Hyundai Preparing Souped Up Genesis Coupes for 2008 SEMA

It’s no secret that Hyundai’s SEMA booth in Las Vegas this November will host a variety of modified Genesis Coupes. One of the vehicles that will make its appearance at the show will be the “Art of Speed” Genesis Coupe. Co-developed with Rhys Millen Racing (RMR), the “Art of Speed” will be powered by a 2.0-liter engine with an RMR turbo kit. Other mechanical mods include a heavy-duty HKS sequential transmission and a K&W coil over suspension. Enkei racing alloy wheels in Bridgestone Protenza RE-01 tires surrounding Brembo brake calipers complete the package. -Continued

As you can see in the teaser picture released by Hyundai, the RMR Genesis Coupe will get a silver and black paint scheme along with a wide body kit that includes a functional hood scoop and a carbon fiber wing. Inside the Genesis Coupe will sport a racing cockpit with Sparco steering wheel and seats, eight-point roll cage and a RMR carbon fiber dash

Lotus Design "Hot Wheels" Concept

Brit sports car manufacturer Lotus has just released images of its Hot Wheels Concept model that was on display at the at the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre earlier this month. According The 1:5 scale model will form the base for a 1:64 scale version which will become part of the Hot Wheels product range in spring 2008. More importantly, Lotus admitted that the design who created this concept is also designing the company’s new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year. -Continued after the jump

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; “This was a dream job for the design team because, for many of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels that first ignited our passion for cars and design. Lotus Design’s international reputation for designing visually dynamic and exhilarating sports cars perfectly fitted the brief for this programme and we relished the opportunity to design a concept that was free from the typical technical and legal constraints of a full size car.

In addition the design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children. I am very proud of the final design by Steven Crijns that succeeds in being both instantly recognisable as a Lotus and a Hot Wheels Car”

Steven Crijns, Design Manager at Lotus Design and creator of this concept design explained; “Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work well at this scale. Another challenge was to create an exciting design that would work well as a toy.

The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath, so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics. I was keen for the design to express the Lotus philosophy of performance through lightweight: the shrink wrapped body is kept to an absolute minimum to save weight.

The dynamic voluptuous curves make the car look agile and fun to drive. Bold aerodynamic aids are incorporated to achieve exceptional Lotus handling. The top exit radiator at the front, a distinctive Lotus design feature, the rear diffuser and a large rear wing all provide down-force helping the vehicle stick to the road. In addition, large side air intakes and an open rear end aid engine breathing. Inside the car, the exposed centre spine is part of the structure and incorporates the switches and gear linkage and supports the rear wing.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said “We are delighted to have worked with Hot Wheels, who share our passion and enthusiasm for all things automotive. Lotus Design has a global reputation and is responsible for the design of all Lotus cars, including Europa, Exige and iconic Elise and many designs for our engineering clients globally.

The same design team who created this stunning concept is also designing our new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year.”

Mustardo: Ford Mustang Equipped With Lamborghini Gallardo V10!

If this isn't the weirdest Mustang you've ever seen, then please don't hesitate to tell what is... The Tractorri Lamborghini Mustang, or Mustardo, as we decided to call it, made its appearance at the 2007 SEMA Show earlier this month. John Haugh of Cleveland, Ohio built this custom creation starting off with a new Lamborghini Gallardo and a new Mustang - somebody better hold us cause we're about to turn red...

Underneath its modified Ford Mustang body, the Mustardo is equipped with the Gallardo's mid-engined all-wheel drive powertrain meaning that this creation gets a 520 HP V10 engine and sequential shifting transmission! -Continued after the jump

The rear end of the car has been designed to imitate the Gallardo and it features a huge honeycomb mesh venting which allows us to get a peek of the Mustardo's hardware. Amazingly, Haugh also completely redecorated the interior to look like the Gallardo's cabin.

According to the guys at 'The Mustang News', Haugh plans to drive the Mustardo regularly.

Source: themustangnews

Subaru Rally Team USA Impreza WRX Prototype At SEMA

Featuring an all-new paint scheme, extensive carbon fiber racing parts and a rally-prepped 2.0-liter Boxer engine developing approximately 325 HP and 425 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2008 Impreza WRX 5-door Rally prototype was created by Subaru Rally Team USA. According to Subaru USA, the rally-ready WRX will be campaigned in the 2008 season by SRTUSA rally driver Ken Block and 2006 and 2007 Rally America National Champion, Travis Pastrana.

Subaru Impreza WRX Dresses Up For Halloween At SEMA

Booo, it’s the Subaruuuuu! The Halloween special edition of the 2008 Impreza WRX hatch was presented at the 2007 SEMA Show earlier this week along with a few other tricked out Imprezas which you can check out here, here and here. This one-of-a-kind WRX features Halloween lighting effects to the headlights, taillights, wheel openings, front grille and undercarriage all wrapped in a Halloween-themed orange and black body. Who’d have thought that Subie had such self-awareness about the 2008 Impreza’s looks… -More pics after the jump

SEMA: Lexus LS 460 by VIP Auto Salon

We just couldn’t resist adding the “low-rider” image of VIP Auto Salon’s supped up Lexus LS 460 sedan as the opening picture to this article. However, as you can see in the image gallery and the detailed list of accessories, the LS 460’s ride-height is adjustable, so don’t worry about denting the front lip spoiler if you happen to fall upon a quarter on the road. Suspension aside, VIP Auto Salon has dressed the LS 460 with a full bodykit and 22-inch alloy rims from Wald International, a two-tone leather interior, LED cabin lighting and a bunch of other accessories which you can check out right after the jump. -Continued

(Opening picture modified by Carscoop)

Highlights:

Exterior

• Full Wald Body Kit Molded

-Front Lip

-Side Skirts

-Rear Lip

-Trunk Spoiler

-Roof Spoiler

-Fender Replacements

• Smoked Taillamps

• Custom Paint Finish

• Lexus Japan Window Side Visors

Lighting

• Replacement 6000K D4S Bulbs

• 3000K HID Foglamp Kit

• Replacement of Interior Lighting to LEDS

Interior

• Full Interior Upholstery (Two-Tone - Ash Gray & Black)

• Full Leather Headliner

• 50% Window Film

Suspension

• Universal Air Systems Air Bag Setup

• Dakota Digital Air Ride Management System

Wheels & Tires

• Wald Portofino Wheels

Front: 22x8.5

Rear: 22x10

• Pirelli P-Zero Nero Tires

Front: 245/30-22

Rear: 285/25-22

Engine / Engine Bay

• Painted Engine Cover

• Custom Power Supply Unit

Brakes

• Brembo Brakes 15” Rotors 8 Piston Front, 4 Piston Rear

2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan By STi & Kicker

Continuing with our reports on the supped up Imprezas that appeared at the SEMA Show (click here and here) this red-to-the-bone Subie was created by audio specialist Kicker. Using the 2008 Impreza 2.5i Sedan as a base, Kicker equipped the car with a full line of Kicker car audio equipment including Kicker speakers and two Clarion VMA7196 7” monitors highlighting an Xbox360 game-console. When it came to bodywork and mechanical tuning, Kicker took a look at the STI accessories bin fitting the Impreza Sedan with STI sport springs and a carbon fiber body kit. Inside, the tweaked Impreza features a roll cage and Sparco bucket seats.

Fully Customizable Scion xB Toy Car Appears At SEMA

Here’s a tricked out Scion that’s available for all ages. Created by toy maker Ridemakerz, the fully customizable ‘Scion Ride” is based on the new xB. Measuring approximately 12 inches in length, the approximately 1:18 scale xB models will be available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and Wasabi Green and. The scaled xB’s prices range from $22 for the Cannonball Black and Comet Blue versions to $25 for the Wasabi Green. Custom accessories range in price from $2.50 for grille guards and hood scoops to $15 for a deluxe "Muscle Kit" that includes a blown engine, spoiler, side pipes, muffler tips and roof vents. Radio-control can be added for $25. -Continued

According to the Ridenmakerz, you or your kids can build the new Scion RIDE on RIDEMAKERZ.COM and at Shops located at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. In November, RIDEMAKERZ will open two additional Shops at the Spotsylvania Towne Center in Fredericksburg, Va. and at Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis, Ind.

SEMA: Lexus RX 400h by 714 Motorsports & MOMO

MOMO USA and 714 Motorsports collaborated to create a customized version of the Lexus RX400h for the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The hybrid SUV has received a series of cosmetic and chassis enhancements that include a full bodykit, 22-inch MOMO alloy rims in 235/35 R22 Toyo rubber, Eibach lowering kit, chromed detailing, high-end entertainment system and a Brembo brake kit. We don’t want to be rude or anything, but the specific RX400h was one of our less favorite customized vehicles at this year’s SEMA show. -Details and pics after the jump

Highlights:

Electronics

• POLK/MOMO (2) 10 inch Sub Woofers, (2) 6x9 Component Sets, (2) 6.5 Component Sets, (1) 200.4 - 4 Channel Amp, (1)600.1 Monoblock Amp, 200.4 - 4 Channel Amp, (1)600.1 Monoblock Amp

• Vizualogic 9 inch ALL-IN -ONE Headrest Monitor.DVD System

• Kinetic (1) HC1400 Power Cell

• Coastal Etech - Ultimate Lock Pick One - Un locks factory navigation features which gives you external audio and video inputs. Converts Factory Navigation Screen to show DVD on screen.

Lighting

• Advanced Automotive Concepts - Halo front headlights

Interior and Exterior

• 714 Motorsports - Builder Suede and Leather Interior, Recessed Front Grill w/ Stainless Mesh, Floor Mats, Audio & Video System

• Roadwire Embossed Seat Inserts “MOMO”

• Hush Mat Sound Deadening Material

• ALSA Corp. Ghost Chrome with Brushed Aluminum Satin Finish & Mirror Chrome exterior parts

Suspension

• Eilbach 2 inch Lowering Kit

Exterior

• Merzee Paint and Body Custom Paint

• Kenstyle USA 4 pc Body Kit

Tires and Wheels

• MOMO USA 22x9 Typhoon Wheels, 4pc Pedal Set, Shifter Knob, Floor Mats, Exhaust Booster Tip

• TOYO Tires 255x35x22 Toyo Proxes

• Brembo Big Brake Kit ( specs n/a yet)

SEMA: Scion xD Widebody by Five Axis Design

Now here’s a Scion xD that I wouldn’t actually mind seeing parked in my garage –well, if I had a garage, that is. The widebody kit is beautifully integrated to the xD which is painted in a vigorous Papaya Orange color. The kit is complemented by 20-inch alloy wheels in 245/30 R20 Yokohama rubber up front and 295/25 R20 in the rear.

As you can see in the detailed list after the jump, Scion’s SEMA-fied xD is filled with aftermarket components and accessories like the suspension and brake kits, Sparco racing seats and DVD player. Disappointingly, the supped Scion xD doesn’t feature any engines mods whatsoever. Too bad, we were just starting to like it. -Details and pics after the jump

FIVE AXIS DESIGN - SCION xD WIDEBODY

01 EXTERIOR

• Five Axis Design 6” Widebody

• Papaya Orange paint

02 ENGINE

• No modifications

03 EXHAUST

• Five Axis Unique Finishers

04 WHEELS

• FIVE:AD R6:F_SPEC

F: 20 x 8.5, +0

R: 20 x 10.5, +20

Satin aluminum finish

05 TIRES

• Yokohama Advan Sport

F: 245/30 ZR20

R: 295/25 ZR20

06 SUSPENSION

• TEIN Super Street Damper

• TRD strut brace

07 BRAKES

• Stoptech Big Brake Upgrade

F: 355mm x 32mm, ST40 4-piston Caliper

R: 328mm x 28mm, ST22 2-piston Caliper

08 INTERIOR

• Five Axis Design Interior Appointments

• Sparco Faster steering wheel

• Sparco Litium shift knob

• Sparco Reflex racing pedals

• Upholstery by Salt Turin Upholstery

09 SEATS

• Sparco Sienna sport seats

10 ICE

• Pioneer AVIC D3 navigation head unit

• Monster Car Audio cables and wires

• Real-time video capture

• Four exterior LCD screens

11 GAMING FEATURE

• Five Axis Modified Smart Industries 6” Claw Vending Machine

• Five Axis Design Plush Souvenir Toy Car SWAG