Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Ferrari 355 GTB V8 Engine Goes Up In Flames

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. -One more picture after the jump

Via: Diariomotor

Mini Clubman Teaser Commercials Hit The Web


MINI is attempting to climax promo its efforts for the 2008 Clubman by releasing a couple of abstract, teaser commercials that bring back horrific memories from our kindergarten days. Forget about the cuddly animals, it’s the song we’re talking about and especially the refrain “one of these things is not like the others”. We vow it can’t get worse than this; once the chime sticks in you head it’ll take days to go away. You’ve been warned... -One more video after the jump

Via: Jalopnik

Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Pickup!

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 Florida. Priced at $49,900 - €37.000, the “El Silver Shadow Camino” has 49.000 miles - 78.800 km on the clock and boasts a two-year professional restoration. If anything else, you’ll have the coolest set of (pick-up) wheels on the block.

Via: Windingroad , Source: DuPont Registry

2008 Ford Shelby GT Coupe & Convertible - Official

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 SHELBY GT DROPS ITS TOP FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR

  • New convertible version of the Ford Shelby GT available beginning this summer
  • New signature Vista Blue exterior with Shelby GT Silver stripes
  • Production of 2008 Shelby GT aimed at 2,300 to assure exclusivity for collectors
  • Ford Mustang is America’s top-selling convertible

DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2007 – The magic duo of Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby bring open-air excitement to the road for the 2008 model year as the Ford Shelby GT returns with a new convertible body style and a new standard color combination. Like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT will be available in coupe and convertible from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.

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 Tulsa, Okla.

“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don’t will be left behind staring at its tailpipes.”

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 U.S.,” states Robert Parker, Ford Division Car Marketing Manager. “Since t he Mustang program never stands still, we wanted to continue offering consumers what they want, and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT convertible. ”

Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

“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 Shelby badge is on the trunk lid.

“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 Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

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 Shelby team will add a stylish light bar.

“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.

Horror: Tulsa’s Burried 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Soaked In Water

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 Plymouth’s scheduled exhumation, Tulsa Town decided to open up the vault’s lid. To everyone’s misfortune, the workers discovered several feet of standing water and indications that the car had been submerged. Tulsa’s Public Works Department was summoned to pump the water out of the vault but since there was a danger that the water could be toxic, the Fire Department's Hazmat team was also called to the scene. Ironically, the vault had been built to withstand a nuclear attack, but apparently not water.

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 Tulsa’s time-capsule latter on. Until then click “Read More…” below to see more photos along with a video

Via: kotv





BMW Continental Flying Spur

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 1.9 JTD M: New Twin Stage Turbo Diesel Engine Available With 180 & 191Hp

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 jump

Compared 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:

  • Reduction of the compression ratio from 17.5 to 16.5 and the adoption of low-voltage metallic glow plugs
  • Improved EGR cooler (with by-pass) and EGR valve adoption on Lambda sensor with DPF
  • New inlet port design

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

  • Cylinders In-line 4
  • Displacement 1910 cc
  • Bore x Stroke 82 x 90.4 mm
  • Compression ratio 16.5:1
  • Valves per cyl. 4
  • Max Power 132 kW (177 hp) @ 4000 rpm / 140 kW (188 hp) @ 4000 rpm
  • Torque 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm
  • Inj. System MultiJet common-rail, 1600 bar
  • Emissions Compliance with projected Euro 5
  • Supercharging Twin Stage Turbocharger, with waste-gate system
  • Mass (Din – 70020A) 185 kg
  • Dimensions (LxWxH) 679/551/712 mm
  • Block Cast iron
  • Cylinder head Aluminium alloy, 16 valves
  • Drivetrain DOHC belt driven, cam-to-cam gears
  • Production plant FMA (Pratola Serra, Italy)