Double, double toil and trouble, fire burn, and cauldron bubble… burn Ferrari burn! We don’t know if Shakespeare's Weird Sisters had anything to do with it, but a scene like this truly breaks our heart. According to the guys at Diariomotor, the above Ferrari 355 GTB had an engine failure that set it on fire while circulating at the “Avenida General de la Paz” in Via: Diariomotor 
Via: Jalopnik
Mon Dieu - the mother of all Caminos: a 1969 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow converted into a pick-up truck! We’re more than stunned we’re practically left speechless with Sir Bumblebee here that’s for sale on DuPont Registry. According to its current owner, the Rolls was converted by Foreman Motors ιn Via: Windingroad , Source: DuPont Registry
Another day, another version; a cliché phrase that fits Mustangs like a glove. Today we have the 2008 Shelby GT that succeeds the 2007 Shelby GT (retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe). Unlike the ‘07 GT that was offered exclusively with a coupe body, the 2008 model will also be available as a convertible. Apart from that, the only other significant difference has to do with the exterior paint job. While the ’07 GTs were offered in Performance White or Black the ‘08 versions will be available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes. There are no changes under the hood as the ’08 GT continues using the tweaked 319Hp 4.6 V8. Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built -a number significantly lower than the 6.000 units of the ’07 model, with sales staring this August. Prices will be announced at a later date. -Click “Read More…” for the press release and the image gallery
Via: Motorpasion , Source Ford
FORD
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible will be formally introduced to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in
“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this
In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing joined forces to create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called the Shelby GT. Fewer than 6,000 total 2007 Shelby GTs were built and were only available in Performance White or Black.
For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.
“The Mustang convertible is the number one selling convertible in the
Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock,
“The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008 model year,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “The enormous response to the Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer a drop top Shelby GT. And we had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008.”
Every Shelby GT is built to perform and is the result of extensive development. Aerodynamics were key to sculpting t he powerful, unique front fascia with aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are positioned just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips and a
“The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever built,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. “Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”
Under the hood, the engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a
The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure.
The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness and the
“The Shelby GT is for drivers,” says Boylan. “We enhanced the motor, the chassis and other bits to make it a fun, balanced car that is equally at home on the street or track. It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers great value for the price.”
Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built, available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007.
We’re pretty sure that most of you will have heard the story:On June 15, 1957, Tulsa Town buried a brand-new Plymouth Belvedere along with along with several other artefacts (a pack of cigarettes, bobby pins, an unpaid parking ticket etc) in a cement vault, as part of a contest in which the person who most closely guessed the city’s 2007 population would win the Belvedere on June 15, 2007.Today (Wednesday June 13), just two days before the ’57
While the condition of the tailfinned Belvedere remains uncertain because the car was covered in cosmolene, a metal preservative then wrapped in plastic, the equation -’57 Plymouth, half a century and several feet of water, is definitely not promising. We’ll have more on
Via: kotv
A Bavarian luxury sport saloon with a British twist in it? That’s a new one. Riffle through the images though and like us, you’ll probably be surprised with the result; the 1995 BMW 740iL looks like the perfect donor vehicle for anyone wanting to create a Bentley Continental Flying Spur replica. Despite the fact that a more thorough look at the images will negatively surprise you with the specific replica’s mediocre - to say the least, finish, the potentials are definitely here.Bypassing the "Bently" title (…) on the seller’s eBay page and continuing to the interior, the BMW circular emblem on the steering was replaced with an oval Bentley logo while the British carmakers emblem sit’s on the headrests -just so you won’t get confused. Interested? The current bid on eBay “tranny” Flying Spur is $13.000 or around €10.000. -Vehicle description and image gallery after the jump
2007 Bently GT Flying Spur Replica
2007 Bently GT Flying Spur Replica Built on a 1995 BMW 740i. Very rare kit. BMW has around 118,000 miles on it. Has all power options. Just ordered 20 inch Bently replica rims, with bently "B" emblems for the center caps. Has Chrome Bently Grille and emblem, emblems on front seat headrests. Real bently headlights.
BMW needs some mechanical work, but runs and drives. Error code reading Trans Fail Safe, and car needs tune up. Car still needs some detail work.
Buyer is responsible for all shipping expenses, but we will assist. 10% deposit required 48 hours after end of auction and the balance within 7 days after end of auction. This car is sold As Is.
Link: ebay
Fiat Group presented the latest development of its 120 & 150Hp 1.9 JTD M diesel engine used in a variety of Fiat, Alfa Romeo and GM Group models. The revised version of Fiat Group’s 1.9-liter diesel engine that features twin stage turbo technology will be offered in two versions: one with 180Hp (132 kW), available to customers outside the Fiat Group, as well as Fiat Group brands, and a higher performance 191Hp (140 kW) version, which will remain the preserve of the Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brands. The answer to the question whether the 2008 Saab 9-3’s new 180Hp 1.9 TTDi has anything to do with Fiat Group’s new 1.9 JTD M is yes. (photo 2.4 JTD M) -Continued after the jumpCompared to existing 1.9 litre JTD M (MultiJet) engines, low end torque has been improved by 50 per cent, with 300 Nm (221 lb ft) available from just 1250 rpm. This performance upgrade has been achieved through the introduction of advanced turbocharging technology together with design changes to increase the thermostructural resistance that allows increased peak cylinder pressure up to 180 bar and exhaust gas temperatures up to 800°C.
According to Fiat, two stage turbocharging enables the new engine to combine the instant low speed response and the elimination of ‘turbo lag’ provided by a small turbocharger, while the second stage offers the ‘deep breathing’ provided by a large turbocharger. Essentially, a small turbocharger operates at low RPM for optimal bottom end torque and response from low vehicle speed. This small turbo is by-passed when the required power output increases, and a second turbocharger of a larger size comes into operation.
Besides the improvement in overall performance, TST technology allows an increase in the exhaust gas recirculation rate without fuel consumption penalties, and therefore providing a significant reduction in NOx emissions.
Thus, the engine complies with projected Euro 5 emission standards. This target has been achieved thanks to:
Production of the new engine will start in July this year, beginning with the 132 kW (180Hp) version. The 140 kW (191Hp) version is to be launched in June 2008.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
As you can see from Automotorundsport’s spy pics and despite the heavy camouflage, it’s obvious that design-wise, Renault hasn’t strayed away from the original concept. But who said that should be considered a pro? We had the chance to see the Koleos concept in person at the Paris Show and honestly, we found its design totally boring. Take out the Renault logo and you could pass it for any SUV.
Talking about logos and uninspiring designs, the Koleos will also be offered by Renault’s Korean subsidiary Samsung... The latter presented a rebadged version of the SUV concept at the Korean Motor Show in April. According to AMS, the Koleos will be built at Renault - Samsung’s Korean plant, with the Samsung version being offered solely to the Asian market. -Renault Koleos Concept press release after the jump
Via: Automotorsport.se
RENAULT KOLEOS PRESS RELEASE: Renault has chosen to unveil Koleos Concept at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. This show car foreshadows a 4WD vehicle that Renault is due to market in the first half of 2008. The Koleos Concept car asserts its claim to the rugged and sporty world of 4WDs while featuring the roominess and comfort of a crossover. It boasts a wide range of practical functions for both everyday use and leisure.
To ensure maximum off- and on-road comfort, Koleos Concept is built on a new fourwheel drive chassis and is powered by a 2.0 dCi engine, both of which have been developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This 4WD is totally in its element in any conditions and is sure to deliver genuine pleasure to its occupants whatever the road surface.
A 4WD with dynamic lines
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the Koleos Concept show car foreshadows the shape of Renault’s future 4WD. Penned by Renault designers working in collaboration with the Renault Samsung Motors Design Centre in Korea. The grey-blue body colour emphasizes the high-tech feel of its volumes. The front end features LED headlamps, with additional lights and indicators housed in the exterior mirrors.
Koleos Concept features dynamic proportions. The strip between the body sides and the roof reinforces the stance of the car. The glazed roof panel is topped by profiled aluminium roof bars, while the chunky wheel arches house 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels fitted with "concept pattern" tyres. The 200mm ground clearance and front and rear aluminium protective skidplates confirm that this is a car built for adventure. The steeply raked rear window further emphasizes Koleos Concept’s dynamic feel. The design of the vehicle’s rear asserts its identity in a long sweep that runs from the base of the rear screen and through to the centre of the hatch. This smoothly curved, glossy black section houses the Renault badge. Hinting at the vehicle’s dynamic powertrain, a twin exhaust tailpipe is incorporated into the rear bumper.
Technology and travelling comfort
The aluminium door sill extensions which deploy when the doors are open facilitate ingress. On settling into the cabin, occupants discover a sporty interior, all in a two-tone colour scheme. The four independent seats, upholstered in beige leather, have been optimized to free up space for occupants and their luggage.
On the dashboard, the speedometer features LED backlighting. The centre console is made from a transparent material and contains the individual controls for the climate control system. A long list of equipment is included to enhance travelling comfort. The central part of the dashboard is given over to the navigation system, multimedia applications and specific data useful for all-terrain motoring such as atmospheric pressure, compass bearings, altitude and gradient. All this information is displayed so that all the cabin occupants can read it easily. Controls are both intuitive and ergonomically designed – in keeping with the Touch Design philosophy developed by Renault.
The cabin is brightly lit thanks to the panoramic glass roof panel. Koleos Concept offers all the comfort and roominess of a modern urban car. Ample headroom and shoulder room enable Koleos Concept to seat four adults, whatever their physique. The numerous stowage compartments in the cabin take their cue from the world of MPVs and extend from those in the floor, to under-seat drawers and the centre console cubby, not to mention the door bins.
A vehicle that is ready for wide-open spaces
Koleos Concept offers a full range of practical features for everyday and leisure use. The splitopening tailgate makes the vehicle easy to load and easy to access in cramped parking spaces. The lower part of the hatch is designed to enable two people to sit comfortably for picnics or for open-air activities during holidays or weekend excursions. The chassis comes with all the features of an all-terrain vehicle making it ideally suited to this kind leisure use. Developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, this brand new chassis has drawn on the all-wheel drive expertise of our Japanese partner. Whether running in two-wheel or four-wheel drive mode, it guarantees flawless traction and roadholding thanks to an electronically controlled active coupler which distributes torque to the wheels as a function of the level of grip available under each one.
Koleos Concept also boasts a wide range of driver aids. Some are designed for day to day motoring, like ABS, Emergency Brake Assist and ESP, while others are valuable all-terrain functions such as Hill Down Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Koleos Concept is powered by an engine which is just at home on city streets, highways and motorways as it is over rough tracks where grip is at a premium. Its 2.0 dCi engine employs state-of-the-art diesel engine technology including piezoelectric injectors, 1,600-bar common rail injection and a variable geometry turbocharger. To minimize polluting emissions, the 2.0 dCi is equipped with a periodic regeneration particulate filter, which operates without additives. It drives through a six-speed manual gearbox that gives Koleos Concept touring car level driving pleasure.
