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VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Videos, Dodge, Ford 
We love Ford Mustangs of all shapes and sizes, and the age-old adage of "the more power the better" definitely applies. Scott Vanderschoor, a regular on Bang Shift forums, is working on one hell of a pony car; one that carries the panache of a Fox-body 'Stang and the power of a Dodge Viper - with a pair of turbochargers providing a little additional motivation. Unsurprisingly, Vanderschoor reportedly needed to move back the firewall a half foot to make room for the massive 8.4L V10 engine, but we're guessing the labor will pay off with some absolutely incredible power numbers.
Hit the jump to see Vanderschoor's big beast as it turns over on camera for the first time. The sound is a bit different than you'd expect from a typical Mustang V8 growl and we're guessing that it has a little more oomph under the hood than most pony cars on the road - even before Vanderschoor tuning gets sorted out. This is one Mustang project we're looking forward to seeing more of! Check out the gallery below in addition to the video after the jump.Thanks for the tip, Brian L!
[Source: Bang Shift]Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda
2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery
First impressions can be problematic, even more so when reviewing a vehicle. When the media gets its first shot at a new offering, the automaker typically invites journalists to a location of its choosing to drive under conditions that show the car in its best light. Such was the case with the 2010 Honda Insight. After our First Drive, we came away with the impression that Honda's hot new hybrid was an engaging alternative to the Toyota Prius, but we quickly came to realize the Insight's limitations and flaws after a week behind the wheel on our home turf.
Get our real-world impressions after the jump.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Hariss steam-powered split-window prototype Filed under: Concept Cars, Time Warp, Minivans/MPVs, Trucks/Pickups, Auction Action, Etc., Special/Limited Editions 
Hariss Steam Car prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery
Now here's just the thing to mix up with a heated-up Flattie, or better yet, a Rajo Model T powerplant, which would be perfectly authentic for the vintage. Oh sure, purists will argue that this artifact, which apparently started life as a Hariss Steam Car prototype carrying a Stanley Steamer power unit, should be returned to its original state. Good luck figuring out exactly what that was.
With a deft enough touch, you could pay homage to the 1930s craftsmanship in this vehicle without ruining it. Either way, if you're determined enough to buy this obviously Stout Scarab-inspired vehicle (it currently has one bid at $8,500) it will be yours to do whatever you choose, critics be damned. Going all Travels With Charley with this split-window behemoth, especially towing a homebuilt teardrop trailer, would be a fantastic summer diversion, and if you did go all external-combustion-engine on it, you'd always have a fire to sit around at night.
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Hariss steam-powered split-window prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Next Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe? Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Ford 
2009 Ford Iosis Max concept - click above for high-res gallery
Since it first came to the market in 2000, Ford's Focus has been consistently lauded for its crisp "European handling," and thanks to a Ford of Europe press release yesterday, that bromide sounded like it was about to become truer than ever. The release in question announced that the next all-new Focus is to be sourced from a single location - the Blue Oval's Saarlouis Plant in Germany. Quite understandably, that proclamation caused a bit of consternation here in the States, with some news outlets reporting that North American Focus models will also originate from the German facility. Not so.
Autoblog spoke with Lincoln, Mercury communications manager Mark Schirmer this morning (despite his title, Schirmer has been tasked with preparing for the U.S. launch of the 2010 car) and he has re-confirmed that all North American Focus models will originate from a freshly renovated Wayne Assembly Plant in Michigan (something that Ford officials initially promised back in May).
The intention of FoE's confusingly worded statement was to note that Saarlouis is to be the single point of origin for all European Focus models. In addition to Saarlouis and Wayne, Ford will also likely produce the next Focus at a plant somewhere in Asia, but a location announcement has not yet been made.
Next Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
STUDY: Majority of highway fatalities caused by deficient road conditions Filed under: Maintenance, Government/Legal, Safety 
What would you think to be the leading contributor to fatalities in car crashes here in the States? Failure to use seat belts? Speeding? Drunk driving? Think again. According to a new study commissioned by Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), the leading cause of highway fatalities is deficient road conditions. In fact, the study asserts, with a roadway-related crash occurring every minute on American streets, inadequate roadway infrastructure is responsible for the majority of highway fatalities in the United States and over a third of injuries incurred in non-fatal crashes as well.
Given the state of many roadways, you might think that the situation - like America's road network - is beyond repair. However, the study, entitled "On a Crash Course: The Dangers and Health Costs of Deficient Roadways," assesses the financial cost alone of crashes caused by these substandard roadways - as a whopping $217 billion annually, including medical bills, loss of productivity and property damage. That's more than three-and-a-half times the $59 billion which local, state and federal governments in the United States invest in improving America's roadways. PIRE's solution? Improving road conditions, of course, including better signage and markings, widening shoulders and removing obstacles from roadsides. Follow the jump to read more on PIRE's findings and suggested solutions for what it deems is one of the largest killers in America.
[Source: Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation | Image: STR/AFP/Getty]Continue reading STUDY: Majority of highway fatalities caused by deficient road conditions STUDY: Majority of highway fatalities caused by deficient road conditions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Exclusive: Hurst announces Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge  Hurst Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we last visited the Hurst facility in Irvine, CA, we noticed something unusual. While nearly all of the Challengers were painted in either white or black, a lone Challenger painted in B5 Blue sat tucked away in a corner. When we inquired about the car, we were told that we would find out soon enough. Well, we know now, as Hurst has just unveiled a Competition/Plus package for the Dodge Challenger at the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA.
The Competition/Plus project was started in an effort to provide a more affordable package, as well as appeal to customers who might not necessarily want the classic gold paint schemes. Named after the legendary shifter that helped make Hurst famous, the package includes only the essentials: an Eibach suspension system, Magnaflow exhaust system, Hurst 20-inch alloy wheels, color-matched leather inserts and stitching for the interior, matte black exterior accents, and, of course, a Competition/Plus short throw shifter with the classic white ball. We're told the package is available on any color of Challenger, whether it's the B5 Blue pictured here, Hemi Orange, TorRed or any other.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but full details on the car should be released soon. Until then, take a look at our exclusive gallery of photographs that were given the chance to snap a couple of days before the car's release.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Exclusive: Hurst announces Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Elon Musk: "Golden handcuffs" require I stay through Model S launch Filed under: Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Government/Legal, Green 
For a guy who allegedly wants a lot of the credit for creating Tesla Motors, Elon Musk certainly doesn't seem to like the job of being its CEO. As part of Daimler's investment deal with Tesla, Musk needed to commit to staying on as Tesla's CEO at least until the Model S launches in 2011. Musk told Reuters:
I didn't really have a choice. This was a requirement of Daimler that I remain CEO of Tesla through the Model S launch and then continue to be part of Tesla in a chairman role beyond that. It's flattering, but at the same time it's golden handcuffs.
Well, that sure makes it sound like fun, doesn't it? It's clear that Musk has always been interested in projects other than Tesla (e.g.: electric planes and SpaceX), but does he have to make running one of the hippest electric car companies around sound like a drag?
Another nugget from the article: One of the reasons the price on the Roadster was raised was to help qualify Tesla Motors for the DOE loan it later received. Musk said, "We did the minimum we needed to do to make the business work."
[Source: Reuters]Elon Musk: "Golden handcuffs" require I stay through Model S launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford 
Ford tuning specialists Steeda Autosports have been teasing the 2010 version of their Q-Series Mustang for quite some time, and apparently for some of their customers, it can't come soon enough. To help deal with requests, the Florida-based company has introduced a Sport Edition model that utilizes an array of parts already in the Steeda catalog.
This particular steed is tweaked to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. At $8995 $6,995, the pricing seems pretty steep, especially without any significant power upgrades, but we have to admit it's one good looking pony car.
[Source: Muscular Mustangs]
*UPDATE: Steeda representatives have contacted Autoblog with correct information regarding the new Sport Edition, including a different, wallet-friendlier package price of $6,995 (the source article cited incorrect information). The full, official press release has been added after the jump.
Continue reading Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac 
The days of Cadillac's big DTS sedan are numbered as the plant that builds it will soon be shut down and re-tooled. The Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant that builds the DTS and Buick Lucerne will switch over to building the Chevy Volt in 2010 and the current products are both long in the tooth.
The National Post is reporting that the new Cadillac flagship will be dubbed XTS and will be produced at the Oshawa assembly plant. It will be built alongside an updated Chevrolet Impala, the new Camaro and the Buick Regal. The DTS is a front-wheel drive car, but the XTS is expected to the share the Epsilon II platform with the Regal and the new Impala. As such, it will likely get all-wheel-drive at least as an option. For its part, the Regal will likely be a re-badged version of the Opel Insignia. The report goes on to say that Oshawa will produce a hybrid version of one of those offerings - a gas-electric Regal model is a reasonable bet.
Earlier reports had pegged the next Cadillac sedan as a model that would supplant both the DTS and the slow-selling STS, and although the NatPost article does not speak to this, it is reasonable to assume that the new XTS will result in the phase-out of both model lines. The new model line was reportedly put on hold back in August of last year, but it apparently has once again been given the go-ahead.
The XTS is scheduled to be launched in December 2011, with the new Impala coming in early 2013. Thanks to Ben for the tip!
[Source: The National Post]REPORT: Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari  Valentino Rossi tests a Ferrari F1 car - Click above for high-res image gallery
Typically F1 drivers come up through the formula racing ladder. But for every rule there's an exception, and that exception seems to be creeping up for Ferrari, who are facing a potential change-up in drivers that involves not just numerous racing classes but varied disciplines of motorsports.
First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the team's 2007 world champion who's been trying his hand at rallying. The Finnish driver has contested local-level rallies with limited success, but remains undeterred in entering the World Rally Championship stage in Finland next month. The event will be the first top-level rally for Raikkonen, and also the first professional rally on agravel surface following previous outings on ice, snow and asphalt. Given his level of performance lately in F1, if Kimi finds his footing in rally, he could make the switch.
If Kimi were to jump ship from F1, there's no lack of talent out for Ferrari, but the Scuderia could reach into a different talent pool and bring Valentino Rossi on board. The multiple MotoGP champion has tested for Ferrari on several occasions to considerable effect, and could be ripe for a switch from two wheels to four. But even if Kimi stays in F1, Rossi could find himself with an open door just the same as reports indicate that the terms of the new arrangement between the FIA and FOTA could make way for teams to field a third car in F1 in the near future.
[Source: Autosport and F1-Live]Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Some airlines adding airbags to first-class seats Filed under: Safety 
Beginning October 27, many planes could be quite a bit safer in the event of a crash. New government regulations are forcing all planes to have sturdier "16G" seats that will stay bolted to the floor in the event of an impact 16-times the force of gravity. The seats have been present in all planes designed and produced after 1988, but older planes with 9G seats will be replaced. The 9G seats could rip apart from the floor even in crashes where the plane skid off the runway; killing or severely injuring some passengers secured with the 16G seats. The seat sturdiness will remain at 16G, as scientists say stronger forces are not survivable.
Another technological improvement in airline safety is the introduction of airbags. The airbag tech is lifted directly from automobiles, and they're designed to go off only in the event of an impact, however, turbulence won't trigger the devices. The airbags are built into the lap belt and the employment will be in first class where the distance between seats is greater than in coach. In coach, airbags will be used in front rows, exit rows and bulkhead seats.
[Source: Engadget, New York Times]Some airlines adding airbags to first-class seats originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards Filed under: Volkswagen  2009 Volkswagen (Passat) CC - Click above for high-res image gallery
Volkswagen is usually known for its simple, basic, iconic styling; the classic Beetle and the previous-generation Jetta are perfect case studies. Which is why the svelte and streamlined CC - known overseas as the Passat CC - has come as a refreshing change of pace for the German automaker. We're not the only ones who think so, either, as the four-door coupe from Wolfsburg has been accumulating design awards the world over.
Adding to the list that already includes the coveted iF Product Design Award and the Australian International Design Award, the Volkswagen CC has now been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The prize has bestowed annually since 1955 by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the legendary design museum housed in the reclaimed Zollverein coal mine. The Best of the Best award was accepted by designer Martin Kropp on behalf of VW's Exterior Design Studio 1 and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.
Continue reading Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
AutoblogGreen for 07.02.09 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green 
AutoblogGreen for 07.02.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO] Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW 
2011 BMW X1 - Click above for a massive high-res image gallery
As expected after this morning's initial leakage, BMW has released a staggering amount of images of the 2011 BMW X1 showing the brand's new soft-roader in every conceivable environment before it's officially revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Along with the pics, BMW put out a brief statement (below the fold) confirming the X1's arrival in the U.S. sometime in 2011 and its plans to offer both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive (xDrive) versions, along with "a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices." BMW won't officially confirm what mils will make the trip across the Atlantic, but the automaker says the X1 will use its EfficientDynamics system and that one gasoline engine and three diesels will be available when the X1 launches in Europe this fall. Check out all 183 high-res images in the gallery below and expect official U.S. market information to be released closer to the X1's launch in the States.
Continue reading Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO] Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO] Filed under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Ford
1989 JBA Dominator GTA Mustang - Click above for an image gallery
The Fox body was hardly a high point in the history of the Ford Mustang. But every kingdom must have a king, and in the late-'80s and early-'90s this was it: the JBA Dominator GTA. Commissioned from J Bittle American by Ford in 1989, the Dominator took the pony car to new heights, installing what was likely the first independent rear suspension on a Mustang along with a long list of features that differentiated this custom muscle car from stock. The Lightning 351 engine features the iron heads from the GT40 and the intake manifold from a Cobra. A custom exhaust and aircraft-derived fuel system kept it breathing, while 17-inch rims obscured race-spec disc brakes at all corners.
The list goes on and on, and during its reign, the Dominator received plenty of media attention. The Mustang was featured on the cover of Road & Track in November 1989 in a shoot-out against other factory-backed custom muscle cars and went on to star in various hot-rodding and Ford-specific magazines. The JBA even has its own website, which will transfer to the buyer willing to pony up the $34,500 asking price for this piece of Mustang tuning history. Check it out in the gallery below and the video after the jump, or follow the link to the eBay auction page to make an offer.
[Source: eBay Motors via BAT]Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO] eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: Prepare to shell out a lot more for your next rental car Filed under: Earnings/Financials 
Hertz Fun Collection Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ - click above to enlarge
The economy is in one of the deepest recessions in decades, and one pleasant side-effect of fiscal woes is that many companies are offering huge discounts to get you off the consumer sidelines. One industry that hasn't gone that route so far is the rental car industry. Abrams Consulting Group tells The New York Times that the cost of a week-long rental went from $199 in May 2008 to $345 this year; a 73% increase. The news hasn't gotten much better for June, as the prices went up 65% from $210 to $347. If car rentals are down 15% on the year, why the increase?
The reason for the jump in prices is that there are fewer vehicles to rent, as companies like Hertz and Avis have cut back on the amount of vehicles that they're buying. They're also selling vehicles to used-car starved dealerships. The result of smaller fleets is customers paying more for the cars and trucks that are left. And since customers have become accustomed to getting their rentals at the last minute, some aren't getting a rental at all.
To beat the car rental blues, The New York Times suggests that you start your search earlier. Not getting a rental from companies at the airport is also a good idea, as off-airport companies don't have as much demand. Sites like Priceline and Expedia also generally offer discounts over retail.
[Source: New York Times]REPORT: Prepare to shell out a lot more for your next rental car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country? Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Lifestyle 
Hyundai gas promotion traffic - Click above for high-res image gallery
Well, imagine that. People like cheap gas. Enough, in fact, that they're willing to line up in droves just for the privilege of filling up their tanks. As if you needed further proof of this unfailing truth, here are the pictures to prove it. As part of its new Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock promotion, the Korean automaker ran an unannounced campaign in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles where consumers could purchase gas for just $1.49 per gallon.
The catch? There was just one location in each cities where the program was in effect and the location was kept secret until an hour before the promotion began. In a nod to modern social media users, Hyundai sent the information to its Twitter followers (@hyundainews) just before local radio stations announced the promotion city-wide about an hour before it started. Predictably, a mad rush to each location ensued. Nice little PR stunt, no?
Click past the break for the press release and check out the images of the madness shot on location at the Horace Harding BP gas station in New York. Similar scenes were reported in Chicago and LA.
Continue reading Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country? Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Volkswagen 
2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen - Click above for high-res image gallery
General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales and a whopping 81% of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder.
Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40% were diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41% overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29% of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69% in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September, including a TDI - and if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could see a huge sales spike as well.
[Source: Volkswagen]Continue reading Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
In Tune With the Past: Arden re-issues limited-edition AJ18 XK Filed under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Jaguar, UK  Arden AJ18 - Click above to view in high-res
The thing about limited editions is that there are bound to be at least a few customers disappointed that they couldn't get their hands on one. That's the whole point, keeping demand higher than supply and thus ensuring a high price. So it's a little unusual to see an automaker or aftermarket supplier going back and reopening the supply lines, especially if the model in question has already been replaced. But that's exactly what British tuning house Arden has done with the AJ18.
Based on the previous-generation XK, Arden debuted this limited-edition track-inspired Jag coupe nearly ten years ago at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, pegging production at just 13 units. A decade gone by, Arden has announced the availability of an additional five examples, bringing the total run up to 18 pieces. What sets the AJ18 apart from the stock XK8 is the carbon-composite aero kit, custom grilles and bumpers, narrow wing mirrors, giant rear wing and 20-inch Sportline rims hiding 370mm brake discs with 6-piston calipers mounted to a lowered Bilstein suspension.
We'd just as soon go out and buy a new XK, dynamically superior as it is to its successor in just about every way, but if you've already got a previous-generation model in your driveway and still regret missing your chance to upgrade it to the Arden AJ18, this will probably be your last chance. Probably.
[Source: Carscoop]In Tune With the Past: Arden re-issues limited-edition AJ18 XK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spirit of EcstaSea: Rolls-Royce collaborates on Palmer Johnson mega-yacht Filed under: Rolls-Royce 
Palmer Johnson Ice Class World Yacht - Click above for high-res image gallery
Teak decks, big engines, luxurious accommodations, leisurely cruising, lots of chrome...we could just as easily be talking about a modern Rolls-Royce as a motor yacht. So it should come as no surprise that renowned shipbuilder Palmer Johnson turned to Rolls-Royce to collaborate on one of its most ambitious projects, the PJ World Yacht.
The result of Palmer Johnson's acquisition of Flekkefjord & Slipp, a Norwegian builder of exploration vessels, the 82-meter Ice Class mega yacht concept features everything a world traveler could ask for, and then some: a helipad with elevator-equipped hangar, submarine garage and a six-floor interior designed by Italian naval architects Nuvolari-Lenard - including a three-deck master stateroom, swimming pool, gym, spa, home theater...the works.
The yacht even comes equipped with such pirate-defense features as water cannons and thermal imaging cameras, along with an environmentally-friendly diesel-electric propulsion system. Granted, the branch of Rolls-Royce with which Palmer Johnson collaborated on this project has more to do with marine equipment than luxury limousines, but against the backdrop of other automotive-nautical crossovers like BMW's Bavaria Cruiser 55 and Porsche Design's Fearless 28, the PJ Ice Class World Yacht looks like the veritable Rolls-Royce of mega yachts. Have a look at the renderings in the gallery below to see for yourself.
[Source: Palmer Johnson]Spirit of EcstaSea: Rolls-Royce collaborates on Palmer Johnson mega-yacht originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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