2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500

 

Shelby American announced its plan to unveil the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake at the New York Auto Show.

"Shelby American has a rich history at the New York International Auto Show," said John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H. This year, we're returning with one of the most powerful and important Shelbys ever built."

According to the company, the Super Snake will pack the most horsepower ever from an American muscle car introduced at the show, 800 to be exact. The car is legal in all 50 states and owners will be able to use pump gas. Among the many upgrades used to make this kind of power is a Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger, which, not surprisingly, voids any remaining powertrain warranty from Ford.

Other goodies include:

• Borla exhaust system
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with six-piston calipers
• Fiberglass hood with classic Shelby design and pins
• Ford Racing handling pack that includes dynamic adjustable dampers, lower springs, tuned stabilizer bars and front strut brace

The base price for a 2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake is $82,894 according to Shelby American's Web site, including the cost of a donor Ford Mustang GT. The 800-horsepower supercharger option is an extra $1500 on its own, but we suspect you'll want to budget a total of closer to $100,000 for a few more Shelby-optional cooling and suspension modifications with that kind of power

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500

 

Shelby American announced its plan to unveil the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake at the New York Auto Show.

"Shelby American has a rich history at the New York International Auto Show," said John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H. This year, we're returning with one of the most powerful and important Shelbys ever built."

According to the company, the Super Snake will pack the most horsepower ever from an American muscle car introduced at the show, 800 to be exact. The car is legal in all 50 states and owners will be able to use pump gas. Among the many upgrades used to make this kind of power is a Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger, which, not surprisingly, voids any remaining powertrain warranty from Ford.

Other goodies include:

• Borla exhaust system
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with six-piston calipers
• Fiberglass hood with classic Shelby design and pins
• Ford Racing handling pack that includes dynamic adjustable dampers, lower springs, tuned stabilizer bars and front strut brace

The base price for a 2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake is $82,894 according to Shelby American's Web site, including the cost of a donor Ford Mustang GT. The 800-horsepower supercharger option is an extra $1500 on its own, but we suspect you'll want to budget a total of closer to $100,000 for a few more Shelby-optional cooling and suspension modifications with that kind of power

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500

2012 Shelby Mustang GT500

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

 

Hot on the heels of a special-edition 2010 Dodge Challenger, Mopar -- Chrysler's aftermarket and performance accessory division -- revealed today it's planning yet another limited-edition muscle machine for 2011. There's a twist, however -- this time, the Mopar-tuned ride is based upon the four-door 2011 Dodge Charger.

"After the success of our Mopar '10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance," said Mopar President and CEO Pietro Gorlier. "As a new company, we will continue to leverage the heritage of the Mopar brand at every turn."

So, what does Mopar have in store for the refreshed '11 Charger? The exact details have yet to be released (same goes for mechanical specifications), but the preview sketch suggests the Mopar '11 Charger follows the same recipe used for last year's special-edition Mopar '10 Challenger.

The car -- apparently based off the Charger R/T -- receives metallic black paint, along with an asymmetrical blue racing stripe running down the length of the car (if, like the Challenger, that stripe may also be offered in red and silver). Bespoke five-spoke rollers will likely measure 20 inches in diameter, and feature Mopar center caps. Katzkin leather seating is expected to grace the interior, with stitching matching that of the exterior stripe color, and Mopar embroidery found on the headrests. Customers may also find a Hurst T-handle gear selector for the standard automatic transmission.

If consistent with the special-edition Challenger, power upgrades will be relegated to a cold-air intake from the Mopar parts catalog, which should provide a 15-horsepower bump in power over the stock unit's 370-horsepower figure. We wouldn't be surprised, however, to see an upgraded exhaust to further improve respiration. Shock-tower bars and beefed-up stabilizer bars may also be included, along with improved brake pads, but at this stage, the Mopar folks are mum on the issue.

They're also mum on pricing. If the Mopar '10 Challenger is any baseline, the special Mopar treatment could add $3500 over a stock model. If that holds true for the Mopar '11 Charger, that could potentially bump its base price just below the $40,000 mark. We wouldn't be surprised if, like Mopar's custom Challenger, volume will be limited to a scant 500 examples. Expect full details later this month, as the car is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

 

Hot on the heels of a special-edition 2010 Dodge Challenger, Mopar -- Chrysler's aftermarket and performance accessory division -- revealed today it's planning yet another limited-edition muscle machine for 2011. There's a twist, however -- this time, the Mopar-tuned ride is based upon the four-door 2011 Dodge Charger.

"After the success of our Mopar '10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance," said Mopar President and CEO Pietro Gorlier. "As a new company, we will continue to leverage the heritage of the Mopar brand at every turn."

So, what does Mopar have in store for the refreshed '11 Charger? The exact details have yet to be released (same goes for mechanical specifications), but the preview sketch suggests the Mopar '11 Charger follows the same recipe used for last year's special-edition Mopar '10 Challenger.

The car -- apparently based off the Charger R/T -- receives metallic black paint, along with an asymmetrical blue racing stripe running down the length of the car (if, like the Challenger, that stripe may also be offered in red and silver). Bespoke five-spoke rollers will likely measure 20 inches in diameter, and feature Mopar center caps. Katzkin leather seating is expected to grace the interior, with stitching matching that of the exterior stripe color, and Mopar embroidery found on the headrests. Customers may also find a Hurst T-handle gear selector for the standard automatic transmission.

If consistent with the special-edition Challenger, power upgrades will be relegated to a cold-air intake from the Mopar parts catalog, which should provide a 15-horsepower bump in power over the stock unit's 370-horsepower figure. We wouldn't be surprised, however, to see an upgraded exhaust to further improve respiration. Shock-tower bars and beefed-up stabilizer bars may also be included, along with improved brake pads, but at this stage, the Mopar folks are mum on the issue.

They're also mum on pricing. If the Mopar '10 Challenger is any baseline, the special Mopar treatment could add $3500 over a stock model. If that holds true for the Mopar '11 Charger, that could potentially bump its base price just below the $40,000 mark. We wouldn't be surprised if, like Mopar's custom Challenger, volume will be limited to a scant 500 examples. Expect full details later this month, as the car is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

2011 Dodge Charger Mopar Special Edition

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

At the 2011 New York Auto Show next week, Nissan will debut a motorsport version of the Nissan Leaf. Known as the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC (Racing Competition), the racing model lacks of rear door, a rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities but still keeps its 100 percent zero-emission advanced lithium-ion battery design.
“There’s a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale – which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC,” added Tavares. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid.”
Click here for more news on the Nissan LEAF.
Power for the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC comes from a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. 80 percent charge can be reached in 30 minutes using a quick charging port (just like the regular Leaf). 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.85 seconds with a top speed of 93 mph.
How long will it drive for before it runs out of power on the track? Nissan says that the Leaf NISMO RC is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.
We’ll bring you live images and more details from the 2011 New York Auto Show next week. Stay tuned.

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

At the 2011 New York Auto Show next week, Nissan will debut a motorsport version of the Nissan Leaf. Known as the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC (Racing Competition), the racing model lacks of rear door, a rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities but still keeps its 100 percent zero-emission advanced lithium-ion battery design.
“There’s a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale – which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC,” added Tavares. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid.”
Click here for more news on the Nissan LEAF.
Power for the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC comes from a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. 80 percent charge can be reached in 30 minutes using a quick charging port (just like the regular Leaf). 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.85 seconds with a top speed of 93 mph.
How long will it drive for before it runs out of power on the track? Nissan says that the Leaf NISMO RC is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.
We’ll bring you live images and more details from the 2011 New York Auto Show next week. Stay tuned.

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

 

As you can see, this global influence also means sporty appearance. While you can see the evolution from the current-generation Malibu to the new car, the 2013 Malibu is less round and swoopy and more sharp and edgy. The general shape of the headlights and two-bar grille remain, but are bolder and protrude more from the body. Character lines along the hood and doors are more pronounced, as are the car's hips and big wheels. The rear end draws clear influence from the Camaro with its squared taillights, rectangular fascia and dual exhaust tips. The car you see here is a Chinese-spec model, but Chevrolet says there will be minimal differences between U.S.-spec and Chinese-spec cars.

Sporty as it may be, Chevrolet is quick to point out that this isn't an M3-killer. The 2013 Malibu will come with "a global family of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines," a similar strategy to challengers like the Hyundai Sonata. This doesn't necessarily rule out a V-6 option, but Chevrolet makes no mention of one. The plan also calls for six-speed transmissions, plural, but you can bet they'll all be automatics. There's an outside possibility, though, that the recently-discovered seven-speed dual-clutch transmission GM is working on could find its way in as well.

The Malibu is a hugely important car for Chevrolet and General Motors. The company says that the car's intended global segment counted for nine percent of all vehicles sold globally in 2010. Here in the U.S., the admittedly aged seventh-generation Malibu sold over 200,000 copies and was both Chevrolet and General Motors' best-selling passenger car.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will make its international debut in China on Tuesday, April 19, which to those of us nearly a day behind in the U.S., will actually be Monday, April 18, at 8:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time. If you can't make it out to China, don't fret. Chevrolet will also debut the car on its Facebook page at the same time and will stream the reveal live on iPad and iPhone. Anyone watching is encouraged to send questions about the car to Chevrolet's Twitter account at #MalibuReveal or to the Malibu tab on Chevy's Facebook page. Given that its a 2013 model, we expect the production car to debut within the next year and go on sale by mid-2012.

Chevrolet's just released this teaser video and taillight image of the new, eighth-generation Malibu along with the announcement that the car, now a global product, will debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 18 - and then at the 2011 New York Auto Show two days later.

The Malibu, previously a North American car only, will become GM's latest global car in its eighth generation and the Chevrolet brand's first global midsize sedan. Chevrolet says the next Malibu will be sold in 100 countries on six continents and built at multiple plants around the world. The Malibu, Chevrolet says, was designed for a global audience with "European-inspired driving characteristics," which should mean sporty handling.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

 

As you can see, this global influence also means sporty appearance. While you can see the evolution from the current-generation Malibu to the new car, the 2013 Malibu is less round and swoopy and more sharp and edgy. The general shape of the headlights and two-bar grille remain, but are bolder and protrude more from the body. Character lines along the hood and doors are more pronounced, as are the car's hips and big wheels. The rear end draws clear influence from the Camaro with its squared taillights, rectangular fascia and dual exhaust tips. The car you see here is a Chinese-spec model, but Chevrolet says there will be minimal differences between U.S.-spec and Chinese-spec cars.

Sporty as it may be, Chevrolet is quick to point out that this isn't an M3-killer. The 2013 Malibu will come with "a global family of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines," a similar strategy to challengers like the Hyundai Sonata. This doesn't necessarily rule out a V-6 option, but Chevrolet makes no mention of one. The plan also calls for six-speed transmissions, plural, but you can bet they'll all be automatics. There's an outside possibility, though, that the recently-discovered seven-speed dual-clutch transmission GM is working on could find its way in as well.

The Malibu is a hugely important car for Chevrolet and General Motors. The company says that the car's intended global segment counted for nine percent of all vehicles sold globally in 2010. Here in the U.S., the admittedly aged seventh-generation Malibu sold over 200,000 copies and was both Chevrolet and General Motors' best-selling passenger car.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will make its international debut in China on Tuesday, April 19, which to those of us nearly a day behind in the U.S., will actually be Monday, April 18, at 8:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time. If you can't make it out to China, don't fret. Chevrolet will also debut the car on its Facebook page at the same time and will stream the reveal live on iPad and iPhone. Anyone watching is encouraged to send questions about the car to Chevrolet's Twitter account at #MalibuReveal or to the Malibu tab on Chevy's Facebook page. Given that its a 2013 model, we expect the production car to debut within the next year and go on sale by mid-2012.

Chevrolet's just released this teaser video and taillight image of the new, eighth-generation Malibu along with the announcement that the car, now a global product, will debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 18 - and then at the 2011 New York Auto Show two days later.

The Malibu, previously a North American car only, will become GM's latest global car in its eighth generation and the Chevrolet brand's first global midsize sedan. Chevrolet says the next Malibu will be sold in 100 countries on six continents and built at multiple plants around the world. The Malibu, Chevrolet says, was designed for a global audience with "European-inspired driving characteristics," which should mean sporty handling.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

Bringing Sexy (Hatch) Back: A7 Melds Style of an S5 Coupe with Virtues of an A6 Avant

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

 2012 Audi A7 SportbackAudi claims that one small strip (1.2 inches wide, 0.08 inch thick) of the high-strength, lightweight, hot-shaped steel used in much of the new A7 Sportback's body is so strong that it could suspend five A7s, each one roughly 4000 pounds. That's one strong bookmark. Arguably more noteworthy than the super steel is the fact that feathery aluminum makes up nearly 20 percent of the Sportback's bod, including the hood, hatch, doors, and front fenders, resulting in a relatively light curb weight. A BMW 535i xDrive GT, in comparison, tips the scales with about 700 extra pounds.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

 But what really makes Audi's new blend of coupe, sedan, and wagon so special? Ah, that would be its elegant and sporty sheetmetal, a dead ringer for the drop-dead-gorgeous Sportback concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Full LED headlamps are available (Xenon plus lamps are standard), while the taillamps are made up entirely of LEDs, sans the reverse light. Moreover, the side-view mirrors sport LED indicators, and the CHMSL is a thin LED strip that extends above the back window across the width of the hatch. At the base of the rear deck resides an integrated spoiler that subtly sleeps until 80 mph, when it extends upwards for increased down force. Back to those side mirrors: They're mounted on the doors, a la the R8, to give the A7 a more sports-car feel. Another subtle but significant design cue is the small, rear window incorporated into the sweeping C-pillar that harks back to that of the 1969 100 Coupe S.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

Bringing Sexy (Hatch) Back: A7 Melds Style of an S5 Coupe with Virtues of an A6 Avant

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

 2012 Audi A7 SportbackAudi claims that one small strip (1.2 inches wide, 0.08 inch thick) of the high-strength, lightweight, hot-shaped steel used in much of the new A7 Sportback's body is so strong that it could suspend five A7s, each one roughly 4000 pounds. That's one strong bookmark. Arguably more noteworthy than the super steel is the fact that feathery aluminum makes up nearly 20 percent of the Sportback's bod, including the hood, hatch, doors, and front fenders, resulting in a relatively light curb weight. A BMW 535i xDrive GT, in comparison, tips the scales with about 700 extra pounds.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

 But what really makes Audi's new blend of coupe, sedan, and wagon so special? Ah, that would be its elegant and sporty sheetmetal, a dead ringer for the drop-dead-gorgeous Sportback concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Full LED headlamps are available (Xenon plus lamps are standard), while the taillamps are made up entirely of LEDs, sans the reverse light. Moreover, the side-view mirrors sport LED indicators, and the CHMSL is a thin LED strip that extends above the back window across the width of the hatch. At the base of the rear deck resides an integrated spoiler that subtly sleeps until 80 mph, when it extends upwards for increased down force. Back to those side mirrors: They're mounted on the doors, a la the R8, to give the A7 a more sports-car feel. Another subtle but significant design cue is the small, rear window incorporated into the sweeping C-pillar that harks back to that of the 1969 100 Coupe S.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2011 New York Auto Show

2011 New York Auto Show 

2011 New York Auto Show

The 2011 New York Auto Show will kick off next week – April 20th to be exact. We’ll be in the Big Apple covering the show live with a bunch of posts, images and videos.
We’ve put together a little guide for you to give you a little rundown of what you can expect to see. Unfortunately, according to the press conference schedule, Ferrari and Lamborghini will not be attending the show – so it seems like the Ferrari FF and the Lamborghini Aventador will be a no how in New York.
Check out our new Auto Show Hub on egmCarTech that will only show you post that pertain to the 2011 New York Auto Show.

2011 New York Auto Show

2011 New York Auto Show

2011 New York Auto Show

2011 New York Auto Show

2011 New York Auto Show