As we reported a few weeks ago, Aston Martin announced a transmission conversion kit that will allow existing Vanquish customers the option of converting the car’s standard Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system to a conventional six-speed manual.

The conversion kit is good for all Vanquish models produced since 2001,

Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, which only 40 will be made, can also be fitted with the six-speedmanual transmission.

## Source: Auto Express ##

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Porsche has announced a new factory Aerokit for its Cayman and Cayman S that is designed to be functional and offers a sportier, dynamic appearance. The kit consists of add-on spoiler lips for the standard front-end apron panel and a new, fixed rear spoiler.

The Aerokit’s components, tested in the Porsche’s wind tunnel, reduces lift at the front and rear axles, making the car even more stable at high speeds. The components are matched, and have to be installed as a set.

The Aerokit can be ordered from Porsche Exclusive for 3,500 Euros (excluding value-added tax) for installation on a new car, and come painted in the cars body color. Unpainted kits for later customization will be available from Porsche Tequipment in March for 2,950 Euros (excluding value-added tax).

Press release and high resolution images after the jump.

## Source: Porsche AG ##

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Aston Martin is sending its flagship Vanquish S out with a bang. With the Vanquish S about to give up its place as the brand’s top model, Aston Martin has unveiled a special edition model — the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition. The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be limited to just 40 cars and features a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ paint that is only available on this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome interior trim. Each car will also be fitted with personalized sill plaques denoting the limited edition number.

The powertrain of the Vanquish S is unchanged. Considering the Vanquish S is capable of a top speed in excess of 200 mph, there was little to be desired. o additional charge will be made for the Ultimate Edition, available only with the 2+2 seating arrangement.

Aston Martin also announced a transmission conversion kit allowing existing Vanquish customers to order a conventional stick-shift. Aston Martin’s Works Service department will offer a kit to convert the car’s standard Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system to a conventional stick-shift manual. Drivers desiring a conventional stick-shift transmission will now be able to replace the standard paddle-shifter setup with the Works Service-only modification. Prices for the transmission conversion start at £13,250 (+ VAT).

Full press release and larger image after the jump.

## Source: Aston Martin ##

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If the type designation nameplate on the back of your Porsche doesn’t say enough about you, now you can give your Porsche an exclusive personal touch. Available for all Porsche models — all 911 models, Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne — you can have a customized text in the same font placed on your Porsche, and the lettering is available in grey, black, chrome, or gold.

The nameplates are pricy — a hefty $450 for 5 letters, with extra letters costing $60 per letter. While the unique nameplates make your Porsche a little more exclusive, we think it sullies the brand’s reputation, but we aren’t the ones that have to drive around in a Porsche that says: ‘My Seventh’ or ‘Thanks Daddy’, ‘Not Leased’ and ‘Follow Me’.

## Source: Name Your Porsche via PRNewswire ##

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Kia will begin offering aftermarket performance parts at dealerships, which will feature a warranty from the automaker. The performance parts line will intially include parts for the Rio subcompact and the Spectra compact cars.

For the Rio, spoilers, ground-effect kits and doorsill plates will be available. Spectra parts include gauge appearance kits, leather shift knobs, sport pedals, spoilers and sport mesh grilles. Later in the 2007 model year, other parts will become available, said Len Hunt, executive vice president of Kia Motors America Inc.

It is the first such program offered by Kia. “We want to bring excitement, safety and quality to our customers,” Hunt said. “This parts program will be good for our customers and good for the dealers.”

## Source: AutoWeek ##

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Despite Volkswagen’s “unpimp mein auto” marketing for the new GTI, the automaker revealed two “pimped” concepts at least week’s SEMA show in Vegas, including the Thunder Bunny and the R GTI. Following last year’s response to its Passat R GT Concept, Volkswagen came back to SEMA to gauge market’s reaction to offering factory-backed performance accessories, as well as look at production of specialized versions of their most popular models.

Based on what it is saying, Volkswagen’s plans for a range of higher-performance cars would be similar to Mazda’s MAZDASPEED lineup — offer class-leading performance combined with tasteful styling. A Volkswagen executive said that 19- or 20-inch wheels would not be considered since they compromise handling and drivability.

We don’t know what V-Dub has planned, but we like what they are saying. If the Thunder Bunny and the R GTI are any indication of what is coming, we can’t wait.

## Source: Automotive News ##

Note: Subscription required.

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Last week at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Shelby Automobiles unveiled a convertible version of its popular GT-H Mustang. While Shelby says the Shelby GT-H Convertible Concept highlights components for late model Mustangs including special parts and packages for the Shelby GT-H and upcoming Shelby GT models, it’s not clear if Shelby will produce a convertible version of the GT-H Hertz Mustang. At least the concept car hints that it may be something that is being considered.

The GT-H Convertible includes a host of upgrades that will be available for all 2005 and later Mustangs, Shelby GT and those who will be purchasing the Shelby GT-H’s their rental days are over. Upgrades include 14-inch brake package; custom 20-inch Razor wheels; front and rear brake duct kit; driving light package and lower billet grille insert designed to fit all California Special Mustangs, Shelby GT-H’s and Shelby GT’s; three-gauge center dash-pod with custom Shelby gauges; custom floor mats, sequential tail lamps, authentic racing hood pin kit; billet engine fluid caps and oil dip stick, and various interior appointments.

The component upgrades for 2005 and later Mustangs will be available in the first quarter of 2007, and will be the sold through Shelby Automobiles Las Vegas headquarters and a national dealer network.

More images and full press release after the jump.

## Source: Shelby Automobiles ##

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One more part of the General Motors fleet of SEMA concepts, the automaker unveiled the Silverado 427, harking back to the heyday of the muscle car. The Silverado 427 is powered by GM Powertrain’s 7.0L LS7, the same engine as in the Corvette Z06, which is also available as a ‘crate engine’ package from GM Performance Parts. But the Silverado 427 is more than a pickup with a more powerful engine, featuring a lowered suspension for better handling and, of course, an exterior styling package, including new front and rear fascias, hood, cowl, tailgate, tonneau and body-side cladding.

More images and concept information after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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General Motors and Gravana Tuning unveiled its highly customized Saturn Sky concept at this week’s SEMA show. The Gravana Tuning Turbo Saturn Sky delivers more of what roadster buyers are looking for, including all-around performance and ’stop-dead-in-your-tracks’ design.

On the engine front, Gravana added a Hahn Racecraft 16G intercooled stage 3 turbocharger to the Saturn Sky’s 2.4L Ecotec engine, which results in 348-hp and 341 lb.-ft. of torque. Handling is enhanced by an adjustable coil-over-shock suspension system, which can lower the vehicle by as much as 3 inches. Massive stabilizer bars eliminate body roll, and 14-inch drilled and slotted front brake rotors, with four-piston calipers, pull it all to a stop.

But a concept wouldn’t be concept without exterior modifications. So the Gravana Tuning Turbo Saturn Sky sports unique front and rear fascias, bodyside panels and rear center exit exhaust.

More images after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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Ford has joined up with car customizer Chip Foose to design a series of special edition models for the 2007 model year, according to Automotive News. Foose is known for his million-dollar one-off creations that have won “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award six times.

Robert Parker, Ford brand car marketing manager, said the first vehicle Foose will modify will be an F-150 truck. Foose said he would “love to refine and play with a Fusion,” which has to be a model high on Ford’s list as well.

The Foose special editions will be true to the “Foose DNA,” but remain affordable, said Parker. The vehicles will be assembled at regular Ford facilities as well as at third-party manufacturers — similar to the arrangement with Carroll Shelby for his special edition Mustangs.

Ford did not provide estimated for how many Foose special edition vehicles will be sold, but they will be sold through Ford’s regular dealerships.

## Source: Automotive News ##

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Porsche tuner GEMBALLA has announced a new tuning kit for the current 997 Porsche 911 Turbo, called the Turbo GT 550. The GT 550 kit improves aerodynamics and boosts horsepower up to 500. The Turbo GT 550 will accelerate to 62 mph in less than 3.8 seconds, or 3.6 seconds with overboost.

A GEMBALLA front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle, while new side skirts continue the line from the front spoiler, and help to make the car look lower and optimize the aerodynamics in the area of the rear wings. “Discreet air inlets” help cool the tires and brakes, and the rear wing has been significantly modified from the production version. The new rear wing features openings at the bottom to supply additional air to the turbocharged engine, as well as the massive main spoiler to create downforce for the rear axle. A revise tailgate skirt features a racing grille, which allows the rear muffler to be visible from the outside, and surrounds the raised exhaust tips.

More images and full press release after the jump.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Not only did Subaru today unveil its 2007 Forester Sports models at the SEMA show, but the automaker got into the true customizing spirt of the show when it announced its new SPT Power Packs. Designed for the Subaru Impreza WRX and STI and the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT, the Power Packs consist of the SPT Performance Exhaust System, SPT High Flow Air Intake System and SPT Heat Shield.

The SPT Power Packs have been dyno-tested and, when measured at the wheel, produce up to 30 more horsepower and 20 lb.-ft. more of torque on a stock 2007 STI, up to 10-hp and 17 lb.-ft. of torque on a stock 2006 WRX model, and up to 30 more horsepower and an additional 30 lb.-ft. of torque on a stock 2007 Legacy GT Sedan.

Full press release with additional ordering details after the jump.

## Source: Subaru ##

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Ford announced today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show that its legendary 5.0L 302 cubic inch V8 engine will return for aftermarket. Ford will produce a new line of BOSS 302 crate engines, which will go on sale in early 2007. The automaker also unveiled a custom Mustang at SEMA showcasing the engine.

Debuting in 1969, the original BOSS 302 powered a limited production Mustang model sold for two years, which was known as the BOSS 302. The Mustang got its name from the legendary engine that powered the car to a Sports Car Club of American Trans-Am series win in 1970.

The new Ford Racing Performance Parts BOSS 302 line was designed to fill a need for engines built from a block stronger than regular production 302 blocks but more affordable than full race-prepped blocks. The new BOSS 302 block features greater strength than most race blocks and offers a street-capable cooling system design, something that race specific blocks tend to sacrifice.

The new BOSS engines range in displacement from 302 to 363 cubic-inches. Entry engines are rated at 340 and 345 hp, with higher performance versions, including Ford Racing’s “Z”-head equipped 302 and 347 cubic-inch engines rated between 360 and 450 hp. The BOSS series is topped by a 500-hp 331 cubic-inch engine. The suggested retail price for the BOSS 302 block is $1,759, with full BOSS engines ranging from $4,650 to $10,000 for the 500-hp BOSS 331 cubic-inch engines. All come with a 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Ford ##

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In addition to General Motors lineup of customized trucks and SUV, the automaker will bring a collection of customized passenger cars to this week’s SEMA show. Most of the cars will be customized Buick Lucernes, including the Lucerne CST by Stainless Steel Brakes Corp, Lucerne LUX SS by Trents Trick Upholstery, Lucerne QuattraSport by Performance West Group, Spade Kreations American Racing Lucerne, Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner by Rick Bottom Custom Motor, MTX Audio Buick Lucerne, D3 Signature Series Buick Lucerne, Lucerne by Rick Dore Kustoms, Lucerne by RIDES Magazine, Lucerne by Fesler Built, and Lucerne by Concept 1.

More details about the Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner and photos after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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Along with the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Concept, Ford will also be bringing on bringing two customized Edges, one by 3dCarbon (shown) and the other by H&R Special Springs; a 3dCarbon Lincoln MKX; a Lincoln MKZ by 3dCarbon and finally a turbocharged all-wheel drive Fusion.

The three created by 3dCarbon have an emphasis on refinement and are designed for the street, H&R Special Springs Edge was designed to provide the driving dynamics of a sports car, and the Fusion was ‘tuned’ by MRT to be the ultimate driving machine.

Details and photos of all the vehicles after the jump.

## Source: Ford ##

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