Just hanging out in backyards and fields

Above 1928 Fiat

Above 1929 Packard
Found on http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=428585&page=1041

Mopar Alley at SEMA

SEMA PREVIEW : 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392【Video】

Chrysler has unveiled new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, which will debut at the 2010 SEMA show next week,

It features revised styling and a new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 470 hp (350 kW / 477 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. Details are limited, but Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles confirmed the engine will have a variable intake manifold, multi-cylinder deactivation, and VVT technology. Thanks to these changes, the new SRT8 will be 15-20% more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Deliveries are scheduled to occur shortly after Thanksgiving (November 25th).

The Challenger SRT8 392 also employs a reworked suspension with even firmer shocks, a quicker steering ratio and more negative camber than before, all of which are supposed to help the hefty muscle bruiser tackle the corners with a little more finesse.

The SRT8 392 is offered with the choice of two color combos -either Deep Water Blue finish with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes, and comes equipped with unique "392 HEMI" badges, Mopar quad exhaust tips, a larger front splitter, a decklid spoiler and integrated front fender spats. The car's looks are complemented by a set of 20-inch SRT-exclusive wheels.

Chrysler states it will build only 1,492 units of the Challenger SRT8 392, and that the cars will be available at the beginning of December of this year.






Press Release

Mopar® Previews Customized Vehicles for 2010 SEMA ShowChrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep® and Ram Truck Vehicles Get Mopar® Treatment

Mopar® is preparing 35 vehicles for the upcoming 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which takes place Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas. Mopar will fill its 15,300-square-foot space with customized Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep® and Ram Truck vehicles.

"With five exhibits, the Mopar brand will have a major presence at SEMA," said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer - Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Mopar will showcase cutting-edge technology, innovative accessories, authentic parts, and new customer-care initiatives. And our Moparized vehicles will be must-see."

"We created an amazing cast of Mopar image vehicles for SEMA," said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President - Product Design. "As all of our new vehicles arrive in dealerships this year, we want to inspire customization and personalization. Our Mopar image vehicles will definitely turn heads."

The Mopar Underground group and the Mopar design team worked together to create these image vehicles. Projects originated in the Chrysler Group Product Design office and were led by Mark Allen, Chief Designer - Head of Jeep Design Studio, and Jeff Gale, Advance Studio Design Lead. In addition to image vehicles, other "Moparized" vehicles for the show were developed under the direction of Brian Rogos, Head of Accessories and Performance Parts, and Pat Muldoon, Head of Mopar Product Development.

Following are Mopar image vehicles that will be on display at SEMA:

2011 RedLine Dodge Charger
America's baddest sedan gets a little more fearsome. The diehard enthusiasts at Mopar Underground wasted no time in taking the not-yet-in-market 2011 Dodge Charger under their wing.

"We let the designers of the production car and their friends at Mopar rip," said Gilles. "I wanted them to show us what they would do with this vehicle if it were their own dream car."

The RedLine Charger brings the 2011 version of the popular vehicle lower to the ground with a tuned suspension that lowers the car one inch. The RedLine Charger's aggressive appearance is backed by the 5.7-liter HEMI® engine tucked under a unique aluminum hood. Mopar parts, including headers, an exhaust system and a cold-air intake, provide horsepower and torque gains, while a Mopar strut tower brace amps up the handling and driveability needed to corral the additional horsepower.

The RedLine Charger's power matches its stealthy appearance. The blacked-out feel is accomplished with a black roof, front lower and rear-end treatment and continues with carbon fiber mirror caps. The 22-inch staggered-width Super Alloy wheels, with Pirelli tires wrapped around (265/35/22 front, 295/30/22 rear), follow the blacked-out theme as do the unique carbon fiber lower air dam/splitter and rear spoiler, created by the Mopar Underground team specifically for the RedLine Charger. Headlamps and tail lamps also get the blacked-out treatment.

Recalling Dodge Charger's legendary heritage is a side scoop reminiscent of the scoop on the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. The black side scoop is emblazoned with a red R/T logo, offering a nice tie-in to the RedLine Red paint employed on the RedLine Charger.

A trip inside the red-and-black interior reveals a driver-oriented theme, with custom RedLine all-aluminum driver and console bezels. The interior is highlighted with satin and bright chromed bezels that accent the refined details. Mopar Katzkin performance seats trimmed in Radar Red Nappa leather with bright red stitching offer another striking interior enhancement. A unique SRT® steering wheel featuring prototype paddle shift controls completes the interior.

2011 Dodge Durango Citadel "Black & Tan"
Dodge views the new Citadel as the ultimate expression of the 2011 Dodge Durango, the perfect canvas for the distinguished SUV enthusiast. The vehicle was developed as a representation of the current trend in tasteful customization.

This special edition of the Citadel utilizes the clean lines of the 2011 Dodge Durango. Its stunning, shiny black paint color is the perfect backdrop for the evolution of the modern urban SUV. Its 22-inch custom-forged aluminum Super Alloy wheels are highly polished with hyper-silver accents. The Citadel also features an exclusive chrome-textured grille and polished stainless steel tips of the Mopar/Corsa custom exhaust. The Citadel "Black & Tan", riding on Pirelli tires, was dropped with Mopar lowering springs, complementing its stunning new stance.

The shiny black exterior is matched on the inside with an all-new interior, crafted by the new Chrysler interior studio that is bent on redefining American quality and unparalleled comfort. The timeless design features sculpted soft panels throughout with world-class fit and finish, complete with the liberal use of premium materials and three rows of gorgeous Nappa leather seats. The new "Black & Tan" interior combo was inspired by some of the finest super cars in the world.

2010 Fiat 500 (European version)
This vehicle is an extreme version of the popular European version of the Fiat 500, which has won 60 international awards, including the 2008 European Car of the Year and the 2009 World Car Design of the Year.

The concept car features a number of unique parts created by the Mopar Underground team, including a front airdam/lip, lower sill, spoiler, rear valance and brake ducts. The 2010 Fiat 500 features a lower ride height on 18-inch Alcoa wheels and flared wheel arches reminiscent of the Fiat 500 models that dominated race tracks in Europe back in the day.

The vehicle rides on Pirelli tires with a mean, wheels-out-and-down stance that is accentuated by a Dark Thunderbolt Gray exterior. The black roof, black hood, headlamp and fascia graphics tie the headlamps together. The lower "chin" of the Fiat 500 hooks up with a flare that surrounds the front wheel. A lower side sill, also in black, adorns the sides.

The interior is driver-focused, with a red seat and red door insert on the driver's side, with piano-black accents on the instrument panel. The remainder of the interior is outfitted in a subdued black.

The always-sporty Fiat 500 is bolstered with the power and performance that comes with Mopar parts. Mopar bolt-ons include a Mopar custom exhaust system that provides horsepower and torque gains and a Mopar strut tower brace that reduces body flex in the front end and improves drivability and handling.

Two additional Fiat 500 vehicles will be on display in the Mopar Alley, outfitted with a full complement of Mopar parts and accessories. The all-new Fiat 500 will be available for ordering in the U.S. later this year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the all-new Fiat 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.

2011 Wrangler Sahara Mopar Edition
Take the iconic Jeep Wrangler, bolt on a bushel of Mopar parts and accessories, and you've got an extreme Moparized off-road machine: the 2011 Wrangler Sahara Mopar Edition.

The Mopar lift augments off-road travel performance for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and allows for 35-inch all-terrain tires that can handle whatever the trail dishes out, mounted on sturdy AEV wheels. Further defending the vehicle from the onslaught of the off-road are steel front and rear bumpers. The front bumper includes integrated fog lights to improve visibility in inclement weather; the AEV-designed rear bumper features a tire carrier.

The Mopar/AEV hood provides the proper protection from the debris of the off-road, with a Warn winch at the ready in case of an emergency. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara can't be missed on the trail with a hardtop and flares that match its fire-red exterior color.

2011 Jeep Street Cherokee
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is also on the receiving end of a Mopar-style makeover. For the 2011 Jeep Street Cherokee, the Chrysler Group Product Design crew created custom 22-inch alloy wheels, while at the same time lowering the vehicle. The Dark Charcoal Overland edition Grand Cherokee is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine, with an exhaust trimmed in Corsa tips.

The Jeep Street Cherokee is customized in typical all-Mopar style. Mopar floor mats with a unique design prevent dirt and mud from invading the interior. Mopar's lighted door-entry sills and bright/rubber pedal kit offer much-needed visibility when adventures extend well past sundown. Stainless steel door sills are etched with the Mopar logo and offer stylish protection.

Additional sizzle is served up with a new custom lower front fascia, painted handles, and blacked-out headlamps. The Mopar chromed grille adds additional bling but doesn't sacrifice durability, meeting the toughest corrosion requirements.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Off-Road Edition
To get ready for the off-road, go big. Case in point: the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Off-Road Edition.

The 5.7-liter V8-powered silver Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts a suspension lifted with coil springs to make way for 33-inch BFG Mud-Terrain tires. The exterior is prepped for off-road battle courtesy of Mopar skid plates, rock rails and tow hooks. The interior has been upfitted with the Mopar bright/rubber pedal kit and sill guards.

Mopar-First Features

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set parameters
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

Paris Preview: Abarth 500C Essesse & Abarth Punto Evo Essesse

With the Fiat 500 on the horizon for a North American release, Fiat’s tuning house, Abarth, has released an additional pair of models to showcase what is possible with the hot hatch. The 500C Essesse and Punto Evo Essesse will both be on display at the Paris Auto Show on September 30th, 2010.

Both cars get improvements to "performance, handling and safety" while maintaining "low emissions and fuel consumption," according to a press release.  The 500C will see a boost in torque to 230 Nm, and an improved horsepower output of 160 hp (119 kW), enabling the ragtop to sprint to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.  The car's top speed is listed at 209 km/h (130 mph).

Highlights of the 500C essesse include a Record Monza dual-mode exhaust silencer, the Abarth Blue&Me infotainment, sat-nav system and a two-tone colour scheme.

The 'essesse' package also includes a set of 17-inch alloys with 5 diamond shaped spokes against an anthracite background for the Abarth 500C, and 18-inch alloys in a special titanium-coloured design for the Abarth Punto Evo.

Both feature an array of upgrades to the suspension, brakes, rolling stock and more, plus Blue&Me connectivity and Record Monza exhaust (for the 500C) and Sabelt racing buckets (for the Punto). Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, but we'll have more for you from Versailles at the end of the month.


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Press Release

The Abarth brand tuning story continues: international debut of the esseesse kits for the Abarth Punto Evo and Abarth 500C at the international Paris Motor Show. The Abarth 500 saloon range is extended with new colours and new trim levels.
2010: year of commercial successes and consolidation of racing activities.

Carlo Abarth loved to call himself a “creator of cars that are tuned, not prepared". It was not by chance that his first commercial success came with a tuning kit for the Fiat Topolino launched at the beginning of the 1950s. Since then, the Abarth brand philosophy has remained the same: to convert special items into extraordinary products.
Bolstered by the success of the recent conversion kits (one Abarth 500 in three is converted using the official kit), Abarth has expanded its range by launching the world premiere of the esseesse kits for the new Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo models in Paris. These are designed to improve performance, handling and safety without having to sacrifice the car's low emissions and fuel consumption.
The stand will host two esseesse cars that perfectly illustrate the spirit of Abarth tuning, encapsulating substance and unassuming good looks: in accordance with brand tradition and market requirements, Abarth cars are a mix of sporty yet elegant looks and safe driving experience, yet always with sporty performance levels. The Punto Evo esseesse is in fact capable of 180 HP with truly thrilling performance levels: maximum torque of 270 Nm at 3000 rpm, top speed of 216 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The esseesse kit for the 500C turns the scorpion-branded convertible into a genuine open-topped sports car: 160 HP, maximum torque of 230 Nm, top speed of 209 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds.
The Abarth Punto Evo esseesse is exhibited with a Campovolo Grey body, named after the airfield, still operational today, that is located opposite the company's historic headquarters in Corso Marche, Turin. This was where the young Karl Abarth used to buy paint for his cars, the very same Campovolo grey shade used for aircraft. In detail, the Abarth Punto Evo on show combines this particular colour with an Abarth band in the body shade and 18’’ alloys in a special titanium-coloured esseesse design. Inside, the car features Abarth Corse by Sabelt seats in black leather with a distinctly sporty design and an Abarth Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigation system complete with telemetrics developed with Magneti Marelli.
The Abarth 500C esseesse on the other hand, comes with an elegant Campovolo grey and Pista grey two-tone livery with a white chromatic liner, an element that divides and at the same time combines the two ‘souls’ of the car: the elegance of a cabriolet above and the out-and-out sporty performance of the esseesse kit below. The 500C esseesse is exhibited with an original Record Monza exhaust silencer (dual mode with variable counterpressure) that enhances the engine sound above 4000 rpm and, as on the Punto Evo, with an Abarth Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigation system with telemetrics.
These two models may be very different but they share a single spirit, the sporting spirit of the Abarth scorpion logo, which has proved itself capable of igniting the passion of thousands of motorists with a taste for challenge, performance and Italian style. In the words of the advertising slogan “More power to your senses”, on an Abarth car all your senses are stimulated to the maximum. The perception is further amplified by the two kits that guarantee even more driving performance and adrenaline: all in all, the Abarth conversion kits represent empowerment taken to its highest levels.
The Parisian stage also offers an opportunity to admire some new products created for the Abarth 500 saloon: the stand will exhibit a model in the new Record Grey shade, with tobacco coloured leather interiors and super-sporty 17’’ alloys with 5 diamond shaped spokes against an anthracite background. This mixture of sportiness and good looks is inspired by the heritage of a brand that will once again satisfy customers who seek a high-performance car that is also elegant.
The Paris Motor Show is also an opportunity to take a look at the two pillars of the Abarth business model: roadgoing cars and the world of racing. To date, approximately 1600 Abarth 500C and nearly 1300 Abarth Punto Evo cars have been sold: these numbers bear witness to the warm welcome extended to these two cars and will certainly contribute to the already excellent results recorded since the brand was relaunched. Suffice to say that since 2007 the brand has enjoyed continual growth, as evidenced by sales of nearly 28,000 for the Abarth Grande Punto and Abarth 500 models in addition to approximately 6000 performance kits designed for the two models.
The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari has also met with great success. This is the fastest and highest performing road-going 500 ever, arising out of a joint venture between Abarth and Ferrari, based on shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style. This numbered and limited special series has been marketed from July and has already notched up more than 600 orders; more than half of which are from countries such as United Kingdom, France and Germany.
These sales successes have been partly made possible by the extraordinary network of dealers and official tuning shops, an organisation that is unique in its field and is extending to other international markets such as Israel, Rumania, Cyprus, Lebanon, Finland and Australia.
The growth in Abarth's sporting activities was also constant in 2010, consolidating the brand's presence both in rallies and on the track, in Italy and throughout Europe. As far as rallies are concerned, two official teams are competing with success in the Italian Championship with Abarth Grande Punto S2000 cars, while the RALLY version of the Abarth 500 has led to the advent of the Abarth 500 Rally Selenia Trophy. Track activities have also met with great success. The tried and tested single-make Abarth 500 Selenia Italia and Abarth 500 Selenia Europe trophies have been joined this year by a championship reserved for single-seater Formula Aci-Csai-Abarth cars with the intention of allowing young drivers to show their mettle at the wheel of an experience-building single-seater car at an accessible price. In 2011, great expectations surround the debut of the single-seater car in Europe, with the Formula Abarth European Championship.
Last but not least, Abarth returns to the Paris International Motor Show with a stunning stand where major world débuts mingle with tried and tested models to underscore - yet again - the brand's unique position on the international motoring stage. The design idea that inspired the space is simplification: the architecture does not use a language to interpret the brand but acts as a foundation to enhance its values. Abarth and its world take centre stage and the brand exhibits itself to the public in all its pureness and simplicity, in its maximum essence. This approach focuses the attention on the three new Abarth cars, positioned in an extensive space with three areas of light; a huge LED display representing the central element of the scenery forms an ideal backdrop for the cars. Technical drawings of Abarth engineering are ideally exhibited under a glass floor, visible to all, as used to happen with cars when their rear bonnet lids were partially raised.

Italy's National Automobile Museum in Turin (or Torino I'm not sure, I can't read Italian)

the wood buck for an Alfa Romeo Guiletta Sprint

Fiat Turbina

the winner of the Paris to Peking race

If you are ever near Torino, it looks like a must see to me! http://www.museoauto.it/home/

Images from http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomislavmedak/

Chris has a couple of great posts on Presidential vehicles

Above: LBJ driving his Fiat Jolly

Above: The carriage Lincoln was riding in to the theater... the carriage was bought by the Studebaker brothers, along with the carriages of Grant, Harrison, and McKinley. They are all in the Studebaker museum

For a set of great posts about the Presidential limos, carriages and personal cars: http://chrisoncars.com/