After a number of poorly photo shopped pics of the next gen Subaru WRX, finally we get some honest to goodness shots of Scoobie Doo in the raw. The quick shooters over at Autoblog.it got their shutters clicking in the face of the new Subaru flagship. I hate to say it, but the mini wagon looks like a cross between the Mazda3 and the previous Protege5, rather than a world killing rally car. That said, the car in the shots look remarkably close to production.
Continue reading →

Carroll Shelby is one of the most recognized names in racing history, and for good reason. The cars he built in the Sixties took on the best the world had to offer and beat them. As a result of that, Mustangs of that era are immediately linked to the Shelby name due to their resemblance to the famed GT350. Even the regular run of the mill six cylinder cars carry a bit of that glory. The cars that actually bear the Shelby nameplate are inevitably worth a fortune thanks to the history of the brand that is Shelby.

The styling of the current body Mustang owes a lot to that heritage and has almost become an instant classic shape. Recent business problems aside, the marketing guys at Ford are no dummies. They know that the success of their brand depends on interpreting that history properly and that means exploiting the Shelby brand. How about a modern interpretation of the mythical GT500KR? A good idea? We think so, and so do the guys at Ford.

Just like the original KR was the pinnacle of Mustang horsepower back in ‘68, the 2008 GT500KR is the most powerful Mustang ever built, with an estimated 540 Clydesdales under a fancy composite hood. With only 1000 units being built versus 1053 of the original car, the new car could become ever more sought after in years to come.

Get the full details on from the Ford press release after the break
Continue reading →

Shelby GT500 KR

Yesterday, Ford hit the ground running prior to the New York Auto Show, with the release of 3 special new models. The most powerful Mustang and Pick Up ever, along with the Funkiest Expedition ever.

Firstly, there is the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT500 KR, with a whopping 540 ponies under the hood. Joining the KR is the Chip Foose influenced 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition with 450 horsepower. Coming along for the ride might just be the ultimate bling-mobile. That’s right, Ford has teamed up with FunkMaster Flex to create the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, featuring a tonne of in your face cosmetics and a killer sound system.

Ford press release and more photos after the break
Continue reading →

Ever wondered how quick a Ford GT feels? How about a Twin Turbo GT? Let’s just say 205 Miles Per Hour comes up pretty darn quick! It’s amazing how easily an old school 911 Turbo gets chewed up by one of these beasts.

For more great video compilations, head on over to VOD Cars

One of our readers favourite posts from the archives are the photos we took of Lightning McQueen and Sally Carrera when they visited the NASCAR Speed Park at Vaughan Mills Mall. We’ve taken these pics and added them to a nice new gallery, rather than the old Flickr page. Enjoy.

Edit: With the new version of Wordpress, we can now offer the gallery right here!

Regular readers here in The Garage know that I’ve got a soft spot for the Nissan’s twisty warrior, the 350Z. In stock form it’s one of the best all around sports cars I’ve ever driven, besting many cars that cost more than double. This season, Nissan is upping the ante with a hi-po version that’s decked out with the full line of Nismo upgrades.

Beginning with the cosmetic stuff, there is a full aero package that was inspired by the factory Super GT Championship winning cars. This body kit doesn’t only look good though, as it provides additional downforce at high speeds that will be most welcome on lapping days.

One of the great things about 350Z owners is that many of them actually do take their cars to local track days. The Nismo is even better equipped for the track, with a tweaked suspension, free breathing exhaust and big Brembo brakes to slow things down. Horsepower is up to 306.

Read the full details from Nissan after the break
Continue reading →

Monteverdi High Speed 375

Every car guy’s fave celeb has to be Jay Leno. Let’s face it. Leno is a regular guy who’s been lucky enough to earn a fortune doing something he loves. Along the way, he’s built one of the coolest, car collections and has the ability to keep growing it. If the guy has an idea, he builds it. If he wants a toy, he buys it. Leno’s collection may be one of the most honest ones in the world, as it has such variety that it could only have been put together by someone who truly loves cars.

Through Leno’s blog at Popular Mechanics and his Big Dog Garage, regular car guys who aren’t quite as financially blessed as Leno get a pretty good look at the man’s automotive world. Like every car guy, Jay is proud of his toys and wants to share them with the world. He’s done a pretty good job of sharing his hobby and now he’s going one step further. Big Dog Garage is now airing 4 new videos every week, giving us the change to see all the toys in action. Not only that, but a bunch of videos have been released onto YouTube for us bloggers to share with our readers. Over the next few days, you can expect that The Garage will be posting the full collection. This week’s videos include the super rare Monteverde High Speed 375, a how to article for Corvette owners, footage of the head techie working on Jay’s 1924 Ace motorcycle and a eco friendly parts washer.

Meet the Big Dog Garage after the break
Continue reading →

This morning there was the press release. Now, through the magic of YouTube we have the film for you!

60 Seconds of Audi history after the break
Continue reading →

Spring 2007 seems to be the season of the big budget promo video. We’ve had high end shorts from Ferrari/Shell, Red Bull F1 and now Audi is getting in on the action with a pair of shorts for the upcoming A8 supercar.

Shot over 6 days in Mexico with 1050 extras, the films cover Audi’s motorsports heritage from each of the past 7 decades. Shot in HD by veteran camerman Ian Foster, this promises to be a great ride. The spots will debut in Germany on April 6th during the first airing of Will Smith’s I Robot on the RTL Channel.

Full story from Audi after the break
Continue reading →

Over the years, prices for original Minis have soared. It’s not uncommon to hear Mini enthusiasts selling mid Seventies Cooper S clones for well north of ten grand. So what happens when a really special car with a significant race history goes on the block? Easy, it doubles the estimated sale price and hits a whopping $197,000.

DJB 93B carried Rauno Altonen to a historic win in the 1965 RAC Rally in Great Britain. It also took part in the 65 Swedish and Acropolis rallies and in 66, before being retired and going into hiding until the Eighties. Through the Nineties, the car has been fully restored to it’s former glory and has seen competition in hill climbs and vintage events.

Read the full history at Bonham’s Auctions Via Classical Drives