To celebrate SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the years of performance vehicles.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

Check out more news on the Ford Shelby GT500.

Power comes from the same 5.8 liter supercharged V8 engine making 650-hp with a maximum torque of 600 lb-ft – stopping power comes from a strong set of Brembo brakes. That helped the Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package shave nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at the Sebring International Raceway. Like the coupe, the Ford Shelby GT500, the Performance Package can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

How fast will it go from 0 to 60 mph and what will be the top speed? Well, Ford didn’t release that info so stay tuned for more.

- By: Omar Rana

Some new rumors are floating around the mill regarding Maserati’s next efforts to expand its lineup and replace the wonderful, but aging Quattroporte. Word says that an all-new Quattroporte will possibly debut at next year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Reports have stated the new Quattroporte will be six inches wider and two inches longer than the current version. But despite the increase in size, the new Quattroporte is also said to get a 220lb diet.

Within that same rumor, there was a hint that Maserati could also introduce a smaller version of the Quattroporte for 2013. Though despite the sparse details, the “baby Quattroporte” will be roughly the same size as the current BMW 5-Series (which is still huge) and will be powered by either the choice of a turbocharged V6 gas or diesel engine.

In terms of Maserati’s other cars, reports also say that the Kubang SUV concept could see a production version as early as 2014 and will be based on the current Jeep Grand Cherokee. As for the also aging GranTurismo and GranCabrio, replacements are projected for 2015.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: WorldCarFans

This will most likely be the last MkVI Golf variant, since the next generation is coming up in 2013. A full-spec GTI Cabriolet has skipped the last 5 generations, however the GTI motor has been available for both a Golf Cabriolet and Eos hard-top since the MkI.

The soft-top GTI that was released at Worthersee last year comes with a set of 19-inch Glendale alloy wheel option, along with a body kit, and LED lighting. The speculation is that this tuner car was a preview of what’s to come for the production model, and that this is similar to what will be released next month.

Additionally, there is the possibility of the Worthersee Golf R Cabrio being sent to production, which would boast the most power ever sent to the wheels of a VW convertible, at 268hp.

The new GTI Cabriolet is scheduled for release in September, priced around $35,300 USD, with an R version at around $45,800 USD.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoExpress

Eli Manning is on top of the world. After proving that he is not only in the league of top tier quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Manning proved that he can take down top tier quarterbacks and lead his team to a Super Bowl victory.

Besides celebrating the win, Eli received a brand new 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Centennial Edition in recognition of his tremendous effort on the field in the Giants’ 21-17 win over the New England Patriots.

Check out more news on the Chevrolet Corvette.

The car was presented to Eli by Chevrolet, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl XLVI MVP Award, during the post game show.

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible comes with a 6.2 liter V8 making 436-hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. That allows it run from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. The black-on-black model that Eli received was a Chevrolet Centennial edition that commemorates 100 years of the brand’s history.

- By: Omar Rana

Four different options are available for power, all of which can be paired to either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. The petrol versions of the motor produce 120hp or 181 hp, the diesels are slightly slower, at 110hp or 141hp.

Check out more news on the Mini Cooper.

Exterior paint comes in three color options which include Iced Chocolate metallic, Midnight Black metallic and White Silver metallic. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the car, and it is accented with a brown soft top and hood stripes.

On the inside, Dark Truffle leather seats come with contrast stitching, along with a set of stainless steel pedals, special floor mats, and brushed aluminum trim.

By: Alexandra Koken

Pending 10,000 likes on Facebook, Chrysler’s SRT group has promised to release a teaser of its upcoming 2013 Viper.

Since the Viper page is already passed the 10,000 likes, well before its February 1 deadline, rest assured the pics are coming at Midnight on Monday.

No details have been released on the new Viper yet, however it has been confirmed that the model is making its debut in April at the New York Auto Show, so expect to see more information out as that date approaches.

Stay tuned to egmcartech.com for the SRT’s teasers.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Autoweek

An owner of a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe could end up cashing out $100,000 to fix damages caused by leaving the top down on his ultra-expensive luxury car. Many walking by the Drophead Coupe parked outside a cafe stopped to record some footage of the car being soaked with the top down.

John Barsoumian, owner of Car Interior Plus in Sydney, said the rain could have damaged leather seats, carpet and wood panelling.

“It could cost up to $100,000 if everything was damaged,” Barsoumian said. “You won’t know until you start assessing the damage. ”It could definitely also affect the electricals of the car and depending on the agreement and the way the car’s insured it could be written off.”

Apparently, the leather seat covers alone could cost around $40,000 to $50,000.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: MSNBC

Last September, famous actor John Travolta’s classic W113 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was stolen while he was visiting a Jaguar dealership in Los Angeles. After cameras were found to have captured Travolta’s Benz leaving the Jaguar dealership, law enforcement was able to track the car and two arrests were made.

“Through the collaborative efforts of investigators … two individuals were identified as suspects relating to the theft of Mr. Travolta’s Mercedes, and were arrested by investigators from the task force,” said Sergeant Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica police department.

Travolta received his Mercedes back, but unfortunately, it was returned in pieces. Apparently, there’s a major investigation for a massive car theft ring that’s been occurring throughout the Los Angeles area.

So if you own a classic or vintage car that’s worth some dough and live in the Los Angeles area, be sure to take some extra security measures as Lewis added the investigation is still pending.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Reuters

Ford gave big time muscle car enthusiasts a rare chance to bid on a racetrack durability prototype that was used to produce the new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson.

“This GT500 durability car represents the most recent collaboration between Ford SVT and Carroll Shelby,” said Ford’s President of The Americas, Mark Fields. “Working alongside Carroll, our SVT team put this durability car through some of the most demanding driving conditions at Sebring International Raceway as well as others across the country. The result of those tests is the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, the most powerful production V8 in the world.”

When all was said and done and the hammer slammed the prototype for the 2013 Shelby GT500 brought in a winning bid of $300,000.

The proceeds from the bid will go to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Refresher:  Power for the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 comes from a 5.8 liter supercharged V8 making an outstanding 650-hp with a peak torque of 600 lb-ft. It weighs in at just 3,850.

- By: Omar Rana

The online configurator for the new 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider is now live. You can now spend the rest of your Monday at work daydreaming how a brand new drop-top Italian stallion would look if you bought one to park in your driveway.

Click here for more news on the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Build your own Ferrari 458 Spider here.

Refresher: The Ferrari 458 Spider is powered by the same 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp at 9,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox, 0 to 62 mph come in 3.4 seconds (same as coupe) with a top speed of 198 mph (a drop of 2 mph when compared to the coupe). The Ferrari 458 Spider’s top comes down in just 14 seconds. Prices start at $275,000.

- By: Omar Rana

The first very (chassis #001) 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest convertible in Corvette’s history – was auctioned off for $600,000 in the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction this past weekend.

Who paid all that? We’re not sure, but Chevy, NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick, raised a total of $700,000 for the AARP’s Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

Check out our original post on the Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible.

Refresher: Power for the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition comes from a 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06 – making 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It is only available with a 6-speed manual.

- By: Omar Rana

According to Cadillac insiders that spoke with Inside Line at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, Cadillac is considering a small two-seat roadster that will compete with the likes of the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Click here for our original post on the Cadillac ATS.

Sources say that the model will used the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the new 2013 Cadillac ATS and will feature many of the same powertrain configurations.

No details on when the Caddy roadster will be released.

Refresher: The 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan will go on sale later this year and will come with a choice of three engine units. The based model will carry a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine making 270-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder will also be available, making 200-hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Cadillac ATS will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 making 318-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

To some it may not be a shock, but to a concerned mass of Miata/ MX-5 fans, the following is good news: the next MX-5 will be rear drive, weigh under 1,000 kg and power will remain similar. So theoretically, the new car will drive differently, but performance will be similar if not slightly better thanks to the newer and lighter (by 15% over the current lightest model) aluminum spaceframe chassis.

The next engines most likely will be lighter and naturally aspirated, once again, not much of a departure from the original, but the point is to shed weight instead of crank out more power. The entry level SkyActiv 130 bhp will be all of 1.5 liters; the current entry level engine is a 1.8 with the larger option being a two liter. The more powerful engine will probably also be a 1.5, but will be turbocharged.

For those who cannot wait to see a new MX-5, a freshened version will appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoCar

The Munich-based brand has a habit of producing special edition versions of a certain model, many of which have signified the end of a specific generation of cars. Considering that the 1-Series coupe and convertible have been with us since 2008, it is safe to assume that the same message is being portrayed here.

The Edition Exclusive 1-Series, for both the coupe and convertible, consists of a series of aesthetic upgrades such as a chrome grille, chrome exhaust tips and window frames, all complemented by a unique grey metallic paint. Buyers do have a choice of up to five standard colors. The same aesthetic changes occur on the insides with two-tone leather and stitching, aluminum interior trim, a unique anthracite headliner, chrome trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and special sill plates.

The Edition Sport 1-Series, also available on both 1-Series variants, includes BMW M’s Sports tuned suspension, special BMW M rims, an updated and more aggressive sports body kit and much more.

Both Sport and Exclusive Editions are available with virtually any 1-Series configuration. Deliveries are expected to begin in March with pricing to be announced closer to that date.

- By: Chris Chin

This may be, but the point is that there is now a ‘vette ‘vert packing the same 505-bhp LS7 V8 found in the C6 Z06 Corvette. GM say that the car is a combination of the Z06 and the ZR1: the fact is that we are looking at the closest we will ever come to a Z06 convertible. Outside, you will find the Z06’s carbon fiber fenders and front splitter, the carbon fiber hood from the Z06 Carbon Edition and the Micheline PS2 tires found on the ZR1.

On paper, it’s the fastest convertible Corvette ever made, and it doesn’t stop there: the Porsche 911 Turbo Cab, Audi R8 convertible, Aston DBS and Ferrari California Convertible all have poorer power to weight ratios. 60 mph comes in 3.8 seconds, an 11.8 quarter mile, 190 mph+ top speed and 1.04 g of lateral grip.

If we take a banal perspective, this is merely a mixture of parts that made other Corvettes special, but to every owner, it’s a fast, loud and glorious way to recount the past 60 years of Corvette. The first 427 collector’s edition will be auctioned off at the Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale Arizona on January 21. The proceeds will benefit the Drive to End Hunger program.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:

• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

But this time around, Porsche isn’t kidding when they say that this is an all-new Boxster. Internally named the Type 988, the new Boxster is the most thoroughly updated model since the predecessor, the Type 987, which debuted almost eight years ago.

Much like the latest 911, the internally coded 991, the Porsche Boxster 988 gets a completely new lightweight body, allowing it to ride on a longer wheelbase with a wide track, all while weighing less than the outgoing model. Visually, the Boxster receives some of the treatments that were first seen on the Panamera, such as the more raked trunkline and the taillights.

Thanks to a change over to electromechanical power steering and the new body, the new Boxster is also 15% more fuel-efficient on the European cycle. Powering the new Boxster is a new 2.7L flat-four, good for 265hp, while the new Boxster S gets an updated 3.4L flat-four that makes 315hp. Both feature standard manual cog swappers while Porsche’s PDK-nonsense (pronunciation-wise at least at an English standpoint) is also available. Sprints to 60 clock in at 5.4 seconds for the standard Boxster and 4.7 seconds with the real-man’s three-pedal setup. Porsche didn’t say themselves, but I’d expect some slightly quicker times with the PDK.

They’ll arrive at your nearest dealers at the beginning of this summer with a base price of $49,500 for the normal Boxster, $60,900 for the Boxster S.

- By: Chris Chin

Not too long ago, Porsche’s CEO Matthias Mueller leaked word that the Zuffenhausen brand was in the works with an entry-level roadster that would slot itself below the Boxster. However, the approval and success of that project was dependent on the “economic” circumstances and climate. Now, apparently Porsche is delaying the project.

”Possibly we need to wait until the next generation of customers before the idea of a small roadster will work for Porsche,” said Mueller in an interview. Mueller also said that there was worry that the entry-level roadster could dilute the brand’s image. But interestingly enough, the new Cajun SUV isn’t doing that already?

Either way, the idea of this entry-level roadster is comes from Porsche’s desire to produce a succssor to the iconic Porsche 550—yes, the one that killed James Dean. If anything, Mueller apparently added that the model could see a 2014 launch.

On the other side of things, because Porsche is delaying this entry-level roadster project, Mueller said that the brand is considering a new sports car slotted above the 911. He hinted with details that it could cost between 300,000 to 400,000 euros. Not much else was said. But to me, that sounds like they’re coming out with a successor to the Porsche Carrera GT. Only time will tell.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Ever since the Ford EcoBoost engine lineup saw the light of day, speculation about an EcoBoost powered a la turbocharged Mustang was floating around the automotive news desks. Some postulated the idea of a Mustang powered by the Taurus SHO’s 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which churns out a solid 365hp.

The problem with that idea is if Ford were ever to do that, it would almost virtually render the Mustang 5.0 V8 completely pointless, which in the realm of automotive historic tradition, is a huge social no-no. Apparently, others have also speculated about a four-cylinder EcoBoost powered Mustang that could be positioned below the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6, which seems more likely. And if it were to be that, the same people suggested it could be the same 2.0L EcoBoost four-banger found in the upcoming Ford Focus ST, good for 247hp.

That would make a little bit more sense. But to be honest, who would buy a four-cylinder Mustang? If anything, a four-cylinder Mustang speaks against all things muscle car. Seriously, and considering the aftermarket tuning support that the Mustang has, I wouldn’t want my pony car to sound like a fart-canned Honda rather than a big, burly muscle car.

Either way, word is that Ford’s chief product manager, Derrick Kuzak, has hinted that we could very well be expecting an EcoBoost powered Mustang of some sort.

“Given the success we’ve had with EcoBoost across the lineup that we’ve talked about, it’s fair to assume that we will have an EcoBoost Mustang in the very near future,” he said earlier this week at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

It will certainly be interesting to see what route Ford goes with this EcoBoost Mustang idea.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER