Shelby builds 1000+ rwhp twin-turbo GT500 prototype

There’s so much going on at SEMA it’s all-too easy to miss a few things. And while there are a ton of Mustangs, one would think that this Shelby prototype would have caught our attention – particularly since we were aware of its existence. Back in September we reported that on some potential future Shelby models, one of which was a 1,000 rwhp twin-turbo GT500.

Nicknamed “Code Red,” this particular GT500 was created in collaboration between Shelby American and Nelson Racing Engines – the same firm responsible for the 1,800 horsepower Mosler MT900S. The heavily modified 5.4-liter V8 features twin 61mm Turbonetics turbochargers along with a dual fuel system that includes cells for both race and street gas as well as an electronic boost controller that can vary boost for each gear.

If Shelby offers a production of the “Code Red” GT500, expect plenty of other goodies to be included like Baer 14-inch brakes, Shelby/Eibach adjustable suspension system, 9-inch Currie rear end, 10-point roll cage, and plenty more? Price tag? Shelby estimates that the package (car not included) would cost around $100,000.

Shelby loses court battle to trademark Cobra shape

Shelby and Factory Five Racing have been going at it for years. Back in 2000, Shelby filed suit against the Massachusetts-based replica builder, which resulted in Factory Five being allowed to continue building cars as long as it made no reference to the terms “Cobra,” “427 S/C,” “Shelby,” “Shelby Cobra,” “Daytona Coupe” or “Daytona Coupe Cobra.” Eight years of apparent peace passed until Shelby again filed suit against FFR because the company felt that the the replica builder’s Type 65 Coupe name was too close to its Shelby Daytona Coupe. The court ruled in favor of Factory Five.

The two companies went back to court a third time because Shelby recently attempted to patent the shape of the Cobra. Well, the case has been settled and the result is yet effectively another victory for Factory Five Racing. The United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board felt that the shape of the Cobra does not solely belong to Carroll Shelby. Factory Five had the following to say:

Despite tough year, Toyota finishes 2010 with best-selling car, brand and luxury marque titles

By most accounts, Toyota didn’t have the rosiest of years in 2010. Hounded by safety recalls, lawsuits and government investigations, the automaker saw its once spotless reputation grow more sullied by the month. Still, it’s important to note that none of these issues stopped the Japanese automaker from snagging some impressive U.S. sales titles, including the best-selling car (Camry), brand (Toyota) and luxury marque (Lexus) for 2010, not including fleet sales. All told, the entire company saw 1,763,595 sales through 2010 – a number that’s more or less comparable to its 2009 figures. The Toyota brand itself walked away with 1,534,266 of those sales, while Lexus sent home 229,329 units and Scion managed to move a further 45,678 vehicles.

While the Toyota division’s sales stayed flat for 2010 compared to 2009, Lexus sales jumped by 6.9 percent. The luxury brand’s increase was driven largely by its light truck sales, which were up 13.3 percent compared to 2009. Interestingly enough, the Lexus GX saw sales increase by 165.6 percent over 2009 numbers, with 16,450 units sold. Hit the jump for the full press release.

When Group B monsters roamed the earth

Though it only existed for four short years, Group B racing has continued to captivate fans of all ages. From 1982 through 1986, motorsports enthusiasts around the world gathered en masse to watch Lancia, Audi,Renault and Peugeot battle for supremacy. Ferrari and Porsche even got in on the action with the legendary 288 GTO and 959, respectively. The cars were lightweight, powerful and sounded like they built in Hell by the Devil himself. In other words, the cars were a sight to behold and a treat to the ears. They were also incredibly dangerous.

Large groups of people stood on the edge of the road as the beasts rumbled by at triple-digit speeds. Accidents happened and there were a number of fatal incidents for both drivers and viewers alike. In 1986, the FIA banned Group B cars, but the legendary vehicles are still held in high regard. If you need a refresher, roarpast the jump to watch the Group B monsters in action.

Once you’ve watched the clip, sound off in the comments and let us know what you think would be the most terrifying vehicle to try and pilot. Group B cars are near the top of the list but we’re sure you can think of some others… Top Fuel Dragsters, board-track racers, land-speed record streamliners…

Fitting Retirement: Grand Marquis last Mercury off the line

The signs have come down and retail production ended back in October of 2010. Now, the very last Mercurymodel has rolled off the assembly line. This last Mercury somewhat fittingly takes the form of a Grand Marquis reporting for fleet duty. It was built at the St. Thomas plant in Ontario, Canada, which is the same facility that continues to produce the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car for fleet and livery duty.

St. Thomas’ days are numbered, however, as the factory is slated to close on August 31. When it goes, thePanther platform is likely to follow. So long, and thanks for all the fish memories.

Video: Chevy S-10 boom truck nearly rattles itself to death, creates new hairstyles

There are sound systems, and then there are walls of speakers capable of melting cinder blocks and turning your average Chevrolet S10 pickup into a buzzing, trembling box of terror. The audio setup in the video after the jump falls safely in that latter category. A group of devoted bass enthusiasts have managed to turn an unsuspecting lowered S-10 into a carrier of audio assault. Fortunately, all involved seem to only use the vehicle’s power for good. You know, things like rattling windows, setting off car alarms and engineering Tina Turner-like hairstyles on cute girls with nothing but the sheer might of sound waves.

It’s plenty impressive (if utterly pointless), but it might just be one of the better uses left for a 1999 S-10. Still, we’ve got to wonder exactly how long the vehicle can withstand that kind of vibration before the vehicle’s sheets of glass and trim give up for good (just witness how the Bowtie’s trim tries to rearrange itself or flee in the beginning of the video). Supposedly, the wall of speakers is tuned to 28 hertz for maximum punch. Hit the jump to have a look for yourself.

2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected

As part of its Hemi Highway Tour, a country-wide tour that started in November of 2010 and just recently came to its end, Dodge decided to stop and spend some quality time with the boys and girls from National Speed in Wilmington, NC. Though that company’s main purpose is modifying high-performance machinery to make even more power, Dodge decided to put a couple of its brand new 2011 models on their dyno to see what kind of power could be had right off the showroom floor.

As a preface to the actual dyno results, you should know that Ralph Gilles, Dodge Car Brand President and CEO, claims that a bone-stock 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 ran the quarter-mile at Infineon Dragway in just 12.44 seconds at 110 miles per hour. That, boys and girls, is seriously fast. And those figures are backed up by the data spat out by the computers hooked to National Speed’s dyno.

Without further ado, the numbers: The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T put down 327 horsepower at the rear wheels and 349 pound-feet of torque. For a car rated at 368 horses and 395 lb-ft, that’s quite good. Remember, the dyno measures power after it’s already gone through the transmission and through the wheels to the ground, which saps around 15 percent of total power.