The 2011 Shelby GT350 seemed to have a polarizing effect when it debuted at Barrett-Jackson’s opening gala event on Monday night. Some of you loved it and others instantly objected to everything from the looks of the car to the $33,995 price tag that doesn’t include the base car. With 500 horsepower from the new 5.0-liter V8, there’s no arguing that the 2011 GT350 has plenty of performance potential, but is another $60,000+ Mustang what people really want?

The first thing we did when we arrived in Scottsdale last night was to make a bee-line to check out the car in person. We also caught up with Jim Owens, Shelby’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, who talked to us about the car. Follow the jump for what we learned about the 2011 GT350.

The most powerful and fastest-accelerating Golf ever produced – the Golf R – has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Developed by Volkswagen Individual, the special projects wing of Volkswagen, and following on from the Mk IV and Mk V Golf R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine developing 270 PS and four-wheel drive.

Not only is the new engine 35 kg lighter and 20 PS more powerful than the 3.2-litre V6 found in the outgoing Golf R32, it’s also more efficient. Economy rises from a combined 26.4 mpg to 33.2 mpg while CO2 emissions fall from 257 g/km to 199 g/km. Despite the gains in efficiency the Golf R is faster and sharper than ever – the new car can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Equipped with a six-speed DSG gearbox, this figure falls to 5.5 seconds while top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The 1,984 cc, four-cylinder EA113 engine (as opposed to the EA888 fitted to the current Golf GTI) is derived from the Mk V Golf GTI. To extract the extra power the block has been reinforced with an entirely new alloy head, uprated pistons, conrods and high pressure injectors. An uprated turbocharger generating 1.2 bar of boost is joined by a new intercooler to cope with the extra heat generated. The result is 270 PS developed at 6,000 rpm and 258 lbs ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.

New 345 mm diameter front brake discs (rear: 310 mm) and callipers are joined by uprated suspension that’s been lowered by 25 mm with revised spring and damper rates and new anti-roll bars. The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) has also been revised for the Golf R with two stages designed for track use. Finally, the electro-mechanical power steering system has been tweaked to sharpen responses.

Unlike the four-wheel drive system fitted to the R32 that relied on differing wheel speeds between the front and rear axles to engage the four-wheel drive, the system fitted to the Golf R uses a pre-charged hydraulic system that’s able to react more quickly while also limiting the torque being channelled through either axle to reduce wheelspin. In extreme cases up to 100 per cent of the torque can be channelled to the rear wheels if required.

To set the Golf R apart from a conventional Golf or GTI it’s fitted with new front and rear bumpers complete with LED running lights at the front and a gloss black diffuser at the rear housing a pair of central exit exhausts. A set of Xenon headlights and a new black grille and wing mirrors extend back to a set of sill extensions framed by 18-inch five-spoke wheels complete with 225/40 tyres as standard – 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres are optional. At the back, unique rear light units lend the Golf R an aggressive look – the high-intensity LED bulbs hidden behind smoked lenses.

The changes continue inside the Golf R – a set of distinctive aluminium ‘R’ kick plates are joined by new seats finished in grey Alcantara contrasted against high-grip black mesh cloth. Gloss black highlights throughout the interior are complemented by the subtle, electric blue needles in the revised instrument column.

Through the Peugeot SR1 Concept, the Marque reveals the stylistic design trends for its future models. The concept car embodies the new world of Peugeot, reflected by the new Lion badge which adorns its body.

Dynamic, balanced, sensual, with an exclusive high-tech interior, this “dream car” explores and reinterprets the theme of the “Grand Touring Car”.

The use of HYbrid4 technology allows the Peugeot SR1 to offer an engineering specification in keeping with its styling: 230 kW (313 bhp) with emissions of only 119 g/km of CO2 (0 in electric mode), 4 wheel drive and steering…. for an ideal blend of excitement and efficiency.

Styling

Elegance, purity, dynamism, allure, controlled power… these ideas find their fullest expression with the Peugeot SR1 Concept, the dream car par excellence.

More than ever, the aesthetic traits of this concept show the general design trends of the Marque’s future products, renewing Peugeot’s strong stylistic identity.

The Peugeot SR1 Concept is a vehicle with timeless, ideal proportions, revisiting the great traditions of grand touring cars of the past: a large bonnet, flowing wings and a very low centre of gravity.

The design of the body gives the car a new balance: a sculpted bonnet, sweeping sides and a chiselled rear design. At the side the styling lines merge into the side windows and the front windscreen, emphasising the design of the bonnet.

This overall effect blends easily with the design detailing: the design of the lights and the air intakes, the shape of the door mirrors… these elements merge seamlessly with the vehicle’s carbon “skin”. In parallel, some features (“full LED” internal headlamp functions, radiator grille contour); stand out, as if suspended.

The hard top echoes the feel of this intense, high-tech assembly: It uses preformed profile technology derived from the world of sailing. It blends with the body, creating the illusion of a Coupé. The Peugeot SR1, however, radiates the same visual strength, with or without the hard top.

Finally, the Peugeot SR1 Concept displays the new Peugeot Lion badge. Redesigned, finely worked and sculpted, it mirrors perfectly the perception of the vehicle as a whole.

Overall the Peugeot SR1 concept car gives the impression it has been carved from a solid block of material, monolithic, protective, sculptural and dynamic. At every moment it makes a great play on contrasts: purity and technological sophistication, authenticity and advanced technologies, expressiveness and understatement. making it a car that is quite simply. desirable!

“2+1″ interior

The interior, too, promotes the idea of contrast. While the driver’s seat and all controls are dedicated to out-and-out enjoyment for the driver, the passenger compartment is designed to provide optimum versatility and new sensations for all its occupants.

There is room in the vehicle for three people as the third rear seat nestles in the middle, behind the two front seats. Entry to this seat is facilitated by the centre console, which can slide forward to improve access.

The interior ambience blends colours and materials, with strong references to “a past motoring era” combined with “the latest advanced technology”. Inside the vehicle, patinated leather and different grained wood are examples of the use of authentic and natural materials, warm, sensual and charged with history, that blend seamlessly with, “high tech” materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.

The construction of the fascia panel, optimised to perfection, gives a visual prominence to certain mechanical components such as the steering column and a number of peripheral controls. Similarly, the instrumentation combines analogue and digital read-outs, giving clear emphasis to every item of information conveyed to the driver. This is the case for instantaneous fuel consumption and vehicle range, displayed on two glass crystal gauges directly in front of the driver.

Another technological innovation is the creation of an exclusive wristwatch, designed in partnership with Bell&Ross®. This timepiece, with milled inserts of solid aluminium, slots perfectly into a dedicated housing on the fascia panel.

Every component and every detail has, therefore, benefited from meticulous attention, both in terms of design and manufacture, to guarantee perfection and an unrivalled refinement of perceived quality.

Technologies at the service of movement

The Peugeot SR1 Concept also blends styles in terms of its technical characteristics. For example, it incorporates HYbrid4 technology, which will be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011. In the Peugeot SR1, at the front, a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with a power of 160 kW (218 bhp), is combined with a rear electric motor developing 70 kW (95 bhp). In electric only mode, the car becomes a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), while its combined cycle fuel consumption is only 4.9 litres/100 km or 119 g/km of CO2.

When the two power trains operate simultaneously, the Peugeot SR1 Concept develops a potential maximum power of 230 kW (313 bhp) and also benefits from 4-wheel drive.

Using HYbrid4 technology, which will eventually become available on different models in the Peugeot range, the SR1 concept offers convincing proof that driving pleasure can be combined with environmental friendliness.

The vehicle’s dynamic efficiency is further enhanced by the use of a rigid, lightweight structure comprising of a one-piece body and a tubular chassis onto which are mounted the mechanical components and suspension.

Exploiting the best of existing technology to offer road holding worthy of this exceptional concept, the suspension consists of double wishbones with drop links both at the front and the rear. For even greater driving precision, the Peugeot SR1 Concept benefits from the adoption of 4-wheel steering. The turning angle of the rear wheels is controlled as a function of the vehicle speed, via motorised links on the rear wishbones, giving the vehicle superb agility under all circumstances.

The Peugeot SR1 Concept car will be unveiled to the general public at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Story by PSA Peugeot Citroen S.A

At the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Steve Saleen is launching the first official images of the 2010 SMS 620 Camaro, the third and latest of the ultra-high performance automobiles produced by Steve Saleen’s company, SMS Supercars of Corona, CA.

Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars, explains “The SMS 620 Camaro will be the only Camaro authorized to benefit from my heritage and to incorporate innovations derived from my thirty plus years of racing and manufacturing experience. We are excited to add the SMS 620 Camaro to our line of SMS Signature Series cars, which includes the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 460 Mustang.”

The SMS 620 Camaro has a striking design that makes it stand out in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “We have incorporated our well-known functional SMS Red Butterfly™ Dual Side Induction Hood as well as our race-proven aerodynamics in this third vehicle in our SMS Signature Series. The SMS 620 Camaro is a dramatic and iconic visual statement that very clearly bears the SMS design DNA.”

The bespoke interior includes high performance gauges and all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats that feature the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. SMS offers its Tailor Made™ options for the exterior, interior and engine compartment; highlighted by a dozen show car quality custom SMS exterior colors. This newest creation by Steve Saleen’s company is scheduled for a market launch in the second quarter of 2010.

These vehicles’ power, performance and engineering befit their design. The SMS 620 Camaro will utilize a 6.2 liter V8 engine featuring 575 hp and 600 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful 6.2 liter V8 of the SMS 620X Camaro, with all new internals and CNC headwork, delivers a stunning 715 hp and 700 ft-lb. Both use the (patent pending) SMS 296™ Supercharger for their incredible horsepower and torque gains. Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual on both models.

The SMS 620 Camaro accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 4.3 seconds, while the SMS 620X Camaro manages the same in closer to 4.0. In addition to engine output, handling, road holding and braking improvements, the 620X will feature options such as Magneto-Rheological Semi-Active Dampers and Torvec Isotorque Differential and 21″ rear wheels. Both will offer new SMS 16″ 8-piston front and 14″ 6-piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match rail like cornering and jaw-dropping acceleration.

Autoblog friend David Kaiser, the same man who brought us images of the Tramontana F1 in full jet fighter camouflage regalia, has struck again with stunning pictures from Lamborghini’s launch of the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni in Zürich, Switzerland. According to Kaiser, this was the third stop of the car’s initial European tour following appearances in Paris and Lyon in France. Next, the Italian crew will pack up and take their show on to various locations in the United Kingdom.

In case you your memory needs refreshed, the new Lambo was named in honor of the automaker’s longtime test driver. Featuring a 550-horsepower version of the Gallardo’s familiar V10 engine and a comparatively low 3,042-pound curb weight, the rear-drive LP550-2 is reportedly capable of scurrying to 60 in just 3.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 199 mph. Check out the photo gallery below and pay special attention to the unique black-and-white racing stripe, Scorpious wheels hiding bright yellow brake calipers and transparent engine cover.

Thanks, David!

Unfortunately, the Lamborghini Murciélago can’t last forever. Despite producing a number of special versions to keep it fresh, including the LP640, LP 650-4 Roadster and LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini will eventually replace its most super of supercars.

Our spy photographers have caught up with Lamborghini engineers testing what could be the Murciélago’s replacement in Scandinavia. Rumored to revive the “Jota” nameplate, this new car appears to be similar in size to the Murciélago. We’re told to expect a new direct-inject V12 engine producing around 700 horsepower and a lighter overall weight thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum. All-wheel-drive is a given, though this time around Lamborghini may use a new system developed in conjunction with Haldex. As for what it look like, expect inspiration to come from the Reventón, another Lambo based on the Murciélago.

After impressive FXX Evolution proposed by Edo Competition that we had already presented, it is the turn of GemballaAnother prestigious German tuner has unveiled MIG-U1A true racing machine created on the basis of Enzo Ferrari and proposed only 25 copies that can be customized from a palette of 10 colors. Besides the exterior styling, the interior is seen also addressed a sumptuous red leather and all the multimedia that you can expect in a car of this category.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren spun off more variants than you could shake a carbon-ceramic stick at, and and although its successor hasn’t even reached the market, spy shots are already suggesting that the upcoming SLS could follow down the same path.

What we have here are the first shots of what is being billed once again as the Mercedes-Benz SLC. The name was previously entertained as the tentative nameplate for Merc’s upcoming gullwing supercar until it was replaced by the SLS nameplate. But if these shots from Auto Express are any indication, a roadster version is likely in the works as well.

Rather than a folding hard-top like the SL, the droptop SLS looks like it will follow the path of the SLR McLaren (not to mention the original 300SL) with a canvas roof, and presumably it will offer full automatic operation and a glass rear window. Aside from the roof, the mechanics are anticipated to carry over unchanged from the specs that just hit the web earlier today, while minimal weight gain should mean that performance will closely mirror that of its fixed-roof counterpart.

[Source: Auto Express]

At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Bentley unveiled its fastest most powerful road car in its 90 year history in the form of the Continental Supersports. Besides significantly reducing the weight of the existing Continental GT, the Supersports marked the first step of Bentley’s move reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, in this case through the use of ethanol as a fuel for the 6.0-liter twelve-cylinder engine.

The Supersports is the first flex-fuel vehicle from the British luxury marque. At this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley asked repeat Le Mans winner Derek Bell to spend the weekend ferrying lucky passengers up the hillclimb course in a prototype at elevated speeds.