eBay Find of the Day: Sole remaining 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT prototype

It might not be the very first production Thunderbird ever made, but it is a pretty special T-Bird nonetheless, and it is up for auction, not at Barrett-Jackson, but rather on eBay Motors. Item number 190283235126 is a rare, 1 of 4, 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT Concept prototype.


The description tells us that the other three were crushed by the Blue Oval, making this the sole survivor. What makes this SVT concept special is the engine. It features a turbocharged 4.8L V8 instead of the supercharged V6 that went into the production Thunderbird SC. Black with a gray leather interior, it appears to have aged well, with nearly 70,000 miles on the clock.


The car has been with one owner for the past ten years and was featured in Makes & Models Magazine in 2005. Unfortunately, it has a few non-stock "upgrades," including a racing fuel cell and a fiberglass hood with an airbrushed bird on the underside. Check out the gallery and click over if you feel its worth at least the $30,000 starting price.
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Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events

Thanks to your suggestions, we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts. Event cancellation notices are also greatly appreciated.

Highlights for February include the Chicago Auto Show, which we will be covering obsessively from McCormick Place; the kickoff of the NASCAR and NHRA seasons with the Daytona 500 and the Winternationals, respectively; and the RetroMobile show in Paris. There's plenty of other fun stuff scheduled all over the country and indeed around the world.

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Bee Four revives BRM brand, reveals in-wheel motor source

It's been announced that the electric race car we were telling you about from Bee Automobiles Ltd will now contend for the British Speed Hill Climb Championship in 2010 as the BRM Bee Four ERV.

This revives the BRM (British Racing Motors) brand that was born 60 years ago and has a rich and proud history. This also delays the original plan by a year, but should give them the necessary time to introduce a car that is fully tested and ready to win. There is hope that we'll see it before then as it is rumored that it may make some cameos at events this year.
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New Ford Focus RS Video

The Focus RS is a serious performance machine, all indications point towards this. But on this video a more somber, normal Focus RS shows itself proving that there's more to this spicy lime hatch than mere numbers.


Pushing the car forward is a 6-speed manual gearbox that helps the RS reach the 100km/h target in second gear. For certain engine frequencies a ‘sound symposer' is used to transfer certain pleasing sounds the car makes as it goes along into the cabin. Those bonnet louvers are there to help with idle cooling especially after heavy runs on a track so they aren't just there for aggressive looks.


For the longest time Ford wasn't even breathing a word related to the Focus RS. Then suddenly a flood of information came through, including confirmation that the RS would make a return after a six year hiatus. When details burst out, few really believed that the RS was to be driven through the front wheels, given its power figures of 300bhp (224kW) and 440Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre turbo.


After all, front-wheel-driven cars with slightly less power than the RS are known to have excessive torque steer. Nevertheless Ford had an answer to that in a hi-tech system called RevoKnuckle, a specially design steering knuckle containing two ball bearing sets which help compensate for torque steer. Additionally an LSD is fitted for extra traction.





via:World Car Fans



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Geneva Debut _2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Official Details & Video

Porsche has revealed the updated and slightly more powerful 2010 911 GT3 ahead of its official debut at Geneva Motor Show in March.


The Euro base price of the new GT3 is €98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is €116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at dealerships in October at a price of $112,200 (MSRP without taxes). Porsche fans in the UK can expect the new model to be in dealerships this fall with a starting price of £81,914.


The new model receives many of the subtle exterior updates as the rest of the 911 family but adds a unique racing flair to the mix. Up front there is a new bumper with a lower spoiler, larger air intakes with mesh inserts, and modified bi-xenon headlights. Other changes to the new GT3 include a redesigned rear spoiler, rear LED taillights, and a new rear bumper.


Helping to keep all that power on the road are updated stability and traction control systems which aim to keep Porsche's legacy of offering outstanding vehicle dynamics while providing an enhanced measure of safety. The new version of Porsche Stability Management offers drivers the option of deactivating stability and traction control in separate steps, allowing for a custom tailored driving experience. Should the new safety systems fail to keep you on course, the larger carbon ceramic brakes will be there to help bring you to a halt.


Power comes from an enlarged version of Porsche's naturally aspirated flat-six engine which now comes in at 3.8-liters and boasts 435 horsepower and 317 ft-lbs of torque. This allows the GT3 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 194 mph. Compared to the current GT3, the new model features an additional 200cc in displacement which helps to create the extra 20 hp.
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First time on video for New 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet

Our spies showed up on the scene while three prototypes were at a fuel stop. They took full advantage, capturing over two minutes of raw video, showing the much-loved car from many different angles. Engineers have been looking into winter performance capabilities of the 998 in the north of Sweden, where extreme weather pushes cars to their limits. Two cabrios and a coupe were being road tested.


Generational improvements will include raised headlights, new side mirrors placed on the doors, with LEDs expected at both the front and back. Inside, more room will be made at the back, requiring the car to be stretched a bit longer. Power should come from direct-injection engines, with a possible 3.0-liter version coming standard. Customers will have the choice of upgrading to an all-wheel-drive version, or keeping the standard RWD. Transmission choices include a manual transmission, or the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch currently seen on the 2009 model.


The drivers looked to be doing some reconnaissance work of their own, snapping several photos of the spies as they headed back to the highways.


The new 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet have been caught on video for the first time. This is the new generation of Porsche's flagship sports car, internally referred to as the 998.
via:World Car Fans



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2010 Renault Megane Sedan Spy Photos

Today we have first pictures of the new Megane Sedan with heavy camouflage that was spotted in snowy Sweden doing winter testing.


Renault has already officially introduced the third-generation Megane Hatchback and the Coupe. Just recently we brought you spy shots of the Grandtour version.


Just like the new Megane hatch, power will come from a range of gasoline and diesel engines. Gasoline engines range from 1.4-liter to 2.0 liter(225 hp when turbocharged) and diesel engines offered are 1.5-liter and 1.9-liter dCI turbodiesels with power from 89 hp to 178 hp.



Built on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai, it will go against the Peugeot 308, Fiat Bravo and VW Golf VI, and will obviously be much more than just a mature evolution of the current Megane.

Source:globalmotors



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Geneva: Wiesmann GT MF4 Roadster BMW M3 with heart

If the speculation will correct Wies Mann Geneva unveil the roadster version of the GT MF4. And therein, in addition to the already known 367 hp 4.8 liter V8 from BMW, the block of the BMW M3 (4.0 V8 420 hp) are available.


In his dense brother, the GT MF4, the M3 block all at once become available. It is not confirmed, but the appearance of a roadster version of the MF4 probably means the end for the MF3 Roadster. Because in this model is the 3.2 six-in-line BMW M engine that recently went out of production. For the Roadster MF3 Wies Mann has no engine and therefore will be stopped with this model.


For the people by the letters and numbers no longer know the different models, below a small overview:

Roadster MF4 (4.8 V8, 367 hp, induction in Geneva)
Roadster MF4-S (4.0 V8, 420 hp M3 engine, introduced in Geneva)

GT MF4 (4.8 V8, 367 hp, all available)
MF4 GT-S (4.0 V8, 420 hp M3 engine immediately available)

GT MF5 (5.0 V10, 507 hp M5 engine, already available)

And next year Roadster MF5?

via autoblog.nl



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Vauxhall's hot new Insignia performance car previewed by Opel OPC

Power is not yet disclosed but the twin-turbo V6 is thought to produce around 320bhp. Expect to see this styling model at the Geneva show in March, with the production version making its debut at the Frankfurt show in September if not before.


Running OPC Prototypes have lapped the Nürburgring in a little over eight minutes, according to Opel managing director and engineering guru Hans Demant. With its four-wheel drive and 255/35 R20 tyres it's said to be very grippy, very stable and very benign in its handling. Wheels have five concave spokes, are painted in dark metallic grey and have polished rims and spoke outlines.


This is the OPC version of Opel's Insignia, to be known in the UK as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This prototype styling model, a saloon rather than a hatchback, shows the vertical front air intakes that were a striking feature of the Opel GTC Concept coupé that previewed the Insignia's design language at the 2007 Geneva motor show.
Source: evo.co.uk



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Reports say problems with new Renault

Jan.28 (GMM) The opening test of Renault's 2009 car did not proceed as planned for the French team, the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell reports.

Although the Portimao test was badly marred by the weather last week, it is suggested that Renault struggled with the early performance of the new R29.

The aerodynamics of the unique-looking racer is apparently the culprit, and at the end of the only dry day in Portugal last week, Fernando Alonso was easily the slowest of the four new cars.

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New Nissan 370Z Pricing to Start at £26,895

370Z is now offered with a new 7-speed automatic priced at £1400. It is equipped with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode, using either the gear selector or paddles behind the steering wheel. In automatic mode, the driver can relax and let the gearbox change gear, reacting to the driving style to choose the most appropriate shift-mapping.


The entry level 370Z, priced at £26895, comes equipped with Intelligent Key, engine stop/start button, power adjustable seats, climate controlled air-conditioning, 18” alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, curtain airbag, alarm, audio with auxiliary input and Bluetooth hands free phone connection.



GT Pack priced at £30195 gets 19” forged RAYS alloy wheels, heated seats trimmed in black suede and leather, a six-CD Bose audio system with eight speakers, cruise control, speed limiter and Synchro Rev Control; a new innovation that automatically matches the revs, during up and down-shifts, with the manual gearbox, making gear changes faster and smoother.


Topping the range and priced at £31895 is the GT Ultimate which includes Persimmon suede leather along with a DVD satellite navigation system with full European mapping covering 33 countries and voice guidance in seven languages. Hands free operation is possible with voice recognition which also integrates with the MP3 compatible audio system.


Metallic paint is the only other option available for £450 and with this you also get Nissan’s Scratch Shield Paint*, which, thanks to its advanced resin coat, automatically repairs the light scratches and blemishes which are typically collected by light stone chips.


Compared with the outgoing 350Z, the new 370Z now sports a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials resulting in a weight reduction of 32kg, updated engine with more horsepower, all of which combine to improve its agility and responsiveness.


Inside, buyers will welcome the removal of the rear strut brace (replaced with less intrusive structural reinforcements) and the addition of a new “shelf” area behind the seats, creating an ideal storage area. A retractable cover is standard on the 370Z and a locking glove compartment has also been added.
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Cadillac XLR Is Cancelled

General Motors plans to end production of the Cadillac XLR, which is made at the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant.

The company anticipates production will cease this spring, impacting about 40 employees at the plant, said Sharon Basel, communications manager for General Motors.

The plant employs a small assembly crew dedicated to XLR production. Those employees were recently notified of the production cut. It has not yet been determined when those workers will be laid off, but it will likely be this spring, said Paul Graham, plant manager.
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BMW PAS set for February Unveiling in Munich

Since the PAS is based on the upcoming 2010 5-Series, it was widely expected to debut after the redesigned 5's were introduced. However given the timeframe for BMW's showing of the new PAS, it would appear that they are going to show a concept version instead of the production model.

Even if the company is going to debut a concept, it is clear that it would basically be a thinly veiled production model with larger wheels and a more fanciful interior.


Regardless of when or where the new PAS debuts expect it to feature the same engine lineup as the upcoming BMW 5-Series, this means power will come from a variety of petrol and diesel engines. The PAS will also feature slightly more interior and cargo room than the 5-Series sedan but a little less than the 5-Series wagon.


One possibility is that the company is previewing the model to journalists in advance of an official debut at the Geneva motor show in March, but that remains to be seen. Earlier it was believed the PAS would debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, which still could be possible if BMW were to introduce the new 5-Series in Geneva.


According to one of our sources BMW is going to unveil the company's 5-Series based Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) at an event early next month. The event is scheduled for February 11 or 12, but the exact details are still shrouded in mystery as BMW is keeping their cards close at hand for the time being.
via:World Car Fans



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Rome grand prix possible

Jan.27 (GMM) It is "possible" Rome may organise a formula one street race, a spokesman for the Italian capital's council has admitted.

We reported one month ago that Maurizio Flammini, superbike promoter and a former F2 driver, was proposing to organise a grand prix in Rome.

"With the new trend for city races, there are perhaps opportunities for Rome to organise a F1 grand prix," he said.

"The idea has been around for a number of years. Never say never," Flammini added.
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£2.3 billion rescue plan for car industry - but it's no bailout says Mandelson

The Government announced a major package of help for the UK's ailing car industry today, including £1 billion of direct loans and a national strategy designed to help British manufacturers meet demand for greener, cleaner cars.
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Aston Martin Reveal First Details of 24 Hour Le Mans Challenger

Aston Martin has a very ambitious target for the 24 Hour Le Mans this year. The British motor brand wants to repeat the success of its 1959 DBR1 and win the legendary race. That DBR1 was driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori. Company executives are not going into the task starry eyed though, they know it's going to take something akin to a miracle to achieve this.
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Audi A4 Allroad spy photos of winter testing in the day / night

The new model will go head to head with Saab's new 9-3X which also launches this year as well as facing competition from other small crossovers and wagons, including Audi's own A4 Avant and Q5. While pricing information has yet to be released, expect the new A4 Allroad Avant to be priced slightly higher than the regular A4 Avant Quattro.


Wearing many of the same exterior accessories as its larger brother, the A6 Allroad Avant, the new model has black plastic exterior trim, wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, and will become the first member of the A4 family to be equipped with LED rear lights. The biggest change is the Allroad's increased ride height which leads to a more aggressive appearance that signifies the vehicle's all-weather capability.


Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system will come standard and engine options should mirror that of those offered in more mainstream A4 wagons.


Audi's upcoming 2009 A4 Allroad Avant has once again been spotting undergoing winter testing ahead of its unveiling later this year.
via:World Car Fans




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BMW 730Ld Launched in the UK

Powering the 730Ld is a 3.0-litre straight six turbo diesel motor producing 245hp (180kW) and 540Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic gearbox accompanies this engine and helps the car achieve a 0 - 62mph time of 7.3 seconds as well as a top speed of 153mph. It registers a 194g/km emissions figure and a 38.7mpg combined consumption figure.


Buyers of the 730d require certain levels of luxury specification and BMW is delivering on that expectation. Features like a self-leveling rear suspension, an electrically-powered rear window sunblind, individually heated and air-conditioned seats, and 9-inch twin flat adjustable monitor screens come either standard or as options depending on the package selected.
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