For the last several years, Ford has been teaming up with Barrett-Jackson to auction off some specially developed vehicles for charity.  Those past vehicles have included the first production examples of the Shelby GT500KR and Shelby GT as well as special one-offs like last year’s Grabber Blue Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. The charity for which all of these cars have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Once again, Ford will be auctioning off one of its special vehicles for charity but this time, it will be different from the others. Up for auction in 2012 will be a 2013 Shelby GT500 development car used by SVT to hone the production ‘Stang. This prototype was run extensively at Sebring and the high speed oval at Ford’s Arizona proving grounds. It was even driven by Carroll Shelby himself during the development process.

Carroll Shelby commented that ”I raced on the Sebring International racetrack for many years, but my ambition was always to build my own car. So it was exciting to be back to collaborate on this GT500 durability car with the SVT guys. I’m really proud to have my name on this car. They took my dreams of what a car should be and made it a reality.”

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Sportec has introduced a new tuning package for the Audi RS3 Sportback.

The Audi RS has a stainless steel sports exhaust system, an adjustable coilover suspension, that reduces the ride height by 20-40mm, and 20-inch alloy wheels that cover high-performance Movit brakes.

A revised ECU results in the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine producing 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 68 PS (50 kW / 67 hp) and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). Non-Swiss versions can be tuned to deliver 500 PS (368 kW / 493 hp).

Source: World Car Fans

Since its launch in the 2010 BMW 535i the N55 engine has been packed between the front fenders of some 10 different BMW models, ranging from the 135i coupe through the X5 SUV. The N55 has also proven to be very difficult to tune, leaving owners with few options for added horsepower.

But now BMW performance specialist Dinan has stepped up with a Stage 2 performance software update that is available for the 2011-12 335i, 2011-12 135i, 2012 X5 xDrive 35i and 2011-12 X6 xDrive 35i models. For a price of $1, 999, the software offers 355 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque and a gain of 55 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque on a 2011 335i. The software is uploaded to the car via the diagnostic port and so no “black box” add-on is required.

Dinan claims that the software enhances driveability throughout the engine’s range, yet produces quicker acceleration due to the significant gain in torque.

Dinan is also offering a warranty of up to 4 years and 50,000 miles, ensuring that consequential damages aren’t a concern for either the owner or the servicing dealer.

Source: Motor Authority 

Now you can configure your very own Spider 458 with Ferrari’s latest web-based supercar configurator that is live on the Italian auto manufacturer’s website.

You can choose from a number of different specifications starting with the exterior and working your way into the interior of the vehicle. Exterior options include paint colour (with a range of metallic, non-metallic and 1950′s colours) rims, break calipers, tyres and carbon fibre options. The interior becomes more exciting with interior colouring and materials, seats and style, carpets, interior trim and other interior options including infotainment system, rev counter and carbon fibre trim to choose from.

Once you are satisfied with your Spider, a summary of your dream supercar is presented. You can also choose between an open or closed top and can take a snapshot of the final product. Users also have the ability to compare a configuration to any another that is created.

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An exceptionally rare Jaguar, the XJ220S, that is headed for auction in Arizona is expected to be sold for between $225 000 and $300 000. The vehicle is chassis number 784 and has been with the owner for the past eight years.

The regular Jaguar XJ220 was a limited production run of 350 units but the rare model that is up for auction is one of only six units that were produced.

The XJ220S was built with the assistance of  Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) who stripped most of the original XJ220′s aluminum body and replaced it with superlight carbon fibre. The model was also fitted with a front splitter, wider sills and an adjustable rear spoiler that resulted in an even more aggressive stance.

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A Top Gear “India Special” episode that was broadcast twice over the Christmas period has angered the world’s second largest country who claim that the show had given a “disgusting” portrayal of their country.

During the episode host Jeremy Clarkson was filmed interviewing locals while operating a trouser press in his boxer shorts and with a Jaguar XJS with a lavatory fixed to the boot. The Telegraph has reported that now the Indian High Commission in London has formally complained to the BBC, accusing its producers of deceiving them over the nature of the programme, which was jokingly billed as a “trade mission” but instead presented a stereotypical and unfavourable image of the country.

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BMW has recently announced plans to invest $900 million into their plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina for the production of the upcoming X4 crossover.

The investment will create 300 new jobs by the end of 2012, increasing production capacity to 350,000 units and became necessary in response to a growing global demand for BMW’s X-Model crossovers.

A smaller version of the X6, the X4 is being designed for the emerging compact crossover market.Although the company have not yet revealed full details about the model, it will be based on the X3, which was also built on the same plant. Expected to launch in 2014, to rival that of the Range Rover Evoque and the Porsche Cajun, the X4 will reportedly offer a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines.

Image source: Motor Authority

After officially revealing the much anticipated 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, Porsche has wasted no time introducing the latest of its upcoming models, the 2013 Boxster. While the mid-engine roadster won’t make its official debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March, here are some preliminary details.

In terms of re-design this very attractive Porsche shows off revised headlamps and more svelte running lamp/air intake setup with a wider stance and longer wheelbase. The 2013 Boxster’s aluminum skin reduces weight in comparison to its predecessor that serves to make it more engaging on the roads while simultaneously improving fuel economy.

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