Ford unveils 2013 GT500 tribute to Carroll Shelby

Ol' Carroll Shelby may no longer be with us. But his name and legend (good or bad) lives on. As part of this weeks events in Monterey, California, Friends of Carroll Shelby has unveiled this special four wheeled tribute to Shelby in the form of the 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra. Packing the punch of 663 horsepower, a Whipple supercharger ups the output to over 850 horsepower.

Ok, enough with the horsepower. How about the trick wide body thanks to Ice Nine Group of Detroit, Michigan. And of course there's the classic Shelby GT350 hoot scoop and a few other retro Mustang touches. Then there's the 20x10 and 20x13 wheels to fill out the wheel wells. Now I'm not usually a fan of 20 inch wheels, but they just seem to really work on this car. The Cobra was painted classic Shelby Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White dual racing stripes, one of my all time favorite color combinations and really shows off the lines of the new Mustang.

Now of course, this car is technically a concept car. I wouldn't expect to see this on dealer showrooms any time soon.


Source: Ford Motor Company

Press Release:

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 17, 2012 – Friends of Carroll Shelby, including Ford Motor Company, Shelby American, Ford Racing and many others have built a unique 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra as a tribute to the late Carroll Shelby.

 

Ford is also announcing a renamed road at its Product Development Center in Dearborn, Mich., as a tribute to Shelby as well. Cobra has been the consistent performance label as Shelby worked with Ford for most of the last 60 years, and Shelby was instrumental in the creation of Ford performance vehicles including Cobras, the GT40 and Mustangs since the mid-1960s.

 

2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra

The unique tribute car was unveiled by Ford Motor Company board member Edsel Ford II, Ford’s group vice president for sales and marketing Jim Farley, and Shelby American president John Luft at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion where Cobra is the marque of show for 2012.

 

“Even at 89 years of age, Carroll was an inspiration to us all,” says Farley. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra. The one-off car we have created represents the very idea he had about making the 2013 Shelby GT500 into a true Cobra.”

 

Using the 662-horsepower 2013 Shelby GT500 as a foundation, “Friends of Carroll” created the one-of-a-kind 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra wide-body Mustang that now generates more than 850 horsepower with the help of a Ford Racing 4.0-liter Whipple supercharger.

 

Putting that much power to the ground requires plenty of traction, so the 13-inch-wide rear wheels are wrapped in massive 345-section high-performance tires for extra grip.

 

Ford Motor Company teamed up with Shelby American for several key components on the Carroll Shelby tribute car. Shelby American provided a specially designed hood, new rear wide-body kit, Shelby Wilwood brakes and new 20x13-inch rear and 20x10-inch front wheels. The bodywork is finished in the same Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes that graced so many of the Cobra roadsters built in the 1960s.

 

“Carroll Shelby changed the performance world forever,” says Luft. “And while he was proud of Shelby American’s achievements, Carroll was far more interested in the next car we would build. You will find the spirit and influence of Carroll Shelby in every future vehicle we build just as you’ll find it in the rear wide-body kit and hood integrated into the 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra.”

 

“You might also know that Carroll was a philanthropist, noted for supporting causes that moved him,” adds Farley. “In that spirit, this car will be taken on tour around the country, and hopefully will be used in a special way at the end of its tour –  a way Carroll would appreciate.”

 

Before the 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra hits the road, it will be shown at the Ford display in the expo area at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this weekend.

 

Carroll Shelby Way

For more than half a century, Carroll Shelby inspired designers and engineers throughout the extended Ford family. As a teenager, Edsel Ford II worked for Shelby doing a variety of jobs including cleaning transmission parts.

 

Countless engineers crossed paths with Shelby over the years, from those who crafted the original GT40 to those working on the 2013 Shelby GT500. Up until his death, Carroll Shelby remained committed to developing great performance cars. Even at the age of 88, he spent more than five hours driving the most powerful production Mustang ever during engineering validation sessions at Sebring and the Arizona Proving Grounds in late 2011.

 

During and after test sessions, Carroll spent hours discussing with engineers what he liked and what needed improvement. No one who worked with Carroll will ever forget it, and his lessons in vehicle dynamics will be passed along to coming generations.

 

Ford product development engineers now will get a daily reminder of Carroll’s way as they traverse the newly renamed Carroll Shelby Way through the heart of the Product Development Center in Dearborn, Mich., to the entrance of the proving ground.

 

“Sadly, Carroll Shelby is no longer with us, but his spirit lives on with the designers and engineers he interacted with over the years and he will continue to influence Ford performance cars for many years to come,” says Farley.

By: Austin On 21:45

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Detroit 08 Preview: Buick Riviera Concept

To kick off its North American Tour. Buick will bring the GM China designed Buick Riviera Concept Car to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

The exciting gullwing door sports coupe was a hit at the 07 Shanghai Motor Show. The Riviera shows where Buick styling is headed in the next few years, and would make an excellent production vehicle for Buick(GM are you listening?). Look for more info and picture when we visit Detroit next month.

Source: Autoblog.com

By: Austin On 11:09

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Chevy Volt Teaser Shot

Here's a teaser shot out of General Motors today. Gives you an idea of what the Volt production car will look like, but without giving too much away.

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz vowed at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the Volt project is working at full steam ahead. This is all in order to have the Volt in production by the end of the decade. He also announced that we will start seeing driveable prototypes on the road as early as spring of 08.

I like what I'm seeing from this teaser shot. The styling follows along the lines of Chevrolet's current line up. The grille work reminds me of the new Malibu. You can also make out the low sleek roofline carried over from the concept Volt.

More info as it becomes available.

Source: GM

By: Austin On 14:42

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Detroit Preview: Hummer HX Concept

Here are some design sketches of the up coming Hummer HX Concept which we will see in Detroit next Month.

Three months worth of sketching and sculpting went into this concept before it was given the go ahead by GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. The concept is designed with the future of off roading in mind, with a flair for the youth market which loves the Hummer brand. The HX Concept will feature removable body panels and roof, similar to the Jeep Wrangler. And like most of GMs more recent concepts, will be powered by E85 Ethanol FlexFuel.

Should be interesting to see the finished project next month.

Source: GM

PRESS RELEASE:

Three Young Designers Shape Future Of HUMMER Through HX Concept

DETROIT – Scheduled for introduction at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the HUMMER HX concept reflects the innovative minds of three new GM designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski - whose first assignment was to provide a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles.

Fresh out of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., the designers' first test in GM was to design a fun, nimble and innovative HUMMER concept.

"HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent," said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning. "Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

The task presented numerous challenges to the new designers, from creating a vehicle for a brand known around the globe for its iconic design, to ensuring the model would live up to the market's expectation of HUMMER off-road capability.

To help ensure designs were true to the HUMMER brand, these designers were given limited design direction by Carl Zipfel, an ex-professional motocross racer and director of the HUMMER design studio.

"Carl definitely set the tone," said Rojas. "While he gave us creative liberty and challenged us to develop innovative ideas, he also defined three HUMMER proportions – wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance – and assigned one to each of us. It gave us a chance to collaborate, but also take our own direction."

While sketching and sculpting together in the HUMMER studio, these recent graduates drew upon the creative energy of each other, further improving their individual designs, as well as that of the final concept.

"We drew inspiration from one another," said Kang. "As you're designing and sketching you try to absorb what the other designer is doing and try to make it better."

David, Min Young and Robert's collaboration inspired the HUMMER HX concept, which presents extraordinary efficiency without sacrificing the unique essence of the HUMMER brand, the world's most capable off-road vehicles.

"While we took inspiration from the HUMMER heritage and DNA, we each wanted to evolve it in a new way," said Jablonski. "We agreed it should be contemporary, compact and definitely open air. It came out great."

After three months of sketching and sculpting theme work for the new HUMMER concept, each designer had the opportunity to present scale clay models to Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman and Ed Welburn, who chose which design would ultimately become the HX concept.

In its final concept form, the E-85 FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX embodies the off road spirit of HUMMER in a fully customizable package. The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular, removable rear roof assembly enabling a quick conversion from closed vehicle to open vehicle SUT. It also features a slant back assembly with removable doors and fender flairs.

"Working as a team, you realize it's more than one person influencing the vehicle," said Rojas. "You can see the inspiration from each of our designs in the final concept vehicle. We're all proud to have the chance to see our sketches become reality."

By: Austin On 13:42

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The 2010 VW Beetle?

VW has been pretty tight lipped about the fate of the VW Beetle come 2010 when the New Beetle is due for a major overhaul. We do know that the powers that be in Wolfsburg have said there will be a replacement car to carry on the legacy and name of the Beetle. These pictures come to us from German rag AutoZeitung.


There's not much supporting info, but judging bye these artist renderings, it looks very similar in size to the up! concept car. There are hints of a rear engine when you look at the air inlets on the front of the rear fenders. And you can't deny the Beetle looks in the styling. Especially when compared to the current New Beetle.







Source: AutoZeitung.de

By: Austin On 16:33

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LA 2007: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe

I had never been a big fan of Hyundais, but this concept coupe is one sweet looking coupe. Hyundai announced today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show that the Genesis Coupe marks the plans for a new rear wheel drive coupe in the lineup.

The styling is very emotional, and looks as though it could be a car from Europe rather than Korea.

Plans so far for the coupe include being powered by a 3.8 liter V6 that will produce 300+ HP, backed by a 6 speed manual transmission. And lastly Brembo brakes. Sounds like a good start.

Let's hope this car doesn't change much in production form.

Press Release:

Hyundai unveils rear-wheel Drive Concept Genesis Coupe
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 - Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

Concept Genesis Coupe"Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."

DESIGN PROCESS

"The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."

Designers used the Day Light Opening (DLO -- a designer's term for the side glass) from the HCD9 Talus Concept on the Concept Genesis Coupe.

The HCD8 sport tourer concept's sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction of Concept Genesis Coupe. The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan's race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister. "Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating."

The concept's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser. An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

• Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe

• Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches

• Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches

• Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches

• Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches

• Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke

• Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

• Engine type: V6

• Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower

• Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.

• Displacement: 3.8 liters

• Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum

• Cylinder head material: aluminum

• Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)

• Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing• Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
• Transmission type: 6-speed manual
• Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers

• Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers

• Limited slip differential

Source: Hyundai, jalopnik.com, autoblog.com

By: Austin On 20:51

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Volkswagen up! wins Autocar's Concept Car of the Year

The Volkswagen up! and its variant the Space up! and another that will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week has won the Concept Car of the Year award from Autocar magazine.

Autocar editor Charles Hallett said the up! was "a brilliant concept car – but, importantly, a concept car that will become a reality. We like to think of it as a 21st Century Beetle – a stylish car that will provide affordable motoring for all, both here and in the developing world."

VW has been pretty tight lipped about the upcoming up! variant that will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. But what thing's for sure. It whould be a head turner. Look for updates later this week.

Source: Autoblog green.

By: Austin On 21:09

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SEMA 07: Cadillac CTS Sport Concept. A temp fix til the new CTS V?

With the new CTS-V set to arrive hopefully next year, and the new CTS already out and making car guys drool. We see the CTS Sport Concept making its debut at SEMA. Cadillac enhanced the already beautiful CTS, taking it to the next level.

Cadillac altered the front and rear fascias and added ample amounts of carbon fiber to things like the fender extensions. LEDs trim the headlights, a beautiful set of export taillights (and why don't we get those?), and LEDs in the brake ducts in the lower front fascia. And there are two words for the OnStar antenna: land shark. Engine power comes in a 3.6L engine producing 304 Horsepower, with a cat-back exhaust blowing out 3.5-inch square, chromed apertures. And check out the rear diffuser. Hotness. Sources at General Motors are saying that you're basically looking at the body of the upcoming CTS-V. One thing's for sure. The new V will be one hot car!

By: Austin On 14:45

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Sema Preview: Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept.

GM released only this single view of the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept for SEMA. The Solstice features a cover over the passenger compartment that is reminiscent vintage single-seat club race cars and includes a new windscreen and separate review mirror mounted in the middle. It's likely powered by something that's green and mean. Look for further updates this week.

By: Austin On 19:30

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