Toyota 2000GT Replica Based on Nissan 240Z with GT-R Engine

At last weekend's Tokyo Salon 2009, Mr. Makoto Kobayash and his company Road Star Garage from Aichi, Japan, launched their latest Toyota 2000GT replica, this time based on the 1970's Datsun Fairlady Z S30 - known in most markets as the 240Z and later as 260Z and 280Z. Whereas the original 1965 Toyota 2000GT used a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, straight six producing around 150HP, Road Star Garage fitted the replica with a Nissan Skyline GT-R derived and NISMO prepped, twin-turbocharged RB26 N1 six-cylinder unit.

The Japanese firm hasn't published any performance or output figures, but understandably, this replica holds a mighty punch under its hood. As some might remember, Road Star Garage also produces a Toyota 2000GT convertible based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5 / Miata - see here.

Auto Cars 2011 thanks Mr. Makoto Kobayash for the Tokyo Show Photos

Link: Road Star Garage

Nostalgically Trimmed 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic on Sale from $34,005

As if the new 2009 Challenger isn't already the embodiment of retro design, Dodge has launched a new version of the coupe called "Classic" that adds more nostalgic flavor to the reborn muscle car. Based on the Challenger R/T with Chrysler's 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that delivers 376HP when paired to a six-speed manual and 372HP with an automatic transmission, the Classic is available for order now with a starting price of $34,005 which includes a $725 destination fee.

So what's so special about the Challenger R/T Classic? Well, on the outside it sports heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, 20-inch polished-chrome heritage alloy wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with a heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and a chromed fuel-filler door.

Buyers will be able to choose from a palette of six colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors-HEMI(R) Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue.

Honda to Shut Down UK Swindon Plant until June!

Matters are going from worse to bad for the workers at Honda's Swindon plant as, in addition to halting production in February and March, the Japanese automaker has extended the temporary shutdown of its U.K. factory for the months of April and May. "The global financial situation has continued to affect consumer confidence in the car market," Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) said in a statement on Friday. The announcement from Honda was met with dismay by Unite, the UK's largest union.

"This latest, additional shutdown underlines the urgent need for state assistance for our car industry," said Derek Simpson, joint general secretary for Unite. "With demand for Honda's products collapsed and a plunge in this year's production figures, one of our leading plants must stand idle for four months."

"Now, the Honda workforce is facing a 50 percent cut in wages, and are frightened for their jobs and futures. They, along with the rest of the car and components industry, desperately need to see some form of lifeline being thrown to the sector from the Government. We also need immediate financial support for workers, such as those at Honda, who must take a cut in pay in order to keep their jobs," added Simpson.

Nissan Drops the top on its 2010 370Z Roadster - Official Design Sketches

Nissan has registered a series of official design sketches for its upcoming 370Z Roadster at the European Trademark Office. Like its predecessor, the 350Z Roadster, the drop-top version of the all-new 'Z' coupe that was introduced towards the end of 2008, will be equipped with an electric folding fabric roof. As you would expect, the new 370Z Roadster will sport the same 3.7-liter V6 engine as the coupe model, rated at 332HP / 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque / 5,200 rpm. It will be available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual or a new 7-speed automatic transmission.

Due to the necessary structural add ons, the 370Z Roadster will most likely gain a few extra pounds over its tin-top sibling. In terms of prices, the convertible 'Z' will cost a bit more than the coupe that starts off from $29,930 for the entry-level model equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and from $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic.

According to Auto Cars 2011 sources and unless something changes down the road, Nissan is planning to perform the global debut of the 370Z Roadster that will be sold as a 2010 model, at the New York Auto Show this April.

BMW 320d Winter Concept with 199HP by Miranda-Series

German tuner Miranda-Series has introduced a new winter sport package for the pre-facelift BMW 320d. Starting off from the bimmer's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, Miranda-Series has optimized the car's ECU raising output by 22HP to 199HP. Other improvements include the Eibach Pro-Street-S coilover suspension and the Stop-Tech brakes with 6-piston brake calipers and 355x32mm slotted discs.

The modified 320d now rides on new, black colored, 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in winter sports Dunlop tires available in two sizes, 235/35-19 and 265/30-19. The winter sport package is completed with a set of front passenger Recaro bucket seats. Even though the modifications are relatively subtle, there's nothing subtle about the price for the complete package as it has been set at €13,544 -approximately $17,720 with today's exchange rates...

Citroen Rolls out Special Edition C1 Splash

In an attempt to boost sales, Citroen UK has released a new special edition version of its recently facelifted C1. The C1 Splash is based on the new 1.0i 68hp VT model and is available with 3 or 5 doors. It benefits from extra equipment like air conditioning, front electric windows and remote control central locking, as well as two new exclusive body colors – metallic Electra Blue or Lipizian White. Furthermore, the blue C1 Splash will feature white door mirrors while the white car, metallic black mirrors.

Prices for the C1 Splash start from £7,345 and include a £800 cashback offer.

Video: Jaguar's BMW M5 Rival, the new 2010 XFR V8 with 510HP

The XF we've all been waiting for, the new supercharged XFR, was finally revealed at this week's Detroit Show. Fitted with Jag's new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 and a Roots-type supercharger, the 510-horsepower strong XFR goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, or 0.2 and 0.4 seconds slower than its arch rivals, the BMW M5 and Audi RS6 respectively. If you hit the jump, you can watch the XFR in Jag's new promotional video. Unfortunately, for reasons that we fail to understand, Jaguar did not include any audiobites from the XFR's supercharged V8 engine, which is a pity as other than that, the film is overall entertaining.

2009 Melbourne Show in February to have at least one Global Debut

It may not sound like something to blow your own horn about, but with the current situation of auto salons around the world, Aussies should be happy to know that at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show that opens on 27 February, at least one automaker is planning a mid-show global debut synchronized with the Geneva Auto Salon, which opens a week after Melbourne. Equally important, show organizers have calculated that the local and global brands on show will represent 94.7 per cent of Australia's total car sales.

Among the cars already confirmed for the 75th Melbourne Motor Show are the new Lexus RX350, Lotus Evora, Bentley Speed 8, Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder and the BMW M1 Homage concept car that will take center stage at the Bavarian automaker's two-stand display.

Notably, with its extended two-stand display, BMW will be the biggest exhibitor at this year's Show. Volkswagen and Lexus are also mounting their biggest-ever show stands, while GM's domestic brand Holden, retains its status as the biggest single-stand exhibitor.

BRABUS Widestar Tuning Package for the Mercedes M-Class Facelift

A firm believer of the phrase "better late than never", Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist BRABUS, has introduced a new Widestar package for the facelifted M-Class that was revealed at last year's New York Auto Show. The exterior of the M-Class is enhanced with a wide bodykit that includes new fender flares on front and rear axle that add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the SUV as well as massive 23-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23 front and back.

Inside, BRABUS' appointments for the Mercedes M-Class interior include stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, a sport steering wheel, and leather-covered door elements for upgrading the factory interior. Also available are a fully leather interior made from a combination of Mastik and Alcantara leather and seven-inch LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and integrated DVD player integrated on the rear end of the front hearests.

The M-Class' handling is improved with the BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension that lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). To further optimize active safety the BRABUS WIDESTAR is optionally equipped with a high-performance brake system that consists of 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers grip front discs measuring 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches). The rear axle features six-piston fixed calipers.

For the gasoline-powered models, BRABUS' engine tuning program starts with the B7 power kit which increases power output of the ML 350 to 287 HP while the ML 500 is available with the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine generating 462HP. For the most powerful variant of the M-Class, the M 63 AMG, there's the B63 S kit that boosts output to 550HP. With this kit, the tuned top-of-the-line M-Class model sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and achieves a new top speed of 275 km/h (172 mph).

Those who prefer diesel engines can equip the ML 280 CDI with the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D5 (III) kit that produces an extra 52HP. For the ML 320 CDI BRABUS has designed the D6 (III) power kit which bumps maximum power output to 272HP and produces a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at just 1,600 rpm.

In the top-of-the-line diesel model, ML 420 CDI, the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D8 (III) power kit boosts power from 306HP to 350HP while peak torque grows from 700 Nm to 800 Nm (516 to 590 lb-ft). The tuned ML 420 CDI sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.0 seconds, half a second less than the production car while top speed increases from 235 to 245 km/h (147 to 153 mph).