2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 "Kowalski Edition"

A lot of us may be too young to remember the glory days of auto movies in the 70s, but for those old enough to remember a movie called Vanishing Point starring Barry Newman, this little tuning project may be if interest. In the movie, Newman plays the role of Kowalski, man who makes some sort of bet that he could take a white 1970 Dodge Challenger and drive it all the way the from Colorado to San Francisco in just 15 hours. Apparently, Vanishing Point was one of the most iconic car movies of the era, having enjoyed cult status to its fans, including one Bob Frederick.

As the dealer of New Wilmington Dodge and a long-time fan of the movie, Frederick decided to do something really cool to pay homage to one of his favorite flicks by unveiling a special edition model of the 392 Inaugural Edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 and calling it the “Kowalski Edition”.

Read More

1961 Lincoln Continental Coupe. One of my Faves!

In the absence of a brand-new chop, here's one of my all time favorites, a "Continentalized" '61 Lincoln Continental. Besides losing the two rear doors, I re-proportioned every panel on the car for a long-hood, short-deck design. I shortened overhangs and made the C pillar a bit thicker for that proper contemporary look as well. I enlarged the wheels to 20-inches, the new "modern" 15-inchers, but would style the wheel to replicate the original clean wheelcovers. It might be cool to see a set of 20-inch tires with an aspect ratio of perhaps 50, tall for a "20," and have it include a 2-inch whitewall...

I photoshopped this car early last year, and it has appeared in The Autoextremist, and CarSpyShots.

Read More

FF Sharkfin: Trompe L'oeil Roof Pillar Comes to Ferrari

My take on the recent "sharkfin" floating roof pillar treatments, as seen on this 4-passenger Ferrari FF variant. The A pillar and roof rails, as well as the top part of the C pillar, are polished unpainted aluminum. Taken as a whole with the body color lower C pillar and beveled glass side windows, the profile of a classic barchetta are revealed in this taller, more upright "family" Ferrari.

Read More

2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake

The legendary Ford Mustang line has spit out many iterations in its decorated history, but of all the versions of that line, none has been more powerful than the Shelby GT500 Super Snake.

First introduced in 2008, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake has been the crown jewel of the Mustang line, a car that blends torque-twisting muscle with a supercar-like power that very few American-made cars can reach.

This month, the latest incarnation of the Shelby GT500 Super Snake will slither its way to New York when it makes its official debut at the New York International Auto Show.

The car’s debut in New York is symbolic of the rich history between the annual event and the American marquee. According to John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc., the New York International Show holds a special place in the hearts of Shelby. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H," he said. "This year, we’re returning with one of the most powerful and important Shelbys ever built."

Needless to say, we’re all gearing up for the New York Auto Show, especially for the unveiling of this American icon.

Read More

Volt Coupe: Controversial Beltline Trim Enlarged

2012 Volt Coupe by Chevrolet. Expanding the controversial black painted belt line, the Coupe extends this trim to the taillights, effectively isolating the Volt's roof from the bodysides creating a "floating" C pillar. Evocative of GM's '59-'61 "Vista" wraparound 4 door hardtop roofline? Bright work is expanded on the lower belt line as well. Wheels are enlarged but use the Volt's aero-tuned wheel design for maximum efficiency. Larger chromed nameplate is positioned to emphasize the Volt's inset door design and argent-colored composite rocker panels. Click on image to enlarge, as always.

An earlier chop of mine went the other direction with the black belt line panel, deleting it, Volt sedan left, Cruze right. I also straightened out the rocker panel trim, adding a dark section to the doors, and running a chrome strip along the top.

Read More

Past Blasts: Fairlane Victoria 4-Door "Coupe"

V8 or Hybrid EcoBoost Versions; Both RWD, Both Same Trim, Both Same Price

Classic Fairlane "Checkmark" is molded into the sheet-metal smart blanks for this 21st century take on the original Mid-Century Modern '55-'57 side trim. 

Read More

Past Blasts: Talismans From Detroit et Boulogne-Billancourt*

Cadillac Talisman crossover wagon, chopped in 2006. When I saw this article at Autoblog, for a Hamptons beach cruiser, I thought of this radical Caddy wagon courtesy early casey/artandcolour. This example has tiny slivers of wood at the bases of the doors.

This Talisman is equipped with the optional brushed stainless steel door skins.

 Wallpaper from 2001

This Talisman is from France's Renault. It was a concept car from 2001, and I photoshopped this wallpaper for it that year. Ten year old photoshopping skillz in the house!

* Boulogne-Billancourt is where Renault's World Headquarters is located, a suburb of western Paris. For Wiki's short history of Renault, click here.

Read More

From Jeep to Infiniti... Lancaster and Kerr?

Jeep Compass Triporto CJ12—Small Jeep gets seriously capable. Based on just-introduced 2011 Compass New York Auto Show concept vehicle which utilizes the normal 5-door Compass body. The Burt Lancaster of Jeep cars? This is the original photo.

Infiniti M35 Hybrid coupe—Luxury muscle car in a demure green swimsuit. Hybrid drivetrain and pillarless bodystyle brings glamor to the eco-lineup. The Deborah Kerr of coupes? Original photo.

From Here to Eternity, with Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra, Donna Reed, Ernest Borgnine and other Hollywood "names," IMDb.

Read More

2014 Mercedes C-Class Convertible

Now that Mercedes has a sedan and a coupe version for the C-Class, anyone would expect to find a convertible staring at them in the near future. These people would absolutely be right, but the new convertible may contain a few differences compared to the current C-Class models. While the general design lines will remain the same, the C-Class Convertible model will not compete with the usual BMW 3-Series and Audi A5. Instead, Mercedes may be opting for a model that will be placed in a class below these competitors. This decision shouldn’t be too surprising considering the company has just brought the E-Class Convertible on the market and offering a similar model wouldn’t make good business sense.

Following the usual trend lines, the C-Class Convertible will also get an AMG version, but while the entry level models will get a four-cylinder engine, the AMG version will use the same 5.5 biturbo V8 engine used in the CLS63 AMG. The only difference provided for the engine will be that power will be reduced to about 420 HP compared to the current 525 HP. Customers will also have the possibility of opting for a Performance Package that will increase the total output to about 450 HP. This will ensure a 0 to 60 mph sprint of about 5 seconds, while top speed will be limited to 155 mph.

Expect to see the Mercedes C-Class Convertible on the streets at or a little before 2014.

Read More

Long-lost AMC Wasp FWD Prototype. Needs Restoration.

Experimental FWD AMC Wasp sport sedan from 1966, found 45 years later in rough-but-ready condition—long thought to have been crushed. This car morphed from early prototypes of the upcoming RWD Javelin pony car... History artandcolour-style, of course: All in my mind and mouse. Click image to enlarge.

Read More

Hawk of the Skies . . . Batteries Included

I chopped this last year, an upscale coupe with supercar-level performance and Buick DNA, Skyhawk for 2012. Buick's quiet ride, coach-built, 2+2 interior, turbocharged V6, hybrid-assisted drivetrain, combined 350hp/700 ft/lbs, AWD, 3200lbs: Batteries Included. (Click image to enlarge)

Read More