Nother CarGuy

After having already expanded the GT’s production run, Ford has now pulled the covers off a special edition version, dubbed Carbon Series. This is a track-focused model, said to be 18 kg (40 lbs) lighter than the regular street-legal versions. The decrease in weight has been made possible by applying a polycarbonate rear hatch with extra venting, but also carbon fiber wheels with titanium nuts and a titanium exhaust system. Despite the weight loss, this car still retains important comfort features such as air conditioning and an infotainment system. Also, according to Ford, the 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series “will want to be driven home after time sheets are collected” from the track, unlike its sibling racer. Compared to previous variants of the supercar, this special edition version features more visible carbon fiber, along with two exposed carbon fiber stripes that match the A-pillars, lower body panels and wheels. Also, customers can choose one of the four optional colors, ...

Racing is electrifying. And we don’t just mean that it’s exciting for fans. It’s actually going electric, from Formula E to touring cars to rally. And if Chevy gets its way, drag racing could be next. The Bowtie brand is showcasing this conceptual Camaro drag racer at the SEMA show this week. It’s called the eCOPO Camaro, and it packs 700 horsepower (522 kW) along with 600 lb-ft (814 Nm) of torque – all of it from electric motors. Chevy started with the existing COPO Camaro, designed as it already is for drag racing, and replaced the V8 engine with an electric motor assembly with a huge battery pack in the trunk. The system is based on a pair of BorgWarner HVH 250-150 motors, each generating 300 lb-ft (407 Nm) of torque, and connects to a conventional Turbo 400 automatic transmission. In the back, it installed four 200-volt battery modules, each weighing 175 pounds (79 kg), to give it a combined 800 volts of electrical power. It even extended the roll cage rearward...

Ringbrothers have shown a number of interesting vehicles over the years but this is the first time the company has unveiled a pickup at SEMA. Dubbed Clem 101, the pickup started out as a rusted 1954 Ford F-100 but it has been transformed into 1956 restomod. As part of the build process, Ringbrothers swapped out the truck's cab and built the bed from scratch. The company also extended the wheelbase by seven inches and utilized a custom Ford Crown Victoria subframe that was narrowed by five-inches to fit the F-100. The model also features wider fenders with narrower openings as well as hand-made running boards and custom doors. Elsewhere, the team installed a custom trailer hitch and billet accents such as the hood hinges and cargo tie downs. Other notable features include an original 1954 grille, modified chrome bumpers, and 19- / 20-inch HRE wheels which cover six-piston Baer brakes. The cabin has a vintage feel but it has been equipped with custom upholstery, a K...

Following a preview last month, Roush Performance has officially unveiled the 729 Mustang at SEMA. Drawing inspiration from the 1970 Boss 429 Mustang, the 729 Mustang has a custom wide-body kit and a Sherwin-Williams Grabber Green exterior which pays tribute to the classic pony car. The model also features a functional hood scoop and unique fender flares which were 3D printed by Stratasys. Designers also installed a number of carbon fiber components including a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. There are also carbon fiber mirror caps, a revised grille, and a blackout appliqué on the rear of the car. Other notable highlights include an adjustable suspension and custom 20-inch Vossen wheels which backed up by Brembo brakes. The car's interior has been extensively modified as it features Recaro racing seats, a roll cage, and Katzkin leather upholstery. The rear seats have also been removed and replaced by a carbon fiber module developed by Anderson Com...

Ringbrothers and Prestone have teamed up to introduce a 1972 AMC Javelin AMX called the Defiant! Currently on display at SEMA, the Defiant! is being billed as the wildest car ever created by Jim and Mike Ring due to its "extreme appearance, cutting-edge construction techniques, and four-digit power output." Speaking of the latter, the car has a 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine which has been equipped with a 4.5-liter Whipple supercharger, a Holley Dominator fuel management system, and a Flowmaster exhaust. Thanks to these changes, the engine produces a staggering 1,036 hp (772 kW). It is connected to a Bowler automatic transmission which sends power to the rear-wheels through a carbon fiber driveshaft. Ringbrothers didn't stop there as the company extended the Javelin’s wheelbase by moving the wheels forward six and a half inches. As a result, the car's distinctive wheel arches were moved forward and recreated in carbon fiber to match the new hood, front ...

Hennessey's all-new hypercar, the Venom F5, was built with just one goal in mind, to be the fastest road car in the world. With a top speed in excess of 300 mph (482 km/h), all we can say is they've done it! In order to achieve such high speeds, the Hennessey Special Vehicles team had to come up with a brand new design, chassis and carbon fiber body, so as to have the lowest possible drag. "We expect the Venom F5, named for the most powerful tornado speed winds on the Fujita scale, to be the first road car capable of achieving more than 300 mph and have worked closely with Pennzoil to get us across the finish line," said company founder and CEO, John Hennessey. Mated to a 7-speed single clutch paddle shift transmission, the car's new twin turbo V8 unit will send over 1,600 HP to the rear tires, all while dragging along a curb weight of just 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg). This combo of power, low drag and light weight should take the car from 0 to 186 mph ...

Chevrolet has released a plethora of eye-catching concepts at SEMA, with the 2018 Corvette Carbon 65 Edition also joining the party. For starters, Chevrolet’s SEMA booth will include the new Silverado Centennial Edition and Colorado Centennial Edition, two vehicles created to celebrate the brand’s 100 successful years of building pickup trucks. This duo will be joined by the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Editions. Elsewhere, the automaker has created the Silverado Performance Concept, fitted with a supercharged 5.3-liter V8 engine, a set of large brakes, lowered ride height and some visual modifications. Joining the Silverado Performance Concept is the Silverado 3500HD NHRA Safety Safari, a six-wheeled behemoth for the drag strip that includes a ‘jaws of life’ device. Additionally, Chevrolet has partnered with country music singer Luke Bryan for a one-off Suburban. The vehicle receives a custom paint scheme, unique wheels and has been created a...

Following a preview last week, RTR Vehicles has unveiled its Ford F-150 RTR Muscle Truck concept. Set to debut at SEMA, the truck follows in the footsteps of the RTR Mustang and adopts a revised grille with LED signature lighting. The model has also been outfitted with an RTR-branded skid plate, extended fender flares, and a revised tailgated with RTR badging. Of course, one of the most noticeable changes is the addition of RTR Tech 6 wheels which are wrapped in 33-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. RTR hasn't released interior photos but the company has previously said the model comes with a Katzkin interior and a dash plaque signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr. Motivation is provided by an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces more than 600 hp (447 kW). It is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission which sends power to a four-wheel drive system. Speaking of performance, the truck has been equipped with a heavy-duty rear axle and "payload maximizer spr...

The SEMA Show kicks off tomorrow and Audi of America will use the event to introduce a TT RS which has been equipped with an assortment of Audi Sport Performance Parts. Starting with the exterior, the model will have a handful of "aerodynamic enhancements" that have been developed in a wind tunnel. The company was coy on specifics but the images suggest the car will be identical to the one shown earlier this year. As a result, we can expect canards, carbon fiber air ducts, and a prominent rear wing. There should also be an assortment of carbon fiber components including mirror caps and a rear diffuser. On the handling front, the TT RS will have a two-way adjustable coilover suspension and additional chassis bracing. There will also be "brake system enhancements" and 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with high-performance tires. Rounding out the changes are a titanium exhaust system and an upgraded interior with an Audi Sport Performance steering wheel. ...