Five Chevrolet concepts for SEMA 2014

October 18, 2014, 7:08 am

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Next month’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Chevrolet exhibiting five new concepts. Based on 2015 production models, they all showcase the brand’s accessories range.

Sonic Accessories concept

The first takes the subcompact Sonic hatchback as a starting point. Painted in Summit White, contrast is provided by a black finish for the 17” wheels, rear spoiler, grille surround and door mirror caps.

Completing the look is an offset matt black stripe that runs the length of the body, while a Chevrolet Performance lowered suspension set-up should improve the handling.

Sonic Performance concept

To further develop the sporty theme, this Sonic features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit for its 1.4 litre turbocharged engine. It comprises a cold-air induction system and a high-flow exhaust that add around ten horsepower to the motor’s output.

A bespoke body kit, some white 17” five-spoke wheels and lowered suspension complement the power upgrade.

Cruze RS Plus concept

As its name implies, the Cruze concept gains an enhanced version of the existing RS package.

Exterior changes include a custom rear spoiler, side skirts and matt black twin stripes. Also part of the specification are a Kicker amplifier and subwoofer, sports pedals, cabin ambient lighting and the same Stage Kit that’s fitted to the Sonic Performance concept.

Impala Blackout concept

The Blackout’s black rear spoiler, door mirror caps, grille surround and 19” wheels – all available from Chevrolet Accessories – certainly give a distinctive appearance. It’s perhaps a shame that the bodywork chrome didn’t receive the same treatment, though.

Inside, black leather upholstery is matched with unique mesh-pattern trim pieces, stainless steel sill plates, sports pedals and an eleven-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio player.

SS Sport concept

Apart from the body-colour door mirror caps and handles, everything on the SS Sport concept can be bought as an accessory via Chevrolet dealers.

Among those extra items are sports pedals, a rear spoiler, side vents, a front grille kit and a set of gloss black 20” wheels. In homage to the car’s Australian roots, the floor mats, cargo tray and wheel centre caps all bear the Holden logo.

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Images © General Motors.

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2015 Peugeot 308 GT Line and Sportium

October 19, 2014, 6:41 am

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A couple of new variants are joining Peugeot’s 308 line-up.

The first, called GT Line, replaces the Feline trim grade. Its look is meant to imitate that of the recently-unveiled GT performance version (pictured below), so 18” ‘Diamant’ wheels, a rear diffuser and twin exhausts adorn the exterior. The cabin meanwhile gains front sports seats with a massage function, plus part-Alcantara upholstery.

Whereas the ‘proper’ GT is available with 202 bhp (151 kW / 205 PS) petrol or 177 bhp (133 kW / 180 PS) diesel engines, Peugeot is offering the GT Line with a selection of three less powerful – and more insurance-friendly – motors.

There’s a choice of five-door hatchback or SW estate body styles, and UK on-the-road prices range from £21,345 to £25,095.

Alternatively, the Sportium is a special edition that’s based on the existing 308 Access.

This model’s additional standard specification includes rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone air conditioning, a colour touchscreen, driver’s seat lumber support and a set of 16” ‘Diamond’ alloy wheels.

The Sportium features a 1.2 litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine that produces either 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) or 128 bhp (96 kW / 130 PS). Costing from £17,345, it’s being produced in hatchback guise only.

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October 19, 2014, 2:57 pm

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Given the Subaru BRZ’s recent price reductions and range revamp, Toyota’s decision to do something similar for its virtually identical GT86 comes as no surprise.

The BRZ is currently available from £22,495, so to match that figure the 2015 GT86 line-up gains an entry-level Primo trim grade which carries a £500 discount for a limited period.

Its standard equipment includes Bluetooth, a Toyota Touch multimedia system, tyre pressure monitoring, 17” alloy wheels and faux carbon fibre dashboard trim. In fact, compared to a regular GT86, the Primo only misses out on non-essentials such as cruise control, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, automatic HID headlights and a rear spoiler.

At the other end of the cost spectrum Toyota is introducing the Aero variant and a Giallo special edition. The former comes with a full body kit and 18” OZ Ultraleggera wheels, while the latter (of which only 86 examples are allocated to the UK) features metallic yellow paintwork, black leather upholstery and front seat heating.

Arguably, Subaru’s coupé still represents better value for money overall. However, the GT86 is now a more appealing package, especially for those on a tight budget.

Toyota GT86 - UK OTR Prices (October 2014)
GT86 Primo manual	£22,995*
GT86 manual	£24,995
GT86 automatic	£25,995
GT86 Aero manual	£27,495
GT86 Aero automatic	£28,495
GT86 Giallo manual	£27,495
*£22,495 with a limited-period £500 discount offer.

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BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition unveiled

October 20, 2014, 3:48 pm

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To celebrate Marco Wittmann securing this year’s DTM drivers’ championship, BMW has created a special road-going version of the M4 Coupé.

The M4 DTM Champion Edition wears a livery similar to the title-winning car’s, while a production run of just 23 examples reflects its race number.

Also fitted are some accessories from the M Performance Parts range. The selection includes a rear spoiler, a carbon fibre diffuser insert, carbon fibre door mirror caps and a set of 19” lightweight alloy wheels.

As a finishing touch, the doorsill kick plates and carbon fibre dashboard insert display Wittmann’s signature.

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Ford transforms the F-150 for SEMA 2014

October 21, 2014, 4:31 am

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This year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas is going to include a couple of heavily modified 2015 Ford F-150 pick-ups.

The Vaughn Gittin Jr. street truck bears the name of the multiple Formula Drift event winner. It features upgraded wheels and tyres that sit beneath extended arches, five Recaro seats and a Kibbetech and Air Lift Performance suspension set-up.

Taking a different approach to customisation is the Deegan 38. Created in collaboration with Brian Deegan of Ford Racing, this F-150 is intended to inspire any owner who wants to adapt their vehicle for serious off-road use.

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Renaultsport R.S. 01 makes its track debut

October 22, 2014, 11:59 am

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Renault’s new Renaultsport R.S. 01 race car has completed its first laps in public. The appearance took place last weekend at Jerez, during the final World Series by Renault meeting of 2014.

Driving duties were entrusted to four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost, who unsurprisingly described the R.S. 01 as “magnificent”. Well, he was hardly likely to be critical…

The R.S. 01 has been created for next year’s inaugural Renaultsport Trophy championship. Built around a lightweight Dallara carbon fibre monocoque chassis, it’s powered by a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces in excess of 500 horsepower (about 370 kW).

Deliveries to customer teams are expected to begin in March 2015.

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The new Ford Mustang at SEMA 2014

October 22, 2014, 3:34 pm

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Plenty of tuning firms will be taking a modified 2015 Mustang to next month’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas. In fact, Ford is planning to have over a dozen examples on its stand alone.

Among them is going to be a 5.0 litre V8 model specially prepared by Galpin Auto Sports. Thanks to the addition of a gold powder-coated Whipple supercharger and a Magnaflow exhaust system, output is up from the stock 435 bhp (324 kW / 441 PS) to a very impressive 725 bhp (540 kW / 735 PS). That motor, which sits beneath a glazed bonnet panel, is complemented by a Steeda suspension upgrade.

Cosmetic tweaks include a restyled front bumper, bespoke headlights with integrated LED indicators, a carbon fibre front splitter and a larger rear diffuser. To ensure a striking look the GAS Mustang’s black paintwork contains gold metallic flecks, plus the 20” wheels, badges and brake calipers all have a gold finish.

Another V8-powered Mustang set to go on display at SEMA has been created by Petty’s Garage. Sporting a custom blue and black two-tone colour scheme, it uses a Roush supercharger to boost performance.

This particular car is due to be auctioned after the show, with sale proceeds earmarked for the Victory Junction children’s charity.

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Dodge preps four concepts for SEMA 2014

October 24, 2014, 6:19 pm

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Dodge, in collaboration with Mopar, has modified four of its cars for the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

Dart R/T Concept

A matt black and orange colour scheme, along with some well thought-out alterations, give the customised Dart a purposeful look.

Its unique elements comprise intake and extractor ducts for the bonnet, a larger front grille and a three-piece rear spoiler. Also fitted are numerous parts from the Mopar catalogue. These include larger brakes, coilover suspension, a front splitter and a rear diffuser.

Charger R/T Mopar Concept

This particular Charger, which is essentially a showcase for readily available Mopar components, features both mechanical and cosmetic enhancements.

An upgraded suspension set-up consists of a coilover kit, strut braces and anti-roll bars for both axles. There’s a cold air intake for the Hemi V8 engine, plus improved aerodynamics are promised by the rear spoiler, side skirts and front splitter.

Challenger T/A Concept

The Challenger is represented by the 1970s-inspired T/A Concept. Finished in a suitably retro Sublime Green paintjob with matt black accents, it gains a bonnet air scoop, a front splitter, 20” lightweight wheels and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the rear bench is replaced by a roll-bar, while the carbon fibre front seats offer better lateral support. Also part of the spec are a pistol grip gear shifter, bespoke instruments and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Viper ACR Concept

Designed primarily for track use, the ACR Concept boasts carbon ceramic brake discs with six-piston Brembo calipers that sit behind 19” wheels. Airflow management has clearly been a key focus, as the bodywork incorporates dive planes and an extended splitter at the front, a plethora of bonnet vents, cooling ducts for the differential and a massive rear wing.

The stripped-out interior is devoid of luxuries such as carpeting, an audio system and sound insulation. In their place is a mix of carbon fibre trim, race seats and Alcantara upholstery.

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Sonata JP Edition heading to SEMA 2014

October 25, 2014, 12:30 pm

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Among the five specially commissioned Hyundai models at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas will be a 2015 Sonata customised by John Pangilinan.

Called the JP Edition, its exterior features a LTMW wide body conversion and a set of RAYS 19” Gram Lights 57Getter wheels. Vinyl graphics panels created by Los Angeles street artist Mr 44 complete the car’s look.

Inside, Katzkin leather replaces the usual upholstery and there’s a pair of Recaro front seats. Also fitted is a full audio system from Alpine and Scosche Electronics.

Engine upgrades for the Sonata comprise a MagnaFlow exhaust, an AEM cold air intake and a Bisimoto hot charge pipe. To go with the extra performance the suspension gains KW coilovers.

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Fiat’s two SEMA 2014 concepts revealed

October 25, 2014, 3:09 pm

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Fiat has produced a pair of concepts for November’s SEMA show, which will take place in Las Vegas.

The 500 Abarth Scorpion wears a striking red and white paintjob that serves to highlight the oversize scorpion graphic across the car’s front end.

Other exterior tweaks include the fitment of carbon fibre door mirror caps, tinted rear light clusters and a satin black rear valence that sits above an upgraded Abarth exhaust system. The cabin meanwhile features Katzkin leather upholstery with contrast stitching.

Similarly, the 500L Custom also sports a two-tone colour scheme. Furthermore, in addition to a lowered suspension set-up, it gets a front splitter and prototype lightweight wheels courtesy of Mopar.

Inside, the seats are covered in a mix of black Alcantara and red Katzkin leather. The dashboard panel meanwhile is finished in a shade of red which matches the bodywork.

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2015 MV Agusta Brutale 800 Dragster RR

October 26, 2014, 1:30 pm

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A pair of wire-spoke wheels with forged hubs and a red anodised finish for the Marzocchi upside-down front fork offer visual hints that the new RR is more special than a regular Brutale 800 Dragster.

The enhancements begin with the three-cylinder engine. Although its 798 cc capacity is unchanged, MV Agusta has increased power output from the usual 123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS) to 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS). Peak torque meanwhile has risen by 5 Nm (3 lb/ft) to 86 Nm (63 lb/ft).

With a slightly heavier dry weight of 168 kg (370 lbs), the result is a top speed of 153 mph (245 km/h).

Standard equipment includes a slipper clutch, a steering damper that’s manually adjustable to eight settings, traction control and Bosch 9 Plus anti-lock brakes with rear wheel lift-up mitigation.

Buyers of the Dragster RR will have a choice of pearl red / pearl white or metallic carbon black / pearl red colour schemes.

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October 26, 2014, 1:31 pm

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MV Agusta’s 2015 range is going to include an enhanced RR version of its Brutale 800.

Included in the upgraded specification are a lighter Marzocchi upside-down front fork (which gains a gold anodised finish), a redesigned seat and a more compact LED taillight. An adjustable steering damper is fitted too.

As with the just-announced Brutale 800 Dragster RR, power comes from an improved 798 cc three-cylinder engine that produces 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) with 86 Nm (63 lb/ft) of peak torque.

On the Brutale’s standard equipment list are an electronic quick-shift for the six-speed transmission, eight-stage traction control and Bosch 9 Plus anti-lock brakes with rear wheel lift-up mitigation.

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Chrysler 200S Mopar to debut at SEMA 2014

October 27, 2014, 10:18 am

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Chrysler is hoping that its new 200S-based concept will serve as an inspiration for any prospective owner who wants to personalise their car using Mopar components.

Due to be unveiled at November’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, the car features a body kit and 19” bronze-coloured wheels that are going to be coming to market very soon.

Already available are some of the other modifications, which include a coilover suspension set-up, upgraded brakes and a sports exhaust system. Completing the conversion is a cold-air intake for the engine.

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Detroit Electric SP:01 design finalised

October 27, 2014, 1:02 pm

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Detroit Electric has finalised the exterior styling of its SP:01 electric-powered sports car, which is set to enter production later this year.

Compared to the prototype, the main difference is the adoption of a more aerodynamic fastback rear window instead of separate flying buttresses.

Other changes include reshaped air intakes and bonnet ducts at the front. The back end meanwhile gains both a spoiler and a diffuser to increase downforce. There’s still no mistaking the SP:01’s obvious Lotus roots, though.

Performance should be impressive, as Detroit Electric is promising a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.7 seconds and a 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed. However, range and recharging times have yet to be revealed.

Sales of the SP:01 are due to begin sometime during 2015.

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October 28, 2014, 5:18 am

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Appearing at next month’s SEMA show in Las Vegas will be Ram’s Outdoorsman concept.

Based on the 2500 pick-up and finished in ‘Swamp Thing Green’ paintwork, its specification includes a cargo bed tent that bears Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage. The same pattern also appears on the vehicle’s roof, flanks and bonnet.

To enhance the Outdoorsman’s all-terrain ability, numerous Mopar accessories have been fitted too. Among them are a suspension levelling kit, a unique roof rack and some 17” bead lock wheels which sit beneath extended arches.

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Two Toyota DUB Editions for SEMA 2014

October 28, 2014, 4:41 pm

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On Toyota’s stand at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas will be a couple of cars modified in collaboration with DUB Magazine.

Both the Yaris DUB Edition and Sienna DUB Edition feature custom wide-body conversions, lowered suspension and a TRD Big Brake Kit.

The Yaris, which has a gloss black and pearl white two-tone colour scheme, rides on 20” Dropstars DS643 wheels. Among its interior upgrades are a roll bar, Sparco seats and a suede headliner.

Naturally, the stock Toyota audio system has been ditched in favour of a DUB installation that comprises three amps, two subwoofers, four speakers, an Apple iPad and a bespoke fibreglass enclosure in the boot.

Similarly, the Sienna gains six amps, four subwoofers and eight speakers. Furthermore, six Advent headrest-mounted monitors, black and white leather upholstery, LED ceiling illumination panels and tinted windows have been fitted too.

Completing its transformation are unique mesh front grilles and a set of 22” TIS536 wheels shod with Nitto 420S tyres.

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Renault Duster Oroch concept revealed

October 29, 2014, 4:21 pm

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Apparently pick-ups account for 75% of the South American light commercial vehicle market. So Renault’s decision to convert the Duster SUV into a truck makes a lot of sense (even if it’s just a concept for now).

The Oroch, which is due to be unveiled at the upcoming São Paulo Motor Show, combines a five-seat, four-door cab with a short cargo box. A set of 18” wheels, chunky bumpers and some protective body cladding help to achieve a suitably rugged look.

In typical attention-grabbing concept style, some rather superfluous features are also part of the specification. These include a large panoramic glass roof, two rear-mounted video cameras and a kiteboard rack.

Renault has yet to confirm whether or not there’ll be a production version of the Duster Oroch.

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Jeep Renegade to appear at SEMA 2014

October 31, 2014, 5:30 pm

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Jeep’s latest model, the Renegade subcompact crossover, is set to make its Specialty Equipment Market Association show debut this month.

The Renegade Riptide has a definite beach vibe. Painted in an ocean-evoking shade called Vibrance Grandeur Blue, its specification includes a roof-mounted Mopar surfboard carrier and teak floor mats.

Visual contrast is provided by the black wheels, front grille, door mirror caps and leather upholstery. Completing the modest changes are some Jeep Performance Parts logos on the D-pillars.

With its predominantly white colour scheme and Mopar ski and snowboard rack, the Renegade Frostbite exudes an obvious winter sports theme.

Rock rail guards have been fitted to help prepare it for mountain use, while the interior features aqua blue Katzkin leather.

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US-only Audi R8 Competition limited edition

October 31, 2014, 6:00 pm

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In many ways the new R8 Competition limited edition, which will be available only in the United States, is very similar to the R8 LMX that was launched in Europe earlier this year.

Both models boast an upgraded 5.2 litre V10 engine developing 562 bhp (419 kW / 570 PS), for instance. Connected to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, its output is enough for a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.2 seconds and a 199 mph (320 km/h) top speed.

Several other features are also common to the Competition and LMX. They include carbon ceramic brake discs, red anodised brake calipers and numerous weight-saving carbon fibre components such as the rear diffuser, fixed rear wing and front bumper ‘flics’.

Audi is restricting production of the R8 Competition to just sixty units. Orders can be placed now, with deliveries expected to begin early next year.

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Scion FR-S targa created for SEMA 2014

October 31, 2014, 6:30 pm

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Cartel Customs has collaborated with Scion to build a unique FR-S for this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show. Called the T1, it features a removable targa top and a rather retro louvre panel over the rear window.

Those aren’t the only exterior changes, though. The FR-S T1 also boasts a wide-body conversion, an integrated boot spoiler and a diffuser that houses a bespoke central exhaust. A two-tone black and Azzuro California Blue paintjob plus some 19” forged wheels complete the car’s look.

Performance should be improved too thanks to a GReddy turbocharger for the 2.0 litre boxer engine, lower KW coilover suspension and upgraded Wilwood brakes.

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