Tulsa’s Buried '57 Plymouth Heading For De-rustation

About a month back we had reported on Miss Belvedere, a 1957 Plymouth that was sealed up in a time capsule in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The vehicle was exhumed and despite the capsules ability to survive a nuclear attack, unfortunately it did not survive major water damage (see here & here). Now, the car is headed to Hackettstown, New Jersey, where Ultra One Corporation is based, and the manufacturers of a product called Safest Rust Remover. The owner of the vehicle, Robert Carney who appears to be the nephew of the person who most closely guessed Tulsa's 2007 population in 1957, and Ultra One came to an agreement to have the Plymouth chemically de-rusted and preserved. -Continued after the jump

As you can see from the pic, Ultra One certainly has their work cut out for them. But the solution is claimed to be “non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable, removing corrosion while leaving metal, rubber, plastic, seals, and most paints untouched The rust removal process is estimated to take about six months and the company promises to document the whole process on their website. There are also plans to get the engine running and all the lamps working before the final unveiling. We’ll keep everyone posted on the de-rusting process as it unfolds.

Posted by Dani

Via: hemmings

MOMO’s Drifting Steering Wheel

Question: What’s a drifter without a “specialized” steering wheel? Answer: A drifter without a “specialized” steering wheel… but that’s not the point of this article. Point is that MOMO presented a new drifting steering wheel that comes in two versions - racing and tuning. MOMO added its unique styling cues to the wheels, in the form of anthracite spokes and yellow embroidered detailing to the 330mm diameter suede racing wheel, and yellow or orange embroidery to the 350mm leather tuning version. According to MOMO, the specialized steering wheels feature a 90mm dish allegedly developed at the request of drifting drivers for maximum oversteer control. If you're convinced that MOMO's Drifting steering wheel is a necessity, then know that in the UK, the racing version is priced at £128 (€189 or $259) and the tuning model at £146 (€216 or $295).

Porsche Cayenne Based Techart Magnum To Premiere In Frankfurt

German tuning house Techart will show off its latest Magnum model based on the recently facelifted Porsche Cayenne. The revised Magnum features a full bodykit that pays respects to the ever-lasting kitsch God with curved fender flares that add 8cm (3,1-inches) to the width of the Cayenne, new aprons and air inlets etc. As with all supped up SUVs, the Magnum is equipped with monster alloy rims (22-inch) in 295/30 ZR 22 tires on the front axle and 335/25 ZR 22 on the rear. Last but not least, Techart is also readying a performance pack for the Cayenne Turbo which in its most powerful incarnation will produce up to 620 hp / 456 kW. -Press release and images after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Techart

World Debut at the International Frankfurt Auto Show IAA 2007 - The new TECHART Magnum Based on the Latest Porsche Cayenne

With more than 500 produced units the Magnum is the most successful model in the 20-year history of TECHART Automobildesign. At the Frankfurt International Auto Show IAA 2007 the new TECHART Magnum based on the latest Porsche Cayenne celebrates its world debut.

Like its predecessor the new TECHART Magnum sets itself apart with a spectacular aerodynamic-enhancement package that fits all versions of the Porsche SUV. All body components are manufactured from PUR-RIM plastic in OEM quality.

The curved TECHART fender flares add eight centimeters to the width of the Cayenne. The Magnum rocker panels provide a fluent transition between the wider wheel arches.

The new aprons for front and rear that replace their production counterparts were designed to correspond visually to the more pronounced contours of the wheel arches. The TECHART Magnum front apron lends the latest Cayenne generation an even more striking appearance. Its large air inlets feature elegantly styled slats and provide ample cooling air for radiators and front brakes. A total of four auxiliary headlights and daytime running lights improve active safety.

The TECHART Magnum rear apron with integrated diffuser reduces lift on the rear axle and provides the perfect backdrop for the TECHART stainless-steel sport exhaust system with two chrome tailpipes on either side.

The body conversion can be rounded out with moldings for front and rear lights, as well as with a new hood that features two air outlets that optimize heat balance in the engine bay.

The Magnum also features custom-tailored wheels and tires. The largest possible version features TECHART Formula II light-alloy wheels in size 10.5Jx22 in front and in size 11,5Jx22 in the rear. For optimal tires TECHART chose ContiCrossContact UHP tires in sizes 295/30 ZR 22 and 335/25 ZR 22, which are approved on the Cayenne for a top speed of 300 km/h.

These tires also make the Magnum a prime candidate for the engine tuning of the Cayenne Turbo that is currently under development and in its most powerful incarnation will produce up to 620 hp / 456 kW.

The air suspension of the Cayenne Turbo is modified with the TECHART sport module that lowers the ride height for enthusiastic on-road driving by 30 millimeters. The entire range of adjustment from the lowest ride height (loading level) to the highest (special off-road level) measures some 110 millimeters.

The TECHART Magnum repertoire also includes countless interior options. The range of products starts with exclusive accessories such as an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and carbon-fiber applications for the cockpit, available in a number of different colors.

Requests for an even higher degree of customization can be fulfilled with exclusive TECHART fully leather interiors in any color and design imaginable.

The TECHART interior line de Sede of Switzerland, created in cooperation with the Swiss furniture manufacturer, represents an especially exclusive option. The high-quality de Sede leather skins are transformed by the company-own TECHART upholstery shop into meticulously finished upholstery for seats, door and side trim, dashboard, roof pillars and headliner.

Yet another specialty of the German customization specialists are state-of-the-art multimedia systems.

Video: 2008 MINI Clubman

MINI circulated a video of its new Clubman that features a unique rear-end design along with an extra rear-hinged door on the passengers side and new proportions compared to the 3door hatch. Set to make its international debut in Frankfurt, the Clubman will go on sale in Europe this November in three model configurations: the MINI Cooper Clubman, the MINI Cooper D Clubman and the MINI Cooper S Clubman. See the press release along with a high-res image gallery here.

Chevy Suburban From Soprano's Auctioned on eBay

The 1999 4x4 Chevy Suburban, one of two original vehicles leased by the production as Tony Soprano's car for the series, is being auctioned off on eBay. With 53,743 miles on the odometer, the bid is starting at $30,000. If your skeptical of the authenticity of the vehicle just get a whiff of the stale cigar smoke and the panel enclosing the vanity mirror on the driver's side visor signed in ink, "Be nice to my car” by James Gandolfini himself.

The Suburban also comes with a letter of authenticity from the Move Time Cars which leased the vehicle for the series. Honestly, couldn’t they have found an uglier car or are the producers just trying to appeal to the common folk? -Continued after the jump

Posted by Dani

Link: eBay

Peugeot 308 RC Z: 2+2 Coupe Concept Previews Audi TT Alternative

Alongside the all-new 308 compact hatch, Peugeot will also debut the 308 RC Z Concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Show. Deemed to be of one the show’s most intriguing premiers, the 308 RC Z previews a compact size 2+2 coupe based on the 308 hatch that will quite possibly go into production as a cheaper alternative to the Audi TT Coupe. Design-wise, the 308 RC Z actually reminds us more of the early 90's Audi Avus Concept with its bulgy wheel arches and the forward-cabin design. In all, we like it a lot, as what the 308 RC Z’s exterior design lacks in elegance it more than compensates with its aggressive stance. Inside, the RC Z features a production ready fascia derived from the 308 hatch with minor differentiations like the clock in the place of the center vent and the higher, lower part of the center console. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below (high-res image gallery & specs included)

Unfortunately Peugeot has yet to release an English press release on the 308 RC Z, but we managed to get our hands on the German version which also includes detailed information on the French coupe’s specs. Sharing the same wheelbase as the 308 hatch, the 308 RC Z is 4.3 m long and just 1.32 m high. Thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and carbofibre bodyparts along with the back window made of polycarbonate, the 308 RC Z weighs in at just 1.200 kg (2.650 lbs). The 308 RC Z is equipped with a revised version of the PSA – BMW Group co-developed, twin-turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol unit that produces 218Hp.

Matted to a 6speed manual gearbox the lightweight 308 RC Z sprints from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7,0 sec and from 0 to 1.000m (62,3 miles) in 27,0 sec with a maximum top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). According to Peugeot, the 308 RC Z features an avg. consumption of just 6,7lt per 100 km which translates to 35,1mpg.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX: 1.8L Compact SUV To Debut In Frankfurt

Apparently based on the Lancer’s global compact platform, Mitsubishi’s 4.10m long Concept-cX SUV is equipped with a soft-road application of the Outlander-derived Electric control 4WD drivetrain. Quite importantly, the cX prototype previews Mitsubishi’s CO₂-friendly next generation Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines, a 1.8-liter unit featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system. The 1.8L diesel unit is combined with Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) which will be available in the new Lancer EVO X sports sedan (see details here).

Although Mitsubishi’s press release doesn’t say anything, judging from the sketches and the fact that the cX is using production ready powertrain and chassis, we’d say that the compact SUV has a lot of chances to head for production. -Press release after the jump

Mitsubishi Concept-cX: Dual peace of mind

Building upon 70 years of four-wheel drive expertise, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is in a privileged position to appreciate the customer benefits of this technology, in terms of on-road active safety and off-road ability, from Lancer Evolution to Pajero.

At the occasion of the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, MMC will combine this dynamic fluency with the first tangible demonstration in Europe of its regionalised environmental strategy, previewing the CO₂-friendly next generation Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines co-developed with its parent company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

As a showcase for this dual “peace of mind”, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil Mitsubishi Concept-cX* in Frankfurt: an accessible, affordable, sustainable and realistic solution to today’s pressing issues. Sporty and flexible, Mitsubishi Concept-cX will follow the popular compact SUV route to carry this message right at the heart of the market.

Featuring the “Jet Fighter” grille already seen with Lancer Sports Sedan and using a soft-road application of the Outlander-derived Electric control four-wheel drive drivetrain, the 4.10m long Mitsubishi Concept-cX will also intend to create a link between Mitsubishi’s passenger cars and SUVs.

Sharp in design and in dynamics, Mitsubishi Concept-cX will boast an excellent environmental performance to be seen in the low fuel consumption and emission levels achieved by its next generation 1.8-litre Clean Diesel engine, mated to an automated manual transmission. A preview of a family of powertrains to be launched in the course of 2009, it features a variable geometry diffuser (VG) turbocharger – to generate optimum boost pressure for all engine loads – and DPF technologies.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX’s further green credentials include eco-friendly “Green Plastics”, MMC’s proprietary plant-based resin technology, effectively used for interior trim materials.

As a reminder, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has adopted an all-embracing approach in addressing global environmental issues. Under its “EIP 2010” (“Environment Initiative Program 2010”) umbrella project, the Company is actively engaged in the development of a wide range of such technologies, covering:

Powertrains suiting regional needs, driving patterns & infrastructures:

• Clean Diesel Euro 5 family of engines for Europe
• MiEV next-generation electric vehicle for Japan
• Flexible fuel vehicle for Brazil
• Materials (plant-based “Green Plastic”,…)
• Processes (“Design for Environment” guiding principles,…).
• Manufacturing (pollution-prevention and recycling measures).
• Conservation (“Pajero Forest & Local Mountain Restoration Initiative” aiming to conserve and cultivate Japan’s forests and woodlands).

Note: “Pajero” is “Montero” in Spain and “Shogun” in the UK.

* ‘Compact crossover’ concept vehicle