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With the massive Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), there are performance vehicles of all stripes, but only one has the distinctive Yenko stripes. As previewed in the autoMedia blog , General Marketing Capital Incorporated ( GMCI ) showed a 2010 Yenko Camaro Prototype based on a Camaro SS . The Phase 1 Yenko boasts a supercharger to boost output to 600 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Hurst short-throw shifter, six-piston big brake package, and Magnaflow high-flow cat-back exhaust system. The appearance is given the full Yenko treatment with the essential, distinctive strips, emblems, and retro-styled 22-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features Yenko Super Car (sYc) embroidered headrests, Yenko/SC sill plates, Yenko/SC embroidered floor mats, and more. GMCI is exploring options for producing more Yenko project cars and product lines. It is also developing a Web site to support the business and nurture a Yenko community. The name Yenko is legendary in muscle car circles, with classic Yenko Camaros demanding 10-times the price as a traditional factory car at major auctions. It was Don Yenko who was responsible for creating the Yenko Stinger Corvair, Yenko...
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Respected tuning house Lingenfelter Performance Engineering ( LPE ) unveiled a back-to-the-future muscle car with its T/A concept at the 2009 SEMA show . Certain to turn heads, the reborn Trans Am applies classic Pontiac cues to a 2010 Camaro , then cranks up the volume with abundant performance upgrades. The result is a clear example of what could have been, where it not for the auto industry crisis . Inspired by the 1969 original, the exterior makeover features a new front fascia with custom headlamps, grille, and turn signals. The car's fender has a functional side extractor scoop and the rear quarter has a leading edge wheel flair. The rear corners of the car have been extended nearly four inches and are finished with a wrapped down stand-up spoiler. Custom-created taillight housings complete the body work. The rolling stock is custom 20-inch honeycomb wheels wrapping in 275/40ZR20 front and 315/35ZR20 rear Nitto tires. Inside, the cockpit is dressed with bright blue woven vinyl seat inserts and metal turned instrument panel accents. As with any LPE project, there is serious underhood alchemy with the T/A concept. The engine is built around a custom Racing Head Service (RHS...
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Sometimes you get lucky. And sometimes you get really lucky. We’ve been looking forward to testing the new Lexus IS C retractable hardtop convertible for a long time. Aimed squarely at competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 retractable hardtops, the IS 250 C with a 204-hp V6 starts at $38,940, while the more powerful 306-hp IS 350 C starts at $44,390. Either model gets you a sophisticated looking 2-door coupe that transforms into an even-better looking open vehicle in just 20 seconds with the touch of a button. So about that lucky part — Well, we’d have been happy to test any IS C, but Lexus sweetened the deal with a very special IS 350 C, brimming with performance goodies from Lexus’ F-Sport catalog. And frankly, this transformed the car into the most exciting and well-balanced Lexus we have ever driven. Yes, even including the $58,000 416-hp, V8 IS F sedan. At first glance, our tester was a jaw-dropper. In Obsidian black, with a black leather interior, it was sleek and sophisticated. Sitting on its lowered suspension with massive charcoal 19-inch forged wheels, it was the epitome of badness. The IS had the performance goods to back up the looks. A beautiful stainless...
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Chevrolet has treated us virtually to a revised version of the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept that debuted at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show . The original concept was also widely seen in “ Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ” – at least by the movie goers not distracted by Megan Fox. In that FX-laden film, the concept played a minor role as “Sideswipe” and was clearly more than meets the eye. (Learn about the production Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition .) The original concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. Clearly, the mission was accomplished. The concept features a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high-performance hybrid drive. How much this concept will influence the seventh-generation remains to be seen. Latest rumors about the C7 suggest the car will be smaller than the C6 , benefitting performance and fuel economy. We hope to see the revised concept on the show circuit this season. See our Chicago auto show highlights , and read our Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and Z06...
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Hyundai flirted with the import performance crowd with the Tiburon , but the Korean-automaker is pink-slip serious about appealing to the aging “The Fast and Furious” crowd with its latest coupe. The new, rear-drive Genesis Coupe is a well-executed sporty car with impressive fit-and-finish and decidedly performance-driver bent. For those enthusiasts with a passion for customization and factory-besting performance, Hyundai is introducing the 210-horsepower Coupe 2.0T R-Spec at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) Show this week. Consider this new edition as a blank slate for tuners. Priced at just $23,750, it gives enthusiasts an affordable head start on their wrench-turning adventures. The hardware is based on the Track model, with the track-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, and Torsen limited-slip differential. It also adds a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. R-Spec comes only with a manual transmission. While it has the performance goodies, the R-Spec eliminates “non-essential” features for both cost and, to a lesser degree, weight, including Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control...
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Friday, Dodge Motorsports revealed its Dodge Challenger entry for next year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series. The new car will make its track debut with the July 2nd Daytona race and appear next at Michigan on August 14th. In total, the Challenger will be campaigned at four races in 2010, then compete with the full schedule in 2011. This Challenger is also part of an announcement that Dodge is expanding its partnership with Penske Racing. Next year, Penske will support two cars in the Nationwide Series and three teams in the Sprint Cup. The Challenger isn’t the only muscle coupe to move to the big track. Ford is making a similar move with the Mustang. (Read “ Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang .”) General Motors will not make this a three-way competition by moving the Camaro to NASCAR. Read our Dodge Challenger review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases Defined NASCAR Basics - Understanding NASCAR
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As the fifth-generation 2010 Chevrolet Camaro recalls the classic 1967-1969 original, it is only natural that the most legendary Camaro return, as well. At the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) next week, General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI) will show a 2010 Yenko Camaro Prototype certain to bring an instant grin to any bowtie enthusiast. The prototype is based on a Camaro SS that has been upgraded to a “Phase 1” Yenko. Initial information shows the transformation includes a supercharger to boost output to 600 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Hurst short-throw shifter, six-piston big brake package, and Magnaflow high-flow cat-back exhaust system. The appearance is given the full Yenko treatment with the essential, distinctive strips, emblems, and retro-styled 22-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features Yenko Super Car (sYc) embroidered headrests, Yenko/SC sill plates, Yenko/SC embroidered floor mats, and more. Production will include Phase II and III offerings with greater power increases and more aggressive chassis upgrades. Today, original Yenko Camaros command head-spinning prices. Rest assured, this will not be an inexpensive package...
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In just a few more days, the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will open its doors in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest aftermarket components and high-performance project cars. The event allows manufacturers to meet with wholesalers, establishing new business and continuing partnerships. For those in the media, it is a chance to learn about the latest chromed widgets, emerging product trends, and fuel our automotive fantasies. To that end, Ford will be celebrating the Mustang’s 45th anniversary with a diverse herd of modified Mustangs. (See our 2010 Ford Mustang review .) The Mustang is the most customized car in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry. As proof, it is hard to find a stock Mustang outside a rental fleet. Daresay, the vast majority of pony cars are customized in some way. Ford even makes it easy with an online customizer , and an abundant catalog of cosmetic and go-fast goodies. In the aftermarket, there is a vast array of offerings from dedicated, talented companies. Some of the best examples will be on hand at the show, which in the past has drawn over 100,000 industry attendees. And a few bloggers. Ford Vehicle Personalization will display a carbon...
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A rolling nostalgia machine, the 2010 Dodge Challenger will be available in a classic Plum Crazy paint scheme. Plum Crazy was one of several vibrant colors available on the Challenger in the early 1970s that helped define the era, along with Banana, Go-Mango, and Sublime. The head-turning purple will be available on the Challenger R/T ($35,140) and SRT8 ($44,155) variants. On the Challenger R/T, the Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will be offered with a choice of matte black or new bright white dual-wide R/T body-side stripes. The purple package also includes “Challenger” script badges, polished-chrome heritage wheels, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop, and chromed fuel-filler door. The R/T features the Track Pak with a “pistol-grip” shifter, 3.92:1 differential, and throaty dual exhaust system. Underhood is a 5.7-liter, 376-horsepower Hemi V-8. The Plum Crazy SRT8 benefits from the comprehensive performance transformation that trim entails, including a 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine. The interior is highlighted with purple seat piping. Production of the Plum Crazy Challenger begins in November. Read our Dodge Challenger...
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Legendary, Florida-based Ford tuner Steeda is best known for its quality Mustang transformations and aftermarket parts. The perennial centerpiece for its potent pony line has long been known as the Q, as in Q Ship, or to quote Lightning McQueen, “Quicker than quick.” Following tradition, the high-octane mechanical maestros have prepared a 2010 Steeda Q Series Mustangs, and the potent pony’s formal unveiling will be at the November Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. With hundreds of hours of computer-aided design (CAD) work completed, and extensive computer and wind tunnel analysis completed, as well as vigorous road coarse testing, Steeda is confident they have pushed the boundaries for its fabled Q Series. Dario Orlando, the founder of Steeda Autosports, said, “In all of our Q Series of high-performance Mustangs, we never compromise or take shortcuts, our customers who demand maximum performance, bullet-proof reliability, and class-leading, race-honed styling wouldn’t have it any other way.” Steeda is mum on details, but we know from past Q cars that their approach is thorough, with exterior and interior styling wrapped around serious powertrain and chassis...
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Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships , leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: " Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises .") For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year. We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior . Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by...
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The Pontiac division is an unfortunate casualty of the General Motors restructuring, denying rear-drive enthusiasts the G8 sedan and a next-generation, production Firebird or GTO. Unless enterprising Poncho enthusiasts contract Trans Am Depo t to build a modern Firebird from the new, retro-themed 2010 Chevrolet Camaro . This Florida-based Firebird restoration shop will introduce a one-off " Phoenix T/A " Concept at the 2009 Trans Am Nationals, previewing a conversion the company will offer later in the year. Designer Kevin Morgan has created a look inspired by the 1977-1978 Trans Am, merging the “Bandit” look with the profile recreated from the first-generation Firebird. The posted illustrations bring an instant smile to our face, and we hope to see an variety of such Camaro Ams on the car show circuit next year. The Trans Am Depot has said the kits will be available as an installed conversion only. Order details, pricing, and delivery information have not been announced, though the package specifics have: Exterior 1” - 1.5” lowering kit w/sway bar handling upgrade Front: 20x9.5x120 CB-66.9 gold or silver machined face snowflake wheels. Front: Pirelli PZero 275/45ZR20 Rear...
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Automaker Web sites often showcase the latest Flash-based bells and whistles, but Ford really out did itself with the “ 2010 Experience Customizer .” In just a quick minute, or two if you’re detail oriented, a user can customize a Mustang with color, decals, body kit, wheels, spoilers, and all the usual trim bits. Where it truly stands out is with a gritty background that can be modified to show burnout marks, graffiti, and distant landscape. The finishing touch: just the right tire smoke. The image can be sent to friends, or downloaded as a wallpaper. Should you be in the market for a Mustang, you can download a pdf detailing the modifications you made to the virtual pony car. Very cool, and well worth the visit. Check out the car we made . Could this be part of the reason Mustang has been selling strong against the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger ? (Read " Muscle Car Sales Shootout – Which is the Most Popular? ") If this gets you interested in buying a pony car, read our 2010 Ford Mustang review .
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The Ford Mustang will be campaigned in the 2010 Nationwide Series , marking the first time the famed pony car has competed in NASCAR . The Fusion will continue to represent Ford in the premier Sprint Cup Series and the F-150 will compete in the Camping World Truck Series. Since its 1964 mid-year introduction, the Mustang has been a dominant force in motorsports, from drag racing and Trans Am, on to Grand-Am Cup and Formula D drifting. Ford Racing has gone through the official NASCAR submission and approval process for the new car, and, once templates are finalized, production of Mustang parts will start so teams can build the first cars for testing later this fall. It is expected that the NASCAR Mustang will make its race debut in the spring at Talladega. NASCAR officials say that this Mustang will look and drive differently than the Cup Series’ “Car of Tomorrow” cars, thereby better distinguishing the two series. “We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as part of its vision for a ‘ muscle car ’ rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of differentiating the series from Sprint Cup,” said Wolfe. “We loved the idea, so we jumped on the chance to...
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Both Transformers movies were instrumental in launching the new Chevrolet Camaro and making it one of the most recognizable cars on the road today. Twenty years from now, Millenials will look back at Bumblebee, the transforming Camaro Autobot, with similar affection to how Gen X remembers the Pontiac Firebird with “Smokey and the Bandit” and the “Knight Rider” television series. As with those kitschy legends, the most dedicated fans will be able to drive their very own Bumblebee. (Read: " Transformers 2: Autobot heroes wear GM Bow Ties .") Introduced at the Comic-Con geekfest in San Diego today, the Camaro Transformers Special Edition awed fans, young and old. The production car is Rally Yellow, and it will be offered as an LT or SS model, with an optional RS appearance package. Even the base version can put the hurt on would-be Decepticons and underpowered Ford Mustangs with its 306-horsepower V-6 engine. The real action is with the SS delivering 400 or 426 horsepower, depending on transmission. The exterior is unmistakable with black stripes featuring the Transformers logo on the hood. The franchise logo also appears on the door sills. The classic Autobot shield is placed...
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