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Shelby celebrates original Cobra’s 50th anniversary with special edition continuation car

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance

Shelby 50th Anniversary Cobra

Shelby 50th Anniversary Cobra – Click above for high-res image gallery

2012 marks half a century since the very first Cobra was released on the street, and to celebrate, Shelby has announced a limited-edition 50th Anniversary model that was introduced at Barrett-Jackson earlier today. Using CSX8000 chassis numbers, each of the continuation cars will be painted in “Shelby Black” and feature a premium leather interior, wire wheels and special badging.

Pricing for a 50th Anniversary Cobra rolling chassis (car minus drivetrain) is set at $69,995 or $134,995 for an aluminum-bodied car. Expensive, yes, but with just 50 units slated for production, we can see them getting snapped up pretty quickly. Hit the jump for the full details from Shelby.

Gallery: Shelby 50th Anniversary Cobra

Shelby 50th Anniversary Cobra

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby celebrates original Cobra’s 50th anniversary with special edition continuation car

Shelby celebrates original Cobra’s 50th anniversary with special edition continuation car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy celebrates 100

Filed under: Etc., Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Rolls-Royce is celebrating a birthday for an important company icon this year. The Spirit of Ecstasy, otherwise known as The Flying Lady, has appeared at the forefront of Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911. This year marks its 100th birthday.

To honor this milestone, Rolls-Royce is marking all 2011 models with the words “Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary – 2011.” It will be etched into the base of the ornament.

In addition, Rolls has planned various celebrations throughout the year to honor specific dates relevant to the Spirit of Ecstasy. For example, February 6th marks the date when the design was first trademarked and Rolls-Royce will host a drive through London to commemorate the occasion. More events are to be revealed as the year progresses.

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy celebrates 100

Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy celebrates 100 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Fast Lane Daily celebrates 1,000 episodes, heads to the ‘Ring for $1,000

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Citroën

Fast Lane Daily 1000th Episode

Fast Lane Daily hits 1,000 episodes and goes to the ‘Ring – Click above to watch video after the jump

Fast Lane Daily has been running for some time now. The Next New Networks show first hit the internet back in 2007, and over the course of the last few years have produced quite a bit of content. In fact, the newest episode marks number 1,000 for the FLD crew. To celebrate the occasion, Fast Lane Daily creator Emil Rensing has sent host Derek DeAngelis to Germany so he can drive the Nürburgring. Sounds pretty amazing, until Derek D. realizes his entire trip has a budget of $1,000.

Regardless of the lack of funds, DeAngelis is still able to get to the Green Hell and spend time on the track. It may be behind the wheel of a Citroën C4 but the entire trip clearly has a strong effect on the host. Though the 24-minute clip is longer than the typical Fast Lane Daily segment, we think it’s worth it to watch this one all the way through.

Hop the jump to watch FLD’s 1,000th episode.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Fast Lane Daily celebrates 1,000 episodes, heads to the ‘Ring for $1,000

Video: Fast Lane Daily celebrates 1,000 episodes, heads to the ‘Ring for $1,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariel Atom celebrates turning 10 with special Mugen edition

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, MISC

Ariel Atom Mugen Special Edition

Ariel Atom Mugen Special Edition – Click above to enlarge

It’s hard to believe that 10 whole years have passed since the only Brit crazier than Amy Winehouse hit the world stage. We are, of course, referring to the Ariel Atom, but you already knew that, didn’t you? And, like any good anniversary celebration, AutoExpress reports that Ariel is celebrating its tenth by releasing a special edition, which sure beats the traditional anniversary gift of tin…

As befitting the celebration, Ariel plans to create just 10 special editions, the first of which will make its debut at the Autosport Show in the UK in January. The big news is that Ariel has partnered up with Mugen – a company that specializes in adding more power and finesse to Honda’s wares – to boost the power of its Honda-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from 245 to 270 horsepower.

Further frippery will include a special coat of paint and a plaque proclaiming its special place in the order along with the signatures of the Mugen and Ariel technicians who built it (just one of each will have their hands on the machine). Check out a larger version of the rendering by clicking on the image above.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Ariel Atom celebrates turning 10 with special Mugen edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda celebrates turning 90, looks back at logos

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mazda

Mazda celebrates 90 years, looks back at past logos

Mazda celebrates 90 years and we look at its changing logo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda turns 90 years old this year, and during the Japanese automaker’s near-century of building cars, it has stayed true to the Zoom-Zoom ethos that defined it. One thing that has changed over the years, however, is its logo. In 1936, Mazda entered the world of automobile manufacturing and hit the ground running with not one, but two logos: a simple “Mazda” written in script and a triple “M” symbol that was said to be both a tie to its headquarters – home of Hiroshima City and the sense of speed and agility that Mazda puts into its cars. That triple M also served to stand for Mazda Motor Manufacturer.

Over the course of Mazda’s 90 years, its logo would be changed four more times. Today, The stylized M more closely resembles outstretched wings and the Laguna Seca Blue font below it shows just how dedicated Mazda is to making cars that are, at their core, fun to drive.

Take a look through the gallery below and travel through a timeline of Mazda logos.

Gallery: Mazda Celebrates 90 Years, Looks Back at Past Logos

Mazda Logo 1936 #1 Mazda Logo 1936 #2 Mazda Logo 1959 Mazda Logo 1975 Mazda Logo 1992

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda celebrates turning 90, looks back at logos

Mazda celebrates turning 90, looks back at logos originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive

Filed under: Classics, Technology, BMW

BMW celebrates 25 years of AWD

BMW celebrates 25 years of AWD – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW says that after 25 years, one in four of the company’s vehicles is sold with xDrive all-wheel drive. The German carmaker currently sells a total of 45 models that put power to all four tires, and it says that figure may rise in the near future. In order to celebrate just how far the company’s all-wheel drive system has come over the past quarter decade, BMW has rolled out a quick stroll down memory lane. The first BMW to wear an X on its trunk debuted in 1985 and offered buyers a vehicle that was as capable when the road turned slippery as it was when the tarmac grew twisty.

Since then, BMW says that it has worked to give all of its all-wheel-drive vehicles the same rear-wheel bias as the rest of its products to maintain the now classic BMW driving feel. Hit the jump to see the full press release for yourself, and be sure to check out the gallery full of vintage BMW goodies.

Gallery: 25 Years of BMW AWD

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive

BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Art Center Car Classic celebrates Freedom of Motion

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

2010 Art Center Car Classic

2010 Art Center Car Classic – Click above for high-res image gallery

Pasadena, CA can get particularly hot during the summer, so we thought it was an excellent idea when the Art Center College of Design moved its annual car show from July to the middle of October. While the event, which happened last weekend, did escape the heat, it still couldn’t catch a break from Mother Nature. The inaugural autumn edition of the show was hampered by rain throughout the day.

Still, the Art Center managed to put on an excellent event to celebrate this year’s theme, “Freedom of Motion.” The best part of the show has always been the eclectic selection of cars on display, and this year was no disappointment. Everything from the 2010 X-Prize winning Peraves X-Tracer to the new 2011 McLaren MP4-12C could be seen on the grass. The Mullin Museum was gracious enough to bring out the famous 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, and the Petersen brought out a few of its cars as well. You can see all of our photos from the event in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Art Center Car Classic

2010 Art Center Car Classic ICON Light Sport Aircraft

2010 Art Center Car Classic celebrates Freedom of Motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford celebrates the Transit in UK with special edition SportVan. One, please.

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Performance, Ford, UK

Ford Transit SportVan – Click above for high-res image gallery

Push comes to shove, the Brits know modern delivery vans better than we do. (Hard to admit, we know.) What we use high-cube trucks, pickups and vans of varying sizes for, they do it all in panel vans. They drive the wheels off ’em, and the Ford Transit (not to be confused with its kid brother, the Transit Connect) is the king of ’em all. In fact, it has for the past 45 years been the best-selling van in the UK. And to celebrate, Ford UK is launching the special edition you see here.

This Ford Transit SportVan is based on the short-wheelbase 260 model and comes equipped with a 140-horsepower turbo-diesel, 18-inch graphite-finish alloys, twin exhaust pipes and a variety of other features, all wrapped up in red with white racing stripes. Only 100 examples will be made, and given the van’s popularity on the Isles, we’re sure they’ll all sell out in a flash. In fact we know they will, since every previous SportVan edition has, including editions in blue with white stripes, grey with silver, black with silver, white with blue and blue with silver stripes.

Unfortunately this is another sport model we’ll have to admire from the opposite shore, but driving back home in an SVT Raptor ought to help numb the pain. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Transit SportVan

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford celebrates the Transit in UK with special edition SportVan. One, please.

Ford celebrates the Transit in UK with special edition SportVan. One, please. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept celebrates 30 years of performance

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Audi Quattro Concept

Audi Quattro Concept live debut – Click above for high-res image gallery

Here they are folks, the first live images we’ve managed to snap of the Audi Quattro Concept that’s currently being debuted at the Paris Motor Show. We expect to get much more closely acquainted with the machine over the next couple of days, but until then, take a gander at the machine that Audi crafted to celebrate 30 years of Quattro performance.

Keep in mind that this sucker is packing 408 horsepower from its turbocharged five-cylinder engine and routing all those ponies through a six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels, making for a power-to-weight ratio on par with that of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI. See the rest of the details here. A fitting tribute, if we do say so ourselves.

Gallery: Audi Quattro Concept Live Photos

Audi Quattro Concept front 3/4 Audi Quattro Concept rear 3/4

Gallery: Audi Quattro Concept

Audi Quattro Concept

Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept celebrates 30 years of performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Quattro concept celebrates 30th anniversary of original

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Design/Style

Audi Quattro concept

Audi Quattro Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve been speculating, applying the magnifying glass to spy shots and just plain wishing that the rumors were true. They are – Audi is set to debut the Quattro concept car at the Paris Motor Show in celebration of its famous all-wheel-drive system’s 30th anniversary. Drawing its inspiration from the original 1980 Audi Ur-Quattro and using some underpinnings from the current RS5, the Quattro concept features a shortened wheelbase, lower roofline and a sub-3,000 pound curb weight.

The original Ur-Quattro weighed in under 3,000 pounds and featured a turbocharged five-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual. Keeping in line with that spirit, the Quattro concept ditches the V8 and dual-clutch transmission from the RS5 in favor of a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Power output for the Quattro concept is rated at 408 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. All that energy is put to the ground through Audi’s famous quattro torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which in this case is setup with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split. The weight savings mixed with the power output create a vehicle with a power-weight ratio on par with that of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI.

Since this IS a modern Audi, it features stylish exterior features and a wonderful cabin space. The seats are leather-lined Sparco units that weight in at just 40 pounds apiece. The Quattro concept also makes use of the Audi MMI infotainment system. In this application, MMI includes a slew of screens useful for rally racing like classically-styled round gauges and a page for pace notes. On the outside, the Quattro concept boasts the signature Audi LED treatment, but this time it’s in the form of headlamps that adjust their direction both vertically and horizontally, as well as being able to open fully or close to a slit.

This is an exciting concept that pays homage to a true motoring classic. If Audi doesn’t find a way to put a version of this into production, we’re sure that four-ring fanboys around the world will storm Ingolstadt.

Gallery: Audi Quattro Concept

Audi Quattro Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Audi Quattro concept celebrates 30th anniversary of original originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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