Embarrassing Replica of Rolls Royce Phantom Built on BMW 750i V12 E32

This custom monstrosity of a Rolls Royce Phantom replica is based on one of the last elegant BMW 7-Series models, the late 1980s-early 1990s E32, and was found for sale on a Polish used car website. There are so many things wrong with the build that we don't know where to start, but the flashy Rolls Royce sticker on the steering wheel could take the prize for being the worst item on the car...

The Phantom clown clone is built on a V12-powered 750i with the seller asking a laughable €56,653 (around US$75,500 at today's exchange rates) for the car. More photos after the break.

Source: Otomoto via Motofilm

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James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione Hits the Racetrack [with Video]

There’s still much to be discovered about James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione racecar, but judging by the latest update on the dedicated Facebook page, the F430 Scuderia-based competition model has reached the final stages of its development, hitting the racetrack for the very first time.

The finished product is quite a handsome beast, boasting sharp edges and voluptuous curves, complemented by the large rear wing and exposed carbon fiber. When it makes its racing debut later this year, the P4/5 Competizione will most certainly adopt some kind of livery, but to be honest, we like its “natural” look.

Racing pilot Fabrizio Giovanardi and engineer Paolo Garella drove the P4/5 Competizione during the track test held in Torino.

“The test was fine, or better fantastic. The car is so easy to drive and all the controls light and very direct. The circuit was very short but I was able to go up to the 3rd gear. Engine and gearbox very light,” said the first test report, uploaded to Facebook less than 24 hours ago.

To see the P4/5 Competizione in action and hear its magnificent engine sound, scroll down and check out the videos.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Facebook via Jalopnik

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Mazda RX-8 Club Malaysia Organizes Mega Gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Creates Awesome Video Trailers

Our friend Shawnz, who you may remember from the Mazda RX-8 Coupe project we showed you last February, sent us these teaser trailers from a video that is currently being prepared to showcase a very large gathering of the rotary-powered sports cars that was held on the streets of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

In Shawnz's own words: "The event took place on 27th Nov 2010 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The total registered cars were 99! Damn, one more member and we would of reached the magic number of 100... The full video clip will be out pretty soon, possibly in mid-February... (fingers crossed)."

As you can see in the trailers after the jump, the convoy of Mazda RX-8s was so large that police escort was needed. We'll bring you the full video as soon as it comes out.

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Police Recover BMW 750i xDrive that was Stolen During the Detroit Auto Show [with VIDEO]

The BMW 750i xDrive that was stolen during the 2011 Detroit Auto Show has been found. The $95,000 car was discovered at a gated apartment complex near Telegraph and Glendale Street, in Detroit’s West Side. Detroit police said the wires to the tracking system had been cut, but the Bimmer was probably ditched due to the massive media attention surrounding the case. Authorities seized the vehicle for further processing.

The 7-Series was used by BMW officials and guests during the press days of the Detroit motor show. Although it was a crime of opportunity, as the handler left the keys in the car and stepped away for a second, the thieves weren’t amateurs and were able to annihilate the GPS tracking device fitted to the $95,000 luxo-barge. Video report available after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: WXYZ

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Carscoop Reports Live from the Tokyo Auto Salon 2011 [Day 3]

Ok, we're here live at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan getting as many photos as possible (and maybe some videos too). Bookmark this page and keep checking back for the updates as they come rolling in through the hand-held God machine that Steve Jobs created.

We'll be getting some high-quality photos as well, but they'll be coming through a bit later as I'm currently a one-man band, out in the realm of sushi, Gundam, VIP rides, and love hotels.

Remember to take into account that I'll be 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, but it should be an adventure full of cars, chicks in short shorts, perverts with professional-grade photo/video equipment, and maybe even some drifting on Day 2. Stay tuned, it's gonna get busty...I mean busy. Follow the break for our live coverage.

By Phil Alex

*All photos Copyright © Carscoop / Phil Alex

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New Videos of 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK on the Road and the Track

If you're tired of ogling the same 50 second clip of the 2012 Mercedes SLK published at launch, we have some good news for you as the Stuttgart automaker has released some fresh footage of its roadster model, filmed both on the road and the track.

The third generation of Merc's roadster comes with a two-piece foldable metal roof top and a choice of a force-fed 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine available in two states of tune, or a 3.5-liter V6 motor. In Europe, the 2012 SLK will be available for order starting from next week, while U.S. sales will begin this summer. Click here for more details or follow the jump to watch the videos.

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Chrysler Officially Drops the Top on the New 200 Convertible

Following yesterday’s leak, Chrysler today officially released photos and preliminary data on its new 200 Convertible. As previously noted, the drop top model is essentially a facelifted Sebring Convertible featuring a refined exterior design, and a revamped interior with new styling and improved quality.

Customers can choose between two automatically latching tops, which is certainly not a common option in the category. The first option is a body-colored retractable hardtop, while the other is a more traditional cloth soft top, both operated by a button on the key fob.

Another highlight is the media center with voice command that offers Sirius Satellite Radio and a 30-gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information.

The four-seater convertible can be specified with a 173HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder or the brawnier, 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. To improve handling, the Detroit firm's engineers have either re-tuned or redesigned almost every part of the suspension, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings.

In the United States, the 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible will be available in three trim levels, Touring, Limited and S.

European buyers should look for the 200 convertible with a Lancia grille and badges at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March.

By Csaba Daradics

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