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We got a good look at the two funked-up Mazda2s brought to SEMA by the Zoom-Zoom gang, and at least one of them we sorely need to see on the streets. After happening upon a color and materials designer who worked on this and the Mazda Miata Super20, we asked for the details on the whats and the whys. We were told that the slight gray wundercar with the superfine metallic was created to showcase a hipper, in-house side of the 2, à la a Puma sneaker. That means a rich base coat cut by bold graphics and harmonized details that don’t detract from the big picture.

For us, it works. And in fact, it works so well that it’s just the kind of thing we think Mazda needs to do to introduce some more entry-level Zoom-Zoom to proceedings. Scion has lost its way, but the Focus ST is coming and the Fiesta is selling loaded up with options, so there’s no reason the Mazda2 needs to sit in the bargain fuel economy corner. The wheel and tire combo might need a bit more attention, but it’d be a shame for this car to remain a unicorn.

On the other side of the stand was its “Evil Track” twin racing version, with a set of slicks and a roll cage. We certainly wouldn’t mind seeing that one, either… but Mazda, come on – the Sneaker2 is the way to go. Bring it. Until that happens, check out this pair of 2s in the galleries of high-res photos below.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

SEMA 2010: Puma-hip Mazda2 and its Evil Track twin elicit our want

Also at the Toyota booth here at the SEMA Show in Vegas, in addition to the pumped-up Prius Plus and the Swagger Wagon Supreme, was the NASCAR-bred, V8-powered, two-door, rear-wheel-drive Camry concept by RK Customs and the equally impressive Tacoma RTR concept.

Both of these machines were created to prove that Toyota can make high-quality performance vehicles, and they rely on their racing heritage to make that statement. Each is powered by a V8 engine; in the case of the Camry, a 358 cubic inch TRD NASCAR powerplant producing 680 horsepower, and as for the Tacoma, a supercharged 5.7-liter with 504 horses lies underhood. You can see each race-bred, red and white street machine in our high-res galleries below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

SEMA 2010: Toyota goes Talladega with NASCAR-ified Tacoma and Camry

While the wicked E-Rod LSA found its way into a Superformance Grand Sport Coupe at this year’s SEMA show, General Motors decided to plop the company’s new E-Rod LS3 into something a little more traditional. GM yanked the sheets off of an expertly-crafted 1955 Chevrolet pickup street rod. The project started by mating a minty-fresh Dynacorn body with the chassis of a Trailblazer SS. Throw in a 315-horsepower, 335-pound-feet of torque E-Rod LS3 and you’ve got the basic ingredients for one very lust-worthy pickup.

GM says that the new E-Rod LS3 will command a price tag of $7,150 when it arrives in 2011. Hit the jump for the press release.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: GM]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: 1955 Chevrolet E-Rod LS3 Pickup is ready to haul

SEMA 2010: 1955 Chevrolet E-Rod LS3 Pickup is ready to haul

General Motors has grown its E-Rod family by two, adding a 505-horsepower 7.0-liter LS7 and a 556-horsepower 6.2-liter LSA to its line of emissions-friendly V8s. The General chose to show off the new forced-induction engine by plopping the mill in a Superformance Grand Sport replica. With a feathery light curb weight of just 2,500 pounds and a potent 551 pound-feet of torque on tap, this machine should be an absolute tarmac terror. Behind that supercharged small block sits a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and a four-wheel disc brake system designed to bring the whole party to a stop in a hurry.

GM says that it is currently working closely with the California Air Resources Board to ensure that the E-Rod LSA can be used in pre-OBD-II vehicles, allowing specially constructed cars like the Superformance Grand Sport to receive CARB certification. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: LSA E-Rod powered Superformance Grand Sport Coupe

SEMA 2010: LSA E-Rod powered Superformance Grand Sport Coupe

Chevrolet is out to put the power of customization in its buyers’ hands. The company has announced a theoretical new customization program for every vehicle it sells, from the lowly Aveo to the mammoth Silverado 3500 HD. The Bow Tie pulled the sheets off of a Cruze, Volt and Spark, each of which wore pieces from the company’s new host of custom parts.

The most interesting of the trio is the Volt. GM designers slapped on a set of lower rocker panels, a reworked rear fascia and blacked-out trim accents around the vehicle. Those stylish 19-inch wheels are actually straight from GM, as are the trick rear tail lights.

The Cruze Z-Spec Concept wears a complete body kit, unique paint and a new high-flow grille. Sport springs, a set of super-sexy 19-inch BBS wheels and a Brembo brake system also come along for the ride, as do a set of Recaro racing buckets.

The last of the bunch is something of a quandary, as GM has yet to come out and confirm whether or not the Spark is actually headed to the States. We do know that the pint-sized Chevy will show up in North America though, which may help explain why a custom version of the car is displayed here in Las Vegas. With special body treatments like that rear spoiler and eye-searing orange paint, there’s no mistaking this hatch for its tamer brethren. Hit the jump for the press releases.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: Chevrolet shows off Z-Spec treatment for Volt, Cruze, Spark

SEMA 2010: Chevrolet shows off Z-Spec treatment for Volt, Cruze, Spark

Day One has officially come and gone, and we’ve done our best to provide you, dear reader, with an interesting selection of the kinds of vehicular machinery that can only be seen at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Below you’ll see a sample of the wares we pointed our digital SLR lenses at. Enjoy, and just wait and see what we’ve got in store for you all through the night and into tomorrow!

Chevrolet Corvette Z06X	Chevrolet Camaro SSX	Neiman Marcus Camaro
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG	Savini Wheels booth	Airhead Kustoms Ford F-350
Ford Taurus Interceptor Stealth	2011 Honda CR-Z Mugen	Toyota Prius Plus
2011 Ford Fiestas	Oakley Designs Ferrari 458	Bio-Hybrid Tracked Hummer
2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid R	Toyota Swagger Wagon Supreme	Chevrolet Corvette Jake Edition

We Obsessively Covered Day One of the…

Mazda builds plenty of sporty cars that incorporate a fun-to-drive feeling, but calling something a sports car does not automatically equate to a vehicle that is ready for the track. For the 2010 SEMA show, Mazda tweaked a handful of cars to show us just how quickly fun can turn into ferocious.

Looking into its stable, Mazda reached in and pulled out a few Mazda2s, a couple of MX-5s, a pair of Mazda3s and an RX-8, then turned them over to its North American design director, Derek Jenkins.

“The versatility of Mazda vehicles is extraordinary. With just minor modifications to a stock Mazda, it can be ready for the track or a car show. Our SEMA cars demonstrate this ability; taking a vehicle from the dealership and making it a truly unique piece.”

The subcompact Mazda2 was given two personalities for the show: a track-ready, lightweight racer and a sporty street car. The track version is called the Mazda2 Evil Track while the other is simply called the Mazda2 Street. Both are great examples of how relatively underpowered cars can still be a total hoot to drive.

Mazda’s iconic roadster also arrives in two souped up versions. The MX-5 Super20 celebrates the 20th anniversary of the droptop sports car. Under the hood lies a supercharged Cosworth engine and the paint scheme is black on gray, both of which give this MX-5 a substantially meaner aura. The other Miata at SEMA is the MX-5 Cup Car, which is a full-on spec racer outfitted with a plethora of racing equipment.

Turning its attention to a four-door, Mazda has brought a turbocharged Mazda3 and the Mazda3 Red Line Time Attack car. Both feature a similar paint scheme, but the turbo Mazda3 is a modified street car while the Red Line Time Attack vehicle runs in the Super Modified class of its series and is capable of hitting 180 miles per hour on a long straight. That’s awfully quick for a C-segment vehicle.

Mazda has also brought an RX-8 along to serve as a well-deserved pat on the back. The Grand-Am GT Mazda RX-8 just completed its 2010 season and utterly dominated the competition. Of the 12 races run, the RX-8 won six of them. More information on each vehicle is available in the full press-release waiting after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: Mazda brings some serious Zoom-Zoom to Las Vegas

SEMA 2010: Mazda brings some serious Zoom-Zoom to Las Vegas

Airhead Kustoms is going big for the 2010 SEMA show. Calling its creation the Pit Boss, Airhead Kustoms has teamed up with Cars by Kris to transform the rugged 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty into the ultimate tow and support truck. The already lofty power numbers of the stock pickup have been given a boost thanks to the addition of a Snow Performance water/methanol injection system, Nitrous Express diesel nitrous system and an AFE Power cold air intake.

Sorting out the ride and handling is a DJM Suspension setup that uses front lowering beams, a rear flip kit and beefy shock absorbers. Hellwig anti-roll bars and Firestone Ride-Rite air helper springs further aid in keeping this Pit Boss in check.

Inside, the Super Duty interior has been upgraded with a custom headliner and leather upholstery. A Rockford Fosgate sound system and a Dashboard Devices in-dash computer provide plenty of entertainment and information. The Pit Boss was built to get a race car to the track but the interior keeps things cozy once you are there. Have a look for yourself in our high-res gallery below.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

SEMA 2010: Airhead Kustoms Ford F-350 Super Duty lives life large

This is what happens at SEMA: you’re strolling the aisles minding your own business, you turn your head and then a cluster of mighty malicious metal rocks you like a pow! straight out of vintage Batman. Holy Toledo! In this case it was the Savini Wheels booth, loaded up with a sedan and four coupes that should be parked outside the Legion of Doom. A Rolls-Royce Ghost inscribed with the ominous phrase “The Omen Machine” (probably meant for Lex Luthor), sits among a Lamborghini Murcielago with white-carbon-fiber-accented rims, Mercedes SLS AMG, Bentley Continental GT and a Ferrari 458 on a delicious set of spokes.

We couldn’t get any more information on the cars or wheels because the hall wasn’t open yet… but what more do you need? Beastly cars for bad, bad men are in the high-res gallery below.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

SEMA 2010: Savini Wheels booth is full of superhero movie bad-guy cars

Making a Lamborghini Murcielago stand out has to be one of the easiest tasks an aftermarket tuner can undertake. After all, the six-lane-wide supercar stands out pretty well straight from the factory. Making one fly under the radar is another matter entirely, but Unicate has done a fine job.

The anti-bling matte finish and smoked lamp lenses give the Yeniceri edition Lambo a more brooding, menacing look. It takes its name from an infamous Ottoman military unit, and the only thing that undermines the understated look is the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear ConcavTen wheels that feature black spokes but chrome rims and which Unicate claims are the largest wheels ever fitted to a Murcielago. Big as they are, we’ll take that claim with a grain of salt or two.

Unicate’s also dropped the suspension by about an inch, fitted a new exhaust worth about 20 extra horses, and fitted LEDs to the front grilles, side skirts and even the engine bay. An array of carbon fiber components are available for the interior as well, as you can see from the high-res image mega gallery below and the press release after the jump.

[Source: Unicate]

Continue reading Unicate’s Lamborghini Murcielago “Yeniceri Edition” flies under the radar… almost

Unicate’s Lamborghini Murcielago “Yeniceri Edition” flies under the radar… almost

SEMA 2010 officially kicks off tomorrow, but General Motors has revealed a slew of vehicles set to be unwrapped on the Vegas show floor. Just like last year, we expect to find a large number of modified Camaros, but Chevy is beating them all to the punch and previewing four in-house mod jobs ahead of the show.

Chevrolet has decided to appeal to a wide range of potential Camaro consumers. A V6 appearance package, a super-showy V8, a Synergy special edition Camaro and a concept track version have all been produced for the SEMA floor. Hop the jump to see what each one looks like, as well as what makes them special.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: Chevrolet shows off four new flavors for the 2011 Camaro

SEMA 2010: Chevrolet shows off four new flavors for the 2011 Camaro

After negotiations seemed to have broken down for an F1 return with Renault for 2011, Kimi Raikkonen appears to be settled on remaining in the World Rally Championship for at least another season. Just who the Finnish pilot will be driving for next year, however, remains a big question mark.

While the former F1 champion could remain with Citroën, one rumor circulating the paddock places him alongside American stuntman extraordinaire Ken Block in the Monster Ford World Rally Team. Block is reportedly optimistic on the prospect, but the outfit’s funding for next season remains an issue. Raikkonen is sponsored by Red Bull, while Block and his team endorse rival energy drink brand Monster.

Could a star-studded, Taurine-fueled super-team be in the cards for next year’s championship? We hope so…

[Source: Autosport Images: Massimo Bettiol/Getty, Roni Rekomaa/AFP/Getty]

Report: Ken and Kimi to team up in WRC?

Getting into your car is getting slicker all the time. Remember when you used to have to physically put your key in the door to get inside? Most undignified. Keyless entry remotes were followed by automatic proximity transmitters that unlock the doors for you when you walk up to the car. But even that requires a superfluous keychain dongle. Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has the answer, but only if you happen to drive an Aston Martin. And have nearly $25k to spare.

Following the transponder wristwatches unveiled for the DBS and Rapide, JLC has now announced the AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder. It features a touch-sensitive sapphire crystal face: touch the glass where it says “open” and it unlocks the doors. Press where it says “close” and it locks ‘em. Press both at the same time and the doors stay locked, but it will help you find your car by turning on the headlamps. Nice trick, all enabled by a micro-transmitter built in to the titanium timepiece. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder

Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder

After putting the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid through the wringer (meaning: we assessed it for our first drive), we dubbed it, “a Porsche Cayenne Hybrid for the people.” Why’d we compare it to a Porsche? Well, the Touareg Hybrid shares its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and its all-wheel-drive system with the Porsche model, so comparisons between the two should be expected. However, the Cayenne Hybrid, with a base price of $67,700, is too expensive for our tastes, and we’d venture to guess that it’s priced beyond the reach of many American buyers as well.

No problem, this would be where the Touareg Hybrid steps in. Or so we thought. We anticipated that VW’s hybrid would be the bargain of the two, and therefore, bring the goods of the Cayenne Hybrid to “the people.” We were expecting the hybrid model to command a premium north of the $44,350 price tag on the current TDI Touareg, but how far north remained unknown until now. Volkswagen has revealed the Touareg’s base price, and it’s a whopping $60,565, plus $820 in destination fees. With a wallet-crunching MSRP like that, the 20 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway Touareg Hybrid will likely struggle to appeal to “the people.” We’ll stop short of calling the Touareg Hybrid a failure, but with Porsche’s version priced within spitting distance, we’re struggling to think of any reason why buyers should opt for the VW. If it were our coin on the line, we’d go with the less pricey Touareg TDI.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Kicking Tires]

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid to start at $60,565

We were a bit surprised when Lotus rolled out a total of five new concepts at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Lotus unloaded its lightweight guns in an effort to showcase the automaker’s future direction, but the question on our minds concerns which of these concepts will actually see the light of day. According to Autocar, only one of the five concepts is actually undergoing engineering work: the Esprit.

Autocar quotes Lotus insiders who say that the future range-topping Esprit is the only vehicle being fully developed at the moment. The Esprit would be the first of the next-generation Lotuses to grace our presence, sometime around 2013. The Esprit will reportedly adhere to the Lotus mantra of lightness and simplicity, with a curb weight of around 3,300 pounds motivated by a 550-horsepower supercharged V8. No, 3,300 pounds isn’t exactly lightweight by any means, but with 550 supercharged horses on deck, the power-to-weight ratio will still be what we’ve come to expect from Lotus.

The Esprit is part of Lotus’s plan to increase sales from less than 3,000 units per year to about 7,000 vehicles. That’s a substantial jump for a company the size of Lotus, and one that becomes more difficult when you consider that the next round of sports cars will be a bit more expensive, too. The UK-based automaker plans to feature pricing in the £80,000 ($128,000 USD) to £120,000 ($192,000) range, up from about £40,000 ($64,000) on average.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Esprit only new Lotus under development

As 2010 draws to a close, it’s time for different publications to start dishing out the numerous “car of the year” awards that highlight the best and brightest offerings for each new model year. The folks at Popular Mechanics have just released their Top 10 Cars for 2011, with American manufacturers (Ford, specifically) taking away the vast majority of top honors. Add General Motors and Chrysler to the mix, and the Big Three account for six of the ten vehicles on Popular Mechanics‘ list.

Ford’s Mustang, Fiesta and F-250 Super Duty were all recognized as class-leaders for the 2011 model year. Across town, the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and Chevrolet Volt were given a hat tip from the editors, as was the Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of parent company Chrysler’s big comebacks for the year 2011. The remaining awards were given to the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Sienna, Lotus Evora and Infiniti M, all of which are fantastic cars in their own rights.

To see which cars were honored for each category, you can scroll through our image gallery of the winners, or hit the jump to read the official press release. Look for the full story in Popular Mechanics’ December issue, which hits newsstands on November 12.

Photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Continue reading Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Only a few more days remain before the arrival of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. It’ll carry a $21,000 premium over the plain-Jane V6 Porsche Cayenne, but for your $67,700 you’ll hold onto the performance and gain a helping of frugality. The supercharged, 333-horsepower six-cylinder with battery help does 0-to-60 in 6.1 seconds and 25 miles per gallon is the highway return. Plus, you get a max speed of 37 mph in electric operation and all that instant torque. You’ll find more info in the press release after the jump, and your checkbook is probably on your dresser if you’re ready to do this dance right now.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit U.S. dealers in November

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit U.S. dealers in November

If you live in India, your list of available supercars to purchase just grew by one very fast model. Bugatti has announced it will begin selling its Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport there. Undeterred by the nation’s 110-percent import tax, Bugatti is taking orders for the topless two-door, which will cost about 160 million rupees or $3.6 million USD. For reference, the same model would cost you about $2.24 million here in the United States or €1.6 million in places dealing with Euros. After receiving the orders, the cars will take six to eight months to be delivered

India is a blooming market for luxury goods manufacturers, and Ferrari plans to follow Bugatti by shipping over its California hardtop convertible sportscar. Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover are already selling in India… and selling quite well, as the number of Indian millionaires continues to grow.

If you do live in India, are in fact a multi-millionaire and are on the fence as to whether a Veyron belongs in your garage, we think you should re-read our First Drive of the Grand Sport. Case closed.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Bugatti Veyron priced from $3.6M in India thanks to 110% taxation

We’ve seen more than our fair share of spy shots over the past couple of years showing test mules for the much-anticipated successor to the Pagani Zonda. What we’ve been lacking on, however, are details of the car’s specifications. Now Britain’s Autocar weekly claims to have the inside scoop on how the supercar codenamed C9 is shaping up, and it’s looking good.

First of all, the engine: Mercedes AMG is once again developing the Pagani’s powerplant. But whereas the current Zonda’s V12 is naturally aspirated, the new unit – thought to be derived from the SL65’s – is tipped to carry twin turbochargers. That should help the C9 churn out some 700 horsepower and 730 lb-ft of twist – considerably more than the current model.

All that muscle is reported to be transmitted to the rear wheels via an X-trac seven-speed sequential transmission, all the while reducing carbon emissions by half. That’ll make the C9 – or whatever it’s called when it finally hits the market – Euro 5 compliant, but that’s not all. Autocar says Pagani is developing the car specifically to meet American federal regulations, meaning that the C9 will be sold Stateside whereas the current Zonda could not.

Construction is expected to take advantage of the carbon-titanium weave that Pagani developed for the ultra-exclusive Zonda Cinque, keeping weight down to around 2700 lbs. Production is supposedly to expand to 40 units per year, but Autocar expects that, despite similar pricing and a big improvement in performance, the current Zonda will continue to be built to order alongside the new model.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Twin-turbo, carbon-titanium Pagani C9 being developed for U.S. market

Could you imagine McLaren making a supercar and not racing it? Of course not. Even though the Woking, England-based outfit might have envisioned the original McLaren F1 purely as a road car, history naturally had different plans for it – and with spectacular results. So we were hardly surprised back in March when reports began coming in that The House That Bruce Built was planning a competition version of the new MP4-12C.

As was the case with the F1 and indicated by those earlier reports, McLaren’s plans, according to AutoWeek, involves teaming up with independent racing garages to turn its road car into a racer. In this case, that firm is said to be CRS, a British outfit that’s racked up a considerable number of victories in GT and open-wheel racing. But CRS will hardly be going it alone. Reports have McLaren’s own people working on the design to be implemented by the outfit.

Lest you think there will only be a handful of MP4-12C competition cars on select tracks, reports have CRS building a fleet of some fifteen GT3-spec versions and another batch of GT2 machines that could find their way to Le Mans by 2013.

[Sources: AutoWeek, JonSibal]

Report: McLaren outsourcing GT2/GT3-spec MP4-12C racers