Videos: Mugen confirm hotter Type-R for UK in development

After much speculation Honda has confirmed that Mugen Euro Co. is developing a much more hardcore Civic Type-R prototype specifically for evaluation for the UK market.



It's possibly the worst kept secret on the web, but nevertheless a Mugen-tuned Type R is still a tantalising prospect. Honda claim that there are no production plans for the car but the images suggest it's almost fully signed-off, at least for a limited production run.







The car is being run on the same powertrain as the 2007 Civic MUGEN RR from Japan but will have its power and torque increased. That model had 240hp (177kW), was 10kg lighter than the standard model and was limited to only 300 units.



Mugen will liberate more power and torque from the 2-litre iVTEC engine and also focus on improving the chassis with much stiffer track-orientated suspension to work together with the limited-slip differential as fitted to the 'Championship White' Type R.





"In standard trim, the Civic Type R is a thrilling machine to drive," said Hiro Toyoda, Vice President of MUGEN EURO. "It is a fantastic base model from which we hope to develop one of the quickest point to point front-wheel-drive road cars in the country."

via:drivers-republic

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now.


That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.



Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD – as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).


Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.
via:autoblog




PRESS RELEASE:

2 July 2009

LATEST 370Z PUTS OTHER COUPES IN THE SHADE

* Stunning new paint job for special version of Nissan's affordable supercar, the 370Z
* Exclusivity guaranteed: strictly limited volume to be available in the UK
* Forged alloys, race car cues, black leather and suede interior
* It's Yellow

It's already the one bright spot in the affordable sports car market, but now Nissan is going for gold with a special version of the storming 370Z coupe. Not for shrinking violets, the new 370Z Yellow lives up to its name in spectacular fashion.

Ultimate Yellow is the paint job and it signals a 370Z with everything that people expect of the 331PS sportster along with a rare exclusivity – there will be a limited number of Yellows available – and a potent visual impact that takes the 370Z's muscular looks to new heights. Some cars were just born to be yellow.

The 370Z Yellow gets design cues that nod at the racing 370Zs from the European GT4 series. The wheels are 19-inch RAYS forged alloys and along the flanks are special 370Z graphics, both items setting off the gleaming yellow body to perfection.

Inside the contrast could not be greater: the theme here is black leather and suede. There's an integrated satellite navigation system, illuminated entry plates, special mats and a BOSE audio with eight speakers and a six-CD autochanger. The sophistication continues with heated seats, cruise control, speed limiter and all the other features from the 370Z GT Pack on which the special Yellow model is based.

The 370Z Yellow is, like all the new-generation versions of this world famous sports car dynasty, powered by an enthusiast's delight of a V6 engine. It pumps out 331PS at 7000rpm backed up by a meaty 270lb ft of pulling power.

With a six-speed manual box (a seven-speed automatic is optional), the Yellow sprints from rest to 62mph in 5.3sec and goes on to a restricted top speed of 155mph. A synchronised rev control during downchanges reminds you just how good the engine sounds – even when just trundling to the shops.

The Yellows for the UK are available from all participating Nissan dealers but definitely from all High Performance Centres where its big brother the GT-R is exclusively sold. The first cars will be available from September with prices from £31,650 (manual gears) or £33,050 (automatic).

GTbyCITROEN supercar concept video driving in London

A new promotional video was released last week showing the GTbyCITROEN concept cruising around the streets of London. You may recall that Citroen executive Vincent Besson told members of the media attending the Geneva Motor Show that the car will be produced in a limited edition of no more than 20 units.


In this video, we see the proposed supercar just as much as we see stupified onlookers. Needless to say, you do not often get the chance to see a production version of a car specifically designed for a videogame. Takumi Yamamoto, of Style Citroen, created the 4.96 meter long exterior of the car while working with his friend, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi. The car will be featured in Gran Turismo 5, a videogame that may be released for the Sony Playstation this winter.


We would not be surprised to see Ford win the bid for these engines, as PSA Peugeot Citroen already has a cooperative agreement on four different sets of common rail diesel engines. Using Ford engines could keep relations positive between the two companies.


Those details have changed a bit since March. Autocar is reporting that Besson officially gave the car a greenlight. Production will initially be limited to just six, with an expected retail price in the £1.1 million range. Expect the car to keep it's carbon fiber body and less-than-common interior. While we don't mind the copper trim, we get much more excited about the driver-side switches, and the F1-inspired steering wheel. Expect the car to recieve a 500+ horsepower V8 engine provided by an American automaker.


Instead of looking for the car virtually, you can check out the actual GTbyCITROEN at Goodwood from July 3rd to the 5th. The current version of the car will attempt the 1.16 mile-long Goodwood Hill six times during the weekend. Meanwhile, the first look at the final production model will take place at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.




via:worldcarfans

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake released with 725hp

　
Las Vegas-based tuners Shelby are releasing another new set of mods for the Mustang. The limited edition 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake includes improvements both to power and performance.


The Super Snake gets a standard Ford Racing handling package, which includes lowered springs, adjustable dampers, front strut tower brace and tuned stabilizer bars. You can purchase the optional Shelby/Eibach handling package as well. Custom Alcoa 20-inch wheels surround the cross drilled rotors. A six-piston Shelby/Baer brake system is also part of the package, as are the front brake cooling ducts.


"Over the past 12 months, my team of hot rodders was hard at work on a Super Snake package for the next generation GT500," said Carroll Shelby. "Every lesson we learned kicking the competition around on the track over the past two years has been poured into this new car to keep Shelby owners out front."


That is why the company mounts an optional Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit, which raises power output to 725 horsepower. You can also take the car down a peg, and opt for the Ford Racing Supercharger, which helps to produce a maximum 630 hp and 590 ft-lb of torque. Either way, the driver will take control of a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio via the short-throw shifter. A Borla exhaust unit is also included on both.


Although the company does say that, "Exclusivity will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built," what they do not say is how few units will be produced. This information would surely be beneficial to anybody considering the car as an investment.


Visual changes begin with the new fiberglass hood, Super Snake striping, rear decklid lettering, and various badging. Shelby headrests and floormats are also included.


The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake will begin production in August. Pricing for the 630 hp package starts at $29,495, while the 725 hp kit goes for $33,495. Installation is included, but the price of the car is not.
via:worldcarfans

2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show

A model displays a Kawasaki car at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

A model displays a Kawasaki car at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

A Spectator looks at a Lotus 47 sports car made in 1969 at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

A model displays a Ferrari sports car at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts

A model displays a Mini Cooper made in 1967 at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

A model displays a decorated Chevrolet MPV at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

A Chevrolet Camaro sports car is demonstrated at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

Three young racegoers pose with their hats designed as Quality Street
chocolates during Ladies Day, the third day of Royal Ascot, in Berkshire,
west of London. The five-day meeting is one of the highlights of the
horse racing calendar. Horse racing has been held at the famous Berkshire
course since 1711 and tradition is a hallmark of the meeting. Top hats and
tails remain compulsory in parts of the course while a daily procession
of horse-drawn carriages brings the Queen to the course.

A model displays a Bentley at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.

A Spectator looks for imformation beside a Mini Cooper made in 1993 at 2009 Tokyo Special Import Car Show in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center of Tokyo, capital of Japan, June 19, 2009. The exhibition is held once a year, featuring imported luxury cars and modified cars as well as automobile spare parts.
(Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Mercedeshas announced UK pricing for SLK 2LOOK Edition

Mercedes-Benz has just announced UK pricing for the Mercedes-Benz SLK 2LOOK Edition. Introduced in March at the Geneva Motor Show, the special edition will cost UK customers £31,235.


Each unit comes in a choice of four colors, Calcite White, Mystic White, Black, or Obsedian Black Metallic. The last choice is considered a normal "option," but the company referrs to Mystic White as a "special order", surely costing the customer a bundle. Blackened headlamps give the 2LOOK a unique design, but the new 18-inch double-five spoke alloys come standard in either Chrome Shadow or Titanium Silver. Look for the unique badging around the vehicle.


Only 150 units of the car will be brought to market, with each of the UK editions getting the 200 KOMPRESSOR. The supercharged four-banger produces 184 horsepower, and a maximum 184 ft-lb of torque. Unfortunately, the SLK 300 and SLK 350 Sports versions of the 2LOOK available in the EU will not be available in Britain.


Inside, opposing black and white nappa leather comes with "contrasting topstitching," covering the armrest, door panels, and steering wheel. Meanwhile, the Mystic white dash further contrasts against the black roofliner and floormats. Everybody will stay comfortable thanks to the heated seats that also blow out heated air at the neck-level. Take the top down, and the custom transparent wind deflector keeps things toasty even in winter.


In the end, purchasers of the Mercedes-Benz SLK 2LOOK will get over £2,395 in goodies. This translates to a total discount of £605.




Press Release

Mercedes-Benz gives SLK customers something 2LOOK forward to this summer

Mercedes-Benz is launching the SLK 2LOOK Edition just in time for summer. The striking special edition enhances the already stunning SLK Roadster with unique colour options inside and out, while increased standard equipment ensures driver and passenger alike have everything they could need for perfect drop-top driving this summer.

With only 150 cars available, the SLK 2LOOK offers exclusivity and is available in Calcite White or Black paint. For those who want to shimmer in the sun, Obsidian Black Metallic paint is available as an option, while designo Mystic White paint is available as a special order. Imposing 18" 5-twin spoke alloy wheels are standard on the special edition and there is a choice of two finishes, Titanium Silver or Chrome Shadow. The model is further differentiated by the black surrounds on the headlamps and the 2LOOK Edition badge on the wings.

Moving inside, the SLK 2LOOK features sports seats upholstered in sumptuous black and white designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching. The multi-function steering wheel, centre armrest and door panels also feature the luxurious feel of the designo nappa leather which is carefully selected for quality by experienced Mercedes-Benz upholsterers who ensure top level craftsmanship and attention to detail. The stylish interior is further enhanced by the black roof lining, Mystic white dashboard trim and black velour floor mats with white edging and 2LOOK badges.

As well as looking good the SLK 2LOOK is also focused on driver and passenger comfort. AIRSCARF, the unique neck-level heating system is fitted as standard and acts like an invisible scarf to ensure occupants keep warm out on the open road. Heated seats and a transparent 2LOOK Edition wind deflector also ensure maximum comfort when driving with the roof down, making open top driving as feasible on a crisp winter's day as it is during the warm summer months.

The SLK 2LOOK will be powered by the popular 200 KOMPRESSOR engine and will be available on the road from £31,235.00. With the designo nappa leather and the host of other additional standard equipment on the SLK 2LOOK, customers will benefit from over £2395 of added value over the standard car. There are also attractive finance rates available on the 2LOOK and other SLK models from Mercedes-Benz retailers.

As with all Mercedes-Benz models the SLK 2LOOK comes with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as a unique Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance package comprising up to 30-years pan-European breakdown assistance.

via:WorldCarFans

Nissan Releases 370Z Nurburgring Edition in Europe

The special edition model is inspired by the yellow Nissan 370Z race car that took part in the recent Nurburgring 24-hour race. It features a number of performance modifications and is limited to just 80 examples. Not surprisingly, pricing of the vehicle reflects this limited availability and has been set at €50,400 (approximately $71,280).


In Japan and the U.S. the Nissan 370Z is available in a high-performance Nismo trim but for European fans the specially tuned coupe is strictly off limits. As some solace, Nissan is offering its European customers a special edition model named after Germany’s renowned Nurburgring circuit.


Apart from the new exhaust system, the car’s powertrain has been left untouched which means it features the latest 3.7L V6 engine with 332hp (247kW) and 270lb-ft (366Nm) on tap. Nissan’s six-speed manual with the SynchroRev Match function is standard.


Each vehicle features a numbered plaque, as well as unique 19in OZ Racing alloy wheels shod with 285mm tires in the rear and 255 tires up front, plus a Cobra performance exhaust system. A special ring card with €150 ($212) of credit will also be offered to customers, which they can use for public track days on the Nurburgring circuit.
More Photos

PSA to decide on GTbyCitroen production within four weeks

When Citroen collaborated with the people behind Sony Playstation's hit Gran Turismo game franchise on the show-stopping – if clumsily named – GTbyCitroen for last year's Paris Motor Show, few thought it would see the light of day.


That includes the French automaker itself, but as we reported back in March, demand has picked up enough to prompt Citroen to consider the GT's creation. The latest reports indicate that the Chevron-labeled automaker will have its answer ready, one way or another, within a month's time.


The indication of Citroen's deliberation reportedly comes straight from the mouth of the company's product guru Vincent Besson (think Bob Lutz with a beret and a dangling Gauloise). Apparently Citroen has received a number of prospective orders from potential buyers who'd like to see the supercar drive off their plasmas and into their garages.


If the PSA subsidiary does indeed decide to built the GT, it will be in extremely limited numbers and at a price high enough to cover the costs -- 15 examples at a million euros apiece is where it's tipped to be at.


Powertrain is another issue altogether, as the concept's conceptual hydrogen electric drivetrain would likely be replaced by a more conventional V8 sourced from Detroit. French style and American muscle? Sounds like a winning combination. We'll just have to wait four weeks to find out if it will come to fruition.
More Photos

Volkswagen California Black Edition Revealed in Germany

With the summer camping season just around the corner, Volkswagen has unveiled a new limited edition California Black motorhome.

Based off VW's Comfortline trim package, the new California Black Edition features a unique monotone exterior with darkened tail lights, black 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, and plenty of chrome trim.

The interior also receives a number of special touches including leather and Alcantara upholstery, tri-zone climate control, park distance control with a rear view camera, and GPS navigation. Of course the real coup de grâce is the van's electrically operated pop-up roof.

Powered by a 130 hp (96 kW) TDI engine, the California Black Edition will be priced from 77,736.75 euros in Germany.
Source:VW via World Car Fans

Reports: Chevy won't constitute offering Indy five hundred Camaro Pace Car replicas

The car above is the pace car for this year's Indianapolis 500, a special edition 2010 Camaro. If you want to see it in action, then you'll need to watch the race -- Chevrolet says it won't be making a pace car replica for people who don't drive on the oval. Chevy copied and sold the four previous iterations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars thousands of times.


This time, though, a spokesman said, "In order to keep special editions special, we can't go to that well too often." Which means someone decided that a rare trip to the well would be better served by producing a Bumblebee Camaro than an Indy pace car edition, even though the original Camaro Indy 500 pace car editions still attract collectors 42 years after the fact...


via:autoblog