Shelby GT500 Super Snake 2011 – with 800 hp

American muscle cars have been built long after the simple rule that “a lot is good, then more is even better.” And really, it will be perfect until you have way too much!

The phrase “too much” teach fit into that description of the latest equipment package from Shelby American, the company owned by Carroll Shelby billegenden and proceed to modify the Ford Mustang. With “Super Snake package” offered to owners of Ford Mustang GT500, model year 2011, a complete upgrade of the chassis, engine, brakes and appearance.

Shelby GT500 Super Snake Front Design

Shelby GT500 Super Snake Aerodynamic Design

Owners can choose between different power levels and the basic package offers 660 hp compressor engine. But with various options that can increase to 750 hp and a maximum 800 hp – with the usual commercial gasoline, also.

The intended audience is not likely to hesitate, but for us mere mortals, there is only one small drawback to the “Super Snake package”, namely price: $ 30,245. And then you take your new 2011 Ford Shelby GT500. Only 1,000 cars will be built on the “Super Snake package”.

Shelby GT500 Super Snake Body Design

Opel Astra GTC Come to Paris

opel astra gtc red sedan performance

Opel Astra family may increase at the Paris Salon a few weeks. Where can we first see the recent Sports Tourer wagon, and it’s time for the three-door coupe that we’ve seen in numerous spy photos and computer illustrations in the past year. The picture released on the day and can be seen in the real world at the Paris Salon, which runs October 2 to 17.

The line is called beautiful concept car and is named GTC Paris, but the Astra name. However, it would not be surprised if this actually is the series of car ready. The images released today Wednesday reveals nothing about the interior and which can be exhibited on the car of course differ considerably from the final version. It is also unlikely that the GTC in their finished state, comes with 21-inch wheels on the GTC Paris.

opel astra gtc red sedan body

We may not know when this version of the Astra coupe is ready for serial production and the technical Opel is also rather reticent. Concept, however, have reported a two-liter turbo engine, giving “maximum power and torque.” It has start / stop and the automatic gearbox is a manual six-speed. The car is front-wheel drive and has an electronic limited slip differential.

Otherwise press release speaks mostly about body shape, which, according to Design Director Mark Adams inspired by a quote from the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull: “… and the speed was pure beauty.” The sentence has been the basis for design work on the Astra three-door coupe based, which, according to Adam is “created to be an affordable dream car that gives German precision and innovation, combined with fascinating design.

opel astra gtc red sedan design

opel astra gtc red sedan lamps

BMW Z4 GT3 2010 Sporty Design Used in Race

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - used car values

GT3 BMW Z4, which is officially launched and completed the first test drive in early March, already enjoying great popularity among customers of BMW Motorsport. The first cars delivered to private teams, BMW will prepare them for use in national and international championships.

“Information about the BMW Z4 GT3 very positive,” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. ‘Round these sports cars in the range of our products, and provides drivers and teams a chance to compete at the championships in accordance with the GT3 regulations – such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, the International GT Open or Masters ADAC GT – and 24-hour endurance “Next., The GT2 BMW M3, BMW 320si WTCC, which is consistent with the rules Super2000, GT4 and close to the production of the BMW M3 are available for teams of clients around the world by BMW Motorsport distributions.

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - aerodynamic design

BMW Z4 production model is impressive: with a long hood, wheel arches are lit, the long wheelbase and narrow projection, this car offers a unique look. BMW Motorsport engineers two passengers provide a good basis to develop close to GT3 racing car production.

The biggest difference between production and racing cars is under the hood while the production version of the BMW Z4 is powered by a six-cylinder engine, GT3 car is powered by a 4.0 liter eight-cylinder engine similar to units used in the BMW M3 GT2. This strong liver produces more than 480 HP. Its excellent performance and good torque curve and the basic machinery for the production version of the BMW M3 is destined to be used in motorsport.

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - body design

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - car stereo

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - price list

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - price values

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 - rear angle

Installing a V8 engine has a large influence on the development of the BMW Z4 GT3. Initially, the design review area is done by CATIA V5 design to place the machine in an ideal position and meet the specifications of race. The engineers then add all other components.

When it comes to electronics, private teams can expect BMW’s innovative solutions, which have been tried and tested in the GT2 BMW M3: ECU408 support the management of modern machines, while ‘electronic control units responsible for Power400 control all the actuators. Power is transmitted via a six-speed sequential gearbox with Quick Shift “function.

Wheels with central locking and security clips are also included in the shipment. In addition, the BMW Z4 GT3 also offers driver assistance systems, such as ABS and traction control expenditure, adopted by another car in the race for the range of customers, and then developed and modified for use in a GT3 car.

Front axle GT3 BMW Z4 with a new design, based on a series of concepts. It is equipped with a tubular stabilizer bar with the bar adjusted. Rear axle is designed as a longitudinal axis of the connection, such as the standard version of the BMW Z4. Steel body car from the BMW factory in Regensburg. Tues security very rigid, precision steel tubes and then welded into the body. V8 engine blocks produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut. BMW plant in Dingolfing help the rear wheel differential and driveshaft, among others.

During its development, the BMW Motorsport engineers work hand in hand in other fields with their counterparts in the production. This allows them access to the calculation of the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the aerodynamic design of cars. In addition, tests are also conducted in wind tunnels and on test benches BMW Group.

Front and rear wings, hood, roof, fenders and other components made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The use of lightweight material, resistant to play a lot of weight GT3 BMW Z4 until the 1200 kilograms.

Like all the cars on track racing BMW customers, emphasis is also placed on profitability during the development of the BMW Z4 GT3. As a result, the car offers an excellent cost / quality ratio and gives the team a chance to participate personally in the affordable sports car at the highest level.

Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion

That looks sharp.

Via Auto Insider.

Cool car art by Andrey Gusev

Aston Martin V8

Bugatti EB110

Lamborghini Countach

Alfa Romeo police car

Camaro

Merc CLS

Merc Gullwing

Ferrari F40 engine

More here.

Miami Vice white Ferrari Testarossa

While riding an elevator today, I was mistaken for an accountant.  Damn, what happened to my dreams of being an undercover narcotics officer in Miami?

Mitsubishi van in Wheat Thins ad commercial

Porsche 959 engine picture

My Maserati engine block coffee table may be happening.  I am close to putting down a deposit on it.  It should be ready in two to three weeks.  While we wait for the close-to-final product (I still have to figure out how to make it level and I have to buy a glass top), here is the 959's engine.  That looks level enough for a glass top, right?

China's Buick line-up

Buicks are not just for upper-mid level local Communist Party bosses anymore.  In 2009, Buick sold 447,001 vehicles in China.  Here is the line-up (I was shocked; no wonder GM didn't want to kill this brand):

1. Enclave: Luxury crossover made in Michigan and exported to China.  Take that, stubborn trade deficit.

2. GL8: It's a Pontiac Montana, without the roof rack.  The marketing mavens in Shanghai were able to convince the public that this vehicle was meant to be chauffeur-driven!

3. Park Avenue: Look familiar?  It's a Chinese-made Holden Statesman(!), although it's only available with a V6.  This is definitely my favorite.

4. LaCrosse: It's just like the American LaCrosse, only with a different interior, exterior, and engine choices.

5. Regal: Based on the Opel Insignia.

6. Excelle GT: Based on the compact Chevy Cruze.  A version of this will be introduced in America.

7. Excelle: Even the bottom of the rung looks decent, kind of.

Buick trivia: Famous Chinese owners of Buicks included Sun Yat-Sen, the father of modern China, and Pu Yi, the last emperor.

Lamborghini Countach Trapper Keeper

TV show Entourage Lincoln Continental convertible

Renault Fuego Turbo ad commercial

Carspotting (58): Datsun 510

I spotted this a block away from the Earthroamer (see previous post).  I like this 510 because it has not been modified and seems like a daily driver with just one owner since new.  Can someone tell me what B&W Full Automatic means?  I assume it's some kind of automatic transmission.

B&W?

Earthroamer in background

Carspotting (57): Earthroamer XV-LT

I was having lunch on the Peninsula today and came upon this behemoth.  Just look at it next to that puny RAV-4.  It's one of those travel-around-the-world trucks.  Personally, my dream would be to use a modified Unimog.  But realistically, these are just too big and wide and they scream: Banditos, please rob us gringos!

Here is the price list.  The Ford F550 costs $56,000.  The conversion costs $172,000.  And that doesn't include the Warn wench or the PIAA lights!

Here is the manufacturer's description of the vehicle.

Las Vegas Imperial Palace auto car collection review

The car collection at Imperial Palace is an institution.  I've been going there since I was a wee boy in the 1980s.  Back then, the highlights of my trips to Vegas involved visiting the collection and being given a $10 roll of quarters to use at the video game arcade at the oh-so-pink Circus Circus.

Most of the cars on display are for sale.  If you visit once a year, I guesstimate the turnover of cars is around 20%.  My biggest complaint involves the display.  This place seriously needs freshening up.  The fluorescent bulbs and ugly 1990s high school classroom blue carpeting have got to go.

Without further ado, here are my favorite cars:

1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien concept car

Engine bay of 1987 Buick GNX ($95,000; 5,480 miles)

Lancia 037 bought new in Guatemala

1 of 2 RHD Ferrari Superfast Series II ($1.8 million) (and look at that atrocious lighting!)

1968 Toyota Corona RT-52 Coupe with 2,274 original miles ($25,500).  I love the diversity of the collection.  So long as the car is cool and interesting, it's in!

Yugo!

1980 Peugeot 505 sedan with less than 8,000 km for $39,500

1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Vignale Saloon ($450,000)

Ford RS200 traffic jam

1956 Lancia C10 Appia panel van ($65,000)

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900SS Ghia coupe ($325,000)

Jaguar XJ220

Ferrari Daytona and Datsun 280ZX

1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Superleggera

1966 Bizzarini P538 Spyder prototype (red) and 1967 Bizzarini P538 Coupe (white)