Project Cars

Japan's Eliica Combines Electric Power with Blinding Speed

John Beltz Snyder — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:22:07 -0600

What is green, has eight wheels, two wings, doesn’t fly, and apparently is difficult to make up a joke about? That’s right, the Eliica, an electric car prototype developed by Japan’s Keio University.

The Eliica’s most notable quality is its eight wheels, each with its own electric motor and energy-regenerative disc brake system, which produce a total of 640 horsepower and a top speed of 230 miles per hour. The front four wheels steer the car, which also has two rear gullwing doors. Instead of a flux capacitor, the Eliica is powered by 80 lithium-ion batteries which can be easily charged from a residential power grid in about ten hours.

Although the future is unclear for this futuristic car, we hope to see more of this green machine as it attempts to challenge gasoline-powered speed records.

View more pictures of the Eliica in the gallery above.

+ Eliica

The Most Awesome Truck in China, Indeed

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:25:26 -0600

JDM Nissan Gets ‘Sunny’ Treatment

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:48:19 -0600

Americans, always anxious to restore anything in the category of “muscle cars,” probably would be a bit more dubious of what to do with something like this early 1970’s Nissan B110 (Datsun 1200 to you and me) pickup. No such problem at Japanese tuning shop RS-Yasu, who’ve chopped and resto’d this “Sunny” Sanitora to a hip, and lovely result. Details are scarce as the source site is in Japanese, but the process photos paint a fairly complete picture on their own; enjoy them in our gallery above.

+ RS-Yasu.Jp

DStyle Creates Body Kit for Current BMW Z4

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:18:18 -0600

BMW may have recently announced the next-generation BMW Z4, but it doesn't mean that aftermarket companies are done with the current car. In fact, Germany's DStyle has worked up a rather interesting body kit for both the Z4 coupe and roadster.

Dubbed the Z4CS and Z4RS (CS for coupe, RS for roadster), this body kit is limited to 100 pieces, consisting of a new hood, new bumpers, doors, new side mirrors, side skirts, wider fenders, a sport exhaust system, and the nineteen-inch wheels from the BMW M6. The whole thing can be yours for a mere €8900 ($12,437), though if you wish to have the whole kit constructed out of carbon fiber, it can be arranged -- for a premium.

+ Global Motors: DStyle tuning kit for the BMW Z4 E85 Coupe and Roadster

Czech Republic's Innotech Modifies The Chevrolet Corvette

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:28:09 -0600

This is indeed an interesting take on the Chevrolet C6 Corvette. Innotech, a group from the Czech Republic, has modified the all-American 'Vette by infusing some Euro-inspired design. Namely, the side air vents mimic that of the Porsche Cayman, the lower grille is reminiscent of things we've seen on Aston Martin cars, and the rear flying buttress design is just like the one on the Ferrari 599 GTB -- sort of.

Power is sourced from the Corvette's 6.0-liter LS2 or 6.2-liter LS3, with output figures ranging from 500 to 560 horsepower (if naturally aspirated), or 600 to 1000 horsepower if the engine is supercharged or twin-turbocharged. These engines are mated to the Corvette's six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and custom exhaust systems modify not only the appearance, but make quite a fierce exhaust note.

While the styling may be questionable, there's no doubt that Innotech's Corvette would be a hoot to drive. For the full details, click through the post to read Innotech's press release.

    INNOTECH’s Corvette lineup, starting in January 2009 with modified C6 Corvette coupe and convertible (based on 2005-2009 models), is for sports car enthusiasts seeking exotic body styling combined with great performance. INNOTECH Corvettes offer the best mix of unique styling, exiting performance and great value for money.

    Styling: Compared to a stock C6 Corvette Coupe or Convertible, INNOTECH´s approach results in a more distinctive looking, sporting, and elegant body design, evoking an Italian lineage. INNOTECH Corvette features a new front and rear fascia which set it appart from competition. Combined with new INNOTECH rear window side louvres, the styling of the car stands out of the crowd. There is a choice of stock or louvered hood, with other distinctive body parts coming in 2009. A wide body kit will also be available for C6 Coupe and Convertible. All new INNOTECH body parts are made in fiberglass or carbon fibre.

    Corvette interior upgrades include fine Italian or English leather and optional carbon fibre seats with leather upholstery.

    INNOTECH Corvette styling packages can be combined with various performance upgrades (from mild to wild).

    Brakes: BAER or Brembo 14´´(355mm) or 15´´(380mm) ventilated, drilled and slotted rotors, 4 or 6 piston calipers.

    Wheels: forged aluminum 9×19´´ front and 12×20´´rear, HRE or Forgeline (also with optional center lock hub), offered in several wheel designs. Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels option.

    Exhaust systems: modified headers, mufflers and tips for better flow, sound and appearance.

    Engines and transmissions: Corvette engines : LS2 (6.0L) or LS3 (6.2L), performance modified to 500 hp – 560 hp if naturally aspirated, or 600 hp – 1000 hp supercharged or twin-turbocharged. The engines are mated with Corvette 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Not So Pretty In Pink: Paris Hilton's Custom Bentley Continental GT

Steven J. Ewing — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:47:05 -0600

This is just wrong. The ever outspoken Paris Hilton just dropped $200,000 on a Christmas present for herself -- a custom-built Bentley Continental GT. Because Paris wouldn't have it any other way, the whole car is finished in pink -- the sheetmetal, grille, wheels, and most of the interior, too. This one-time-only Continental GT was created by West Coast Customs, who are famous for being able to do endless modifications on just about any car that comes through their shop.

When speaking to television network E!, Paris said, "I've just always wanted a pink car. I think when you're a little girl and you have the Barbie Corvette you're always like, 'Oh, I wish I had a car like this one day,' so I think it just comes from being a fan of Barbie for so long."

Be sure to scroll through the gallery for full detail shots of Paris' pink Bentley, and be sure to tell us what you think, in comments.

+ Global Motors: WTF? Bentley Continental GT in PINK!

Video: The Revenge of the Towed

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:38:24 -0600

Though it may pain us to admit it, we’ve definitely been on the receiving end of an unwanted tow before, finding few experiences in life more frustrating than trying to negotiate with a driver after you’ve already been hooked up. The woman in this short video turned that frustration into action, with results that are quite satisfying…at least in the short-term. Enjoy.

(Fair warning—the site on the other end of this link is a little NSFW)

Instant Classic: Geo Metro 'Metruck L1' on eBay Motors

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:53:54 -0600

Automotive taste may vary wildly from person to person, but the grand beauty of Caminoization is something that unites us all—well, most of us anyway.

Case in point, this charmingly absurd “Metruck 1L” that we found for sale on eBay Motors. The concept of a pickup capable of 60 miles per gallon may be faintly attractive, but in this instance the actual workmanship is rather shabby—making even the standard Metro look well screwed together by comparison.

Little more than a 1994 Geo Metro with part of its hindquarters removed, the Metruck lacks a little in the way of fit and finish. We’d hesitate to go out in any kind of inclement weather with the snap-down tonneau responsible for keeping us warm and dry, and the pull-string interior door handle strikes us a more innovative than is strictly needed. On the plus side, the winning bidder does get a free canoe!

Have a closer look at the tiny truck in our gallery above.

+ eBay Motors: 1994 Other Makes METRUCK Pickup Truck based on GEO Metro Pickup Truck

Red, White, and Bananas: Chevy 'Starz' Truck on eBay Motors

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:39:30 -0600

Days have been dark of late for the American auto industry, so it’s good to know that we’ve got patriots like the individual responsible for this “Starz” Chevy truck on the job. There are really no words that can capture the majesty of this Corvette-powered, kustom-bodied, $85,000(!), ‘Merica-spangled wonder, so we’ll direct you instead to the red, white, and blue gallery above. Enjoy.

+ eBay Motors: 1989 Replica/Kit Makes CUSTOM

Porsche GT-1 Kit Screams ‘Class’ and ‘Panel Gap’

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:04:55 -0600

A new candidate for a spot at the top of our list of “Worst Porsche Kits Ever” (stay tuned for that one), is this confluence of design miscues from World Class Exotics, called the GT-1. Ostensibly the kit you purchase if you want your Porsche to look like a marginal Hot Wheels car (sorry Hot Wheels), the GT-1 kit attempts to recreate the fierce façade of the legendary Porsche Le Mans racer, though seemingly without recourse to measuring devices of any kind. The baffling kit is at least impressive for the sheer number of donor cars WCE is seemingly willing to slap it on, as the 914, 911, or Boxster are all fair game.

In what we can only imagine is an attempt at proving the world classiness of its product, WCE has posed its GT-1 in front of several high-end retailers, various mansions, and of course with an alarmingly young looking model. That’s class for ya boy.

It is worth noting that the rest of the WCE kits seem to be of a much higher standard than the GT-1 seen here. Click through the link below to check out the full range.

+ World Class Exotics

Five Cars that Should/Could Be Better with New Parents

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:30:40 -0600

With great cars sometimes being products of an inspired idea, a singular vision, or a focused effort from a few dedicated people, it’s far too often that we see mismanagement or a loss of focus dim an otherwise bright star. For those vehicles (or sometimes whole brands) we can’t help but imagine what they would be like under more synergistic management conditions.

With that in mind, we’ve taken five automotive properties—all of which have shown frustrated promise on some level—that we believe could shine given the opportunity, and a new parental figure. We’ve ignored the burden of real feasibility here, going more for what makes sense on paper than what makes sense in real life. It’s more fun to dream big anyway.

Take a moment to look through our list in the gallery above and then tell us where we went right or wrong, in comments.

Porsche 911 for the Big Boys - The Top Secret Widebody

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:37:47 -0600

A clandestinely named Japanese tuner company, Top Secret Performance, has come out with a new, rather pricey, and taste-sensitive widebody kit for the Porsche 996 911. Called the Porsche Super G-Force Widebody kit, the comprehensive set of bumpers, fenders, side skirts, and HID headlamps offers a massive makeover for owners who aren’t afraid to travel a slightly different road. The love-it or hate-it kit is rather brash (should a 911 kit be anything else) but well done enough that the $14,000 price tag may not be completely without merit. Of course, for that price, we wouldn’t want to, you know, hook it up ourselves. Have a closer look at the G-Force 911 in our gallery above.

+ Top Secret

Michèle Mouton’s Audi Quattro Sport can be Yours! (Sorta)

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:52:52 -0600

Those drivers with dreams of being a rally titan should pay special attention to this eBay Motors find, despite a set of rather daunting circumstances for potential customers in the U.S. A Dutch seller has created what appears to be—based on the rather skimpy selection of low-res images—a fairly flawless replica of the Audi Club Quattro Sport that was campaigned in 1980 by the likes of Michèle Mouton in the World Rally Championship.

Assembled from three donor Audis to, “Get the lines correct, windshield angles correct and all the measurements of the bodyshell accurate to the original,” the car is actually propelled by the not insignificant 4.2-liter V-8 from an S4. Sounds pretty good right? The only real problems are the car’s location (a town called Veghel in the Netherlands), the rather steep price ($69,000 buy it now), and the fact that the auction is ending in about 30 minutes at the time of this writing. Fast action required!

+ eBay Motors: 1980 Audi GT

Ferrari Shipping on the Cheap

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:36:16 -0600

It seems that a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed at an international airport in Kyrgyzstan, caught a glimpse of some rather unsavory exotic car shipping practices that he felt compelled to share with the readers of the My350Z forums.

It seems that someone was looking to save a little coin by shipping their Ferrari F430 out of country via a small Russian aircraft called an AN12. The airman photographer tells us that the AN12s are the aircraft of choice for budget shipping—used primarily for hauling food and “small items”—as the plane doesn’t really have a sophisticated system of holding its cargo down. Not the way we’d want to move our Ferrari, to say the least. The photographs already paint a rather ugly picture of a few men trying to get the F430 onboard, including a shot showing the car taking a pretty serious digger into the makeshift ramp. Happy trails.

+ My350Z

DIY Maybach Exelero Coupe - $325,500 (and Counting)

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:58:42 -0600

Most readers will probably have no trouble recalling the bonkers Maybach Exelero coupe from 2005—700 horsepower, three ton, $8 million Darth Vadermobiles aren’t quickly forgotten as a rule—so you’ll understand our initial excitement at seeing an apparent listing for the car on eBay Motors. Of course, as is so often the case with these types of too-good-to-be-true listings, getting your shot at the Exelero for a starting bid of just over $300K is, well, too good to be true.

What seller Mark Sanford is really offering is a promise to build you your very own Maybach one-off, albeit one with no actual Maybach parts of any kind. Sanford’s company, Ikit Exotic Cars and Luxury Yachts, is predicated on the notion of building replicas of elite vehicles like the Exelero, using tube chassis, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Sanford boasts that his company is able to produce these exotic knock-offs for a third, or sometimes a fourth the cost of the original items, while offering a 3 year/30,000 mile warranty for peace of mind.

Sanford’s warranty (and NBA basketball pedigree, zero games played) aside, we’d probably feel more comfortable if he saw fit to include at least one actual photograph of one of his cars in the listing, as opposed to throwing up stock shots of the Maybach. Cribbing the VIN from his personal Mercedes-Benz G500 for the auction isn’t exactly confidence inspiring either.

+ eBay Motors: 2009 Maybach Exelero Coupe

German Tuner Zwickenpflug Goes Nuts with Leather on the BMW M3

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:42:18 -0600

While most German tuning houses are well known for adding glorious amounts of extra horsepower to production vehicles, the easy-to-pronounce outfit at Zwickenpflug has gone a rather different route with the current BMW M3. Sure, they’ve done enough under-the-hood work to boost M3 output to a substantial 445 horsepower—giving the car an unlimited top speed of 202 miles per hour—but the most obvious changes can only be seen once one opens the door.

The Zwickenpflug M3 Leather Edition absolutely lives up to its hide-bound moniker, offering acres of upgraded leather pieces, and more suede than you’d expect to find at a cowboys and pimps party. The napped finish leather can be found on the headliner, seats, door inserts, transmission tunnel, and almost every surface that one’s hand could ever hope to touch. It’s enough to put Ford’s ultra-cow King Ranch Edition trucks and SUVs to shame.

Have a closer look at the M3 Leather Edition by Zwickenpflug in our gallery above and then be sure to debate the German aesthetic as a whole, in comments.

+ Motor Authority: Zwickenpflug BMW M3 Leather Edition

The Greenfly: DIY, LPG-Powered Custom Bike

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:01:56 -0600

Motorcyclist, inventor, and green-thinker Dave Akhurst has built an LPG powered motorcycle that should be the envy of any DIY garage. Called the Greenfly, Akhurst started with a 1970s-era Yamaha XT500 and modified the bike to run on compressed natural gas. The high octane rating, cheap running costs, and clean-burning nature of LPG are all plusses in the inventor’s book—enough so that the prospect of a potential bomb-like detonation if the tank is ruptured doesn’t really make him sweat. We should all be so brave.

The 500cc single-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver approximately 30 horsepower while returning about 70 miles per gallon—about a 20 mpg improvement over the standard, gasoline-burning motor. Additionally, Akhurst has done a raft of custom metalwork on the bike, including a hanger for a full-size spare behind the front fork, quick-change hubs on the custom five-spoke alloys, and a massive touring pannier that can be swapped out for the removable pillion seat.

The Greenfly is an exceptionally well-done piece of work from what we can see, and a standard bearer for green, DIY projects everywhere. Have a closer look at the bike in our gallery of images above.

+ The Biker Gene: Dave Akhurst’s Greenfly: the LPG-powered custom motorcycle.

The Top Ten 300 Horsepower Cars for Under $10,000

Seyth Miersma — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:35:52 -0600

Not so many years ago, cars that produced 300 horsepower or more were considered rather rare and desirable things. Generally only the top tier of sports car or the very most posh boulevardiers had engines that could muster such prodigious output, and the price tags of the vehicles reflected it.

These days though, thanks to depreciation, a decade-long power race, and newly changing customer tastes, 300 horsepower cars can be had for much more reasonable rates—often less than $10,000. Those power and dollar figures are exciting starting places for those second-hand shoppers who may be looking for a deal on a performance machine, which is why we picked them as our two markers for making this list.

We’ve gotten our pricing estimates from the good folks at Kelley Blue Book, though we understand that in some cases much better deals can be had. Unless otherwise noted, the prices we’ve listed represent the private party value of a car in “excellent” condition with about 80,000 miles on the clock. We’ve also strived to get the best combination of power and newness when selecting between discrete model years, all while keeping a close eye on the budget. Click through our gallery above to read about our 300 horsepower/$10,000 picks, and then be sure to let us know which gems we may have missed, in comments.

Edo Competition Tunes the Porsche Cayenne GTS

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:35:35 -0600

As if the Porsche Cayenne GTS wasn't impressive enough, the team at Edo Competition has gone one step further in making the GTS truly mean. Tweaks to the engine means that the Edo GTS produces 450 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 45 horses and 161 pound-feet. That means 0-62 miles per hour happens in just 6.4 seconds and this GTS will roar all the way up to a top speed of 168 mph. All of this added performance comes courtesy of a high-flow catalytic converter, performance air filter inserts, and a new ECU calibration.

Engine aside, Edo has also outfitted this Cayenne GTS with a new brake system, featuring six-piston mono-block calipers with thicker and larger-diameter brake rotors (15 x 1.5 inches). A revised sport suspension has also been added, with adjustable height, compression (fourteen different settings), and rebound damping (continuously variable). On the design front, a new front skirt with four foglamps has been added as well as twenty-two-inch forged wheels. Customers can opt for painted wheel centers, as well.

No word on pricing, but we're sure that the Edo GTS comes at quite a premium over the standard factory model, and we think this is a great alternative to shelling out the cash for a Cayenne Turbo or the upcoming Turbo S.

+ Global Motors: edo Porsche Cayenne GTS

Wald Bentley GT Black Bison Edition is Mysterious and Frightening

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:21:30 -0600

Japanese tuning house Wald International hasn’t released any specifications, colorful copy, or information of any kind really, regarding its rather frightening (in a good way) new take on the Bentley GT, preferring to let the pictures speak for themselves. Called the Bentley GT Sports Line Black Bison Edition, we can only guess that the brutal coupe is remarkably fast, and are sure that it will work wonders in turning the heads of fellow motorists. Go ahead and take a lengthy dip in our gallery of BGTSLBBE (just rolls off the tongue) images above and rest assured that we will bring you more details, as we have them.