Ralph Hanson, Author
Articles
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Australian sports car manufacturer Bolwell recently debuted the latest version of its Nagari coupe and has now confirmed that it will go into limited production early next year with a price tag of...
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Hartge releases E92 BMW M3 Convertible mod packageThis February Hartge released its E92 M3 Coupe tuning package, adding power and more aggressive looks to the already imposing base vehicle. Now the company has released its treatment for the M3 Convertible as well. The primary focal points of the drop-top treatment are the points of difference from...
Ralph Hanson -
New Terminator movie clip reveals vehicle-based killer robotsThe Transformers movies have recently been a gold mine of behind-the-scenes future vehicle footage, and now a different kind of vehicle-based killer robot is taking the screen - Terminators. For the next movie, which will be called Terminator Salvation the mechanized assassins will be taking the...
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The quest for higher fuel-economy gets more complicatedCarmakers have employed a number of methods to improve the fuel-economy of their cars in the recent past, most notably turbocharging smaller engines and reducing weight. However, the battle to improve mileage and efficiency for cars is stepping up in view of impending CAFE requirements and general...
Ralph Hanson -
Ford announces $129 million Q3 lossDespite posting a gross operating loss of $2.7 billion for the third quarter, Ford Motor Co.'s net after-tax third quarter losses only amounted to $129 million. That's a significant improvement against last year's $380 million third-quarter loss, though the pre-tax picture is much more grim: a $194...
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Troy Lee and Mazda team up for custom 2009 Mazda6The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show is in full swing, and one of Mazda's main contributions to the pandemonium is the Troy Lee Designs Mazda6. Featuring a custom iridescent paint job by PPG and a race-inspired design, the car shows the tuning potential in the Mazda6 as it hits...
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The face of General Motors' widely-lauded Performance Division would be a different sight if it weren't for John Heinricy. An executive and development driver, Heinricy started his career with GM... -
Dodge reveals "Big Daddy" Don Garlits Drag Pack Challenger at SEMAThe Dodge Challenger Drag Pack is a factory production heavily modified Dodge Challenger built exclusively for drag racing. Don Garlits, 17-time Top Fuel drag racing champion and still getting behind the wheel after over 50 years in the sport has cooperated with Dodge to create a special edition...
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2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger unveiled at SEMAFormula Drift is serious business for those involved in the series and the drift community, and Chrysler's Mopar division has revealed its latest entry to the field at the SEMA show today. The 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger will be the factory ride for Samuel Hubinette during the 2009 season. In...
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Pontiac to offer four-cylinder G6 Coupe for mid-cycle updateA mid-year refresh brings a smaller, more efficient 2.4L four-cylinder engine to Pontiac's G6 Coupe despite tumbling gas prices. Car sales have tumbled even further, however, and fuel prices are likely to rise, so the decision is surprising only in its lateness - the G6 Coupe had previously only...
Ralph Hanson -
Chrysler: Dodge Viper ACR 'sold out'Even as Chrysler considers selling the Viper brand and carries on serious talks with General Motors concerning a possible merger, the Dodge Viper is Chrysler's new superstar despite being its most expensive model, with the hardcore track-focused Viper ACR essentially sold out, according to Chrysler...
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Mopar Underground unveils handful of modified Dodge vehiclesThe star of Dodge’s lineup at this year’s SEMA Auto Show is undoubtedly the V10-powered Challenger SRT10 Concept, but there are a slew of other modified Dodge vehicles on show in Las Vegas this week that are also worth mentioning. These include cars like the Mopar enhanced Dodge...
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Toyota has taken a somewhat paradoxical tack at creating a stripped-down single-seat club racer out of a front-wheel-drive Yaris econo car. The company says the design harks back to the racing... -
Winner picked for 2010 Ford Mustang story competitionTo promote the upcoming 2010 Ford Mustang and create some new buzz before its arrival, Ford asked Mustang enthusiasts to send in their own stories about the iconic car and how it affected their lives. Out of a long list of entries, a winner has been picked and for their efforts they will receive a...
Ralph Hanson -
Ford enlists Nelly and Funkmaster Flex to promote Flex crossoverFord is keen to drum up publicity for its Flex crossover, and has enlisted the help of rap star Nelly to help design a custom version for this year’s SEMA Auto Show. Ford has also enlisted the help of the appropriately named hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, who reportedly also owns a Ford Flex and...
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Chrysler adds features, efficiency to Sebring, 300 and Dodge AvengerStronger fuel efficiency, better value and more features are the focus of the 2009 model year updates for Chrysler's Sebring, 300 and Dodge Avenger. Other touches include updated exterior design and upgraded interior materials. Fuel consumption is improved by offering smaller engines, such as the...
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Mitsubishi looking to end Galant production in U.S., replace with Lancer and OutlanderMitsubishi introduced its facelifted Galant sedan earlier this year but the mid-cycle update has failed to encourage sales, with the Normal plant in Illinois responsible for the vehicle currently at levels well below capacity. The plant has the capacity to build up to 240,000 vehicles per year, but...
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Chevrolet reveals Camaro ‘Black’ Concept ahead of SEMAChevrolet has revealed several images for a Camaro concept vehicle that will be on display at the upcoming SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The concept is the Camaro ‘Black’, and as its name suggests the new muscle car features an all-black exterior plus some unique additions to give it a...
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More than a dozen aftermarket designers will display their unique, "tricked-out" interpretations of Ford's Flex crossover at next week's SEMA show in Las Vegas. The publicity event is being conducted... -
GM Performance Parts enhanced Pontiac Solstice GXP CoupeNot much has been heard about Pontiac’s new Solstice Coupe since it was unveiled back in March at the New York Auto Show, but the car is set to make headlines again, this time at the upcoming SEMA Auto Show. A new concept version of the Coupe fitted with an assortment of accessories from GM...
Ralph Hanson -
Audi announces U.S. pricing for TTS Coupe and RoadsterAudi’s TT shook up the sports car scene when it was first released nearly a decade ago. Since then both the front- and all-wheel drive versions have won fans and comparisons across the globe. The new TTS, which was first revealed back at January’s Detorit Auto Show, is almost ready for...
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Nextar to unveil MSN Direct-capable GPS unit at SEMAIn addition to all the outrageous show car concepts, aftermarket body kits and power-adding upgrades, the SEMA show is also about in-car electronics and equipment, which is where Nextar steps in. Its new Q4-MD GPS navigation unit features MSN Direct support for traffic info, fuel prices and weather...
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Vivid Racing working on SEMA GT-RThough it's not yet completed, Vivid Racing has let out some early photos of its upcoming SEMA GT-R. The wheels foreshadow the coming paint job, expected to be in matte red with black accents - sure to be an eye catcher, and right in keeping with the new matte color trend sweeping the automotive...
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Nissan Versa is cheapest new car in U.S.Nissan will soon be able to lay claim to the title of selling the most affordable new car in the United States, with its 1.6L 2009 Versa Sedan destined to be priced from just $9,990 when it goes on sale nationwide on November 18. The low price tag excludes destination and handling charges of $695...
Ralph Hanson