2012 Lamborghini Jota / Murcielago: New Spy Photos and Video

We've got another round of spy pictures as well a video of Lamborghini's upcoming Murcielago replacement. Sant'Agata's new hypercar, which has yet to be given an official name (although some sources suggest it will be called Jota), is planned to debut at next year's Geneva Salon.

From what we can tell by looking at the scoop photos and videos, Lamborghini's design team will stick to the 'wedgy' styling language that has been a hallmark of the firm's supercars ever since the introduction of the Countach in the 1970s.

The new hypercar will be the Italian company's first production model to make use of the lightweight carbon fiber materials showcased on the Paris Motor Show Sesto Elemento concept model. Sources claim the baddest Lambo in the range may be as much as 150kg or 330 pounds lighter than today's Murcielago.

We're not sure how much higher Lamborghini can go, but the word on the streets is that the Italian firm's flagship supercar will also be fitted with a more powerful V12 engine than on the current 670HP Murcielago LP 670-4 featuring all the latest technological advancements including direct-injection. An updated all-wheel drive system will also be on the menu.

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2012 Lamborghini Jota / Murcielago: New Spy Photos and Video

We've got another round of spy pictures as well a video of Lamborghini's upcoming Murcielago replacement. Sant'Agata's new hypercar, which has yet to be given an official name (although some sources suggest it will be called Jota), is planned to debut at next year's Geneva Salon.

From what we can tell by looking at the scoop photos and videos, Lamborghini's design team will stick to the 'wedgy' styling language that has been a hallmark of the firm's supercars ever since the introduction of the Countach in the 1970s.

The new hypercar will be the Italian company's first production model to make use of the lightweight carbon fiber materials showcased on the Paris Motor Show Sesto Elemento concept model. Sources claim the baddest Lambo in the range may be as much as 150kg or 330 pounds lighter than today's Murcielago.

We're not sure how much higher Lamborghini can go, but the word on the streets is that the Italian firm's flagship supercar will also be fitted with a more powerful V12 engine than on the current 670HP Murcielago LP 670-4 featuring all the latest technological advancements including direct-injection. An updated all-wheel drive system will also be on the menu.

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Customized 2011 Explorers and other Ford Models Teased Ahead of SEMA Show

FoMoCo is really gearing up for this year's edition of the Las Vegas SEMA Show in the beginning of November where it will display more customized models that we can keep track of. Aside from the Fiesta cars we told you about in a previous article, the Dearborn automaker has also joined forces with several other tuners to create customized versions of the all-new 2011 Explorer, Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. Follow the jump to check out pictures and details on all of Ford's aftermarket-prepped models.

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2011 Ford Explorer by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell

An Explorer customized by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell shows off the urban appeal of the new SUV, and comes standard with street cred inside and out. The look is highlighted by three-piece forged billet wheels, which are complemented by 24-inch Cooper tires. Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

The design that sets this Explorer apart starts with the exterior, with custom touches from Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex including custom logos. The interior offers Katzkin two-tone leather seats with custom interior accents and Funkmaster Flex logos. A Sony Xplod audio system ensures customers have the ultimate listening experience.

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2011 Ford Explorer by Galpin Auto Sports

Another Explorer concept, designed by Galpin Auto Sports, takes a vehicle with luxury appointments and makes it into an ultra-luxurious ride that even James Bond would enjoy. Using the character as their inspiration, the Galpin team used 24-inch wheels, custom silver paint on the exterior and modified exterior light treatments to convey that image.

The custom interior shows off its luxury side with a leather-trimmed headliner that has suede running down the center, a look that's replicated on the seat inserts. An iPad pops up from the second-row console, and is viewable in either landscape or portrait mode.

"This is a luxury, high-end vehicle that serves multiple purposes," said Tedros Mengiste of Galpin Auto Sports. "The Galpin Auto Sports Explorer is at home going off-road or transporting you to exclusive events. It meets your discerning expectations, and does it with style and substance."

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2011 Ford Explorer by CGS Performance Products

CGS Performance Products' take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack.

"This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort," said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. "This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends."

The luxury details are evident in the built-in video screens in the headrests, 22-inch silver wheels and the complete custom leather interior that's designed to resemble the links on a watch band. A CGS cat-back exhaust provides more power, a throatier sound, and even improved fuel economy.

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2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency

Fashion meets function with this unique Lincoln MKX by ID Agency, where brands such as Falken Tire, HRE Wheels, Brembo and Alpine electronics come together. Designed with the modern man in mind, the Urban Assault Vehicle is built to fit his active lifestyle.

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2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs

The Taurus SHOx by Rick Bottom Designs gives striking looks a new meaning with a blue paint scheme with contrasting graphics, ground effects kit and custom hood, grille and spoiler. The interior offers a custom rear console with interchangeable inserts and a 10.4-inch flip-down monitor, along with an audio system with 16,000 watts of power.

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2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs

Tuned by H&R Springs, this Taurus SHO offers a Borla cat-back exhaust and K&N air filter to liven up engine performance. H&R Sport Springs have been installed, and three-piece 22-inch wheels painted in a white gold color complement the white platinum SHO. The exterior is set apart with color-matched lower body panels, custom European hood vents and subtle gray mist graphics.

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2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddyz Kustomz

With a touch of urban luxury, this K-Daddyz Kustomz Edge boasts 22-inch wheels with radically lowered suspension. This Edge is ready to cruise the coast, with a custom paint scheme featuring airbrushing and pin striping, along with a custom surfboard rack and panoramic sunroof. The leather and suede interior comes with Dual Head restraint DVD by INVISION, and puts the finishing details on the crossover.

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2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

With increased power and more aggressive handling, this Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports offers what performance enthusiasts are looking for. The car comes with specially tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, performance-tuned dampers and antiroll bars for increased roll stiffness. The look is rounded out with Steeda's clearcoat bar code graphics package with orange accents.

Customized 2011 Explorers and other Ford Models Teased Ahead of SEMA Show

FoMoCo is really gearing up for this year's edition of the Las Vegas SEMA Show in the beginning of November where it will display more customized models that we can keep track of. Aside from the Fiesta cars we told you about in a previous article, the Dearborn automaker has also joined forces with several other tuners to create customized versions of the all-new 2011 Explorer, Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. Follow the jump to check out pictures and details on all of Ford's aftermarket-prepped models.

__________________PRESS RELEASE: FORD SEMA SHOW __________________

2011 Ford Explorer by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell

An Explorer customized by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell shows off the urban appeal of the new SUV, and comes standard with street cred inside and out. The look is highlighted by three-piece forged billet wheels, which are complemented by 24-inch Cooper tires. Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

The design that sets this Explorer apart starts with the exterior, with custom touches from Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex including custom logos. The interior offers Katzkin two-tone leather seats with custom interior accents and Funkmaster Flex logos. A Sony Xplod audio system ensures customers have the ultimate listening experience.

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Ford Explorer by Galpin Auto Sports

Another Explorer concept, designed by Galpin Auto Sports, takes a vehicle with luxury appointments and makes it into an ultra-luxurious ride that even James Bond would enjoy. Using the character as their inspiration, the Galpin team used 24-inch wheels, custom silver paint on the exterior and modified exterior light treatments to convey that image.

The custom interior shows off its luxury side with a leather-trimmed headliner that has suede running down the center, a look that's replicated on the seat inserts. An iPad pops up from the second-row console, and is viewable in either landscape or portrait mode.

"This is a luxury, high-end vehicle that serves multiple purposes," said Tedros Mengiste of Galpin Auto Sports. "The Galpin Auto Sports Explorer is at home going off-road or transporting you to exclusive events. It meets your discerning expectations, and does it with style and substance."

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Ford Explorer by CGS Performance Products

CGS Performance Products' take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack.

"This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort," said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. "This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends."

The luxury details are evident in the built-in video screens in the headrests, 22-inch silver wheels and the complete custom leather interior that's designed to resemble the links on a watch band. A CGS cat-back exhaust provides more power, a throatier sound, and even improved fuel economy.

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency

Fashion meets function with this unique Lincoln MKX by ID Agency, where brands such as Falken Tire, HRE Wheels, Brembo and Alpine electronics come together. Designed with the modern man in mind, the Urban Assault Vehicle is built to fit his active lifestyle.

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs

The Taurus SHOx by Rick Bottom Designs gives striking looks a new meaning with a blue paint scheme with contrasting graphics, ground effects kit and custom hood, grille and spoiler. The interior offers a custom rear console with interchangeable inserts and a 10.4-inch flip-down monitor, along with an audio system with 16,000 watts of power.

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs

Tuned by H&R Springs, this Taurus SHO offers a Borla cat-back exhaust and K&N air filter to liven up engine performance. H&R Sport Springs have been installed, and three-piece 22-inch wheels painted in a white gold color complement the white platinum SHO. The exterior is set apart with color-matched lower body panels, custom European hood vents and subtle gray mist graphics.

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddyz Kustomz

With a touch of urban luxury, this K-Daddyz Kustomz Edge boasts 22-inch wheels with radically lowered suspension. This Edge is ready to cruise the coast, with a custom paint scheme featuring airbrushing and pin striping, along with a custom surfboard rack and panoramic sunroof. The leather and suede interior comes with Dual Head restraint DVD by INVISION, and puts the finishing details on the crossover.

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

With increased power and more aggressive handling, this Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports offers what performance enthusiasts are looking for. The car comes with specially tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, performance-tuned dampers and antiroll bars for increased roll stiffness. The look is rounded out with Steeda's clearcoat bar code graphics package with orange accents.

Holden Statesman HQ Fans [All five of us] Rejoice; First Ever Scale Model Released by Trax

I'm pretty sure most of you outside Australia are wondering a) what the heck a Statesman HQ is and b) why should you care that there's a die-cast model. Well, let me try to provide answers for these two questions:

A) The Statesman HQ was a luxury long-wheelbase model for the masses produced by GM's Holden from 1971 through 1974, and B) Apparently, most readers need not care but for the other four viewers I was referring to in the title, as far as I know, this is the first time that a scale model of the specific car has been built. For more history on the Statesman and details on the scale model, hit the jump.

Now, if you ask why the fixation with the HQ, that's because the original Statesman de Ville is the first car I recall my father owning. I assume every petrol head will have a similar memory [and obsession...] from their childhood.

Memories aside, the first-ever Statesman was based on Holden's HQ series of 1971 boasting more a dramatic look with a unique twin-headlamp fascia and subtle tail fins as well as a longer wheelbase.

However, it was never referred to as a Holden as GM marketed it as a separate marque even adding exclusive Cadillac-esque badges. The same goes for the HQ's successors, the HJ, HX, HZ and WB Statesmans, all of which were heavily based on the first model. The Commodore-based Statesmans from 1990 and up until September when GM's Australian subsidiary ditched the name altogether, were marketed as Holdens.

Powertrain options in the day included 202 c.i. (3.3-liter) and 253 c.i. (4.2-liter) six-cylinder and 308 c.i. (5.0-liter) and 350 c.i. (5.7-liter) V8 engines with the oh-so glorious three-speed Trimatic and 400 Turbohydramatic automatic transmissions delivering ponies to the rear wheels.

Interestingly, the Statesman HQ was also offered as the Chevrolet Constantia in South Africa (Chevrolet 350 in other markets) and even as the Isuzu Statesman De Ville in Japan.

As far as the scale model is concerned, it is made by Trax which offers two 1:43 variants in the Opal Series, one finished in glacier white with a black vinyl roof and black interior, the other in a nutmeg metallic shade with a saddle vinyl roof and matching interior. Trax said it will produce 2,000 examples of each model, with pricing set at AUD$59,95 a piece. And yes, my order has already been placed...

Link: Trax

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