2008 Paris Motor Show: Lexus IS 250C

Lexus debuted the convertible version of its popular IS model to some rather mixed reviews. Basically, half love it and half hate it. I suppose that I belong to the latter group, not because I hate it, but because I don’t love it. All it is is an IS (wow that was awkward to write) without the roof. In two words, so what?

But I digress, for I do realize that there are some of you who adore Lexus, and would settle for nothing less than a review that gives due credit to a new addition of the Big L’s line-up. So here we go:

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Scion will bring three customized tC to SEMA

Scion released details on its customized cars to the SEMA Show. The line-up will include three customized tC: a Neu-Vintage Scion tC by Eddie Hahm, Scion tC by Mark Arcenal, Scion tC by John Pangilinan.

The Neu-Vintage Scion tC by Eddie Hahm is taking cues from the salt flat race cars of early Bonneville, World War II aircraft inspiration that was so prevalent in post war hot rods and high dollar pre-war, coach-built automobiles of the 1930’s, this build blends vintage with modern mechanics onto a Scion tC.

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Three customized MKS coming to SEMA

Lincoln wants to change its image and go after younger buyers. One way its showing how aggressive it wants a youth market is by encouraging customization of its new cars like the 2009 Lincoln MKS. No better place to show this off than SEMA, where three versions will show up modified by 3dCarbon, Godfather Customs and RKSport.

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New Renderings of the Pagani Zonda R

Wow, would you take a look at that.

These recently released renderings of the über Zonda R supercar are stroke-inducing, simply because the thought of owning one of these insane beasts sends the blood rocketing and pulsing through the brain. Just looking at that full carbon fiber body is causing my temples to pulse.

Well, maybe they’re not stroke-inducing, but ya gotta admit: that looks pretty damn nice. Maybe “nice” isn’t the right word. I’m thinking more along the lines of “pretty damn extreme”. I really like how Pagani is innovative and original with their designs, they aren’t copying anyone yet they can come up with something that knocks the socks off of most everything else. That’s the way car design should be, where every sketch is painfully original. Too many manufacturers these days are afraid of bold designs, so they stick with mimicking and not straying from the safe design path.

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Video: Nissan 370Z in Need for Speed Undercover

Yesterday we reported that the 2009 370Z is being launched as part of the new Need for Speed: Undercover. And here’s the proof.

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Saturn Vue Hybrid by R Bottom Design to debut at SEMA

GM will unveil at the SEMA Show this “Cool to be green” project created by R. Bottom Design. This Saturn Vue can be powered by either propane or gasoline fuel. Its LPG injection system is clean and efficient. Solar panels on the roof provide charging of the electric assist battery pack.

Outside, the car keeps green with water based paint. But don’t think this is a hippie-mobile, the interior is customized with leather/raphia fiber seats, DVD radio head unit with navigation, and plenty of amps and speakers.

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Building the Corvette ZR1’s LS9 engine

This is like Porn for the Chevy lover. Watch as we see a complete build of the Corvette ZR1’s supercharged V8 engine. This is actually footage from building a crate motor, so you can take his home for your project Chevelle. Just try to refrain from using references to inserting large pistons…

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Alfa Romeo MiTo - 2009 European car of the year

The winner for the 2009 European Car of the Year will not be announced until three weeks from now, but Fiat insiders announced that the Alfa Romeo MiTo has been voted European Car of the Year 2009 by a panel of sector journalists.

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Mercedes CLS350 by Inden Design

After last week we saw the Mercedes CLS by Job Design, today another tuner revealed its customization kit for the Mercedes CLS350. This new program includes a redesigned front and rear bumper and the new 19 inch Performance GT wheel fitted with 255/30 R19 tires in the front and 305/25 R19 on the rear.

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Sometimes Russians just have more fun…

Part Jackass / part COPS — But at least Russians don’t have to worry where their tax dollars go.

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