This week's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, make sure you stop by Cummins' stand to check out this one-of-a-kind Austin Mini with a unique engine-swap. In case you didn't notice, there's a colossal engine sitting just behind the passenger compartment on the classic Mini's stretched platform.


Cummins, an independent maker of diesel engines, fitted its biggest powerplant on one of the smallest cars around. The QSK78 diesel engine, which is used to power mining industry dump trucks capable of carrying 360 tonnes, is a 78-liter, 18-cylinder monster with 12 turbochargers producing 3,500HP (take that Veyron) at 1,900 rpm and 10,157 lb-ft / 13,771Nm of peak torque at 1,500 rpm.
Weighing in at over 11 tonnes (24,912 lbs), the V18 unit measures an astonishing 3,327mm (131-in.) in length, 1,633mm (65.5-in.) in width and 2,429mm (95.6-in) in height.


"We never like to let a challenge go by unanswered so we got to thinking maybe we could fit the QSK78 into an original Austin Mini," said Steve Nendick, Cummins' Communications Director. " It proved to be a bit tricky to fit under the bonnet but our engineers came up with a more creative solution. We're certain that the Goodwood crowd will have difficulty believing what they are seeing", he added.


No word from Cummins on whether or not the V18 diesel actually motivates the Mini, but we wouldn't bet on it.

BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer released photos of the all-new 2011 5-Series sedan (codenamed F10) fitted with the firm's alloy wheel proposals. For now, the German tuner offers four alloy wheel designs in sizes 19- and 20-inches for the Bavarian automaker's premium saloon.
We're pretty sure that it won't be long before AC Schnitzer launches a full tuning program for the new 5er with styling parts and mechanical upgrades, but until then, skip the jump to check out the photo gallery.

BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer has set its eyes on the M version of the X6 sport crossover. The company said it is still working on a performance upgrade for the X6M's twin-turbocharged V8 engine that churns out 555HP in standard form, but buyers can choose from a variety of options that revamp the crossover's look.
The aero bodywork includes a front spoiler, roof spoiler, bonnet air-vents, rear wing, rear diffuser and design elements for the front skirt and chromed front grille. There's also a new carbon piece for the bonnet with a Plexiglas window through which the engine is visible.
AC Schnitzer offers a wheel arch extension kit that adds 40 mm on each side as well as numerous alloy wheel designs available in sizes 20-, 22- and 23-inches. The company also offers a new sport exhaust system with chromed tail-pipes.
Interior options include a restyled speedometer and rev counter with white dials and red lighting, carbon trim, aluminium footrest and pedal set, specific floor mats and a an AC Schnitzer steering wheel.

Call me completely tasteless, but this ‘Stang would camouflage nicely with a group of flushed Zebras… However, if this tickles your style senses know that the Red Stripe Appearance Package will be solely available in White or Black colored 2007 Shelby GT500 Coupe’s. Stripes aside, the special-edition package includes red and black leather interior and red-accent exterior badges. To top it all Ford throws in a pair of floor mats with a Red and Silver embroidered "Cobra Snake" logo and a fitted Shelby GT500-branded car cover. The Limited edition package will be available from early May through late June and it will carry a price tag of $1,650. - Click “Read More…” below for the press-release and the image-gallery
Via: Jalopnik




 





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PRESS RELEASE: NEW LIMITED-EDITION 2007 FORD SHELBY GT500 OFFERS MUSTANG ENTHUSIASTS A CHANCE TO HIT THE REDLINE

- Production of limited-edition Red Stripe Appearance Package for 2007 Shelby GT500 to begin in May.

- Special package includes unique exterior striping and badges, Red and Black leather seating, special interior trim and logos and branded Shelby GT500 car cover.

- 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 tops in segment quality, says RDA Group research—92 percent of owners would definitely recommend the vehicle to family or friends.

DEARBORN, Mich., April 19, 2007 – Even with demand for the most muscular Mustang ever – the Ford Shelby GT500 – at a record high, Ford is cranking up additional interest with a new, limited-edition package that adds unique visual appeal to the Shelby GT500. Enter the "Red Stripe Appearance Package," to be available beginning in May.
The Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang on the road today and arguably one of the most successful projects from Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in terms of performance, excitement and, importantly, quality.
In fact, early indicators show the Shelby GT500 is a quality standout. In the most recent Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study from RDA Group, an independent research company based in Bloomfield Hills, Mi., the Shelby GT500 earned praise as the highest-quality Mustang model, with the fewest “things gone wrong” in the first three months of ownership.
The Mustang line scores above the segment average in quality, according to the GQRS study, and the Shelby GT500 specifically scored the top result in the “sports car” segment.
“The unmatched quality and power of the latest Mustang masterpiece explains why 9 out of 10 owners are completely satisfied with their overall ownership experience,” the April 2007 RDA Group report concluded.
New Limited-Edition Shelby GT500 Package to be Available Beginning in May
The new Red Stripe Appearance Package will be available on any new 2007 Shelby GT500 Coupe with either White or Black exterior paint. Included in the special-edition package are Bright Red overbody and bodyside stripes, a Red and Black leather interior, unique red-accent exterior badges, including red-tinted Cobra emblems in the grille, fenders, and in the faux gas cap on the rear panel. Even the "SHELBY" letters on the decklid feature red accents.
The Red Stripe Appearance Package also adds unique new premium floor mats with a Red and Silver embroidered "Cobra Snake" logo, plus a fitted Shelby GT500-branded car cover.
The appearance package carries an MSRP of $1,650 and will be available from early May through late June, marking the end of the 2007 model run.
"The red package is all about exclusivity," said Robert Parker, Ford’s Car Marketing manager. "Our Mustang customers are eager to buy unique vehicles like the Shelby GT500 and will certainly appreciate the opportunity for something even more exclusive, made in an even more limited number. These are great customers and very passionate. I’m glad we can continue to deliver what they want.”
Shelby GT500 is among the Most Successful Performance Mustangs Ever
Enthusiasm doesn't begin to describe the ongoing demand for the Ford Shelby GT500. In the hyper-competitive auto market where supply routinely surpasses demand, the Shelby GT500 still has a long waiting list of buyers.
The Shelby GT500 was created by racing legend Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT and is a modern interpretation of the classic Shelby Mustang of the 1960s. Beneath the hood of every GT500 – including the new Red model – is a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine officially rated at 500 hp. A 6-speed manual gearbox features evenly spaced gears that help provide a sharp, lively driving experience on both road and track.
In addition to the engine upgrades, Ford’s SVT engineers retuned and upgraded key Mustang chassis components. Improvements include revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars that help the Ford Shelby GT500 maneuver with authority.
The GT500's unique design features include wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional air splitter. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to the dramatic front appearance. The carefully tailored hood has heat extractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. The MSRP of a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 starts at $41,675.

For that small percentage of buyers that aren't satisfied with the 2010 Ford Mustang-based Shelby GT500 that packs a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 with 540 ponies under the hood, Caroll Shelby and his team have prepped an even more hardcore package called Super Snake. Due to go on sale in August, Shelby offers the Super Snake package on the GT500 in two guises, with outputs of 630 and 725 horsepower, the latter offered only on the coupe model.
Shelby achieves the power upgrades with a different supercharger kit and a new exhaust system while other mods include a cold air intake system and a custom drive shaft on the 725HP variant
To improve handling, the Super Snake package adds a race-spec suspension system with adjustable dampers, a short throw shifter and a Baer brake system with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled and ventilated discs. Customers can also opt for a more hardcore Eibach handling pack.
On the aesthetics side, Shelby adorns the basic GT500 with a unique fiberglass hood with a larger air scoop, specific stripes, numerous carbon fiber body components, sequential tail lights, quarter window scoops and of course, new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero rubber.
For the interior, the basic Super Snake package adds center gauge cluster, satin door lock knobs and headrests embroidered with the Shelby logo which also appears on the center console.
Once you bring in your GT500, Shelby will charge you $29,495 for 630HP package and $33,495 for the 725HP kit. In both cases, prices including installation but not the donor car - just to make it clear.