Expected to launch next spring, Ford today unveiled the newest Mustang to the model lineup, the 2008 Shelby GT500 KR (KR for "King of the Road") which features the same 5.4L supercharged V8 as the standard GT500, but with a twist. The KR's engine has been outfitted with Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower.
This 40th Anniversary Edition of the GT500 KR will only be produced in limited quanities, namely 1,000 units, and comes with a custom carbon composite hood with scoops, stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts and large 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has been modified with an emphasis on race-inspired handling.
Drawing inspiration from the classic 1968 KR model, the Shelby GT500KR also features 40th Anniversary exterior badging, unique striping and a distinctive interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats and a 40 th Anniversary numbered dash plaque. Although there is no official word on pricing rumors put it at around $50K MSRP, but by the time it hits dealer lots it'll likely be upwards of $60K. Don't be surprised if you see a number of these on ebay for $100K+
Below is the full press release from Ford Motor Company
DEARBORN, Mich., March 30 - Ford and Shelby Automobiles are at it again, this time in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR. To be unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR—the most powerful Mustang to date—will once again mark Mustang as ‘King of the Road.’
“I’m proud to once again be a part of an historical moment, bringing back the ‘King of the Road’ Mustang, and collaborating with Ford SVT and Ford Racing” said Carroll Shelby. “I’m committed to continuously upping the ante when it comes to performance, and it’s great to be doing it with Ford.” “The return of the Shelby GT500KR further establishes Mustang as the true king of the pony car segment,” said Robert Parker, manager of Ford Car Brand. “With the unveiling of the new KR we are staying true to the promise we made our loyal Mustang fans to continue Mustang’s prowess by bringing new, exciting and more powerful Mustangs to market.”
Forty years ago, at the 1967 New York Auto Show, Ford introduced the most powerful Shelby Mustang ever. Like every Mustang that bore the name ‘Shelby,’ the GT500KR carries with it its own unique story.
The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR was a mid-year introduction, based on the 1968 Shelby GT500. Ford added ‘Cobra’ to the Shelby’s moniker to help usher in the beginning of a new performance era at the company. The Cobra name referred to the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that was planted under the KR’s custom fiberglass hood. It was the engine that would once again vault the Mustang to the head of the pack.
Ford conservatively rated the 428 CJ at 335-horsepower, but in reality it made more than 400-horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. The KR model was also equipped with a modified suspension and was offered both in fastback and convertible models. Ford dealers sold 1,570 GT500KR models in 1968, 1053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles.
While the name ‘King of the Road’ may have been the perfect fit for the world’s most powerful Mustang, it also provided Shelby the chance to steal the thunder from cross-town rival General Motors. As the legend goes, Shelby learned that GM was planning to introduce a high-performance model and call it ‘King of the Road.’
Since he had always wanted to use the name, and as one to never miss an opportunity, Shelby set his organization in gear, registering the name and designing new badging for the Cobra Jet-powered Mustang, christening it the GT500KR, and bringing Ford’s ‘King of the Road’ to market before GM ever got a chance to apply the name to their product.
Thoroughbred Pedigree
Just like its 1968 namesake, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR builds on the strong foundation of the Shelby GT500. Packing 40 more horses under its custom-designed carbon composite hood, the GT500KR is the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced.
The modern Shelby Mustang line-up started with the 2007 Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible. With the recent launch of the 2007 Shelby GT, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR becomes the third production high-performance Mustang brought to market through the relationship of Shelby Automobiles and Ford. Ford and Shelby Automobiles also partnered up with Hertz to produce a special limited run of 500 Shelby GT-H “rent-a-racer” Mustangs available only for rent.
The 2007 Shelby GT500 has been one of the most successful vehicle programs in the 14-year history of Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and that success has opened the door for more performance collaborations with Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing. Working together, these three performance powerhouses are driving Mustang momentum on the street and on the racetrack. Dealers cannot keep the cars on their lots, customers are clamoring for more, and racers are bringing home championships.
Shelby Mustangs have already achieved some impressive highlights showcasing an enthusiast demand that is unmatched in the business:
-The first 2007 Shelby GT500 available to the public sold for $600,000 dollars at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.
-2007 Shelby GT VIN#1 also went for $600,000 at charity auction, this time at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction (and the winning bidder also took the opportunity to purchase VIN#2 at MSRP).
-Shelby GT-H coupes auctioned off to Ford dealers after completion of Hertz rental duty consistently average $50,000, with high auction bids of $90,000.
The Shelby GT500KR will be produced in an exclusive run of 1000 units and will begin arriving in Ford dealers in the spring of 2008.
Crowning the New “King of the Road”
Doug Gaffka, Ford SVT chief designer, and his team worked closely with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team to make certain the new KR was crafted in the spirit of the original Shelby muscle car.
“This was a great effort between Ford and Shelby Automobiles,” said Gaffka. “The Shelby team and I were in constant contact melding Carroll’s classic design cues with some modern concepts and ideas and finessing them into the design of the new KR.”
Gary Davis, vice president of production and product development for Shelby Automobiles, played a key role in defining the look of the custom designed carbon composite hood for the GT500KR. His knowledge of the original GT500KR helped sculpt a modern interpretation of the original’s bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.
Side stripes are true to the original KR right down to the font used for the ‘GT500KR’ lettering, while the classic LeMans-style striping that races down the center of the car has been deleted between the leading forward edge of the hood scoops and the front of the hood, accenting the scoops and giving the KR its distinctive face. “That was Shelby’s idea,” said Gaffka. “It’s a special touch that adds some down-the-road differentiation. There will be no doubt that it’s a ‘King of the Road’ Mustang that’s filling up your rearview mirrors.”
The show car wears exclusive, Shelby-designed 20-inch, forged, polished aluminum wheels with special custom center caps, mounted on Pirelli rubber. Production models will arrive with an 18-inch version of the design.
Each KR model is identified by special 40th Anniversary KR badges on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. A special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.
The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.
The KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment
Just like its namesake, the 2008 ‘King of the Road’ packs a walloping dose of Ford performance power under its massive composite hood scoops. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is treated to a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540 and torque to 510 ft.-lbs., thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit.
Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping of the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500’s 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.
Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the KR’s suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby’s own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets.
“The production Shelby GT500 was maximized to deliver the perfect balance between ride and handling,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer, Ford SVT. “In that same ride versus handling continuum, the KR will lean heavier towards all-out handling while still making it drivable on the street.”
Chassis engineers worked closely with the engine department in a holistic approach to the development of the KR, tuning the suspension to best optimize the engine enhancements.
“We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole,” stated Gary Patterson, vice president of operations for Shelby Automobiles. “The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note, and handling should all gel together to deliver a total driving experience.”
The GT500KR will feature unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the precision handling package.
Mustang Momentum Cannot be Stopped
Unwilling to wait for the impending pony car war to heat up, Ford is extending Mustang’s leadership position by feeding the enthusiast demand for more models, features, performance parts, and special editions. Ford has committed to at least one new Mustang ‘feature’ vehicle per year. For 2007, it is the Shelby GT, and for 2008, there will be at least two including the Shelby GT500KR and the previously announced Mustang Bullitt. Ford’s ‘Steed for Every Need’ strategy currently offers four horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from $19,995 for a 240-hp V-6 Mustang coupe to $46,500 for a 500-hp Shelby GT500 convertible.
Ford has also introduced several special packages on Mustang further increasing its unique offerings, including the Pony Package and the California Special. In addition, Ford Racing offers a complete catalog of performance parts for Mustang fans, from custom wheels and exhausts to the complete, turn-key Ford Racing Mustang FR500C race car.
As a result, Ford offers Mustang enthusiasts the ability to buy, modify and drive the steed that perfectly fits their need. 
source: mustangcars.com
Sunday, April 1, 2007
2007 Ford Shelby GT500 KR - official photos
BMW X6 - new photos
"Hey, look. It's a new BMW X6 test mule that doesn't look like some reject from Wolfenstain 3D. Winding Road offers up new shots of what's passing for the upcoming Bimmer crossover these days, disguised amid an assemblage of BMW body panels. Built on the X5 platform, the new model will compete with the Mercedes R-Class for dominance in the luxury don't-call-it-a-minivan category. Whoo!"
Here’s the latest computer graphic imagery of the BMW X6. Can see that it’s gained a “Bangle butt”, a common design characteristic of all the new Chris Bangle designed BMWs. The BMW X6 is supposed to be a cross-over SUV and coupe type of vehicle. The chassis itself has already been through testing stages at Germany’s Nurburgring test track.
Seat Leon (Mattig Tuning)
The German Tuning Specials, Mattig is offering different attachments for the Seat Leon type 1P. They add different wheels and a thread chassis. The want the Leon to look more sportly and more easy to drive.
The Seat Leon receives new headlights (39.90 euro), new front grill without emblem (89.90 euro) and a new sportier Mattig spoiler front apron (349.00 euro). At the back, Mattig adds a new tail apron (279 euro), suitable covers for the taillights (79,90. - Euro) and a tail spoiler lip (99.90 euro).
The thread chassis is priced at 929.00 euro. Mattig also offers different wheel Designs with dimension up to 8x18 " with pitch diameter of 4x100.
Source: topspeed.com
Lotus Exige GT3 Concept
Unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the Exige GT3 Concept was developed by Lotus Sport, the brand's race car performance division. It is powered by a 271 hp turbocharged unit and it could be produced in limited series.
The Exige GT3 Concept was inspired by Lotus' racing heritage and built on the 2006 British GT3 Championship winning car.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus commented: "The car’s racing background becomes immediately obvious from its aggressive stance, extreme width of rear track and innovative threedimensional rear wing."
The Exige GT3 will be competing in the GT race arena in 2007.
A new one-piece front clam-shell with fully masked front wheels and wheel arch venting leads the aerodynamically cleaned silhouette of this car.
A menacing stance is enhanced by the aggressively flared rear wheel arches and aero-efficient three-dimensional rear wing and blended end-plates.
That power is provided by the same charge-cooled supercharged engine that the GT3 race car employs, producing 275PS (271bhp / 203kw) driven through ten inch rear wheels with 255 width tyres making the final connection to the road.
Max speed (257kph / 160mph) and peak torque have been electronically limited.
The end-plate mounted three-dimensional rear wing is highly efficient and fully complements the widened and flattened rear deck shape in reducing the overall drag as well as maintaining front to rear downforce balance.
Suspensions system features 2-way Ohlins adjustable dampers together with Lotus Sport adjustable front stabiliser bar and rear suspension double-shear track control arms.
It is intended that the Lotus Exige GT3 concept road vehicle will be further developed into a full production car for limited markets, to go on sale in late 2007 with an estimated price tag of between ?50,000 and ?60,000.
Technical features
Engine
The supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine has a maximum power output of 275 PS (271 bhp / 203 kw) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 258 Nm (190 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm. It features a VVTL-i variable cam system and a roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil), which is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation.
Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.
An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant. Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.
Transmission
A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox. An open type limited slip differential is fitted as standard.
The Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above 8 kph (5 mph) and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.
Chassis Structure
Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with crash structure, extruded aluminium door beams, integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight galvanized steel rear sub frame incorporating a structural shear panel.
Body
GT3 derived one-piece front clamshell and wide track rear clamshell with full length roof scoop design taken from the Cup Exige 255.
New full width rear wing with integral end plates mounting to rear clam. Race style full width front splitter; standard Exige door and body sides retained. Multi element rear diffuser with carbon option.
The 5-spoke forged alloy wheels (front 7Jx16 and rear 10Jx17) are shod with specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16 and rear 255/40 R17).
The brake system includes 308 mm diameter 2 piece aluminium belled cross drilled and ventilated front discs and 288 mm diameter cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs.
AP Racing two-piece radially mounted 4 piston calipers at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear.
Suspension
Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones; Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs and Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. A rear double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during heavy track day driving.
Lotus Exige GT3 Concept - Estimated Performances
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 secs
- 0-100 km/h: 4.0 secs
- 0-100 mph: 9.8 secs
- Maximum Speed: 160 mph (257 km/h) - electronically limited
- Max Power: 275 PS (271 bhp / 203 kw) at 8000 rpm
- Max Torque: 258 Nm (190 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm (electronically limited)
source: lotus
Mugen Honda Civic Typer R Sedan
Mugen released an upgraded version of the Civic Type R Sedan that was introduced yesterday by Honda.The car features minor extra options, but for such car you will hardly find something to ad. On the 225Hp sedan was mounted a new air-filter, revised the suspension, and new brake system and exhaust.
A new front apron, and grille, air-vents on the hood, a new rear wing, rear diffuser and new rims are now available in the Mugen kit.Inside they feated a new set of Mugen bucket seats and an extra array of gauges.
Source: topspeed.com
Mercedes Carlsson CK35
With the new C Class, Mercedes Benz continues the successful story of this compact executive car. Nevertheless, Carlsson has already devoted considerable attention to the saloon resulting in a new automotive dimension in both visual and dynamic terms. The company achieved these goals through a variety of measures including elegant aerodynamic parts, a performance kit, new wheels and improved interior appointments. The result is a vehicle that meets the highest expectations of driving pleasure and active safety – not a dazzler but a car with race-track engineering that meets the promise of looks and paper form.
Race-proven CK35 performance kit
Carlsson has been a successful competitor in the VLN Long Distance Trophy at the Nurburgring for many years. At the world’s most demanding race-track for both driver and technology, Carlsson tests parts that are later to be found in its range of parts and accessories. The company currently uses the CK35 performance kit based on the 3.5 litre V6 for long-distance racing in an SLK. In other words, every Carlsson CK 35 customer participates in Carlsson’s racing success. "The concept of taking developments ’from the race track to the highway’ applies to the CK35 more than any other engine", says CEO Rolf Hartge proudly explaining how this piece of high-tech engineering has been breathed on to ensure durability and great efficiency.
Developed in motor racing for absolute reliability and superior performance, the CK35 kits give customers the assurance that they, too, could win races with this engine. The Carlsson unit produces 217 kW / 295 bhp and presses maximum torque of 385 Nm onto the crankshaft.
Also part of the CK35 kit, the stainless-steel sports rear silencer with four oval tailpipes hints clearly but not too loudly at the increased engine output. Carlsson also modifies and significantly improves the engine’s electronic control system while a sports air filter ensures that the V6 has no trouble in taking a deep breath.
The increased output coupled with effortless power delivery result not only in a better paper form but also significantly improved flexibility and, therefore, greater driving pleasure. The top speed of the CK35 is 270 km/h. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just six seconds, four tenths faster than the standard car. At the same time, the sound emitted from the four tail pipes is certain to set the pulse of every racing enthusiast.
Carlsson aerodynamic kit: the dynamic and striking alternative
Without making the car look flashy, Carlsson fits an aerodynamic kit that not only reduces lift at the same time as making the car more elegant and powerful looking but also lends an individual touch and, of course, the sporting flair so typical of Carlsson. The aerodynamic kit consists of a front apron, a diffuser-look apron at the rear, side mouldings and a rear spoiler that stabilises the car at higher speeds. In this connection, too, Carlsson underscores its close association with motor racing. All parts are made of high-grade PUR and, in addition to fitting exactly, distinguished by top surface quality. The kit also includes an electro-polished grille insert and double-headlight units with fog and driving lights for improved light output and, therefore, greater safety. These parts are also available separately for fitment in combination with the standard bumper.
Suspension components for optimum road-holding and a more dynamic look
In common with all suspension components, the sports springs used to lower the car also are derived from motor racing. Their racing equivalents have been well proven in thousands of kilometres around the Nurburgring race track. For Carlsson customers, they not only offer significantly improved handling but also give the car a more dynamic look.
B for Brilliant Edition - exclusive wheels from Carlsson
Wheels are the easiest and most expressive way of giving a car a personal touch. If they should also combine high technological qualities with sporting elegance, then Carlsson 1/11 Brilliant Edition wheels are the obvious choice. The front wheels measure 8.5x19" and are fitted with 225/35 ZR19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres while the rear wheels come in the dimension 10x19" and 255/30 tyres. These single-piece, 11-spoke wheels are characterised by an exclusive surface finish unparalleled in the Mercedes Benz tuning sector. The polished brilliant silver rim base and the painted brilliant silver centre, which makes the wheel virtually unmatched in visual terms, form an interesting contrast.
Unadulterated luxury inside
For the interior of the CK35, Carlsson uses on the very best materials that turn the C Class into a small S Class. The very attractive yet restrained components, which can be combined in accordance with customer wishes, make sitting in the car a great pleasure. With the ergonomically designed Carlsson sports steering wheel in leather / Alcantara or leather / wood, the driver always has a firm and extremely pleasant grip on the car.
taken from topspeed.com
Mitsubishi Outlander Tunned Up
New Mitsubishi Outlander has several changes: more aesthetic than technological. Basically, the changes are all static, with the adding of a front bumper, with 60 mm wide and spoiler for the front bumper, both in steel. But don’t worry; both of them are still safe for persons in case of a crash.
