Ford Presents 2010 Mustang Emblem, Says it Hints at Crispier Look

With the official unveiling of the all-new 2010 Mustang (see video here) just around the corner (November 19), Ford decided to tease us by unveiling its new pony badge. Ford says that the new emblem with its more chiseled and crispier design gives us a hint to as what the 2010 Mustang will look like. Besides the subtly toned tinted-chrome finish, the new pony also features and a new mane. -Continued

“It’s just a faster-looking steed,” said George Saridakis, Design manager for the 2010 Mustang. “We wanted to give the Mustang pony a more realistic feel,” said Douglas Gaffka, chief designer for the 2010 Mustang. “We lifted the head to make the pony more proud, tipped the neck into the wind to give it a feeling of greater speed and better balance. It’s more chiselled and more defined and looks more like a wild horse,” Gaffka added. “It’s more realistic in terms of proportion to an actual Mustang.”

Hurst to Present 500+ HP Supercharged Dodge Challenger at SEMA

Hurst has teamed up with a number of companies to create a collectible limited edition version of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 that will make its debut at the Las Vegas SEMA show in late November. Available in four trim levels through participating Dodge dealerships from early 2009, the Hurst-prepped Challenger SRT8 will pack more than 500 ponies under its hood while other improvements will include a set of polished five-spoke HURST alloy wheels and a classic pistol-grip Hurst shifter. -Continued

“The new HURST/HEMI Challenger is more than just another muscle car. It epitomizes the performance industries tradition of taking the best Detroit has to offer and adding 21st century performance parts to make your ride faster and cooler than the other guys,” said Nate Shelton, Chairman of HURST.

“HURST has a long history of doing just that with guys like Don Garlits, Warren Johnson, Dick Landy and even celebrity racers Steve McQueen and Jim Garner. The new HURST/HEMI Challenger is the first of many HURST Performance Vehicles to come. We are ready to make some more history,” Shelton added.

Via: eGMcartech, Source: Hurst

Brits Vote for the 100 Fugliest Cars of All Times

The Daily Telegraph has asked its readers to nominate and then vote for the world’s 100 ugliest cars. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so don’t feel bad if you find the appearance of one or more of the vehicles shown in the list, attractive. Starting from this past Monday, the British newspaper’s website began showing the results (20 cars per day) in reverse order with the countdown set to finish on Friday with the release of the 20 fugliest cars of all times.

Among other vehicles that ‘managed’ to make the current list (100 to 41) are four Bangle-era BMWs, the previous 7-Series, X6, current 6-Series and Z3 Coupe, Lexus SC430, the third generation Ford Mustang, Cadillac Escalade, Citroen 2CV, Chrysler 300C, Renault Fuego Coupe, Porsche Boxster, VW Tiguan, Mercedes R-Class, Ford Sierra, Leyland P76, Hyundai Pony, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X, Peugeot 308, NSU Prinz IV, Lamborghini LM002, Yugo, Alfa Romeo SZ, Nissan Figaro and the Jaguar XJ-S Coupe. Which fugly cars would top your list?

Link: Telegraph

China ‘Outwits’ the WTO by Raising Taxes on Large Displacement Engines

For a while now, the US, Canada and the European Union have been fighting China over Beijing’s unfair tax treatment for imported foreign car parts. According to the Chinese law, imported new cars are subject to a 25% tariff while foreign parts are supposed to be taxed at a lower 10% rate. But in early 2005, China decided to enforce a 25% tariff on all imported car parts that made up for more than 60% of any vehicle.

The US, Canada and the European Union complained that Beijing broke the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) rules and started a legal battle. In February 2008, the WTO issued a preliminary ruling against China and in July 2008, the case was closed in favor of the US, Canada and the European Union. Mind you, this was the first time the WTO officially sided against China in its seven years as a WTO member. -Continued

Now, just a month after the WTO’s ruling China’s government announced that it will impose a new “green tax” from September 1st penalizing cars with large displacement engines in order to cut fuel consumption and improve air quality. Coincidently, most of those vehicles are imported…

According to China’s Ministry of Finance, the sales tax for cars with engine capacities over than 4.1 liters will double to 40% whilst cars powered with engines between 3 and 4.1 liters will be taxed at 25%, up from 15%. The tariffs on cars with engines that are 1 liter or less will drop from 3% to 1% while taxes on other cars will remain as is. And guess who makes most of the cars with smaller engines - yep, it’s the Chinese automakers!

VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept Gets its own Boat Deck

Even though the city of Dusseldorf in Germany is not what we’d call a summer resort, many automakers attending this week’s Dusseldorf Caravan Salon (30 August to 7 September), are presenting nautical themed vehicles. After Fiat and its Portofino Concept that you can check out here, Volkswagen’s commercial arm announced that it will present the Caddy Topos Sail design concept which takes its nautical theme to the extreme with the wooden boat deck. -Continued

Based on VW’s smallest commercial vehicle, the Caddy Topo Sail uses design cues from classic yachts and has its multi-functional roof covered with wooden decking surrounded by aluminum roof rails. The driver and passengers can access the wooden boat deck via four matching wooden and aluminum steps in the Caddy’s tailgate. Completing the nautical design theme are wooden inserts along the side of the vehicle and in the rear bumper.

Breaking News: Chrysler’s Thinking of Selling the Dodge Viper unit!

The Dodge Viper could soon be history -at least for the Chrysler Group, as according to an official announcement that was made this morning, the third largest American automaker said that it is ‘preparing to explore strategic options for the Dodge Viper business’. Here is what Chrysler LLC’s CEO Bob Nardelli said about the potential sale of the Viper to a third party:

“We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper. As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts.” -Continued

“Viper is an integral part of this Company’s heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Picture Edited by Carscoop

Euro NCAP: Daihatsu Cuore, Lancia Delta, Renault Koleos, Hyundai i30, Mercedes M-Class

European car safety testing body Euro-NCAP announced its latest batch of ratings. Of the five cars whose results were released today, four models -the Lancia Delta, Hyundai i30, Renault Koleos SUV and the Mercedes M-Class, achieved Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star rating for adult occupant protection while the Daihatsu Cuore minicar managed a four star score. Hyundai’s i30 and the Renault Koleos were awarded with four stars in child occupant protection while the Lancia Delta, Mercedes M-Class and the Daihatsu Cuore achieved a mediocre three star rating in the same test. -Continued

Unfortunately, all cars performed poorly in Euro NCAP’s pedestrian protection with four vehicles obtaining just two stars (Lancia Delta, Daihatsu Cuore, Hyundai i30 and Renault Koleos) while the Mercedes M-Class managed a disappointing one star.

Audi R8 GT3 Race Version with 500+ HP and Rear-Wheel-Drive!

For the first time in its history, Audi is offering customers the chance to buy a racing sports car in the form of the GT3 version of the R8 coupe. "The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport program,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version.” Available for order from autumn 2009, the R8 GT3 will be able to participate in numerous national and international race series.

Given that the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive, Audi’s race-spec sportscar comes with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain. The German automaker hasn’t given out all the details yet, but it did say that the mid-engined R8 GT3 will deliver more than 500 HP from the modified V8 engine. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox while the suspension will use almost exclusively components from the production model. -Continued

As you can see in the pictures, Audi has developed a full aerodynamic bodykit for the R8 GT3 that includes a modified front end and a large rear-wing to generate the required downforce. The R8 GT3 will also feature the necessary safety equipment to guarantee the well being of the driver in the case of an accident. The first test races of the race-prepped R8 in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season.

Chromed Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 by Hamann for Sale

A fully chromed –ok, it’s not real chrome just chrome paint- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 pimped by the German tuning firm Hamann has been put up for sale by the London based luxury car dealer ‘Mayfair Prestige’. Even though we think it’s a terrible idea to begin with, the folks at the British used car lot actually believe that they can fetch a whopping £340,000 (about $625,200 / €426,500 with the current exchange rates), for the shiny Lambo. As they say, love is blind and with that much chrome, someone is bound to be blinded… -More pics after the jump

Link: Mayfair – Thanks for the tip Josh!

Sportec Releases Performance kit for the Audi RS6 Avant

Following in the footsteps of so many other tuners, Sportec has announced that it too has released a sport package for the Audi RS6 Avant. The Swiss tuning firm’s Stage 1 performance kit (apparently Sportec will present more powerful kits in the near future) includes a reprogrammed ECU that adds 70 HP to the RS6’s 5.0-liter bi-turbocharged V10 raising total output to 650 HP at 6,300 rpm. Maximum torque has also been lifted to 740 Nm (546-lbs/ft) at 2,500-4,500 rpm. -Continued

Sportec says that with the Stage 1 performance kit the RS6 Avant can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.4 sec versus the standard car’s 4.6 sec and go on to a top speed of 305 km/h or 190mph. Buyers can also opt for a lowering kit and a set of 20 or 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

Video: Fast & Furious 4 Trailer in HD

The first trailer of the Fast & Furious 4 movie which opens next summer on June 5, 2009, has hit the web. The fourth installment of the high-octane series reunites Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez who once again get behind the wheels of a series of souped-up cars (for reasons that probably no one really cares) including the new Subaru Impreza WRX STi hatchback (see pics here), the Dodge Challenger, the Buick Grand National and a few Mitsubishi Lancer EVOs and Nissan Skylines. Check out the trailer after the jump.

Via: Motorpasion

Fiat Portofino Concept - A Modern Day Beach Car

It may look like as if it were stripped down for spare parts in some bad neighborhood, but the Portofino Concept that will be show at the Caravan Salon due to be held in Dusseldorf from August 29 to September 7 is actually inspired from the open-topped beach cars that were built onto small Fiat models by Italian coachbuilders in the 1960s. Based on the Fiorino, the Portofino Concept has not only lost its roof but also its doors that have been somewhat replaced by nautical ropes. To compensate for the structural loss, Fiat’s designers added a rollbar-like central ring. -Continued

Inside, the Portofino design follows a nautical theme with the interior flooring made out of wood. Other changes include the repainted dashboard and the new seats that have been upholstered with natural fibres treated using a special waterproofing process.

Although Fiat supports that the Portofino is just a study, the Italian automaker also said that a covered version will be available at a later stage for protection against sun and rain. In other words, don’t be surprised if Fiat decides in the near future to offer a production model based on this concept.

Chinese Speed Block Means Business

The most simple and cost effective way to force drivers to slow down their pace is to add a speed bump on the road. An alternative solution is 3-dimensional speed bump images like the ones used in the city of Philadelphia –see here. But in the case of the local government in China’s ShanXi province, neither solution was good enough. Instead of using a speed bumps like the rest of the world, authorities decided to build a miniature version of the “Great Wall” in the form of a 30 meter (about 100 ft) long and 2.7 meter wide (approx 9 ft) ‘S’ shaped road barricaded with a 60 cm tall cement wall (around 2 ft). -Continued

According to reports from the Chinese media, the speed block has surpassed the local government’s expectations as not only did it slow down drivers, but it has actually created massive traffic jams on a daily basis… And if that isn’t enough of a problem, due to the fact that the road is so narrow and twisty, a large number of drivers have ended up scrapping their vehicles on the cement wall.

Via: HSW

Audi RS6 Avant Tuned to 650 HP by IMSA

Mostly known for its Lamborghini tuning propositions, IMSA decided to join in the Audi RS6 craze that has hit the German tuning scene by presenting a souped-up version of the range-topping Avant model. Modifications to the engine that include a remapped ECU and a new exhaust system boost the 5.0-liter V10’s output to 650 HP (from 580 HP) while torque has also been increased to 745 Nm or 550-lbs/ft. The result is a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.2 sec versus the standard RS6 Avant’s 4.6 sec. According to IMSA, the outrageously powered station wagon can accelerate from standstill to 200 km/h (125 mph) in just 13.8 sec and on to a top speed of over 300 km/h or 187 mph. -Continued

Additional modifications include a lower suspension setting and a set of ultra light 20-inch alloy wheels derived from the company’s tuning kit for the Gallardo that are wrapped around 275 performance tires.