The Ford GT is for sure one of the best Ford ever, so its no surprise that even if out of production for long time now, it still gets lots of attention from tuners. And the US specialist Geiger Cars have prepared the HP790 kit based on the Ford GT.

The Geiger HP790 is powered by a 5.4 liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 790 hp (an increase of 240 hp over the standard version) and a peak torque of 863Nm. As a result de GT sprints from 0 to to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.6 seconds, breaks the 200km/h (124mph) mark 6 seconds later and reaches 300 km/h (186 mph) in only 22.8 seconds. Top speed is 223 mph.

The car has been lowered with 60-millimeter and sits on matte black alloy wheels outlined in the car color, mounted in 9x20 inches at the front and an impressive 11x21 at the rear.

Press release after the jump.

Ford GT "Geiger HP790" originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 07:41 EST.

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In the spring of 1951 at the Turin show Ferrari unveiled the 342 America. However before it, in 1950 Ferrari unveiled the 340 America, a model built in just a few units and powered by a “long-block” V-12 engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi. For this engine the distance between adjacent cylinders was some 20mm greater than in the Colombo V-12 (this is where the “long-block” name come from).

First used in a grand prix competition, the this 340-hp 4.5-liter engine was detuned to 4.1 liters and placed in the 340 America. The 340 America were fitted with a surprising array of different coachwork, ranging from a development of the classic barchetta body style by Carrozzeria Touring, to quite staid three-box 2+2 coupés from the house of Ghia, with a selection of Vignale interpretations thrown in along the way. A Vignale-bodied 340 America berlinetta won the 1950 Mille Miglia driven by Villoresi/Cassani. Vignale also produced a unique 340 America cabriolet that unfortunately no longer exists in its original form, as its body was cut up and disposed of as part of an attempted insurance fraud a few years ago, which led to the remains of the car being fitted with a body in the style of a Vignale spider.

The 342 America was produced for a relatively short period during late 1952, with only six examples made, one with a Vignale cabriolet body, and the remainder with a fairly homogeneous Pininfarina body in either coupe or cabriolet form. They were built on a 2650 mm wheelbase, tubular steel chassis, as opposed to the 2420 mm wheelbase of the 340 America, and also featured slightly wider front and rear track.

Ferrari 342 America originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 15:54 EST.

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Buick revealed today at the Guangzhou Auto Show the Excelle XT five-door coupe like sedan - a Chinese version of the European Opel Astra. Sale in China will begin in 2010.

The Excelle XT will be offered with a choice of three engines: 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 180 hp, a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with 116 hp and a 1.8-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with double continuous variable cam phasing (DCVCP) that delivers 138 hp. All the engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Press release after the jump.

Buick Excelle XT originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 11:00 EST.

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As you know, a few weeks ago Renault officially announced the return of the Gordini name, and the first model to carry this name is the small Twingo RS. The new Twingo Gordini R.S. will make its world debut on January 10, 2010, at the L’Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées, in Paris and sales will begin in march 2010.

Like any traditional Gordini model, the new Twingo Gordini RS comes painted with Malte Blue lacquered metallic finish combined with two white racing stripes.

At the exterior the car also receives front and rear bumpers enhanced by gloss black details and white contrasting finish on the fog-lamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings and lip spoiler. The car sits on either blue or black diamond-effect 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

On the interior Renault added Gordini sports seats, blue leather door panel inserts, blue and black leather steering wheel with two white stripes, blue gear lever bellows and Gordini-badged gear lever knob and a blue rev-counter with white surround.

Press release after the jump.

Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 08:00 EST.

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In 1989, at the same time as the coupe version, Ferrari also revealed the Cabriolet version of the Mondial T, the fourth and last model in the Mondial line-up. Like tis coupe brother, the T Cabriolet stayed into production until 1993, with 1017 units produced, in both right and left hand drive versions, together with various world market specification models.

The engine capacity increased to 3.4 liters (up from 3.2 liters in the Mondial 3.2) and it became longitudinally mounted, instead of transversely on the previous models. It was coupled to a transverse gearbox, hence the letter "t" in the model designation, and had an ABS braking system as standard equipment, whilst the front and rear tracks increased by 2mm and 50mm respectively.

The new T model was visually different from preceding Mondial models, the most recognizable being the redesign of the air intakes to a smaller, neater rectangular shape. The door-handles were of a visually different design and, along with the bumpers, became body colored, whilst a painted black band was added around the bottom of the body.

Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 06:00 EST.

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The BMW E60 automobile platform is the basis for the 2004 5-series of automobiles. It replaced the BMW E39 for 2004. Models available at launch include the 525, 530, and 545. All models received an engine upgrade for 2006, with a 550 replacing the 545 in the fall of 2005. The exterior of the design by Chris Bangle and Adrian van Hooydonk is controversial, as is BMW’s new iDrive interface for accessing things like the radio and HVAC controls.

From the start, the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series introduced in 2003 stood out through its impressive design and innovative technology. Once again, both the sedan and the Touring launched in 2004 set new standards in terms of active safety, driver assistance systems, and efficiency. BMW’s typical design language with convex and concave surfaces as well as flowing transitions from the front and side to the rear gave the fifth edition of the BMW 5 Series a particularly characteristic note, the interior with its clear-cut functions highlighting above all the iDrive control system featured as standard.

BMW 5-Series E60 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 14:23 EST.

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Only a few hours ago we told you about the Japanese premium automaker’s plans to release a razor sharp Special Edition Subaru WRX STI complete with a host of suspension parts from the track tuned Spec C model. Well now the all wheel drive automaker is telling us that they are also bringing a more luxurious Limited Edition of the slightly less powerful WRX to the L.A. Auto Show.

Although it’s not an STI with its more mundane 265 HP 2.5 Liter turbocharged flat four, however with its symmetrical all wheel drive system and refined interior this is much like the leather wrapped Limited model that Subaru sold back in 2007. Based on the 2010 Impreza WRX, the Limited Edition adds a leather interior, moonroof and SIRIUS Satellite Radio over the already well equipped WRX Premium. Wow, it looks like Subaru is finally giving their customers what they want, if scandinavian flicks and embarrassing cars more than three times as expensive at the track then you can have your all out Special Edition STI and if you just want to have a smile on your face every time you get out of your Impreza and also relax in leather, then this Limited Edition WRX is for you.

Subaru Impreza WRX Limited Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 13:30 EST.

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The Ferrari 212 Inter was revealed in 1951 at the Brussels Motor Show as a replacement for the 166 and 195 Inter. The 212 was built between late 1950 and 1953, in Inter and Export model configuration. Ferrari built 82 units of the 212, more than any other Ferrari before. The 212 was offered in three different bode versions: berlinetta, cabriolet and coupe and carried coachwork by Ghia, Ghia Aigle, Pininfarina, Stabilimenti Farina, Touring, Vignale, and even the British firm Abbott.

The difference between the Inter and the Export version was made by the wheelbase: the Export version were built on a 2250 mm wheelbase chassis and they were normally carrying an E or ED suffix to the number, whilst the Inter road models were constructed on a 2600 mm wheelbase chassis in the odd number road car sequence, initially with an EL suffix, and then with an EU suffix.

The 212 Inter were the first models equipped with left-hand drive as standard, as until then the standard steering layout had been right-hand drive, in the racing tradition.

Ferrari 212 Inter originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 12:00 EST.

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The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series made its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, offering an evolutionary development through its design of the former model with its sporting and elegant style. A particular feature at the front was the dual round headlights behind a glass cover, with the light rings for the positioning and daytime driving lights so typical of BMW being added in the year 2000.

Both the sedan and the Touring introduced in 1997 once again offered even more space within the passenger compartment. Boasting features such as a multifunction steering wheel, a navigation system, active seats and Dynamic Stability Control, the BMW 5 Series was acknowledged as a particularly outstanding high-tech representative of its segment.

In the interest of enhanced driving dynamics and safety, the body came with a significant increase in torsional stiffness over the former model, and the fourth-generation BMW 5 Series was the first large-scale production car worldwide made almost completely of light alloy. The newly developed all-aluminium power units also helped to significantly reduce the weight of the car.

The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series once again set up a new sales record accounting for 1.47 million units sold up to the end of production in early 2004.

BMW 5-Series (E39) originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 11:22 EST.

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Dacia revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show the Duster concept, a preview of the first SUV in the Dacia’s history set to be revealed in 2010. Bu until we’ll get the chance to see the real car, Dacia has entered the Trophee Andros ice-racing series with a competition version of the Duster. The car will be driven by Alain Prost.

The competition version of Dacia Duster is powered by a 3-liter, 24- valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range. The engine delivers a total of 350hp at 7,500rpm, and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm and is coupled to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Press release after the jump.

Dacia Duster Trophée Andros Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 10:16 EST.

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Subaru will come at the Los Angeles Motor Show with a special edition Impreza WRX STI. Painted in an unique Aspen White exterior color, the WRX STI Special Edition will be limited to only 125 units.

New on this special edition WRX STI are the suspensions adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded and retuned springs. The front springs are 16% stiffer, while the rear shocks have been stiffened by 29%.

The car will sit on charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C and will be offered with halogen headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD /10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and body color side mirrors.

Press release after the jump.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 06:12 EST.

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Kia revealed today on the Korean market the 2010 Cadenza (known in there as the K7) luxury sport sedan. According to the company the new Cadenza will be a ’big step into the future’ for Kia when it goes on worldwide sale next year.

The car’s design is inspired by the KND-5 concept car revealed last April at the Seoul Motor Show: a distinctive ’tiger nose’ front with its signature grille and second-generation LED position lights and a combination of lamp clusters at the rear, together with the dual mufflers integrated into the bumper.

The 2010 Cadenza is powered by a range of of three gasoline engines with output ranging from 165 hp to 290 hp. All models will feature front-wheel drive and Kia’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission.

Press release after the jump.

Kia Cadenza originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 07:50 EST.

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In September 1983 Ferrari previewed a convertible version of the Mondial Quattrovalvole, the drop top four valver was soon followed up with a production version in January 1984 at the Brussels Salon. This model was aimed specifically at the sunny climates of the American west coast, but European models were also produced. The Mondial Cabriolet stayed into production until 1985, during which time 629 examples were produced, in both right and left hand drive versions.

The exterior design was the same as for the Mondial Quattrovalvole coupe version: same wedge body shape with the radiator grille beneath the front bumper. Apart from the folding canvas roof, the overall shape was identical to the sister model, including the black plastic wrap around bumpers front and rear, together with the large trapezoidal air intake grilles for the engine bay on the body sides behind the doors, and paired circular rear light assemblies, with Mondial Cabriolet badging to the tail panel.

It featured the same extended center console with the ventilation controls incorporated into it, and the radio forward of the gear change as the coupe. Similarly the door panels and steering wheel were identical to the coupe version. The rear seats of the cabriolet were closer together than on the coupe, to allow for stowage of the hood assembly, and the headrests were omitted. The hood was provided with a matching canvas cover when in the lowered position, with a leather cover available as an option.

Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 06:00 EST.

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The new generation BMW 5-Series sedan made its world debut today, and like everyone expected it comes with no surprise. The design takes cues from both the 7-Series and the 5-Series GT and offers the 5-Series a more elegant look.

The new 5-Series will be offered with a V8 engine and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. Line-up includes: BMW 520d with 184 hp, 535i powered by a straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC with 306 hp, BMW 528i with 258 hp and BMW 523i with 204 hp. The top of the line, the 550i is powered by a V8 engine with 407 hp.

Diesel line-up includes: BMW 530d with an output of 245 hp and the BMW 525d with 204 hp. All the new 5-Series models come equipped with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 550i comes as standard with BMW’s automatic transmission optimized for efficiency, just like EPS Electric Power Steering featured on all models.

Press release after the jump.

BMW 5-Series Sedan originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 23 November 2009 14:33 EST.

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We are well aware of what the German tuning firm 9ff is capable of when they put their minds to something, like the 253 MPH GT9R or the 850 HP BT2 complete with classic Gulf Racing livery. However 9ff is set to unveil something a little more mundane at the upcoming 2009 Essen Motor Show with the Speed9. While it is based on a 911 Turbo, 9ff is paying homage to the classic 1955 Porsche 356 1500S Speedster for all those high performance Porsche aficionados who want to ride around with the wind in their hair.

Thanks to modern day running gear, the only thing that is reminiscent of the old ’55 is the styling. Covering that aspect 9ff included a new ground effects package that consists of a new front apron, side skirts and rear bumper along with 9ff Speed9 sports seats and matching steering wheel. The 911 Turbo that serves as the vehicle’s foundation received an upgraded ECU, free flowing exhaust and a set of sport catalytic converters that let the bi turbo flat six breathe to the tune of 650 HP and 656 lb-ft of torque. Even though 9ff hasn’t let us in on any performance figures as of yet, you can expect the Speed9 to go faster than you ever want to with the top down.

9ff Speed9 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 23 November 2009 13:00 EST.

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