New Reveal At SEMA : Troy Lee Designs Mazda 6

It's the first tune for the new Mazda 6. This is a Mazda 6 tuned by Tro Lee Designs. The Troy Lee Mazda6 features custom paint by Troy Lee Designs, with paint prep and detailing by L&G Enterprises, paint material by PPG and body modifications by Funktion USA, to create an exterior design that is truly distinctive. To give the MAZDA6 a high-performance look and feel, 18" Momo Strike wheels, Hoosier tires and window tinting by A-1 Tinting are added. Suspension modification by Eibach Springs, cross-drilled, 6-piston big brake kit by Wilwood Engineering and custom brake fabrication by JD Performance builds upon MAZDA6's already superior handling performance.

New Reveal At SEMA : Best collection of Challengers

At the 2008 SEMA show, the Dodge Challenger has made the show all about it. Simply because all tuning companies have done their own customized Challenger. So I'll post them all in one post so you can mark out the differences between them. We first start out with:

1. Dodge Challenger SRT-10 Concept: Tuned by Dodge. It's the only Challenger here without a HEMI. However, it features the monsterious 8.4L V10 from the Dodge Viper. Developing 600hp and 560lb-ft of torque, this is a fascinating combination of absolute power and rock 'n roll '60s muscle car styling. To support all that power, the SRT-10 features upgraded Brembo brakes and BILSTEIN shocks at all four corners to improve handling balance. And to give the SRT-10 a distinctive look, it comes with a fresh coat of Tornado Red paint with a carbon-fiber deck lid and hood. The “shaker hood” is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda. If it hits production, expect this to cost around 80,000$. So that puts it as a nemesis to the Mustang GT500 KR. You can also enjoy hearing the V10 in this video!

2. Dodge Challenger Drag Pack: Tuned by Dodge. It's designed by Mopar and specialized for drag races. Its biggest rival is the Mustang FR500 Cobra Jet. However, where the Mustang has to work with a 500hp 5.4L supercharged V8, the Challenger drag car here has three engine choices. A 5.7L or 6.1L HEMI or a 5.9L Magnum Wedge - all V8s, ofcourse. Modifications include a stripped down interior, wide drag wheels and a gigantic hood scoop. Expect prices to start around 55,000$.

3. Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger: Tuned by Mopar. This is a drift car designed for Sam Hubinette, who is a drift-racing driver for Dodge. Ofcourse, it is equipped by the usual drift cars, such as a functional large spoiler, stripped out interior with a roll cage and slick tyres. And to get Sam into the drifting champion, he has 850hp HEMI V8!

4. Mopar Challenger Targa: Tuned by Dodge's best partner, Mopar. The C Challenger Targa was built to campaign in the Targa Newfoundland endurance race. It features a 540hp 5.7L HEMI V8 with 490 lb-ft of torque, a Tremec six-speed manual and a modified rear diff. It wears the same acid green paint you can order on the Viper and also features a KW race-ready suspension with massive Stop-Tech six-piston calipers. And with its mad green paint, black rims and Mopar stickers, this has to be one of the best looking Challengers here.

5. Mopar Challenger Blacktop: Tuned by Mopar. This is a black-on-black Challenger. You'll notice the red accents on the grill's lip as if it has eaten someone. It simply looks like a murdering monster! Sadly, it retains the stock car's 375hp 5.7L HEMI V8 and uses the same six-speed manual gearbox. However, with a Mopar cat-back exhaust and cold air intake, there isn't any car that the looks work with the engine noise in such perfect harmony. So my perfect Challenger would be the Blacktop with Targa power.

6. Classic Design Concepts widebody Dodge Challenger: Tuned by Classic Design. It features appearance modifications including widened fenders, stainless steel mesh grille, and functional aluminum shaker hood. Under the hood, it gets a Vortech supercharger to give power with over 500hp. Other performance upgrades include a Pypes cat-back exhaust system, KW adjustable coilover suspension, and 15-inch Baer brakes. The best thing about this Challenger is the widened fenders, with it it looks more aggressive than the standard Challenger.

7. Group Five Limited twin-turbo G5/R Challenger: Tuned by Group Five. This is one of the rare Challengers that uses twin turbos for boosting the engine rather than a supercharger. With them, you're looking at a Challenger with over 600hp. Visual enhancements include, a mesh grill, black rims, two-toned silver-over-black paint, custom body kit, blacked-out tail-lights. Mechanical enhancements are Eibach lowering springs, cold air induction kits and Kooks headers with Corsa cat-back tuned exhaust systems.

8. Hurst Hemi Challenger: Tuned by Hurst. The Hurst tuning is set to turn the Challenger from a hot rod muscle car into a gentleman's luxury. So it includes a white paint with gold strips and gold rims. Inside, its in total luxury specially with the Hurst Pistol shifter. However, this doesn't mean that the Hurst can't perform. It's available with 2 engine sizes, a 5.7L HEMI and 6.1L HEMI, and you can get your Hurst up to 530hp.

9. Mr. Norm's AAR 'Cuda: Tuned by Mr.Norm. It started out as a standard Dodge Challenger. However, Mr.Norm wants to change the Challenger into a replicate of an AAR 1970 'Cuda. So it includes custom front grill and custom tail-lights to represent the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. However, he didn't leave the engine. Mr.Norm's Challenger had added a supercharger to the 6.1L HEMI, and now produces 900hp! That's right, 900hp! Simply, this is the hottest Challenger/'Cuda you can get.

10. Newport Convertible Engineering Challenger Convertible: Tuned by NCE. This is car that Dodge will never make. Simply because Dodge announced that they won't offer a Challenger convertible. So this car is rather special. All what NCE did to this Challenger SRT-8, is hatch-off the hard metal roof, and gave it a reactable cloth roof. And just for SEMA, they gave this Challenger 21-inch Nitto rims.

So there you have it. These may not be all the Challengers in SEMA, but trust me, these are the worth seeing.

New Reveal At SEMA : Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept

Since the VW Passat CC is a rival to the Mercedes CLS, it makes sense for VW to make a performance version of CC to get the CLS out of its way. It's the Volkswagen Super CC, and its the ultimate answer for customers who seek a 4-door coupish sedan, with over 300hp of power, and fuel efficiency of a city car. And this does it all.

Starting with the looks, this looks absolutely awesome. However, with this Super CC, VW added 20-inch custom designed 10-spoke rims, black chrome exterior accents, grey pearl paint with custom front and rear bumper, side panels and machined aluminum spoiler. Inside, Super CC gets high-gloss piano black accents offset by matte black graphics. Custom black leather Recaro racing seats and matching floor mats are highlighted with white piping. So we can tick mark the looks inside and out.
We come now the interesting bit, the engine. It's a 2.0L TSI engine and then given an APR stage 3 turbocharger system with three performance levels. In Full Power mode the Super CC brings 311 hp and 313 lbs. ft. torque; GT mode offers 252 hp and 268 lbs. ft. of torque; and in the Eco-Friendly mode outs 222 hp and 236 lbs. ft. of torque. However, in Eco mode, it manages 33MPG hwy, 27MPG city. In Full Power, it's 29MPG hwy, 20MPG city. That's even better than the standard CC.

So this has everything checked. It's good-looking, has the peace and won't hurt your wallet when filling at the gas station. It's simply, fantastic!

New Reveal At SEMA : Toyota Yaris Club project by Five Axis

For everyone who has a Toyota Yaris, we all know that your life with this car is quiet boring. However, if you're at the Yaris Club and you want to give your Yaris to the Five Axis tuning company, they can turn your city car into a racing thriller.

The Yaris Club is a stripped-down, with no extras, only what is needed to perform. The roof has been removed and the windshield lowered. With the interior removed, a tonneau was fabricated, turning the Yaris into a single seater with a fairing that doubles as a driver headrest.

A supercharger, exhaust headers and a free-flowing exhaust were added for performance to back up the good looks. The suspension was lowered by two inches with front and rear coil-over shocks and larger Brembo brakes.

Lot of hard work was done, but to be honest it still is a YARIS! It looks like a toy not a club racer.

New Reveal At SEMA : Kia Borrego Limited Concept does its best Escalade impression

The Cadillac Escalade is the "bligest" car you can get. However, with its huge V8 and high fuel prices, it doesn't make sense nowadays to buy an expensive car with a guzzling engine. Well, Kia found the solution. It's the Kia Borrego Limited Concept. Which is a copy-cat to the Escalade, only its a Kia which is obviously cheaper. And with a 3.8L V6, it would hurt your wallet when filling the Borrego up at the gas station.

They started off with customizing the exterior, which now includes all-black glossy rich paint, and chrome material on every panel. There are chrome accents in the radiator grille, front bumper, door handles, side-view mirror housings and the bumper step plate. To complete the blingy exterior, the 22-inch Avarus chrome wheels and Spec-X tires that roll on a lowered suspension fits beautifully with the rest of the body.
Ofcourse, Kia had the change the interior to give it a "road-cruising" feel rather than a "high-off raoding" feel. So now, inside it features seats with alligator skin. Alligator skin? Now that's true bling! You also get a TV and a DVD player in your Kia. Kia also matches the lights for stereo's buttons with the car's exterior paint. It's very thoughtful.

So this is a world first. It's actually the world's first cool Kia, after you take-off the badges obviously. When you take them off, it becomes a true bling car. It can do everything what the Escalade does, but with half the price. It looks good, has a big sound system for your rap music and with the alligator seats, it will get you noticed. Expect this Borrego to get into the production form in LA's Auto Show.

New Reveal At SEMA : Hyundai debuts tuned Genesis Sedan, 460hp supercharged V8

Hyundai thought it would be best to give out tuned version of the Genesis sedan. This is for people who want be rappers, but really can't afford a 60,000$ Lexus LS460.

However, because Hyundai are so interested nowadays in performance, so they went off first to customize the mechanics. For starters, then first added a supercharger to the 4.6L Tau V8. Now developing 460hp. But because the new Genesis has active fuel management, it still can be as economical as a V6 engine (although you should try not to turn up the supercharger). In addition to the engine mod, they gave it Baer brakes, a K&N air intake, Magnaflow exhaust and lowering springs.

As for visual modifications, this tuned Genesis gets body kit, composite hood, rear roof spoiler and trunk spoiler, black-over-white two toned paint and along with Enkei LS-5 wheels and some decent SEMA tradition rims.

Expect Hyundai to offer such customization like this in the near future.

New Reveal At SEMA : Honda Civic HFP Concept (adds enviroment to Civc Si)

Honda couldn't just ignore the amazement of Las Vegas's SEMA Auto Show. So they unveiled Honda Civc Factory Performance (HFP) Concept sedan that represents a new approach on performance improvement. With more consumer concern about fuel prices, future customers may want to maximize the performance of their vehicles without compromising fuel economy. Honda Access America, Honda's accessory development company, took on that challenge. Through aerodynamic improvements to the next generation HFP body kit, super-light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a lighter HFP exhaust system and an upgraded HFP suspension kit, this concept offers the possibility of improving both fuel economy and performance. In fact, a very similar package has proven its worth on the race tracks of Japan on the Civic Type R race car, which campaigned in a spec series called the Super Taikyu Series.

New Reveal At SEMA : Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) took delivery of one turbocharged 2.0-liter Hyundai Genesis Coupe on August 8th and after 12 weeks of stripping, fabricating and building, it's ready. The project began with RMR removing all the body panels and creating carbon fiber pieces to replace the front bumper, fenders, doors, side skirts and other panels.

As for tuning the engine, RMR went for a racing turbocharger to give extra boost for the small engine. They also gave it wastegate and blow-off valves, along with a custom intake manifold, while suspension duties are handled by two-way adjustable KW coilovers. New sway bars and adjustable lower control arms were also fabricated, helping to keep the 18x9.5 (front) and 18x10.5-inch (rear) SSR Type-F wheels and Bridgestone Potenza planted on the road.
Interior, it has a roll cage, custom gauges and fire suppression system ready for racing. So as a result, this package will get Hyundai for racing, surely.

New Reveal At SEMA : Branew gives Nissan GT-R a "bling" job

No car at SEMA is worth seeing without some gigantic rims. And this doesn't disappoint. It's a Nissan GT-R customized by Branew. It doesn't feature any engine customization, but as for visual tuning, it's at the top. Featuring a new front and rear body kits, new spoiler, hood sticker and most importantly 23-inch chrome rims. So it looks like the GT-R has one a lottery ticket!

New Reveal At SEMA : Ronn Motor Company reveals the 200-mph Scorpion HX

You may never heard of Ronn Motor Company, but they have cars that are revolutionary for future of supercars. And here comes the new version. They want to create a supercar that deliveries striking good looks, engaging driving dynamics and a bit of green technology to bring the supercar into the 21st century.

However, because Ronn is a small company, they need to take off an engine from a bigger company. Unfortunately, they went for Acura's 3.5L V6, which isn't a good start. However, with adding twin turbocharges and an extremely elegant carbon-fiber light-weight body, the Scorpion HX gets 600hp! Horspower is gone to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed manual. If you shift right, you can go to 60MPH in 3.5 seconds, and all the way to 200MPH. As for breaks, you get 12-inch Wilwood disc brakes. So Ronn has got the good looks and fantastic driving abilities covered.
What about the green technology they wanted in their car? Well, Ronn added their master-piece in green technology. It's a H2GO Hydrogen On-Demand system. What it does, that it produces hydrogen through the electrolysis of water while the vehicle is in motion. So the combination of a gasoline V6 and hydrogen on-demand system, this could easily average 40MPG. So yes, it's a green machine too.

Expect this to go into production line soon.

New Reveal At Sema : 808hp Novitec-Rosso Ferrari 599

If you thought SEMA was only for customized muscle and tuner cars, you'd be wrong. Because SEMA is also for European supercars. Here's an example, its Novitec-Rosso's Ferrari 599. They've squeezed two supercharges into the standard 6.0L V12 which developed 620hp. Now though with the supercharges, you'll looking at a 808hp hypercar.The astonishing power tackles 3.5 seconds 0-60MPH time. And 211MPH top speed. However, 188hp more than the stock 599 doesn't seem to up the speed very much. On the other hand, if raw power and top end speed is your thing, Novitec's engine modification will cut your wollet nearly 47,000 euros.To stop these herd of stallions, the new Novitec gets a brake upgrade kit. Along with the breaks, Novitec also offers a "blingy" three-piece 21-inch rims and an optimized aero kit along with various interior trim options.

(If you're reading this Nezar, this is much better than that F430 Tunero!)

Video : Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept

About 3 weeks ago, we covered a story about the customized Dodge Challenger SRT-10, and you may remember it. If you don't, here it comes again at SEMA. This is a Dodge Challenger powered by 8.4L V10 from the Viper. Developing 600hp and 560lb-ft of torque, this is a fascinating combination of absolute power and rock 'n roll '60s muscle car styling. And now, Dodge released a video at SEMA showing this appealing concept car, and you can hear the fabulous rumbly V10 noise.

Enjoy the video everyone!

New Reveal At SEMA : Ford FR500 ‘Cobra Jet’ Mustang drag package

We just saw the F-150 raptor, and now a Mustang! Don't get to excited, it's still the current one. So if you think that your current Mustang can't do well on the drag strip , then you own it to yourself to get this 'Cobra Jet' drag package.
First off, Ford throws everything inside into the garbage, and replace a racing seat and a roll cage. So inside, there isn't any back seats, no radio, no cruise control not even a tilting steering wheel. Outside, you get some cobra stickers and Ford Racing badges. You'll also notice the huge, wide drag wheels. But no true drag car without some serious rock under the hood. And this one wouldn't disappoint. You'll be getting the same 5.4L supercharged V8 at the GT500. So with 500 hp and light-weight body, this thing gives some panache. No official 0-60MPH time yet, but expect it to cover a quarter-mile in about 10.5 seconds. But you should open you wallet for this kind of car. This package costs a dizzying 70,000$.
But it doesn't finish here. Along with this Mustang, we've got Dodge's / Mopar Challenger SRT8 drag car. Both are strip out drag versions of their iconic brothers. Both pack up around 500 hp. Both approved for drag racing by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). And they cost nearly the same . So which will be best ? That's what we're going to find out when sales starts soon .

New Reveal At SEMA : Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

You may saw Ford's teaser video of the Raptor. And now with the start of the SEMA Auto Show, it's here. This is an all-new 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute. So it's is built to be tougher than the standard F-150.
The Raptor gets Ford's trademark 5.4L V8 with 310hp and 365 lb.-ft of torque. However, a monsterous 6.2L V8 will be available after its launch. So it surely is a pickup truck. Though, to be a serious off-roading turck these days, it needs to have the latest off-roading technology. It has got Ford's Roll Stability Control which predicts the vehicle’s path using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the truck tracking safely on its intended path. So it's like a Nissan GT-R, but in truck form! It's really impressing seeing this truck has such amazing off-roading capabilities.
As for exterior, the major differences between the Raptor and the standard F-150, is the unique grille, side dual exhaust pipes and a body that is a full seven inches wider. Also notice, functional hood extractors and a special optional graphics package. To me, this has to be one of the best looking turcks of all time. Mainly because when they've widen it, it gave it a more "standy" look.
Inside, they gave it some sporting potentials. Ford raised up the dash, so you feel in-grab with the car more, so you don't need to stretch down for all the buttons like in a normal truck. They also gave it huge, buckety, two-toned sport seats to keep you in place while jumping and drifting in hard and easy surfaces (they hold you at any situation). The steering wheel has a red marker on the middle of the grip to know where exactly are you steering (it's usually on rally cars).

So it was a good start of SEMA's Auto Show. Keep tuned to find more cars at the SEMA Auto Show.

New Reveal : Chevrolet will unveil four customized Camaros at SEMA

Chevrolet is preparing some hot cars for SEMA Auto Show. And hottest of all, is Chevy's Camaro. Chevrolet will be revealing 4 customized concepts of the Camaro.

Let us start first with the maddest of all, the Camaro LS7 Concept. It's inspired by the COPO Camaros of the late '60s. It features the GM Performance Parts LS7 Crate engine from the Corvette ZO6, but tuned to produce 550 horsepower thanks to a number of GMPP performance accessories. The awsome power is handled by a TREMEC 6-speed manual. To break all the power, you get Brembo breaks inside 20-inch custom wheels and a lowered ride height.

Next, the Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a NASCAR star, and he's a big fan of Camaros. So this customized version of the Camaro was to designed for him. It's a basic Camaro SS, tuned to run on higher-octane E85. The exterior is a two-toned black-over-white with a red line separating the two colors. You also get 21-inch five-spoke wheels, a dovetail spoiler, a new grill and other Chevy Accessories exterior mods.

For racing fans, this is the Camaro GS Racecar Concept. Back in the late '60s, One of the most iconic cars of the legendary Trans Am road racing series was the distinctive blue-and-yellow Camaro, which was to Mark Donohue. This is a modern interpretation of it. Which features, a carbon fiber hood, trunk lid, doors and fenders to keep weight down and is powered by a production LS3 V8 mated to a Tremec 6-speed. A 3-inch exhaust with Coast Fab mufflers, C&R racing aluminum radiator and coolers for the engine oil, transmission and differential round out the racing pedigree.

Finally, the beautiful Camaro Black Concept. This darkness of a car features a matte black hood, tinted glass, HID headlamps with red "halo rings", a darker grille, dark-tinted taillight lenses and the 21-inch wheels feature a darker finish. So it's meant to be evil. Sadly, unlike the others, this Camaro is powered by GM's 300-hp 3.6L V6.

So we got Pontiac's fantastic concepts and now this. You cannot believe how happy I am to see GM doing these stuff for a long time now, and they are still at it.

News From Pontiac: Pontiac G8 ST priced from low 30,000$ ; Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept hits 290hp ; Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept has 7.4L V8 !

Pontiac has big strategies to take on other car makers. We first start with the Pontiac G8 ST. Which as you can see is an Australian Holden Ute. However, Utes also work in the U.S (remember the El Camino). So this re-badged Pontiac G8 ST should sell well in it rolls to dealers as early as next September. Specially that the price starts at 30,000$. Unlike the G8 sedan which starts with a 3.6L V6 , the ST gets the 6.0L V8 as standard with 361hp and 385lb.-ft. of torque. Which should easily let you hold up your gears and tow a caravan or a motorbike all at the same time, just like any other pick-up truck. However unlike any other truck, this sits low to give a stiff suspension setting, and gives in a sporty cache. Lets see next September if the ST can really break up its rivals.

Next, Pontiac's successful Solstice. Since it was out, Pontiac always show every year a new special edition concept. The Solstice GXP-R was revealed in 2006, and then single-seat Solstice SD-290 Concept, last year. For this year, GM's line of performance parts will be shown on the Solstice in coupe form for the first time when the Solstice GXP Coupe Concept is officially unveiled next week in Las Vegas. This customized Solstice shows off GM Performance Parts' Stage 2 performance kit , intake kit, and cat-back exhaust system that boosts horsepower from 260 to 290. The car also features a sportier suspension system, exterior graphics kit, customized leather-trimmed seats, race-style pedal covers, and an iPod interface. More details and live photos soon to come when it debuts at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show.

Finally, another G8. Though, this isn't any G8. This G8 GXP Street Concept has GM's new LSX454 crate engine. Which is a 7.4L V8! We haven't seen such "big" V8s since the 1960s. This naturally-aspirated fire blower gives out a 'Vette ZR1-matching 638hp and 600lb-ft torque, which gives it the crown of "muscle-car sedans". Other than the monstrous engine, the G8 GXP SC gets stiffer springs and the brake package from the CTS-V as well as 20-inch black chrome wheels. The exterior has been given an aggressive face-lift with a new front fascia with unique upper and lower grilles and a rear fascia that incorporates a diffuser and performance exhaust system. Inside are custom leather seats and a new gauge cluster. More details and plenty of photos are soon to come.

Source : [GMInsideNews.com]

New Revel : Coach Builders Convertible Package for Dodge Challenger

Coach Builders is famous for building the Chrysler 300C convertible and Cadillac CTS convertible . Because Dodge announced that they won't make a Challenger cabrio , Coach Builders decided to make one . This car will debut at the SEMA Auto Show next November . Ofcourse this being a convertible , Coach Builders will be providing new strut bars and body reinforcements for the cabrio muscle car . They also add a Vortech supercharger for the SRT8 , to jump the power to 560hp and 510 lb-ft of torque . Outside , there's a new hood scoop and some ugly gigantic 22 inch rims .

The cost of this package alone , is a dizzying 16,000$ . You can buy a brand new car with that ! This package can be equipped with any model of Challenger . So if you ought to get a Challenger SE V6 for 22,000 but with Coach Builders package , it'll rise up to a whopping 38,000$ . Not only is this 13,000$ more expensive than a Mustang V6 convertible , but you could get a Challenger SRT8 for that money . However , This green one is a SRT8 with the package , and it'll set you back $58,000 ! Everyone can think of a lot of mods for the Challenger with this money before actually cutting the roof .

So this package ruins the price of the Challenger . But in my mind , it ruins the amazing image of the hardtop Challenger as well . If you look at a hardtop Challenger , you'll be thinking of words like "old-school" , "dangerous" , "bad ass" , "hard-core" and ofcourse "pure muscle car" . But when you look at this , all what we're going to say is , "a big soft roady" . I'm one of the biggest fans of the hardtop Challenger , but this doesn't float my boat . Now we know why Dodge refused to the idea of a convertible Challenger . Please anyone who thinks else of this Challenger , share it with us.