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Subaru of America, Inc. announced two tuner models along with a “blast from the past” Subaru classic that will debut at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3-6. Further models will be announced in due course.

Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT®), Subaru of America’s in house performance division, built a custom Impreza WRX® STI® and Legacy® VIP concept especially for the 2009 SEMA Show. The WRX STI by SPT demonstrates what a WRX STI owner can build at home using just the SPT catalog as a source for bolt-on parts. The WRX STI by SPT offers more power along with even sharper handling response, making it the ideal machine for high style street performance or track driving.

The Legacy VIP is a one-of-a-kind vehicle inspired by the VIP rides found on the streets of Tokyo, Los Angeles and New York. It uniquely blends parts from SPT and the Japanese domestic market (JDM) with custom features for the “full VIP treatment.” VIP is a style known for a clean, yet heavily reworked, luxury theme with an emphasis on impossibly low ride height and huge, aggressively styled wheels.

Those connected to this scene don’t say “V-I-P” but rather call it “bippu” in a nod to its Japanese roots. “Traditional” VIP rides are based on rear-wheel drive vehicles; the Subaru Legacy VIP breaks the mold by applying the look to an all-wheel drive sedan with an extra dose of East Coast flair.

The third vehicle announced for Subaru’s SEMA display is also one-of-a-kind: A special SPT delivery van that promises to deliver go-fast parts very slowly. That’s because it only has 25 horsepower.

The 1969 micro van (emphasis on “micro”) was one of the first models sold by Subaru of America. Its two-cylinder, two-stroke engine musters 25.3 lb.-ft. of torque. Less than 10 feet long and barely more than four feet wide, the Subaru micro van could be used to deliver SPT parts inside Subaru’s headquarters campus. Nearly as impressive as its 66-MPG economy is the patience needed to drive it for 66 miles.

2010 Subaru WRX STI by SPT

The drivetrain in the WRX STI by SPT is essentially stock, which means a 2.5 liter DOHC, 16 valve, turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer® engine with Dual Active Valve Control System. Backed by a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission, it gets power to the road via Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), limited slip helical front differential and TORSEN® rear differential.

The engine remains stock, including 14.7 PSI max. boost. An SPT exhaust system boosts horsepower to 315 hp @ 6,000 RPM (up from the stock 305), while peak torque remains stock at 290 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM. There is also an SPT turbo heat shield. For that extra dose of style under the hood, the car features an SPT billet oil cap v2.0 and SPT billet battery hold down v2.0; an STI front lip spoiler and SPT exhaust finishers complete the look.

The stock WRX STI is already a master of the curves; the WRX STI by SPT ups the handling ante with readily available accessories: 19 x 8.5-in. Prodrive® GT2 wheels are finished in Glitter Gold and wear Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 245/35R19 performance tires. Suspension is tweaked with STI performance springs, an SPT strut tower brace and an SPT lower chassis brace.

Interior appointments and electronics are geared to what the average enthusiast can afford and use. So, you won’t find half a dozen 10-inch LCDs scattered around the interior. An SPT boost gauge, a media hub digital music integration system and an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and HomeLink® transmitter, are all available from the SPT catalog. Final touches include an STI shift knob and all-weather floor mats (because Subaru drivers aren’t afraid of the weather.)

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT VIP

The 2010 Legacy is all-new, built on a new platform that increases room and comfort while preserving the agility and fun-to-drive spirit of the previous model. Its new midsize roominess and comfort make Legacy an ideal candidate for the VIP (“bippu”) treatment. This transformation, however, is not for the faint of heart.

The 2010 Legacy 2.5GT starts out strong enough; its new 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled is teamed exclusively to a new 6-speed manual transmission for 2010 along with the Continuous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (viscous coupling locking center differential). So, the Legacy can go on when the snowflakes fall. The stock torque curve (258 lb.-ft. at 2,000-5,200 RPM) makes city VIP-ing smooth and easy in this Legacy.

The turbo Boxer is dressed up with a custom full engine bay cover, SPT billet oil cap v2.0 and SPT billet battery hold-down v2.0. To go “bippu” is to go low, starting with the profile. The stock Subaru intercooler, which inhales through a hood scoop, is replaced by a Mishimoto front mount intercooler with custom piping, to allow a smooth hood.

To ride low, the Legacy VIP gets air suspension system from Universal Air®. The MC3 Enterprises Trinidad wheels were custom machine for this vehicle and measure 20 x 10-inch in front (30 offset) with a 3-inch lip; the 20 x 10-inch rear wheels have a 12 offset and 4-inch lip. The 235/30R20 Falken FK452 tires are “stretched a bit.”

Subaru sourced a number of body parts from the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Legacy, including: hood, bumper faces, sport grille, front and rear under spoilers, HID headlights and fog lights. The power folding signal mirrors with chrome caps and the vent shades likewise come from the JDM Legacy parts supply. Roof and decklid lip spoilers were added to keep the lines of the car clean.

Custom touches start with the rolled and flared fenders and add a chrome trunk garnish and door handles, along with puddle lights. The body is sprayed in Shinjuku Black Plum. The Legacy VIP interior is almost fully custom, featuring diamond stitch seats and door trim finished in Togarashi Red. An interior illumination kit and illuminated sill plates add a VIP glow.

SPT catalog parts include an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and HomeLink transmitter and an STI Duracon shift knob.

The rear seat passengers enjoy the full VIP treatment, starting with bucket seats and a motorized compartment for valuables. Onboard entertainment is offered through a JVC KD-AVX77 touch screen head unit up front and twin rear seat multifunction displays in the rear. A custom carputer integrates the added subsystems. A pair of JBL amps (GT5-A604 4-channel and GT5-A3001 sub amp) powers six JBL speakers and two JBL 10-inch subs.

1969 Subaru SPT Parts Delivery Van

The Subaru SPT Parts Delivery Van is a fully restored 1969 Subaru 360 van and features prominent SPT livery. The restoration was undertaken by Subaru of Las Vegas and will be displayed in their showrooms after the show.

– Engine: 356 cc, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled
– Horsepower/torque: 25 @ 5,500 RPM / 25.3 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
– Length: 117.9 inches
– Width: 51.0 inches
– Height: 53.0 inches
– Curb weight: approx. 950 lbs.
– Fuel economy: 66 miles per gallon
– Smile factor: priceless

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

Hot rodders have always lived by the motto “There’s no replacement for displacement,” indicating that the more cubic inches an engine has, the better the resulting performance. Ford Powertrain and Detroit Street Rods are out to prove that thinking out-of-date with their EcoBoost(TM)-powered ’34 Ford hot rod.

To be introduced at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the Ford hot rod will be the “first” rear-wheel-drive application of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivering an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque – power numbers that easily rival a typical hot rod’s 302-cubic-inch V-8 or even a modern-day V-8 of similar size.

“EcoBoost technology shows that there is a viable replacement for displacement,” said Dan Kapp, director of Ford Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, who will be part of a SEMA “Driving Green” technology briefing panel discussion during the show. “As consumers’ demand for fuel efficiency continues to grow, and our commitment to delivering best-in-class fuel economy remains steadfast, it’s important to show that performance does not need to suffer as a result.”

“Hot rod builds provide blank canvases for SEMA member companies and SEMA is uniquely positioned to demonstrate that horsepower and green power can coexist without sacrificing performance or the cool factor,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of Vehicle Technology. “This ’34 EcoBoost hot rod is a fantastic example of modern green technology being applied in a manner that any performance enthusiast would love.”

The EcoBoost family of engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions versus larger-displacement engines.

“The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power,” said Kapp. “We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque to that larger engine.”

The first EcoBoost engine, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, launched this year on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and on the Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. The EcoBoost V-6 produces 355 horsepower (365 hp in the Taurus SHO) and 350 ft.-lb. of torque.

Ford has recently announced the first four-cylinder EcoBoost engines, launching in global applications beginning next year. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 first arrives in Europe, followed by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 launching on products in both Europe and North America.

Going forward, Ford will shift its powertrain strategy to be built around EcoBoost technology. Under the new system:

• A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 would replace naturally aspirated V-8 engines
• A 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 would replace naturally aspirated V-6 engines
• A 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 would replace naturally aspirated large I-4 engines

Following the launches of the new EcoBoost I-4s will be the extension of the 3.5-liter V-6 to the first rear-wheel-drive configuration in the F-150 pickup truck late next year. Another global application, the Ford Falcon sedan in Australia, will receive a rear-wheel-drive version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 in 2011.

The fun-to-drive nature of EcoBoost engines is leading Ford to introduce these fuel-saving powertrains in large volumes virtually across its lineup. For example, by 2013 more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology, and nearly 80 percent of Ford’s global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.

By 2013, global EcoBoost volume throughout the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle family is expected to be 1.3 million units, with up to 750,000 sales coming from North America alone.

’34 Ford EcoBoost hot rod project

Detroit Street Rods’ latest build is a 1934 Ford and is a joint venture with Ford Motor Company and Experi-metal. In this ’34 application, the EcoBoost engine is configured for rear-wheel drive and is coupled with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission.

“The decision to use the EcoBoost engine for our powertrain on this project was an easy one in that it gave us the opportunity to combine the iconic ’34 Ford sculpted body lines with the advanced technology of the EcoBoost powerplant,” stated Robert Smith, president of Detroit Street Rods. “The result is the perfect hot rod marriage of advanced technology for power and legendary automobile design.”

While the stock Honeywell turbochargers that drive the EcoBoost engine are used, they were repackaged to fit the engine bay of this all-steel replica body. The engine configuration and turbocharger packaging was dynamometer tested by Ford Powertrain for proper calibration of the engine electronic control module (ECM). In addition to the all-stock engine, other components including the fuel pump, ECM, fuel pump module, fuel pump processor and drive-by-wire throttle were utilized in their original production configuration.

The body is from Steve’s Auto Restoration and is the recently released 1934 Ford 3-Window coupe. The complete body and fenders are from brand-new tooling, and are designed, stamped and manufactured by Experi-metal in Sterling Heights, Mich. This “replica” ’34 features all-steel construction, full fenders, running boards, electronic power windows, air conditioning and custom bumpers.

The engine was repackaged and fitted with an engine plate adapter to mate with an aluminum flywheel, performance clutch and a Tremec TKO five-speed transmission. The turbochargers were repositioned to the front of the cylinder heads and custom aluminum tubing was used to route the air from the custom air cleaner through the air-to-air intercooler. The exhaust gases are routed from the cylinder heads through coated headers, through the stock wastegates, and pass through large custom exhaust cones located outside the engine bay and just above the front fenders.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Ford sets a precedent in the Popular Mechanics 2010 Automotive Excellence Awards, winning more categories by a single brand than any other automaker in the history of the awards

• Ford vehicles winning this year’s awards are the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in the Performance category, 2010 Ford Transit Connect in the Workhorse category and the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in the Off-Road Ability category
• The awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in 10 categories

Editors at Popular Mechanics announced the winners of the magazine’s 2010 Automotive Excellence Awards, and Ford Motor Company  set a precedent, winning more categories in a single year than any other automaker in the history of the awards.

The Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in 10 categories. Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT500 won the award in the Performance category, Transit Connect took top honors in the Workhorse category and F-150 SVT Raptor earned the award in the Off-Road Ability category.

“Ford’s sweep of three categories in this year’s awards speaks to the onslaught of great products coming from Dearborn,” said Ben Stewart, automotive editor, Popular Mechanics.

Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company, accepted the awards on behalf of the Ford team.

“This important recognition reflects the strength and diversity of the Ford product lineup,” said Kuzak. “From a performance car to a workhorse vehicle to an off-road pickup, Ford is building quality products that people really want.”

To determine award winners, Stewart says editors of Popular Mechanics travel the globe and spend thousands of miles behind the wheel of every new car and truck introduced by the world’s automakers. After months of hands-on testing and research, the team nominates a list of vehicles in each category, then votes on the winners.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – Performance Category Winner

The editors of Popular Mechanics describe the Mustang Shelby GT500 as a new superpower to contend with in the 21st-century muscle car wars.

“The Mustang Shelby GT500 – with its incredibly potent 5.4-liter V-8 engine – certainly impressed us,” said Stewart. “But it was Ford Special Vehicle Team’s (SVT) refinement of the chassis that made our staff declare the GT500 the best Mustang in the model’s long 45-year history.”

2010 Ford Transit Connect – Workhorse Category Winner

Popular Mechanics editors praise the Ford Transit Connect as a fresh alternative to a full-size van that is packaged to address the pressures of the economy, urban congestion and fluctuating gas prices.

“It was the brilliant combination of the Transit Connect’s efficient use of space – and fuel – that won over our team,” said Stewart. “This vehicle proves that small vehicles can handle big jobs, and it comes at an ideal time when contractors and other business owners are looking to downsize and save on fuel.”

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Off-Road Ability Category Winner

“The most extreme high-speed 4×4 pickup ever produced,” is the way editors of Popular Mechanics describe Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor.

“We spent time riding along with Ford SVT engineers at near race speeds and had a chance to climb behind the wheel of the truck ourselves,” said Stewart. “For the avid off-roader, the Raptor is the truck we’ve all been waiting for.”

Stewart says he was particularly impressed with the tuning of Raptor’s long-travel suspension.

“It soaks up high-speed desert terrain better than any production pickup truck we’ve driven,” he said.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Motor club says safe driving to and from parties will help ensure a happy Halloween

With nearly one in three adults planning to attend or host a Halloween party this year, AAA urges partygoers to plan in advance by designating a sober driver before enjoying the festivities.

“Halloween has become an increasingly popular occasion for adults to host and attend parties where alcohol is frequently served. By designating a sober driver, or by choosing not to drink alcoholic beverages if driving solo, this popular holiday can be less frightening for everyone,” said Jake Nelson, director, AAA Traffic Safety Research and Advocacy.

According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween parties for adults have been growing in popularity over the past decade. This year about 30 percent of all adults will be celebrating with others, and an estimated sixty-two percent of those ages 18-24 will attend or host a party.

With legions of child pedestrians and their adult escorts in neighborhoods for trick-or-treating this weekend, and many costume-clad adults taking to the roads to attend holiday parties, it is imperative that everyone involved in the celebration think about the importance of traffic safety, AAA said.

Fifty-eight percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. on Halloween night last year involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

To help keep the roadways safe this Halloween weekend, AAA offers partygoers a few easy tips:

Designate a sober driver in advance. If intending to drink alcohol, plan ahead to get home safely by selecting a designated driver or ensuring cab service is available from the party location. Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.
Consider an overnight stay. If attending a party at a friend’s home, consider asking to stay overnight. If participating in festivities in a downtown or commercial area, look into hotel accommodations within walking distance. Many hotels offer special Halloween weekend rates and promotions.
Do not let impaired guests drive. If hosting a Halloween party, remind guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, offer alcohol-free beverages and do not allow impaired guests to drive. Prepare a list of local taxi companies in advance to have ready should guests need to call one.
Avoid traveling through residential areas. If possible, try to avoid cutting through residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present. If providing directions to a party, try not to route guests through residential areas unnecessarily.
Watch for children in the street. While trick-or-treating, children may not pay attention to traffic and might cross mid-block or between parked cars. Motorists should scan far ahead when driving in residential areas, watch for children and cautiously monitor their actions.
Obey the speed limit. Motorists should obey the posted speed limit. When driving through residential areas were trick-or-treaters are likely out, consider driving five miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.

For additional tips to keep Halloween safe, including tips for parents and trick-or-treaters, visit AAA.com/PublicAffairs.

Source: AAA

Media to Test Drive the Latest Clean Diesel, Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Hybrid Vehicles

The Los Angeles Auto Show will host a unique opportunity for journalists to drive some of the most advanced green cars on Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Green Cars/LA Auto Show Ride & Drive will enable journalists to experience back-to-back comparison drives of exciting, new and experimental models that offer high fuel efficiency, low environmental impact or run on a variety of alternative fuels. The Ride & Drive is sponsored by Southern California Edison (SCE) and the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Make it Possible(SM) campaign.

As the first major North American auto show of the season, the LA Auto Show has developed a strong reputation as a key show for emerging green trends and vehicles. During the show’s second Press Day, multiple vehicles from ten manufacturers representing North American, European and Asian automakers will be on hand to test drive on the streets of L.A.

Some participating vehicles are so new or in such limited quantity that previous test drive opportunities have been very rare or simply unavailable, such as the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Diesel and the electric Volkswagen E-Up!. Other green vehicles available to test drive include the BMW 335d, Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell, Honda FCX Clarity, MINI-E, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Mitsubishi i car, Volkswagen Euro Polo Blue Motion and Touareg TDI, plus others. Three 2010 Green Car of the Year® finalists are featured as well, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight and the Volkswagen Golf TDI.

“Today’s sharper focus on efficiency, CO2 reduction and better overall environmental performance has brought greater momentum to all types of ‘green’ vehicles, whether they’re powered by advanced gasoline and diesel engines or alternatives like electricity, hydrogen or biofuels,” says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, editor of GreenCar.com and organizer of the Ride & Drive. “The ride and drive enables journalists attending the LA Auto Show to get behind the wheel of these innovative vehicles and put them through their paces on city streets.”

The Ride & Drive will be accompanied by displays from Southern California Edison and Plastics Make it Possible(SM). Auto show participants who visit SCE’s exhibit will get an early view of what they need to do to get their homes plug-in and electric vehicle ready. SCE experts will provide answers to frequently asked questions about electricity rates, charging equipment, installation options and when to call the electric utility. Plastics Make it Possible(SM) is a new campaign sponsored by the American Chemistry Council that highlights innovative uses of plastics. Within the automotive industry, plastics are helping improve vehicles through safety, performance and style. When it comes to the latest “green” vehicles, plastics allow manufacturers to make cars lighter and more fuel efficient, reducing green house gas emissions. Over the past decade, recycled plastics have been increasingly used in vehicle interiors and upholstery, allowing plastics to live a second life in automobiles.

Source: Greater Los Angeles Auto Show

Dodge announced an exclusive production run of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 featuring the classic Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior color. Both Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics–unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology–now with an extra dose of nostalgia.

“The new Plum Crazy R/T Classic and SRT8 feature more than just memorable blast-from-the-past design cues and HEMI engines; both models exude the very core of Dodge Challenger’s roots,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President–Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our new Plum Crazy limited-edition models pay homage to Challenger’s heritage while delivering the passion and excitement Dodge fans and customers demand.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Plum Crazy models are available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy

Based on the powerful 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy edition is the first to offer dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and chromed fuel-filler door.

When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy includes the performance-minded Track Pak with precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, anti-spin 3.92 differential and a performance-tuned dual exhaust with two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness.” And when it’s time to deliver, the Plum Crazy R/T Classic can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds with its powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N*m) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Plum Crazy

If the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy is not exciting enough, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 version delivers even more punch and exclusivity with its 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments.

The limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Plum Crazy is based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and features exterior-matching SRT performance seats with Plum Crazy accented stripe.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in Plum Crazy

Production of the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in limited-production Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will start in late November 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

2010 Dodge Challenger

The 2010 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics–unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology–to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger accommodates five passengers in a two-door coupe produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway mpg, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities including Uconnect(TM) Navigation with voice-activated navigation system and real-time traffic available it’s no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates “Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car” in their 2009 APEAL Study.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC