one in which Nicolas Cage made out with Angelina Jolie.

The movie star car was built by former Boyd Coddington designer Chip Foose based on Hot Rod illustrator Steve Stanford’s sketches. It features new wider wheel arches, a bonnet with a prominent bulge, a deep front valance and side skirts and a spoiler incorporated into the boot lid, plus PIAA lights were installed in both the nose and tail and a distinctive billet grille, all wrapped up is a magnificent metallic Grey with Black stripes.

The car also has Schmidt 17×8-inch wheels. The interior however remains standard Shelby with a big tachometer and roll hoop.

This particular Mustang is powered by a 351 cubic inch Ford Racing crate motor fitted with a ‘big’ camshaft and 700cfm Holley 4-barrel carburettor. It als features coilover suspension system and Willwood disk brakes all round with 6 piston callipers on the front. So it should be actually pretty good to drive.

That is why they expect it to fetch up to £100,000 in the auction. This Eleanor Mustang is one of only two original cars in private hands

via:http://www.motorward.com

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New Carbon Limited Edition Models for 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

he 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was the first car from Chevrolet that narrowed down the gap between racing and production cars. It has the closest and most striking connections with the Corvette racing cars. With the introduction of the 2009 Corvette ZR1, the gap was further narrowed down. Now, Chevrolet is further continuing this tradition with the advent of the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.The special edition vehicle is a tribute to Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 500 of these editions will be built. The car integrates the 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 from the Z06 with the suspension and brake package of the ZR1. The power capability of the Z06 remains unchanged, with a maximum power of 505 horsepower.
The most important addition to the Z06 lineup is the set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Other modifications include Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, Magnetic Selective Ride Control active suspension and a range of carbon fiber accessories.
Chevrolet is also offering an optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon and which can be installed on a regular 2011 Corvette  Z06. A different CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon-fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. This can be bought on its own or with the Z07 package for the regular Z06 models.
The Special Carbon Limited Editions shall be available in only two colors- Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. The car will be up for sale in late summer.

Via motorauthority

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Classic Design Concepts Brings On the Firebreather Camaro

Classic Design Concepts Firebreather, a movie car made for an upcoming Michigan-produced movie called Jinn, is now on sale announces the maker. Firebreather is based on the Chevrolet Camaro SS that combines the iconic elements of the dead Pontiac Firebird’s history with muscular lines of Chevrolet’s pony car. Classic Design Concepts has announced the crafting of 50 copies of this cruiser for sale to the public. Firebreather is powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 unit that delivers 599 hp to the rear wheels, mated to an automatic gearbox or to a six speed manual transmission.

The exteriors have been modified with hexagonal mesh grille inserts, dual headlamps with LED Halos, custom taillamps, new spoiler, personalized front fascia and lots more.

The interiors receive a special treatment with FireBreather Black interior Trim with red stitching, F1 style inserts, logo embroidery, special embroidered floormats, red ambient lighting on door trim panels and instrument cluster and so on.

The car has been priced for $60,000. For the unsatisfied souls, also offered with the car is the Eibach package, custom wheels and tires and a tuned exhaust that raise the pricing of the Firebreather to $85,000. Current 2010 Camaro owners can get the same performance package at participating General Motors dealerships for $34,000.

via: http://www.nitrobahn.com

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1972 CHALLENGER

While in 1971 Challenger-buyers could choose a Hemi engine that offered 425 horsepower, the top offering in 1972 was a 340 CID V8 rated at 240 horsepower. If that rating seems called compared to the rating of the same engine the previous year, it’s because 1972 was the first year that the government required car companies to report net horsepower as opposed to gross horsepower. The result was a rating that was closer to the power actually produced by the engines, but seemed to indicate less powerful cars, even though the performance was in fact exactly the same.
The only other two engine options available was the 225 CID slant six-cylinder engine that produced 110 horsepower that was standard in the base model and the 318 CID V8 that produced 150 horsepower, which came standard in the Rallye model. Last year’s low-cost “Deputy” model, which featured Dodge’s smaller 198 CID six was no longer offered, nor was the engine option.
Like every other pony car, Challenger sales declined in 1972 from the previous year. Total production stood at 26,658 cars, a number that represented a 10.79 percent drop from 1971.

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