Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 11:20AM

Ferrari 599 China special in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao – Click above for high-res image gallery

A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an exceptional piece of automotive art. Even more exceptional is the latest model equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package. More exceptional still is the limited-edition 599 HGTE made exclusively for the Chinese market. But even in this rarified territory, there exists one 599 HGTE China special that stands apart. We reported on it about a month ago, and it's now been sold at auction.

The one-off Fiorano was hand painted by Chinese artist Lu Hao with a pattern reminiscent of the sought-after Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. This unique example was sold on Tuesday to an anonymous collector from Shanghai, who paid the equivalent of $1.77 million for the privilege. The proceeds are earmarked towards helping aspiring Chinese automotive engineers to make it to Italy for further studies and an internship opportunity at Maranello. On hand for the auction event, held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, were the artist, Ferrari executives, faculty members from the participating schools and none other than Michael Schumacher himself. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and see more in our high-resolution image gallery below.


Gallery: Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao


[Source: Ferrari]

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SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some

by Frank Filipponio (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 10:59AM


Customized 40th Anniversary 2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For SEMA 2009, Mazda introduced us to a pair of the happiest Mazda3 derivatives we've ever seen. Part Le Mans-winning 787B tribute, part rolling showcase (for their Mazda accessories catalog) and part 40th anniversary present to itself, this couple with their odd, knowing smiles was pretty easy on the eyes.

Built by Mazda R&D employees to show off the wide range of accessories available for the 2010 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3, these tuner cars also serve as tributes to Mazda's motorsports prowess and to 40 years of Mazda sales in the U.S. The cars are painted in a Crystal White Pearl with gray graphics that mimics the Mazda3 World Challenge race car, which itself apes the look of the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B from 1991. There are also plenty of other changes in the mix to make these special 3s go like they show.

Both cars get forged aluminum 19x8-inch wheels with 225/40 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires stripped off the RX-8 R3, and KW coil-overs to button things down a bit, but that's about where the similarities end. The 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda3 sedan gets a thorough makeover by World Challenge-contending Tri-Point Engineering. With their Garrett GT2871R ball bearing turbo kit adding 10 psi of boost, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is now making more than 250 HP at the wheels.

The Mazdaspeed3 was already turbocharged but an AEM cold-air intake was added to increase its output by about 20 HP. Like the special Mazda3, this car gets KW coil-overs and the RX-8 R3 wheel/tire combo, but whereas the 3 got brakes from the Speed3 and Mazda5, this car gets four-piston StopTech calipers and floating two-piece rotors that are nearly identical to the ones used on the World Challenge car. We really like this sexy duo from Mazda and think we now know why they're smiling.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: 40th Anniversary Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 customs


Live photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

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ESPN: Danica Patrick close to two-year NASCAR Nationwide deal

by Alex Nunez (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 10:39AM



Rumors of IndyCar's Danica Patrick dipping a toe into the stock car racing pool have been swirling for months, but a new report suggests that an end to the rumors is near. ESPN says that Patrick is on the verge of signing a NASCAR Nationwide Series contract with JR Motorsports, the operation owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Unnamed sources that spoke to ESPN call the talks "near their final phase" and comment that it'd be a "surprise if it didn't happen." In any case, don't expect a formal announcement until sometime after the Sprint Cup chase draws to a conclusion on November 22.

The potential move to JR Motorsports was made possible when driver Brad Keslowski jumped ship to join Roger Penske's NASCAR Sprint Cup team. According to ESPN, Patrick is angling to drive the number 7 car (the same number she runs in IndyCar), which would replace the current JR Motorsports number 5 car. Since Danica will continue to run the full IndyCar schedule as well, she'd be a part-time driver for JR Motorsports, sharing the race car with Junior and another unnamed driver. If the signing happens and NASCAR gives its blessing, Danica will make her first stock car appearance in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA race on Feb. 6 during the Daytona Speedweeks, and go on to drive in 12 to 13 Nationwide Series races during the 2010 season. Frankly, given NASCAR's feel for marketing and Danica's undeniable celebrity, we see no way that she won't be in place for a debut during the February Speedweeks, assuming she does indeed ink the rumored deal.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Robert Laberge/Getty]

BMW slashes price of satellite radio by 41 percent, others to follow?

by Chris Shunk (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 10:20AM



BMW has substantially cut the price of its Sirius Satellite Radio factory option from $595 to $350 on select 2010 vehicles (excludes 5 Series, 6 Series and X3) while also adding functionality. Customers who choose Sirius will continue to receive "The Sirius Everything" package for one year, along with some of the most popular XM channels available including Oprah Radio, XM Public Radio and several sports channels.

Beyond cheaper hardware and expanded channels, BMW and Sirius have also made the satellite radio more user friendly. Users can now view the channel list as a channel name, artist and a new "Instant Replay" function allows you to replay a favorite song or program. You can also choose favorite songs and receive an alert when one of your favorites is being played, which is one of those good ideas somebody should have thought of long ago.

Anyone who has ever priced out a Bimmer knows that options can be a pricey endeavor, so lower satellite radio prices is sure to be welcome news to BMW buyers. We're wondering if other automakers will soon follow suit and also drop the price of their satellite hardware. Subscriptions to the now combined Sirius/XM service aren't exactly flying off the shelves, and a lower cost of entry to the hardware in cars can only help.

[Source: BMW]

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SEMA 2009: Custom Suzuki Kizashi models impress, upset

by Jonny Lieberman (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 10:01AM

Delta Tech Engineering Suzuki Kizashi - Click above image for high-res gallery

We totally dig the new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It's a bold step forward for Suzuki and (hopefully) a harbinger of great things to come, which also happens to be what "Kizashi" means. However, the looks are a little, well... not outstanding. Not that it's particularly bad-looking (it ain't), but what if it were a little more... special? SEMA to the rescue!

We've got a trio of modded Kizashis for you to peruse down in the gallery, but how about some background info up front? First up is Delta Tech Engineering's car which might be our favorite. Delta Tech specializes in lighting and every light on the car is either LED or HID. Even though big mouth-look grilles are on the way out fashion-wise, we like the snout on this guy. We also like the fact that it has a cold air intake, custom exhaust and Koni coilovers.

While we just said that the Delta Tech Engineering might be our favorite Kizashi, the Road Race Motorsports Platinum Edition Kizashi pushes all the right buttons with an even more aggressive body kit. It also features a custom air intake, engine management system and data logger. You also get 13-inch slotted rotors up front (though "only" 10-inches out back). Custom springs, sway bars and chassis stiffeners round the package out.

[UPDATE: We wrongly identified Westside's Kizashi as Import Tuner's car. A total mistake on our (my) part. Sorry 'bout that.]

Lastly, we've got Westside's custom Kizashi – a car we just can't wrap our heads around. From the Frankenstein's Monster neck-bolts as exhaust tips to the bizarre two-tone paint job to the Jianghuai GIGANTIC grill, we're totally, 100% not in love. And that's that.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Suzuki Kizashi Customs

Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more?

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 9:39AM

It doesn't seem that long ago that Porsche was a two-car company. But since then, the German automaker has come out with the Cayenne and the Panamera, taking it into new territory – for better or worse. Now that it's part of the Volkswagen Group, sources expect Porsche to begin expanding its lineup even more, and British rag Autocar has what they're calling a comprehensive outline for seven new models in the works at Stuttgart that will arrive over the course of the next four years.

Starting with next year, we should see V6 engines on offer in the Panamera, including gasoline and – in certain markets anyway – diesel-burning sixes. The same year should bring the new Cayenne, the third-generation model, with a more curvaceous body to look even more like a 911 on stilts.

Two years from now in 2011, we should be seeing a hybrid version of the Panamera coupling either a V6 or V8 engine to an electric motor for green propulsion. An all-new 911 is due by the summer of 2012, and is expected to be a significant departure from the existing model, both longer and wider with an all-new design – but don't expect the rear-engine set-up to go anywhere.

2013 could see the debut of the so-called Roxster, a baby brother to the Cayenne likely to share its platform with the Audi Q5, as well as the anticipated successor to the 928, based on the Panamera and arriving in both coupe and convertible body-styles. To Autocar's list we'll add the electric sportscar currently under development, the Boxster Spyder that we previewed earlier this morning, and the rumored RS Spyder-based supercar to succeed the departed Carrera GT, giving the Germans a more grandiose expansion plan than we've seen in over 60 years.

[Source: Autocar]

SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 9:20AM


Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Camaro might have a dominating presence on the show floor at SEMA, but there were still a handful of Dodge Challengers to wave the Mopar flag. This particular example was found tucked away in the Chrysler display described as a "Mopar Edition" and features two dozen items straight from the Mopar catalog. Some are as simple as the hood pin kit ($71), while other upgrades are more substantial like the Stage II coilover suspension system ($1,750).

We especially liked the Mopar Edition hood decal even though it's a bit pricey at $350, and the set of five-spoke, 20-inch aluminum wheels would be on our wish list as well. Follow the jump for the full list of parts installed on the car, and decide what would go on your own Mopar Challenger.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition


Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 9:00AM

Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're less than a month away from the LA Auto Show, which means that automakers are starting to dribble out some of what we'll be seeing there. The gang from Zuffenhausen will be rolling out a new lightweight edition of the Boxster dubbed "Spyder" especially for those who live where the sun shines and the roads twist. Like the classic 550 Spyders of the Fifties, the top mechanism in this new Boxster is merely a formality – rather than providing fully enclosed driving is more of a sun-shade than anything else.

Overall, Porsche's engineers have pared off about 176 pounds from the Spyder, bringing it down to 2,811 pounds. Propulsion comes via a direct-injected 3.4-liter boxer six with a 10 horsepower boost over the Boxster S for a total of 320. With the automaker's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, the Spyder gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and manages a combined 25.3 mpg (US) on the EU drive cycle.

In Porsche's time-honored "less is more" (money) world, the Boxster Spyder goes on sale in February 2010 with a base price $61,200. We're quite sure your local Porsche dealer will happily offer to put back some additional weight in your car in the form of options, but, hey – at least your wallet's heft will be pared back significantly to help offset the difference. For the rest of you dreamers, be sure to check out our high-res gallery below along with the some videos and the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder


[Source: Porsche]

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SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 8:40AM


SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: SMS Superparts


Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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Prodrive reportedly working on phantom Mini crossover rally car

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 8:21AM


Mini Crossover Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors have been circulating for months that Mini is preparing an upcoming assault on the World Rally Championship. But since they surfaced, little else has been said. The apparent reason for that delay, as emerging reports indicate, is due to the postponement of the car on which it is to be based.

Following the departure of BMW from Formula One, the German auto group hardly has any involvement in any major form of motorsport, foreshadowing its arrival on the rally scene. While previous reports didn't delve into the question of whether Mini would mount the campaign itself or solicit outside help, the latest word is that legendary motorsport contractors Prodrive – who've been without a manufacturer partner since Subaru withdrew from rallying – is already working on a rally-spec Mini. But rather than use one of the existing models as its basis, they're reportedly waiting for the arrival of the new Countryman crossover.

That model, however, has been delayed, with pre-production debut pushed back from the Detroit Auto Show in January possibly until Geneva in March. Given the setback, Prodrive is reportedly working on the parts it can without laying hands on the vehicle on which they'll be installed. Sources now suggest that the WRC-sped Mini Countryman will make its debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show in September.


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept


[Source: Autosport via MotoringFile]

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Autoblog Podcast #151: With Car and Driver's Eddie Alterman

Eddie Alterman wades in with Sam, Chris, Dan, and Jonny to talk about SEMA and other recent events.

 
 

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