The Too Often Forgotten Toyota Celica

The first-generation Toyota Celica may just be the most overlooked old-school JDM car.

When you think of Japanese sports cars, particularly classic JDMs, some of the first names that come to mind are the Nissan Skylines, 240Z and the Toyota AE86. But there was another Japanese sports car that’s sadly been skipped over far too often: the first-generation Toyota Celica. Unveiled back in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show, the first fastbacks didn’t appear until 1973. And it was in 1971when the Celica arrived stateside that a young Brian Karasawa first became passionate about the car.

At a time when Mustangs and Camaros ruled, Karasawa had a thing for the Celica and now, years later, he finished restoring one. Electric Federal just released this great video that shows one man’s passion for a car he couldn’t afford as a young man. But today Karasawa has the money to drive his dream.

Source: http://timchieu.com/toyota-2/the-too-often-forgotten-toyota-celica.html

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We Withhold Judgment On The Minerva J.M. Brabazon

It might be amazing, and it might never materialize.

Apparently taking a cue from Spyker, a Belgian boutique supercar maker, called Minerva, has decided to resurrect the name of a long-forgotten prewar luxury marque. The first model from the reborn company is known as the J.M. Brabazon, a plug-in hybrid supercar named after a British racing driver. The gasoline engine is a twin-turbo V12 mated to a six-speed F1 gearbox, while the electric portion of the drivetrain consists of two motors which drive the front wheels.

The top speed is said to be 248 mph, and the car has five different driving modes: Economy, Normal, Sport, Race and Safe Mode. This all sounds like it could be promising, although we’re always a bit skeptical when a new company announces a new and magnificent supercar. Assuming the hybrid setup is something like the one used by Audi in its Le Mans prototype cars, there is definite potential here. But a company which leaves the initials of the person they’re naming their car after in the model name is clearly a company which makes odd decisions. In all, we’ll wait to judge it until we’ve seen it.

Source: http://timchieu.com/audi/we-withhold-judgment-on-the-minerva-j-m-brabazon.html

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Bentley To Roll Out Continental GT3 Race Car At Goodwood

Bentley is back on the track. Rejoice.

When it was first shown in concept form at the Paris Motor Show last year, the Bentley Continental GT3 caused quite a stir. But this should prove to be nothing compared to its first on-track appearance, scheduled for later this year. First we have to see the final “production” version of the car, and Bentley will be treating us to a view of this at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicks off next weekend.

The unveiling comes ten years and a month after Bentley’s 1-2 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, the sixth overall win for the storied marque. Though the GT3 won’t quite be in the same class as the Speed 8 prototypes, and we’re not expecting to see any additional overall Le Mans wins out of the new cars, a return of Bentley to motorsports is still definitely exciting.

Source: http://autocarsweek.info/bentley/bentley-to-roll-out-continental-gt3-race-car-at-goodwood.html

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This is the Last BMW M3 Coupe

As BMW gears up for 4 Series production, the final M3 Coupe has just rolled off the production line.

Don’t be too sad, but for the record, there will never be another BMW called the M3 Coupe. While the M3 Sedan will still very much remain in existence, its two-door counterpart is finished. Finito. Fortunately, the new M4 Coupe is just around the corner and will replace the outgoing M3. You see, BMW is revising its model naming strategy with the 3 Series lineup, calling the coupe variant the 4 Series. How clever. And now the outgoing BMW M3 is wrapping up production, with the final M3 Coupe just having rolled off the production line.

And it’s orange. To commemorate the M3 Coupe throughout its history, BMW has made note that since it first launched the first M3 Coupe in 1986, more than 40,000 examples have been built. The sedan and convertible didn’t come until after the original M3 Coupe debuted. Also take note that the E90/92/93 M3 lineup will be the last to have a V8 under the hood; the new M3/M4 will likely be powered by a twin-turbo inline-six. For now, details about the next M3/M4 are still not official, and BMW says that production of the current M3 convertible will keep going until September.

Source: http://autocarsweek.info/bmw/this-is-the-last-bmw-m3-coupe.html

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Ford F-150 Raptor

The Ford tuning specialist of record has given the Raptor ten ponies shy of 600 horsepower.

When Roush Performance decides to turn its attention to a new car, you know that something special is in the cards. And this Ford F-150 Raptor is no exception. Cooper Tire and Mickey Thompson were responsible for fitting the Raptor with a new set of polished wheels and tires, but the performance upgrade is all Roush.
This is the tuner's second upgrade for the truck, and having upped output from 411 to 525 hp for its Phase 1 program, it has returned with a new R2300 calibration supercharger kit to boost it to an impressive 590 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

The supercharger kit includes a new 75mm pulley and custom Roush PCM calibration, and was painstakingly researched and tested in extreme temperatures ranging from -20 to 120 degrees F, and at altitudes of up 14,000 feet above sea level. The kit is priced at $599 and includes a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty on the Roush parts only.

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Rare 1973 Dino 246 GTS up for Auction

Exceptionally desirable "chairs and flares" Dino part of RM Auctions consigment for Arizona next month.

These days every Ferrari features either a V8 or a V12, but that wasn't always the case. When racing homologation mandated Ferrari produce a V6, that's just what it did, and in addition to its Formula II racers, it was placed inside the Dino. Technically not a Ferrari, the Dino represented an additional model line separate from Maranello's principal range of eight- and twelve-cylinder sportscars, bearing the name of Enzo Ferrari's late son. What we have here is one of the most desirable examples.

Following the initial run of just 100 Dino 206 GTs, Ferrari upped the engine capacity and lengthened the wheelbase to create the Dino 246 GT. This, however, is a 246 GTS, one of only 1,000 targa-topped roadster versions. Further setting chassis 05720 apart from other Dinos is the rare combination of original equipment with which it was specified from the factory. Its wider Campagnola wheels necessitated enlarged fender flares, while inside it was fitted with the desirable Daytona-style bucket seats and air conditioning - one of just 92 examples so equipped.

Powered by a 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter V6 with triple Weber carbs and a five-speed manual, this 246 GTS has just undergone a comprehensive restoration, stripping the Pininfarina bodywork down to bare metal and respraying it in its original yellow, reupholstering the cockpit and rechroming the trim. RM Auctions anticipates it will fetch upwards of $400,000 when the gavel drops in Arizona next month. (Photos by Khiem Pham courtesy of RM Auctions.

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New Mercedes-Benz CLA Compact Sports Saloon

While some people are enjoying Christmas Eve with their families, others are busy posting on forums and leaking official shots of new cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA compact saloon.

A total of five images of the new Mercedes entry-level sedan including three of the exterior and two of the interior made their way online.



As was the case with the revealing CLA scoops in Iceland this past September, the car pictured here is a regular model fitted with Mercedes' AMG exterior and interior styling packages and not the CLA 45 AMG, which will feature a similar aero kit but will do away with the "diamond" front grille.

Being that it will be the first member of Mercedes-Benz's extended family of A-Class-based compact models to be offered in the States, the CLA is anticipated to make its world premiere on this side of the Atlantic, possibly as early as next month's Detroit Motor Show.

Naturally, the engine lineup will be shared with the A-Class hatchback offering consumers a variety of turbocharged four-cylinder diesel and petrol units, including a 2.0-liter gasoline powerplant with 208hp (211PS) for the CLA 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, and a heavily tuned version of the same engine delivering 350-horsepower and 332 lb-ft (450Nm) for the all-wheel drive CLA 45 AMG.

Mercedes' newly developed 4AMTIC all-wheel drive system for cars with front-wheel drive will be offered as an option on other CLA models as well.

 

 

PHOTO GALLERY

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Take a Ride in the Lamborghini Aventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition

There's no denying that the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is one hot and special supercar, but sometimes, that's not enough for certain owners who like to further personalize their ride's looks and make it even faster than what it already is.As we were informed from supercar-spotter and YouTube channel owner Shmee150, who tipped us off about his latest find, Hussam Maatouk of the Luxury Signatures exclusive dealership in Qatar is one of those people.



Maatouk is the pride owner of the second Lamborghini Aventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition to be built by Refined Marques and Oakley Design, out of a total of 10 cars.

The Dragon Edition comes in a matte white finish with gloss black detailing, and is equipped with an Oakley Design styling package that includes a huge rear wing and black alloy wheels, as well as a customized interior.

The car also sports a performance kit that pushes the naturally breathing V12's output from 700PS (690hp) to 760PS (750hp).

Besides shooting a walk-around video of the limited run Aventador special, Shmee150 also jumped into the passenger's seat and filmed the Lamborghini running on the road. Watch both videos right after the virtual jump.

Hat tip to Shmee150!

VIDEO

 

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5 Top Tuned 458 Italias

One of the world's best mid-engined supercars has repeatedly been the focus of aftermarket tuners located around the world.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is perhaps the ideal mid-engined supercar currently on the market. Sure, the Lamborghini Gallardo is also a fantastic machine, as is the McLaren MP4-12C, but the 458 manages to combined Italian passion and outright ridiculous performance into a single, lust-worthy package. Despite its $230k base price, the 458 presents a compelling alternative to cars costing easily twice that amount. But still, aftermarket tuners have continuously worked to improve it in various ways. Check out these tuned 458s to see how.

Anderson Germany has never hesitated to take on the challenge of making a good thing even better. To that end, it took a stock 458 Italia and added a carbon fiber aero package consisting of a new spoiler, wider side sills and reshaped intake grills to give the Ferrari supercar an even more aggressive look. Also new here is an optimized engine software update and exhaust system that combined give the car an extra 53 horsepower, for a new total of 623 hp. As a final touch, Anderson coated the hood, roof, door handles, trunk-lid, taillights, and diffuser in carbon fiber. Perhaps that's why this is called the 458 Carbon Edition.

Despite its Italian heritage, the 458 is a regular favorite amongst German tuners. This time Graf Weckerle has applied its talents to the supercar. The crew famous for its luxurious takes on exotic sportscars added a set of 21-inch ultra-lightweight alloys up front and 22-inchers out back. Along with its lowered suspension, the 4.5-liter V8 has been given a power bump from 570 horsepower to 590 hp.

Jumping overseas this time, Canadian tuner SR Auto has given the 458 an even more enhanced exterior than either of the two previous tuners. Called "Project Ice Blade", the tuner added a new body kit and new set of wheels. The all-carbon fiber elements of the kit include a new front lip and splitters, side skirts, side mirrors, door handles and spoiler. In addition to performance being slightly enhanced due to the weight loss, the car's suspension has also been lowered and a set of PUR wheels have been added.

How could we talk about supercar tuning if we didn't mention something from A. Kahn Design? The British tuner added visual enhancements to the Ferrari via matte pearl grey front and rear bumpers, side skirts and roof. Also added are yellow brake calipers and a set of the tuner's own forged alloys. Although the performance aspect has been left untouched, the tuner claims the interior also received some upgrades, such as black leather electric sports seats, but customers can specify from a virtually unlimited number of modifications to suit their individual tastes.

South African tuner Evolution 2 Motorsport's inspiration for its aftermarket program came from race-prepped 458s and the results of this body kit clearly show that. Painted in blue and silver two-tone, the tuned Italia has also been fitted with a fresh body kit consisting of a new front splitter, mirror caps, rear spoiler, double rear diffuser, air duct mesh and trim and a set of custom 21-inch alloy wheels. Even the engine bay has been trimmed in carbon fiber. On a performance level, the ECU was reprogrammed and bespoke titanium sports exhaust system was added, which has boosted output to 602 horsepower.

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