Flex Country Squire Sport Activity Coupe

The Flex Country Squire's woody heritage is recalled on the new Coupe in two ways. Brushed stainless steel trim strips on the body sides remind one of the famous "yacht" paneling, and the electronically assisted liftgate is adorned with a hefty and artful slab of actual American Walnut, beveled and embossed, highly varnished, and waterproofed. Click on image to enlarge. They can be further enlarged by right-clicking on "View Image" or by saving to your hard drive.

Paying respects to the original 1951 Ford Country Squire, the marque's first use of that iconic name, this completely contemporary Sport Activity Coupe is a 2-door wagon just like that '51. Prominently featured is a forward angled "basket handle" C pillar, a nod to the Crown Victoria coupe of '55-'56, the '77-79 Thunderbird and the early '80s Fairmont Futura sport coupes. And yes, I said "C pillar." Just behind the long single side doors are small triangular windows, shades of vintage Thunderbirds, which slide electronically into the pillar when the doors are opened, creating the first, true, pillarless coupe from Ford in decades.

The standard Flex's severely vertical roof pillars were ditched, along with the third row of seating. With the slanting and aerodynamic roofline, the interior has been reconfigured for only four people. Twin rear bucket seats were moved back and closer together, taking advantage of the space formerly reserved for the third row. The rear side panels have "wraparound" sections leading to the rear buckets, and with the full length central console, giving the rear seat the comfort and glamour of Ford's 1960s Thunderbirds.

Blasts from the Past: Early Chops

Chopped in the "early days" when I was posting my work at Autoweek's Combustion Chamber forum, 2005, this large hybrid Buick would have revived their classic "Electra" nameplate. And, really, wouldn't that be an awesome name for a plug-in electric car? Electronic "aero-spats," or fender skirts, could tilt open a few inches in the front to assist in brake cooling, tilt open in the back for braking assistance creating more drag, or remain closed for maximum aerodynamics. They would also be powered "out and up" for tire changing.

My Caducatillac, a high-end Cadillac "pickup truck" with a bespoke custom Ducati motorcycle "holder" in the back. Pushing a button would open the rear tailgate and set in motion a conveyor belt of sorts to "park" or "retrieve" the motorcycle and lock it in place. This is based on the early 2000's Caddy concept car, the Imaj, and was chopped in 2006 or so.

Another Buick, this time a large, rear wheel drive Lucerne 225 luxury sedan. Evoking the vaunted Electra 225 nameplate, this would be a petrol- and diesel-powered formal sedan. A modern take on GM's formal roofed late '70s and early '80s sedans, this sedan would have all the bells and whistles in a more subtle styling package than contemporary Cadillacs.

Mercedes is about to introduce a compact-sized 4-door "coupe" to its lineup, based on the corporation's newest A Class. In 2006-07, I created this tiny sport sedan from a C Class. I bet they end up looking fairly similar. I shortened the C Class sedan's hood and wheel-to-dash proportions to simulate a front-wheel drive platform.

Chopped back in 2008, with this Scion xB Cabriolet, I just wanted to see if I could inject some fun, and better proportions to the second generation box. Could be a Mini Cab competitor at a lower price point.

Regal Century coupe

It's time there was a coupe in the Buick showrooms. Or five! I'd like to see two door versions of the Verano, Regal and LaCrosse and a new dedicated sports coupe. Buick showrooms should also offer a choice of front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive platforms. Above, is my Regal Century coupe. I've slightly reproportioned the entire body. Notably I've reduced the front overhang and extended the wheelbase in front of the windshield, hinting at its newfound rear-wheel drive setup, and massaged the roofline and greenhouse. The famed Buick "sweepspear" is now an angular indentation shadowing the window space above it.

Other possible new Buick coupes from artandcolour:

Skyhawk, RWD 2-seat GT hatchback

LaCrosse Centurion, AWD luxury 5-seat coupe

Regal GS, FWD 4-seat coupe

Verano Apollo GS, AWD turbo hatchback coupe

ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE ZAGATO RACING PICTURE

Aston Martin has published a couple of hours ago on his Facebook page the very first official photos of the racing version of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato, Automobiles has left many fans open-mouthed at the recent Concours d'Elegance Villa d'Este. The car will debut this weekend at the Nürburgring during one of the races organized by VLN.

Instead of having a custom-built Villa d'Este, Aston Martin racing will be painted in British Racing Green and it would differ from the road to the inevitable attributes of "competitive", the full roll cage to the all-new aerodynamics, including a splitter, wing and extractor. In a month or so, the coupe will be back on downs at the Eifel appointment of the season on the old 'ring, the 24 Hours. It will be accompanied by a sister the same in all respects to her. Aston has not released data on the engine of the car, but the Zagato could fit the 5.9 V12 in a specific similar to the announced Vantage GT3, which speaks for over 600 hp and 700 Nm.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 165Hp by Loder1899

Bavarian tuner Loder1899 has developed a new sport package for the recently facelifted European Ford Focus. The bodykit, which is available on all three and five-door variants expect for the ST, consists of a front spoiler, a rear diffuser, a roof spoiler and side skirts combined with 5-spoke alloy wheels (17 to 20-inch) and a 35mm lowering kit. In addition, the Bavarian tuner offers an engine upgrade kit for the 2.0 diesel version that gains an extra 30 Hp thanks to the new ECU and sport exhaust system.

Volkswagen Recalling 410,000 Passats in the U.S.

 

German carmaker Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall of all gasoline powered Passat models from 1999 through 2005. In particular, some Passat vehicles with an automatic transmission may have an underbody heat shield that could be subject to damage. If the damaged heat shield comes in contact with the vehicle’s exhaust system, it could create a potential safety risk.

Additionally, some Passats equipped with 1.8T engines have a fuel line that requires inspection and potential replacement. A small number of vehicles equipped with 4Motion all-wheel-drive will be inspected for potential damage to a fuel tank ventilation valve. According to VW, no accidents or injuries have been recorded. Owner notification is scheduled to begin by May 30, 2008.

Volvo V40 Pirelli by Heico Sportiv

Pirelli and Heico Sportiv have revealed a specially tuned version of the Volvo V40 to celebrate Pirelli's jubilee.

They used as foundation a V40 T3 model equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. Output has been lifted from the series 150 HP (110 kW) to 200 HP (147 kW), while torque has gone up from 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) to 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). As a result, 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) takes 7.9 seconds, making it 0.9s faster than the stock model. Top speed has also increased from 130 mph (210 km/h) to 143 mph (230 km/h).

The Volvo V40 Pirelli by Heico Sportiv rides on 8x19 VOLUTION VII wheels shod in 235/35 R19 P Zeros. Other changes include a 30mm lowered suspension and a custom body kit with a bi-part front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt. The black and red theme exterior is continued inside the cabin where there are velour floor mats with embossed tire-tread profiles. Heico Sportiv says this special package can be ordered with other engines offered by Volvo.

Source: Heico Sportiv / Pirelli

Porsche 996 modified by OK-Chiptuning

OK-Chiptuning has released a tuning program for the Porsche 996 inspired by the 1991 German movie Manta, Manta. Power of the engine was increased to 650 HP (478 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque via revised turbochargers and larger injection valves. Other modifications include a bigger fuel pump, new 5-bar fuel pressure regulator and a custom exhaust system sporting 70mm tubes.

The 996 sits on 19-inch TechArt wheels priced at 800 EUR, including the 235/35 R19 and 305/30 R19 tires. OK-Chiptuning also installed a KW stage 3 coilover suspension, a Techart rear spoiler, while inside there are Recaro seats. Lastly, the three-color foliation comes from Cam Shaft Premium Wrapping and costs 2,600 EUR.

Source: OK-Chiptuning

Ferrari 458 Spider restyled by A. Kahn Design

A. Kahn Design has recently conducted a series of styling changes on a Ferrari 458 Spider. The car seen here is wearing an attractive Grigio Alloy paint and rides on Monza forged alloy wheels which are available in a wide variety of colors and come with the original center caps. It has also received a lowered suspension, black-painted brake calipers, matt rear styling detail and updated front sections.

A series of modifications were brought to the interior as well where UK-based Kahn Design applied its "bespoke touch" and went for a luxurious Nero cabin.

Source: A. Kahn Design

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta by Revozport

Revozport has introduced a new styling program for the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Dubbed the RZF-12, the model features a carbon front splitter ($2100), carbon fiber side skirts ($2900) and a carbon fiber rear spoiler ($1300). If that's not enough carbon, the company also offers a carbon fiber fog light cover ($380) and a carbon fiber rear diffuser ($2900).

Customers can also order a TITAV titanium exhaust system ($7490) and a seven-piece carbon fiber engine cover kit ($6800) that will leave people "speechless when you open your hood."

While the styling package might not win everyone over, Revozport said they wanted to keep things "simple and elegant" to maintain the classy look of the car.

Source: Revozport

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe PD850 BLACK EDITION Widebody Kit by Prior Design

Prior Design has prepared a widebody kit for the pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. Compatible with all C207 models, the body kit is made from Dura-Flex fiber reinforced plastic and consists of the following components: front bumper, rear bumper with diffuser, side skirts and a front hood add-on. It also contains rear widenings, a rear trunk spoiler and all necessary mounting material.

Optionally available from Prior Design are LED daytime running lights (slim line), exhaust tip and a complete exhaust system. The widebody kit seen here costs 7,990 EUR, without painting and installation costs.  

Source: Prior Design

Mercedes CLA by Brabus

Brabus has introduced a new tuning program for the Mercedes CLA. Looking tastefully restrained, the model has been equipped with sport springs and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Customers can also order 18- or 19-inch Monoblock alloy wheels which are available in five different designs.

Interior pictures were not released but Brabus says owners can order a bespoke cabin which will be created by their upholstery shop.

For added performance, the CLA 250 can be equipped with a PowerXtra kit that enables the engine to produce 245 HP (180 kW) and 385 Nm (284 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 34 HP (25 kW) and 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: Brabus

2014 - NEW CARACTERE EXCLUSIVE PORSCHE 911

German Special Customs Mercedes E-Class

German Special Customs has released the first details about their upcoming styling program for the facelifted Mercedes E-Class. Looking decidedly aggressive, the model has been equipped with a new front bumper that has a carbon fiber spoiler and prominent air intakes. Moving further back, we can see a carbon fiber hood, ventilated front fenders and revised side skirts with carbon fiber accents. Lastly, at the rear, there's a trunk-mounted spoiler, a four-tailpipe exhaust system and a sporty rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

The company is also expected to offer some engine upgrades, but there's no word on when they will be released or how much extra power they will produce.

Source: German Special Customs

1993 Bugatti EB110 SS by Brabus

Specialty British dealership Oakfields is selling an ultra-rare Bugatti EB110 Super Sport modified by Brabus for 475,000 GBP (about 740,000 USD / 560,000 EUR). The German aftermarket specialist modified two EB110s but only this one was the lighter and more powerful SS version. Produced in 1993, the vehicle has been fitted with a custom quad exhaust system, blue leather seats and a blue & black leather dashboard.

As a reminder, Bugatti built only 31 units of the SS and all came with a mid-mounted V12 3.5-liter quad-turbo engine outputting 615 bhp (458 kW) mated to a six-speed manual transmission sending those ponies to all four wheels. Lighter than the stock model by about 150 kg (330 lbs), the SS hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 216 mph (348 km/h).

Source: oakfields.com

BMW X6 M Stealth by Inside Performance

Inside Performance has unveiled their new BMW X6 M Stealth. Looking anything but stealth-like, the crossover has an AC Schnitzer wide body kit and a camouflaged-inspired wrap. There's also a gloss black grille, a KW coilover suspension and 22-inch Vorsteiner wheels with Continental Sport tires.
Moving on to the interior, Inside Performance has installed a data display that shows everything from boost pressure to the current torque and power outputs.
Speaking of the latter, the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine has been equipped with an optimized ECU and a stainless steel sports exhaust system. Thanks to these tweaks the engine develops more than 700 HP (515 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: Inside Performance