SMS Supercars previews 460 and 460X Mustangs

The Saleen name has been taking some hard knocks for the past year. First, Saleen, Inc. went under and went up for sale. The company's assets and trademarks were bought, ending up in the hands of MJ Acquisitions, but that company announced that they would not be covering Saleen's previous warranties. Things looked dark. But then Steve Saleen announced that he and his new company, SMS Supercars, would cover the warranties. Things looked up. Well, at the Ford Mustang's 45th Anniversary today in Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Saleen released some details on the new Mustang model he is creating.


PRESS RELEASE

Steve Saleen ponies up, celebrates 25 years in the business and 45 years of Mustangs with 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

Orange County, California. (April 17, 2009) Steve Saleen, his name being synonymous with fast Mustangs, would not be Steve if he kept his hands off Ford's newest pony. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the launch of the original Mustang in 1964, and in reflection on his 25 year association with America's iconic sports car, Steve celebrates with Mustang aficionados from around the world in launching first sketches of the 2010 SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs at the 45th Anniversary Celebrations in Birmingham, Alabama.

Instantly recognizable as Steve Saleen's work, the new SMS 460 Mustangs feature a host of visual and technical highlights that set them apart from the crowd. "I previewed many of the features of my newest Mustang with the 25th anniversary car I showed last year," says SMS Supercars CEO and President Steve Saleen.

The front fascia treatment, the SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction HoodTM, the front and side splitters, the rear fascia and diffuser with the high down-force rear wing showed the way Steve Saleen is looking at Mustangs today. "You have to go with the times. While the Mustang remains an icon, Ford has done a very good job with the 2010 model. I wanted to interpret it using my signature to create the latest Steve Saleen version of this American favorite."

The SMS 460 Mustang offers a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring a minimum 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internal and headwork delivers 655 hp and 600 ft-lb out of the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger presented last week at the New York International Auto Show. Transmission options are a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual on the 460 or a 6-speed SMST manual on the top of the line 460X.

Performance for both cars is expectedly striking. The 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in the low 4 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in the lower 4's. In addition to engine output, handling, roadholding and braking play an equally important role. The 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs feature Steve's signature Watt's linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS brakes front and rear deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping performance.

The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Dash and interior panels are covered in hand-stitched high-quality leather. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available.

More details about Steve Saleen's latest Mustang will be revealed in the spring of 2009, deliveries are expected to start mid-summer. Customers interested in buying a SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang can either contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400 2121.

SMS Supercars
SMS Supercars is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical
performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS Supercars designs, engineers,
tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of their own products and vehicles.
via:autoblog

Red Bull Racing: A closer look at Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe

PRESS RELEASE:

With enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the upcoming launch of the 2010 Genesis Coupe, Hyundai is adding to the excitement by teaming with Rhys Millen Racing and Red Bull Energy Drink to campaign the car in the high-energy sport of drift racing this year.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled its motorsports program in the U.S. with the help of drift champion Rhys Millen, who will fabricate and race a 550-horsepower Genesis Coupe in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Formula Drift Professional Drifting Championship and at select Redline Time Attack series events in 2009.

"Today's announcement puts the Genesis Coupe into three great motorsports series," said John Krafcik, acting president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We like to refer to the Genesis Coupe as the sinister sibling to the North American Car of the Year, the Genesis sedan and we look forward to Rhys harnessing every ounce of energy in the Coupe as he campaigns it."

Millen and his team are an ideal match to launch Hyundai's racing efforts. Millen's driving credentials include movie stunts, multiple drifting championships, a Pikes Peak world record and his recent New Year's Eve Las Vegas truck flip. But behind Millen's success in the driver's seat is a full team of engineers and fabricators that know how to maximize the potential of a race car.

Millen had his first opportunity to test drive the Genesis Coupe's performance credentials when he performed precision driving for the car's debut advertising campaign. Millen flogged a Genesis Coupe for three days during the filming process at Road Atlanta racetrack, and the car never missed a beat.

"The Genesis Coupe Concept inspired me to seek out a relationship with Hyundai and it has developed into multiple projects," said Millen, professional race driver and founder of RMR. "The immediate focus is developing the RMR Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe into a drift car with a 550-horsepower engine and a lightweight, rigid chassis. We are applying everything we know about fabricating into building this car."

THE CHASSIS BUILD

Six RMR employees have already stripped a Genesis Coupe to bare metal and the chassis has spent five days in an Alkali bath removing all rubber and adhesives. The chassis has also been stitch welded for added structural rigidity.

CARBON FIBER BODY PANELS

Millen quickly decided to take the already light weight Genesis Coupe and make it even lighter. His crew will take the molds used to build the "Art of Speed" SEMA car to once again replicate the Genesis Coupe's body out of carbon fiber. The hood, deck lid, roof, doors, fenders, front fascia and side skirts are all built out of carbon fiber. The carbon fiber panels range from 50 percent to 80 percent lighter than the sheet metal they replaced. For example, a factory Hyundai Genesis Coupe door weighs 68 pounds but modifications made by RMR reduce the door weight to just 8.5 pounds. This weight-saving approach is carried throughout the car without compromising its powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside line.

The side skirts have functional flat rocker panels with ducts to pull air out from underneath the car. A functional splitter on the front fascia and a built-in diffuser create pressure without drag. A rear diffuser with long tunnels keeps the air moving underneath the car. Downforce has been further increased by an APR GTC-500 rear wing that is fully adjustable and was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The hood is vented to dissipate heat and Aerocatch hood latches are used for safety.

The rear widebody fenders are also made out of carbon fiber and blend seamlessly into the vehicle design with a creative painting concept. The goal curb for the car is 2,400 pounds.

INTERIOR

The interior of the RMR Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe is unrecognizable from its origins as a well-appointed 2+2 coupe designed with everyday driving in mind. All comfort and convenience features are removed to make way for a custom-fabricated eight-point safety cage and firewall which reinforce the Genesis Coupe's already stiff chassis. By removing the roof, the RMR fabricators welded every aspect of the safety cage to the frame of the car. The braces on the A and B pillars also tie into the strength of the body. The safety cage is required for racing and a single Sparco racing seat further protects the driver in the overhauled cockpit.

SUSPENSION

The RMR Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe utilizes a KW remote reservoir three-way adjustable coilover suspension. Adjustable chro-moly sway bars dial the suspension in further for true track performance. RMR also fabricated adjustable lower control arms, rear control arms and toe links to allow precise tuning of the chassis.

ENGINE AND TURBO KIT

The Hyundai Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine, which comes standard on the Genesis Coupe 3.8, will be stroked to 4.1-liters and further enhanced by a Turbonetics turbocharger. An AEM engine management system will also be used. The engine will be mated to a HKS sequential transmission. The end result is a Genesis Coupe that will produce 550 horsepower and 520 lb.-ft. of torque.

WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES

To ensure that the enhanced power plant translates all the way to road performance, RMR added 18- by 8.5-inch front and 18- by 9.5-inch rear Enkei RPF1 light weight wheels and 225/40-18 Toyo Proxes R1R front tires and 265/40 Toyo Proxes R1R rear tires.

PAINT SCHEME

The paint scheme is a combination of blue, silver and unpainted black carbon fiber with its signature weave pattern.

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

· Toyo Tires

· Genius Tools

· Sparco

· Royal Purple

· Turbonetics

· APR Performance

· KW Suspension

· AEM

· BC ( Brian Crower)

· Exedy

· Enkei Wheels

· JE Pistons

· The Driveshaft Shop.

RHYS MILLEN – DRIVER, OWNER RMR

With more than 16 years of racing experience, Rhys Millen has established himself as one of the premier rally/drifting drivers in North America. Born in New Zealand in 1972, Rhys is the son of famed rally and off-road racer Rod Millen. Rhys joined Rod in the U.S. as a teenager and soon afterwards established himself as racer by taking first at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the Open Division and winning Rookie of the Year. He won the Formula Drift championship in 2005 and was runner-up in 2006.

RHYS MILLEN CAREER HIGHLIGHTS - 2008

· Red Bull Drifting World Championship winner

· Pikes Peak Time Attack 2-Wheel Drive Champion (set new world record)

RHYS MILLEN CAREER HIGHLIGHTS - 2007

· Pikes Pike Time Attack Champion

· First Place - Long Beach Team Drift

· Second Place - Formula Drift, New Jersey

· Third Place - Formula Drift, West Virginia

RHYS MILLEN CAREER HIGHLIGHTS – 2006

· Formula Drift Champion Runner-Up

· Formula Drift Tires.com Triple Crown Champion

RHYS MILLEN CAREER HIGHLIGHTS – 2005

· Formula Drift Champion

· First Place - Formula Drift, New Jersey

· Second Place - Formula Drift, Irwindale

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.
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New E-Class Brings 50,000 Orders to Mercedes

Finally, there's a little bit of good news for a change for an automaker. Mercedes-Benz has already received approximately 50,000 orders for its new 2010 E-Class, the company announced today. The sedan arrives in European showrooms on May 9 and marks a return to the Mercedes core as "a solid, safe, comfortable, conservative car in which you can invest utter faith," Paul Horrell wrote in our First Drive.

Sales chief Klaus Maier claimed dramatic sales improvements in a statement, "In Germany, bookings for an E-Class saloon more than doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year."
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Hyundai Genesis Coupe First Drive with video

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is receiving more than its fair share of attention of late, and with good reason. It's a very compelling 2+2 sports coupe bargain with a $22,000 base price, and it's motivated by the rear wheels. The Genesis Coupe also wows with a stellar chassis and a choice of a 210-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder or naturally-aspirated 306-horsepowerV6. In other words, it's just begging for some tuner love.


We showed you our first drive impressions of the Genesis Coupe last week, and today we're ready to show you Hyundai's new pocket rocket in moving pictures. Follow the jump to watch our video review of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Whether you love it or loathe it, it'll most certainly get your attention.


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A look back at the Eighties as the Ford Mustang turns 45

The Ford Mustang is turning 45 years old in just a few short weeks, and to celebrate, Ford is taking a look back on its pony cars of the past. The most recent focus is on the 1983-1993 models, the era that Fox Body enthusiasts look back on with much fondness. While it's apparent just how far Ford has come since then, the Mustangs of the mid 1980's through the early 1990's still represented affordable performance with the 5.0L V8 and models like the SVO, LX, and the mighty SVT Cobra and Cobra R (235 horsepower!!!) in 1993. Follow the jump to read about the evolution of the Mustang, how Ford's pony car almost became front wheel drive, and how the Special Vehicle Team was formed.
Source: Ford




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Driven: 2009 Audi S5 vs. 1985 Audi Ur quattro

When the Audi S5 hit the market in December of 2007, the car was a revelation. The voluptuous coupe was the first two-door grand-tourer from Audi to be sold in America since 1991, and the ’91 Coupe quattro wasn’t terribly high-performance.

With striking design, a burly, 354-hp FSI V8 and an excellent new chassis, the S5 has more going for it than likely any Audi coupe prior – a fitting rival to serious competitors like the BMW 3 Series Coupe or Mercedes-Benz CLK.

The S5 may represent the best hand Audi has yet to play in this segment, but it’s hard to compete with an icon and that’s just what originated this space for Audi. The coupe’s spiritual successor must assuredly be the original quattro (a.k.a. Ur-quattro) – the boxy ‘80s fastback that set the rallying world on its glutes when it roared onto the scene at the beginning of the Reagan era to the soundtrack of a warbling five-cylinder turbocharged engine and, we must assume, AC/DC’s Back in Black over the state-of-the-art cassette player with Dolby noise reduction.

So does the S5 compare to the icon – the car that started it all by pairing all-wheel drive with performance and putting Audi back on the map after decades of post-World War II brand re-invention? We decided to take a closer look at both cars recently, pairing the latest S5 with one very pristine 1985 example owned by Marc Nguyen, a major force behind the Audi Club’s Potomac Chapter and a DC local who now shares his home town with Audi of America.
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Live webcast of Hyundai Genesis coupe press intro on Wednesday

This Wednesday, March 25, Hyundai will be allowing fans of the new Genesis Coupe a rare opportunity to participate in the press introduction of the new car. When new models come to market, automakers typically invite the media to some location where they get to listen a presentation on the technical details and marketing plans before going out for a first drive.


The information shared during these events eventually gets passed on to you, the readers. Hyundai is holding its Genesis Coupe first drive this week, but the pre-drive presentation will be streamed live over the interwebs.


Those of you looking for insights on the Genny coupe can head over to http://genesispresspass.com/live/ on March 25, 2009 at 11am EDT. You can even submit your questions now to the Hyundai executives via a form on the site and they may be answered live during the Q&A part of the event. Those of you watching online will obviously have to wait for an opportunity to drive the coupe, but you might learn something new when you tune in.
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eBay Find of the Day: World's Fastest Production Car

You've always had the opportunity to buy the world's fastest car, but now you can buy THE world's fastest car. The actual SSC Ultimate Aero TT that set the Guinness-certified top speed record for a production car is up for auction on eBay with your name on it.

The 2007 model comes with Palladium paint and black Alcantara interior, nav system, 10-speaker audio/DVD system, back-up camera, and power everything. Oh, did we mention the 1183 horsepower twin-turbo V8 mounted behind the seats?
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Seibu Keisatsu’s Skyline vs. Mercury Cougar

Prepare a number of Detroit, a home game against Japan's action? Ah C210-day hunt for Mercury Cougar in 1970, perhaps? In fact, it's attack, one of Seibu chief Keisatsu added a new vehicle fleet, the super turbo machine X days 2000GT! This is the latest technology in combating crime, come back, camera and a couple of the computer the whole cabin!

Would not you know, it's the first day in the motor pool crew has to go through some of the muscle car drivers, the bad guys. Time to break it! Let us pursue the adoption of a long JAPAN Highway, retrieval and awe-inspiring nostalgia steel.

As a key prior to the announcement of the introduction of standing in this view so much boost sales, Nissan made a point to donate the latest models of future events as soon as they are released.




Source: japanesenostalgiccar

Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside

Although the current report and Audi's own official statements show that the Audi TT is not remote sensing to the United States, U.S. Audi sources tell us the contrary, This is a very high opportunity, it can make the United States. Audi views the new 335 hp special remote sensing (This is the newly released 2009 Geneva International Motor Show) as part of its halo car, therefore, think this is an important image of the United States at the car, not to mention a vehicle that can take on The United States likes the Porsche Cayman why Europe has been the way the RS at the United States?


We are the industry told us that the United States would prefer to stagger the release of the Audi lane change in order to maintain fresh models and buyer interest. In other words, so that the recently introduced 265-horsepower Speech Synthesis some sales and praise before the RS steals focus. When can we expect the RS in the U.S.? European sales start this month, a figure this autumn.


Of course, we also asked whether the madness of remote sensing will be a 6-garde American homeland, and the Federal Reserve usually line - it is still "under consideration." Translation? This is a long shot. Without such a long shot are the upcoming RS 5, should give future buyers a large number of suspended M3.


Expected to have around 500 horsepower, rear biased four-wheel-drive, rear differential torque vector, and enormous braking systems from Audi coupe stealthiest 4.


As for Friday, if you enjoy the current 4.2L 354-horsepower V - 8, then you will have a 2010 model year through the selection of a. Once the 2011 model year or so volumes, Audi acquired five new 333-horsepower 3.0L supercharged V - 6 (also available in the new Medium four), mating or six-speed manual or seven-speed version of S-car dual-clutch gearbox automatic transmission.
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Spy Shots: 2010 Kia Forte Coupe in South Korea

A few weeks ago, we brought you give the first batch of spy shots show亚福特cars starting in 2010. Today, we have received more from our friends in Korea, who has also aroused the hot look for sports complex, and stopped at an unknown location in South Korea!

Code for the XK, the two-door Ford coupe are less than a year disappeared. This is expected to reach the Korean market before the end of the summer, although it sales in the United States, according to Kia dealers, should be at mid-December.


We can see from these latest spy shots are the shape of the production model will be maintained very close Koup concept, which is published in the New York Auto Show last year. Prototype is still serious camouflage to prevent all we can see the details of design, but so far, we are pleased to see that we have seen.

As we reported before, a series of 4-cylinder engine is expected to be complex at 2010 sports car production. The optional engine will include a 156hp 2.0-liter and 173hp 2.4L unit, but it is possible, Kia will also be brought about by a new 1.6L turbocharged engine, equipped with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) system, making it the rated power of up to 175 horsepower!


The 1.6L turbocharged engine has been developed with Hyundai Motor Company, and begun to implement the concept of modern ninth embryo its premiere at Geneva Motor Show last week.
Source: Kia World]



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2009 Nagoya Auto Trend: Nissan GT-R Wagon Makes Debut

Japan's history of building some hot goods. Both the gas turbine R33 - R driver built options and trial or the official "unofficial gas turbine - R of a car" Autech Stagea RS260 famous gas turbine - R of the power and the subsequent R34 gas turbine - R racing among the front fascia Masa change to adapt to the future.


Of course, time changes, we continue to move forward. The RB26DETT is a production, therefore has become a bit less Autech Stagea inventory of light yellow M35 Stagea cars, so that you can do to solve it?


Shown here the answer is staring at your face all the time, this front-end R35 interchangeable M35 Stagea Nagoya are automatically displayed in the trend this weekend. It seems to continue to exchange the two sides and the rear quarter also maintained a small outbreak of the subject. Overall appears to be a really solid job.


These power supplies are usually VQ35DE unknown V6 3.5-liter engine either RWD or all-wheel-drive system configuration, make this a very easy to hide one caress quantified suite Twin Turbo.
via GTRBlog]




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Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?

Ford Focus RS is an epoch-making performance cars, but it also will be the last sign of the remote sensing Express Ford ever

This is the end of an era. We can reveal the new Ford Focus RS model is likely to be the last to wear the company's legendary performance badge.

The current financial crisis and future emissions regulations mean that developing countries such as high-performance gasoline cars in the future is no longer a viable company.

The news will be a shock, the United Kingdom Express Ford fans, because it marks the beginning of a long-term blue oval-shaped line of high-performance vehicles to escort RS1600 in 1970.

Please read our review, Ford Focus RS here.

Ford insiders told reporters: "The new Focus RS is a very special, not only because of its incredible performance, but because it is likely to be the last time this type of car you'll see from Ford."

He explained that the economic recession has meant that "absolutely no business case" of any new model of remote sensing at the moment, the situation is likely not going to change.

This is because, once recovery started in all the company's focus will be economic and environmentally-friendly vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

The insider said: "People should be enjoyed by automobile, such as Fox, RS, and they can be. This is unlikely you will see the drivers once again focus on high-performance hatchback."
Source: iMotor Mag




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Hybrids take priority over performance for Toyota in the U.S.

It wasn't that long ago that Toyota stood for more than just reliable, appliance-like transport. With roots that include the delectable 2000GT, the Celica all-trac and three generations of both the Supra and MR2, Toyota had – until recently – carved out a nice niche for itself populated by enthusiasts looking for something outside the performance mainstream.


What that means for the Subaru/Toyota FR coupe's future in the U.S. remains to be seen, but it's doubtful that we'll be seeing a Supra successor in the near term. Ideally – or maybe more appropriately, idealistically – we could hope for something the melds both performance and green technology, like a production version of the FT-HS coupe concept that debuted in Detroit two years ago. But judging by the tone of the industry, and Carter in particular, we doubt that Toyota is ready to make that kind of segment-defying leap just yet. Maybe it'll take a hit from Honda to change Toyota's tune.


But in the past six years, the Priusification of ToMoCo has created an automaker whose soul focus has shifted from creating compelling products to the automotive equivalent of Maytag or KitchenAid. According to Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter, don't expect that concentration to change.


Carter told Automotive News that Toyota will put more of its efforts towards hybrid vehicles in the U.S., saying that Stateside consumers are more interested in "high-quality, fuel-efficient, low-impact-environment products." Carter went on to say that, "Personally, I would love to have a sporty car, but it is pretty clear what the market is looking for right now."
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