Hyundai Equus by Rhys Millen Racing

Hyundai announced recently that it will show a Rhys Millen Racing version of the Equus at the 2010 SEMA Auto Show next month.�The RMR Signature Edition Equus will include exterior, interior and performance upgrades that will enhance the already luxurious sedan.

Exterior changes to the Equus include front chin and rear deck spoilers, carbon mirrors and a two-tone carbon fiber and "Red Bull Racing blue" paint job, plus 21-inch HRE wheels.

A new intake and exhaust system add 30 hp, for a total of 415 hp from the 4.6-liter V-8, while 14-inch front brake discs bring things to a halt. It�s not our cup of tea�we�d have attached the Korean-market hood ornament and called it a day�but it should be right at home among the bewinged and neon-lighted creations that dominate SEMA.

The car also gets two-tone carbon-fiber mirrors, front and rear spoilers and a leather interior with suede accents. It rolls on 21-inch wheels.



Press Release

RHYS MILLEN RACING BUILDING SIGNATURE EDITION EQUUS FOR SEMA

Visitors to Hyundai's SEMA booth will be treated to the latest customizations from Rhys Millen Racing as his modifications to the company's new flagship sedan will be unveiled. The RMR Signature Edition Equus will include exterior, interior and performance upgrades that will enhance the already luxurious sedan.

"This is the third consecutive year we've partnered with Hyundai to bring a must-see car to the SEMA Show," said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing. "The intelligent luxury platform of the new rear-wheel drive Equus is a perfect vehicle for tuners who have graduated from other segments and want to work with the best the automotive industry has to offer."

The Equus will showcase exterior RMR Signature Edition components including carbon mirrors, and front chin and rear deck spoilers. A two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint by BASF and HRE 21-inch P40 wheels will appropriately round out the exterior.

Tuners aiming to get even more power from the stock 385 horsepower, V8 engine to the wheels will get a glance at a bolt-on RMR Signature Edition air intake and stainless exhaust that together will add another 30 horsepower. The RMR Signature Equus will also feature a 14-inch brake kit designed to tame the 415 horses.

The interior of the Equus will feature RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

The RMR Signature Edition Equus will be shown in the Hyundai Booth along with other specially designed cars exclusively built for this year's SEMA Show.

2010 SEMA Show Preview: Ford Fiesta

Ford has announced yesterday that, in collaboration with various tuners, will unveiled 8 custom Ford Fiesta models at the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Ford Racing's Fiesta is a head-turner, with a bright blue exterior paint treatment and a production-based, turbocharged, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine enlarged to 2.3 liters to churn out a claimed 350 horses.

Other modified Fiestas are being prepared by 3d Carbon, L&G Enterprises, H&R Springs and Universal Technical Institute. The 3dCarbon sports a rear roof wing, side skirts, new front fascia and racing stripes. The L&G car takes its cue from electronics with circuit board-inspired exterior graphics and an integrated iPad command center. H&R Springs equips the car with a rear wing and European hood vents along with a complete body wrap, while Universal Technical Institute does a track modification that features a rollcage, racing seats, Baer brakes and 18-in. wheels.

In addition to the ball at the top will consist serial by showcars additional Fiesta admitted placing collective by 3dCarbon example, H & R bounce, FSWerks and Steeda Autosports, among others. We will be on-hand to capture all the zaniness that SEMA starting November 2 and November 5.




Press Release

FORD'S HOT-SELLING FIESTA TO MAKE 2010 SEMA DEBUT, PUT SMALL CAR STYLE, PERFORMANCE ON THE MAP

• Ford Fiestas will take center stage on the Ford stand at this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, to be held Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center
• Ford Fiesta provides the perfect platform for customers and aftermarket companies looking to express themselves in a fun, unique way. Owners have already begun customizing their Fiestas with graphics and accessories available through Ford, and SEMA takes that customization to the next level
• The all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers' expectations. With 15 available class-exclusive features and technologies and best-in-class highway fuel economy of up to 40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package

People love to modify small cars, so it's no surprise that consumers and aftermarket companies are eager to get their hands on Ford's hot-selling Fiesta, set to debut at this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5.

"The Fiesta is one of those vehicles that resonates with everybody - especially with the younger market. Whatever you're into, it works," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. "It lends itself to a lot of different themes. It's a perfect fit for the aftermarket and for customers who want to express their personality."

"SEMA offers the perfect opportunity to showcase all the different ways the personalities of the Fiesta can be expressed," said Sam De La Garza, Fiesta brand manager.

"It really shows how Fiesta can be accessorized and how this canvas can be altered to meet many different customer wants and desires," De La Garza said. "SEMA represents a special opportunity, because we can show off unique designs that other companies have created. It's not just Ford coming to the table. It's other companies interpreting what Fiesta is, and bringing their own style to the Fiesta launch."

Customization is something already familiar to Fiesta owners. Ford Custom Accessories offers almost anything an owner would need to put a creative touch on Fiesta or give the car even more functionality. Accessory options include exterior or interior design items such as an illuminated gear indicator shift knob and rear spoiler, even a kayak carrier to haul outdoor gear. Customers also can order a body-side tattoo, or choose from one of 18 available graphics to put their own mark on Fiesta.

"Small cars are unique in that people love to modify them, whether it's the exterior, interior, or even performance parts," De La Garza said.

Ford Racing Performance Parts is putting its own spin on a Fiesta at SEMA, outfitting a concept Fiesta in a way that is sure to get the hearts of high-performance enthusiasts pumping. The Fiesta will have a production-based 2.0-liter EcoBoost^TM engine, enlarged to 2.3 liters to pump out 350 horsepower.

"The goal of our 350-horsepower Fiesta is really twofold - first to reinforce Fiesta's fun-to-drive nature with an extreme version that captures the attention of the influential enthusiast, and second, to introduce the Ford Racing/EcoBoost connection in a way that's unexpected and outrageous," said Mickey Matus, Ford Racing Performance group marketing manager. "In both cases, we're targeting the discriminating performance enthusiast with our message. After all, they are the people others rely on for automotive expertise and recommendations."
The car comes equipped with several Ford Racing Performance Parts options that are currently available at www.fordracingparts.com. A short-throw shifter offers more precise shifting, while a Ford Racing exhaust gives off a deeper, throatier exhaust note. Also available are 17-inch wheels that are cast-aluminum and painted in charcoal gray.

Additionally, the car features Brembo brakes that offer the ultimate in stopping power, and Ohlins dual-flow valve dampers that deliver comfort and agility.

Ford Racing's Fiesta will arrive in all-blue, pristine condition, and will be painted by a renowned artist during the show with the intention of auctioning the car in the future to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).

Other Ford Fiesta project vehicles showcased at this year's SEMA show include:

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Vehicle Personalization
The Ford Vehicle Personalization Fiesta uses green accent colors on the wheels and grille to set off the unique car, which is equipped with a four-piece body kit. A new interior package debuts, featuring white-and-black seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components. It also comes with a newly developed side graphic - an evolution of the tattoo graphic that is currently available.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Universal Technical Institute
This unique Fiesta from Universal Technical Institute offers a custom DuPont paint job and an Air Lift full digital suspension. A custom roll cage and Status racing seats make it track-ready, while Baer brakes and 18-inch wheels and tires provide upgraded performance.

2011 Ford Fiesta by 3dCarbon
3dCarbon's Euro Series Fiesta makes a bold statement with race-inspired styling, which includes 3dCarbon racing stripes, window films and rear roof spoiler. A four-piece body kit consists of an aggressively sculpted front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and a rear lower skirt accented with black trim.

2011 Ford Fiesta by L&G Enterprises
L&G Enterprises has created the digital Fiesta, which shows off circuit board-inspired graphics on the exterior. Complete with a lowered and more aggressive stance, the Fiesta also has a new exhaust and air intake. Inside are carbon fiber accents, highlighting a sleek black interior with integrated iPad command center.

2011 Ford Fiesta by H&R Springs
This Fiesta by H&R Springs makes a style statement and demonstrates the versatility of Fiesta with several interior and exterior modifications. A color-matched body kit and large rear wing, along with European hood vents offer style and functional benefits. A graphics wrap around the car shows off a high-tech look, playing on the nature of Fiesta.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Steeda Autosports
Steeda Autosports is putting a Fiesta on display that has serious handling and performance upgrades for enthusiasts. A short-throw shifter and cold air intake developed by Steeda up the performance level. Additionally, tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, retuned dampers, antiroll bars and a front strut tower brace provide what enthusiasts are looking for in a high-performance car.

2011 Ford Fiesta by FSWerks
FSWerks is showing its appreciation for the all-new Fiesta with a complete line of high-performance parts. Features on the SEMA vehicle include FSWerks-developed cool flow air intake system and race exhaust, along with stress bars. Other modifications include a body kit, Continental ExtremeContact^TM DW tires and Aristo Noble two-piece wheels.

Concept Car : 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

The 2010 Pontiac G8 ST concept car in the picture looks remarkable. Is it a Sedan? Is it a light truck? Is it both? Whatever it is, it�s ready for SEMA. We�re going to see it later down the road, read 2009, in various dealerships too.

Here are some of the features this G8 ST will include:

• Liquid Hot exterior color with enhanced clear coat
• Lowered ride height
• Custom 20-inch wheels
• Leather-trimmed seats with red inserts
• G8 GXP steering wheel with red inserts
• G8 GXP shift knob with red inserts
• Custom interior trim kit (proposed GM Accessories part)
• Hard tonneau cover (proposed GM Accessories part)
• 6.0L small-block V-8
• 361 horsepower (269 kW)
• 385 lb.-ft. of torque (522 Nm)
• Active Fuel Management technology
• Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic.

Concept Car : Galpin Auto Sports unveils radical Scythe

Remember the mysterious Mustang-based "Project B" concept car that we spied at Galpin Auto Sports last month? The completed version was unveiled this past weekend during a celebrity-packed party at the shop's Southern California facility. We were spot-on with the specs of the car, including the twin-supercharged 5.0L V8 that is pushing out a claimed 1005 horsepower and the massive 16.5-inch Wilwood disc brakes. The Scythe also features unique composite body panels, a wrap-around pillarless glass cockpit, reverse opening vertical doors, and a voice-controlled computer that can offer up weather, traffic, sports, and more through a 3G network connection. Full details on the car can be found in the press release after the jump, and we'll be sure to bring you more photos when we see the car at SEMA in just a few weeks.
[Source: Galpin Auto Sports]
PRESS RELEASE:
Most custom shops have a backyard BBQ for friends when they want to show off a new car. Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) in Van Nuys, California took that concept to a new level on Saturday, October 18, when it debuted one of the most radical custom show cars of the modern era to a packed house of automotive icons, celebrities and media. While smoke rose from the floor and a massive twin supercharged engine crackled in the background, GAS president Beau Boeckmann unveiled Scythe, a one-of-a-kind machine packed with the most advanced onboard technology ever showcased in an automotive application. Other highlights from the evening included the unveiling of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's long-lost Orbitron show car, a charity silent auction with proceeds going to three local charities and performances by a variety of top-tier rap and rock stars culminating in an all-star jam session between Ozzy Osbourne and members of Guns N' Roses, The Cult, Jane's Addiction and more.
"With Scythe, we set out to showcase all of our unique fabrication abilities here at GAS," Boeckmann says. "From the hand-made composite body and voice-activated onboard computer system, to the twin-supercharged 1,005 horsepower engine, this car was built to make a statement. In the 1950's and '60s, show cars were meant to shock and amaze people, and we wanted the same effect from Scythe but with a high-tech twist. This isn't a hollow concept car, it's a fully functional, incredibly fast and usable machine with a talking onboard computer and over a thousand horsepower running on methanol."
Scythe exemplifies the melding of old-world coachbuilding techniques and cutting-edge digital technology. The GAS team started with a proven performance platform, a 2008 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. After the body panels were removed, the unibody structure was covered in clay, which was sculpted to match renderings drawn by famed Kustom Kulture icon Ed "Newt" Newton. Molds were pulled from the clay sculpture, and composite body panels were formed and fitted to the Mustang pan. Reverse opening vertical doors, a wrap-around pillarless glass cockpit with no B- or C-pillars and custom headlights and taillights surrounded by hand-made aluminum trim are the highlights of the unique design.
The interior features some of the most sophisticated technology ever installed in a vehicle. Scythe features an onboard Shuttle XPC computer that manages every function of the car and is controlled entirely by voice commands. Simply speak to the electronic personal assistant in your own words and through a digital uplink to a 3G network Scythe will provide real-time weather, traffic, sports, stock market and news information and maintain your daily calendar. Other onboard electronics include flush mounted exterior cameras that offer 24-hour monitoring via cell phone or internet and a voice-activated iPod compatible JL Audio 5.1 Surround Sound system allows the driver to choose artist, song or music type verbally.
Scythe also offers unparalleled power and performance. Hand-built by GAS, the twin Magnuson supercharged 5.0L racing engine with custom ported 24-valve SOHC cylinder heads pump out up to 1,005 horsepower. A GAS custom fabricated intake manifold, custom performance grind camshafts and a custom electronic shifter complete the powertrain of this one of a kind vehicle. Other performance advances include a custom Air Ride Technologies suspension system by GAS and an onboard CPU which constantly adjusts ride height for maximum performance. Dual driving positions with retractable motorized steering wheels allows for left and ride side driving control of the vehicle and custom GAS designed brakes using Wilwood 16.5" rotors and 6-piston calipers on all four corners make Scythe stop on a dime.