Photos: 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Audi R8 V12 TDI

Audi TTS

Bei Jing Shi Guang Ming

BMW 1-series

Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee

Chevrolet Volt

Chrysler ecoVoyage

Chrysler ecoVoyage

Dodge Zeo concept

Dodge Zeo concept

Dodge Zeo concept

Fisker Karma concept

Fisker Karma concept

Honda Pilot concept

Hummer HX

Photo: Reuters, AP, AFP, DPA, Getty Images, Bloomberg News

Nothelle-tuned Audi TT

Nothelle Audi TT: 520 Horsepower
* Aerodynamic kit
* Increase in performance for the 2.0 TFSI up to 330 HP
* World premiere: Rebuilt Turbo 3.2 V6 up to 520 HP and 635 Nm. Vmax approx. 308 km/h!
* Wheel design "NOVEDRA IX" in 9.0 x 20 inch in four available Finishes!
* Optionally Wheel design "NOVEDRA VII Sport" in 8.5 x 19 inch and multi-piece look
During this year, nothelle looks back on a forty-year history of vehicle individualization programs. Since 1967, the name nothelle has been affiliated with supreme engineering aesthetics. Nothelle offers an unmatched array of extensive experience far beyond any other company within this field. Hardly any other company has gathered such a wealth of experience. The refinement program for top-range Audi models meets the highest standards and combines experiences acquired from motor sports with the traditional nothelle values of quality and exclusivity. The enthusiasm for motor sports and innovative concepts is the foundation of the individualization programs for vehicles from Audi.
For it's anniversary year 2007, featured highlights offered from the nothelle program include extensive modifications for Audi TT, inculding both versions Coupé and Roadster.
Aerodynamic, Design, Sport Exhaust System
With the aim of giving the TT an individualized and emotionally expressive look, Nothelle offers a shaply aerodynamic kit for a perfect match to the Audi original design really spicing it up.
A three-piece front spoiler as well as other front apron air intakes (Double Frames) bestow the TT an expressive face. The nothelle side sill elements give the Audi TT a much sturdier profile building up a sort of lateral muscle mass look. In back, a rear apron in special nothelle design comes with complete, perfectly integrated end pipes extending from the silencer - which is offered by nothelle in combination with the rear apron - guaranteeing a super spine-tingling sound with very distinctive rear view. Perfect to the completion of the rear, nothelle provides a 3-part rear spoiler providing extra downforce and particularly at higher speeds, a better stabilization effect. Additionally, nothelle offers a roof spoiler, excluding however the Roadster version.
Sport Suspension System
Because reduction to the center of gravity results in better agility, nothelle offers a set of sport springs. This brings TT to about a 25 mm lowering. The high-end solution in nothelle program is a coilover suspension with integrated adjustable compression and rebound settings. The driver can choose from three different shock absorbing levels. The suspension strut housing is made of high value stainless steel, with anodized suspension plates and gaskets of Teflon. The material provides for long-lasting life and offers something for the eye as well. Not a bad investment, in terms of the pleasure endowed while taking those curves quick as a flash.
Motor Performance Increase
Matching the racier look, nothelle makes available more zest for the TT motor as well. The Ratingen (Germany) -based Audi specialists help the 2.0 TFSI Motor (series-produced 200 HP) to charge forwards with four different increase performance programs. From Chip tuning (+ 40 HP, + 75 Nm) through to complete rebuild (+ 130 HP, + 120 Nm) everything is possible. Then, nothelle drops the big one: A world premiere is celebrated for the 3.2 V6 being modified through twin turbo technology. This increases performance up to 520 HP and 635 Nm and a Vmax of approx. 308 km/h turning the TT from the underdog to a Porsche-killer per se! The conversion is available for manually shifted versions as well as for TT´s with DSG-transmission (direct shift gearbox). The conversion of course includes a reinforced clutch and a specially adapted gear transmission ratio. Because on one hand the sheer power should be transmitted without causing damage, and on the other hand it should enable a full gallop of the 520 ponies.
Light Alloy wheels
The superior, distinctive and modern design of the "NOVEDRA IX" is immediately noticable, due to its' complete self-containment. The nine spokes (hence "IX") consists of a broad basic design in which a slender ridge runs into the rim flange. The sporty dynamics of this perfectly-shaped masterpiece makes every vehicle look fast even while when just standing still. These are offered in 20-inch for the Audi TT by Nothelle.
Nothelle makes available no less than four different surface finishes. For variations "silver", "white", and "black" the spokes and rim flange are polished. Trendy again particularly for white vehicles is the white finish really standing out with an individualized look.
The variation "NOVEDRA IX brillant" features an elaborate, high-polished finish available by Nothelle through special ball-polishing techniques and high-polished clearcoat. Through these processes, the wheel not only receives its own individual non-imitable look, but possesses increased durability as well. The sealing of the surface occurs through a transparent baked-on lacquer finishing process. The attractive wheels are made available from Nothelle as a set with tires in sizes 255/30-20, contributed by its' technology partners Hankook and Continental.
The Nothelle wheels, manufactured from high-grade aluminum alloy, stand out because of their minimal weight. This means reduced unsprung mass, decreased wheel tramp resulting in increased driving comfort. Over and above this, large spacing between spokes guarantees prefect cooling of the brake system. For security aspects, a point not to be underestimated.
Also optionally is the Nothelle "NOVEDRA VII SPORT" wheel in multiple-parts look available in 8.5 x 19".

source: Nothelle

9ff TRC 91 997 Porsche Turbo Cabrio

Source: Motor Authority

Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept

source: autoblog.com

Ford Shelby GT-H Convertible

PRESS RELEASE:
FORD, SHELBY AND HERTZ TEAM UP FOR SHELBY GT-H "RENT A RACER" CONVERTIBLE
• New Shelby GT-H is the first convertible in the history of Shelby/Hertz "Rent-A-Racer" program
• 500 convertibles will be available for rent through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations
• Shelby GT-H packs Ford Racing performance and handling parts in the classic Black & Gold Hertz livery
• The convertible GT-H makes a live debut during the Barrett-Jackson Auction on SPEED on March 31, as CS VIN #001 is sold for $250,000, benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation
Palm Beach, Fla., March 31, 2007 – Lightning has struck again, the Ford Shelby GT-H "Rent-A-Racer" program from Ford Motor Company, Shelby Automobiles and The Hertz Corporation has returned with a special run of convertible versions of the performance-modified Ford Mustang GTs for rent exclusively through Hertz. Unveiled and sold for $250,000 on the block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in West Palm Beach, Fla., the companies announced that approximately 500 convertibles, a first for the GT-H program, will be available through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Hawaii, later this year. Proceeds of the sale will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.
The Shelby GT-H Mustang program was launched in 2006 to commemorate a plan by Carroll Shelby and The Hertz Corporation in 1966 to help put high-performance, special-edition Shelby Mustang coupes into the hands of racing enthusiast-minded rental customers. Ford supplied the new Mustangs with V-8 engines and automatic transmissions while Shelby added extra performance and style. Hertz gave the public access to a unique driving experience. Those Shelby GT-H Mustang coupes are being retired from the fleet, and are in the process of being auctioned off to Ford dealers. Some of the early GT-H coupes to reach auction have achieved impressively high prices – in the range of $60,000-$90,000 – which underscores the desirability of the Shelby GT-H program.
The program was so popular that Shelby, Ford and Hertz have again teamed up to create the first Shelby GT-H Mustang convertibles. The 500 cars will be built at Shelby Auto's facility in Las Vegas for delivery to Hertz.
"The Ford Shelby GT-H was so much fun to drive that people literally begged us for more," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. "The Mustang program never stands still, so we created a Ford Shelby GT-H convertible that gives people another unique driving experience. It's a genuine American pony car that delivers open air motoring."

Hertz Fun Collection
Highlighting its position as a leader at U.S. airports in the leisure car rental market, Hertz's Fun Collection features vehicles tailor-made for travelers seeking exciting driving experiences. The Fun Collection, with cars that can be reserved by specific make and model, adds more entertainment to the driving experience as each car comes equipped with SIRIUS (Nasdaq: SIRI)* Satellite Radio.
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang convertible will be available at select airport locations that feature the Hertz Fun Collection including Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
"We're excited to be offering a special edition Shelby GT-H Mustang convertible," commented Joe Nothwang, Executive Vice President and President of the Americas and Pacific for Hertz. "Customer reaction to last year's Shelby GT-H Mustang was so positive that we felt it only natural to offer yet another exclusive car through Hertz's Fun Collection. Once again, customers can experience the thrill of renting a high-performance car that provides the utmost in driving experiences while adding a splash of fun with its open roof capabilities."
Consumers can check-out the Shelby GT-H convertible which will be on display in the SIRIUS booth, booth CP-9 (Crystal Palace 9), at the New York International Auto Show April 6 – 15, 2007.
With the addition of the Shelby GT-H Mustang Convertible, Hertz now offers 14 Fun Collection cars that can be specifically reserved. More than 40,000 Fun Collection vehicles are available at approximately 20 major airport locations in the United States.

Shelby Styling
Like its 2006 Shelby GT-H Mustang coupe, the 2008 convertible will be instantly recognizable. Clad in black exterior paint set off with gold "Le Mans" dual racing stripes and "Shelby GT-H" rocker stripes, each will wear a Hertz Edition emblem on the front fenders and feature Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates. A numbered dash badge with Carroll Shelby's signature will be inside the cockpit.
The Shelby GT-H Mustang convertible will be fitted with a unique hood with pins and a brushed aluminum grille with running horse emblem. A unique front fascia with integrated lower grille, as well as a set of body side scoops will be incorporated. The GT-H's 18-inch black aluminum wheels will be shod with P235/55ZR18 performance rubber. To give the car additional stiffness, a stylish light bar and supplemental bracing will also be added to the convertible.

Thundering Ponies
Ford Racing Performance Group's Power Pack (FR1) will kick up the 4.6L V-8/Five-speed automatic transmission powertrain to 319 horsepower. To put that extra power to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H will feature the Ford Racing Handling Pack (FR3) including special-tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace – plus a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for extra off-the-line acceleration.
"Any Mustang touched by Carroll Shelby has a head start on becoming a legend, and a highly desirable collectible, but they're all designed to be seen, heard and driven hard" said Cisco Codina, group vice president, Ford North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "That's why demand is so high in our showrooms, and on the auction block."
With total production expected to number only 500 units exclusively for Hertz rental fleets, this special-edition Shelby GT-H Mustang convertible will give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience.
"This GT-H project was a tremendous success and demand for the sexy pony car led Shelby Autos and Ford to offer a retail version to the public," said Amy Boylan, president, Shelby Automobiles Inc. "Working together with Ford and Hertz, we look forward to creating history with the first Shelby GT-H Mustang convertible. This car will deliver the looks and performance expected of a high-performance Shelby-ized Ford Mustang. It will give Hertz customers the opportunity to enjoy a rare muscle car with real top-down driving excitement."

Hertz Fun Collection
The Hertz Fun Collection features convertibles including the Ford Mustang, Mazda Miata, Toyota Solara, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Crossfire and Nissan 350Z; coupes/roadsters including Ford Mustang (hard-top), Chrysler Crossfire, and Nissan 350Z; and SUVs such as the Ford Edge AWD, Jeep Wrangler, and Hummer H3. For Shelby GT-H or other Hertz Fun Collection reservations, or to see which vehicles are available, visit www.hertz.com. The Hertz Fun Collection may also be reserved through travel agents or by calling the Hertz toll-free at 1-800-654-3131.

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. In 2007, the company partnered with Ford Motor Company to launch the new Shelby GT, which is based on the Mustang. For more information about Shelby Automobiles and to see the build of a 2008 Shelby GT500KR, visit www.shelbyautos.com.

Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
* SIRIUS is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Inc.

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