Tuner-Friendly Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec to Debut

Next week's 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Hyundai performing the official debut of the Genesis Coupe R-Spec that was first announced at the Chicago Auto Show back in February. The tuner-friendly R-Spec is essentially a stripped down version of the 2.0T Track model with a 210HP 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that does away with several non-essential convenience features such as Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls to reduce both cost and weight.

However, it does keep the performance goodies from the Track model like the sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo braking system and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Hyundai said that the R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts (dealer installation - optional for customer to install) to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response.

It will be available only with a manual transmission and a choice of three exterior colors - Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. At $23,750 (not including a $750 freight charge), the new Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model.





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'R-Spec' Trim Equipment Includes:

-- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine

with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 30 mpg

EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph

-- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission

-- Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic

Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist

-- 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width

high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires

(225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)

-- Brembo braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm

four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear

rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)

-- Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock

absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front

strut brace)

-- Torsen-type limited-slip differential

-- R-Spec badging

-- Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-- Front, side, side curtain air bags

-- Active front head restraints

-- Driver's lumbar support

-- Air conditioning

-- Remote keyless entry system

-- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

-- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors

-- AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers

-- iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity

-- Projector beam headlamps

-- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)

2010 Ford Taurus and Fusion Tuning Concepts

There will be no shortage of modified Ford vehicles at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week as the American automaker has planned more premieres than we can list on one post without 'scrolling' you to death. We've already told you about the 2010 Mustangs, Lincolns and F-150s concept / tuned models, now it's time to brief you on the modified 2010 Taurus and Fusion sedans. Hit the break to check out the image gallery with separate descriptions for each model.


-From Ford Press Release-

2010 Ford Taurus by Tommy Z Design

The Ford Taurus lends itself quite easily to the Superlux Youthful Styling and yet it remains sophisticated. Tommy Z embellished this great vehicle with his own classic VIP luxury style and components.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO by Mobsteel

The Ford Taurus SHO and Mobsteel are both committed to being anything but ordinary. So it's no surprise that the Taurus SHO by Mobsteel is one extraordinary vehicle. The trademark black-on-black Mobsteel paint job, custom fascias, and a host of trim touches and details give this 2010 Taurus SHO a tough menacing look, whether coming or going. And that's just the beginning, as this SHO has the goods both inside and out.

The bad boy rides on massive 22-inch Mobsteel forged two-piece wheels and super-low-profile Pirelli PZero Nero tires. A completely customized chassis with Air Runner front struts and Mobsteel adjustable rear air ride provide attitude to the max. The Magnaflow Performance cat-back exhaust and JL Audio equipment make this Taurus SHO sound as tough as it looks.

2010 Ford Taurus "Best of SHO" by MRT-Direct

MRT-Direct gives its signature classy touches to this Taurus SHO by adding subtle ground effect treatment, and a black cherry roof and custom vented hood. Increased performance is achieved through turbo system efficiencies, an exhaust upgrade, and wheel, tire and suspension modifications. The cabin is designed to be sporty and comfortable, while a Kicker sound system delivers the final beat.

2010 Ford Fusion Sport by Aaron Vaccar Signature Series

Young custom car designer Aaron Vaccar, most noted for his work with modern and sport compact vehicles, has taken his knowledge of next-generation styling and applied it to the new Ford Fusion Sport. Speed, style and sound – quite simply, this Fusion reveals that such a balance does exist in a sport-tuned street car. Upgraded with the thrills of a turbocharged motor, this Fusion now packs even more power to back up its stunning looks.

Noting that function needs to meet form, the entire audio and trunk enclosures have been designed to seamlessly integrate into the vehicle's styling and practicality. Tastefully mix the right combination of modifications, a bit of unique style combined with an already impressive platform, and what you get is this Aaron Vaccar Signature Series Fusion Sport.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises

This Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises showcases a variety of eco-friendly accessories and aerodynamic parts. These range from air splitters to heat-reflective paint, window film and a vehicle data display. All items are either lighter in weight than the factory items, increase fuel economy or eliminate petroleum-based products.

The data display helps increase the consumer's environmental awareness. The whole package delivers a desirable, eco-friendly Ford Fusion aimed at consumers who like to customize their vehicles and are concerned with environmental issues.

2010 Ford Fusion "T4" by MRT

This custom version of the fun, sporty, fuel-efficient Ford Fusion successfully combines the best of all worlds. MRT started with clever but subtle appearance changes to the exterior trim and paint. Next, they brought the same sport feel and style to the interior with revised seating and interior trim accents. The fun-to-drive factor is kicked up a notch with a single intercooled turbocharger and Street Performance coil-over suspension.

To unleash the full potential of the awesome turbocharged powerplant, MRT skillfully exhaust-balanced the system with a high-performance stainless-steel Max-Flow h-pipe and back half exhaust system using the finest CNC Mandrel bend tube and high-flow components.

The result is a system that delivers enhanced power and truly satisfying performance-car sound. Twenty-inch wheels and tires add a final touch to set off the look and give this Fusion an even smarter, sportier stance. On the inside, a kickin' audio system from Kicker provides the perfect balance of amped-up entertainment.

Local Motors Rally Fighter with BMW 335d Straight-Six to be Unveiled at SEMA Show

Wannabe automaker Local Motors will be taking the wraps off its first completed product, the internet-community designed and BMW turbodiesel-powered, Rally Fighter, at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. We first heard of the Massachusetts-based company that's lead by retired U.S. Marine Jay Rogers whose grandfather owned the Indian motorcycle company, in the summer of 2008.
To put it briefly, the company plans to use the designs of an internet community and micro factories around the country to build region specific vehicles.

The Rally Fighter is a baja-style crossover penned by Sangho Kim with the help of the firm's online design community. Local Motors says that the two-door vehicle's chassis and various parts connecting with OEM-sourced components are made in-house.

One of the most interesting aspects about the Rally Fighter is its 3.0 liter twin-turbo diesel from the BMW 335d. The inline-six cranks out 265 ponies and an even more impressive 425 pound-feet of torque at just 1,750 rpm that are channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

According to the company, the street-legal Rally Fighter that weighs in somewhere between 3,000 and 3,200 lbs (1,360 - 1450 kg), returns 36mpg on the highway and 30mpg in an off-road setting.

The cost of the Rally Fighter is estimated to be around $50,000 USD, with Local Motors claiming that it has already secured 22 orders for the vehicle. More to come at the SEMA Show next week.
Link: Local Motors
Local Motors Rally Fighter Specifications:

Drivetrain

• BMW 335d
  
• 3.0 Liter, Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
  
• 6 speed automatic transmission
  
• 265 Horsepower @ 4200rpm
  
• 425 lbft @1750 RPM
  
• Rear Wheel Drive
  
• Clean Diesel
  

Exterior

• Overall Length: 189 inches (4800mm)
  
• Dual Ride Height (Manual Capability)
  
• Overall Height:
  
  • 69.25 inches (1759mm) High ride height
    
  • 61.25 inches (1556mm) Low ride height
    
• Overall Width: 80 inches (2057mm)
  
• Wheelbase: 115 inches (2921mm)
  
• Track Width: 69.5 inches (1765mm)
  
• Curb Weight: 3,000-3,200 lbs.
  

Chassis

• Construction-Tubular steel space frame
  
• Front Suspension:
  
  • 18" Travel, independent double A-arm
    
  • with detachable stabilizer bar
    
  • Spring System-Long travel coil-over shock absorbers
    
• Rear Suspension:
  
  • 20" Travel, 3-Link Solid axle with Panhard
    
  • and stabilizer bars
    
• Lug Pattern-6 x 135mm
  
• Steering TypePower assisted rack and pinion
  

Brakes, Wheels, Tires

• 4-Wheel Anti-lock disc brakes.
  
• Front: 13" ventilated - dual-piston floating
  
• Rear: 13.7" ventilated - single-piston floating
  
• Emergency brake: Rear drum in rotor
  
• Wheels: 17"x8" aluminum alloy
  
• Tires:
  
  • 275/70R-17(High ride height)
    
  • 265/50R-20(Low ride height)
  
  

SEMA '09: Mopar Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty "BigFoot" with Massive 40-inch Tires and HEMI V8

Taking the latest generation Jeep Wrangler to a new extreme, Mopar has designed the uber-impressive "Lower Forty" concept for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The crazy Wrangler Lower Forty rides on massive 40 x 13.5-inch tires mounted on Mopar's 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels while power comes from a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine coupled to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox. The Mopar-supplied Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle, fitted with 5.38 gears and ARB air lockers complete the mechanical upgrades.

In order to fit the massive wheels on the Wrangler Rubicon without using a suspension air lift, Mopar's team created custom front and rear fender flares that are 1-inch wider and are located 4 inches higher than on the stock model.

Other exterior modifications include the chopped windshield frame that gets a 10-degree rake, a one-piece carbon-fiber hood with a Jeep CJ-like power dome and an all-new drop-down tailgate stamped with the "Jeep" logo.

The Lower Forty also gets a roll cage that is tied directly into the frame rails, a color-matched center console and instrument panel and two-tone Katzkin leather seats while the carpet has been replaced with spray-in truck-bed liner.