Chevrolet SS to debut on February 16th

Chevrolet’s U.S. vice president of performance vehicles has announced plans to introduce the 2014 SS on February 16th.

Speaking to journalists in Detroit, Jim Campbell said the model would be unveiled ahead of the Sprint Unlimited Race. As Campbell noted, “This is the first time that we’ve done this in decades, where we’re going to introduce a whole new model at a racetrack." While the racing tie-in is interesting, it isn't too surprising as Chevrolet will use an SS-inspired model to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Chevrolet hasn't revealed much about the model, but previously confirmed it will be rear-wheel drive and feature a V8 engine - possibly the new 6.2-liter EcoTec3 that debuted on the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The car will be based on theHolden VF Commodore and is slated to enter limited production later this year.

Note: Chevrolet SS Race Car pictured

Source: Automotive News

via worldcarfans.

Classic Driver Dealer Marreyt Classics: Rétromobile, here we come!

Three exotic Italian classics, including this 1949 Fiat 1100 E with one-off coachwork by Ghia, will be found on Belgian dealer Marreyt Classics’ stand at Rétromobile 2013.

No stranger to shows (Ghia presented this very car at the 1949 Villa D’Este Concorso D'Eleganza), the maroon coupé will be sent to Paris from Marreyt Classics’ base just outside Brussels. When it made its entrance at Villa D’Este, it was soon dubbed Gioiello (jewel, in Italian) and was awarded a first prize by the professional judges.
The public attendees, however, saw things another way and gave their prize to the Alfa Romeo 2500 SS, later to be referred to as the ‘Villa D’Este’.


Under the bonnet sits an Abarth-tuned four-cylinder engine. With a special cylinderhead and twin carburettors, the small car has the typical high-revving performance of the period.
Joining the Fiat will be another 1100 E, this time with tuning by Stanguellini and characteristically early 50s coachwork by Bertone. The 1951 car is described by the vendor as a car “just for fun, participation at concours d'elegance contests, historic competition rallying… a perfect Mille Miglia entry!”


The other Italian rarity is a special-bodied 1956 Lancia Aurelia B20 5th Series coupé. Although its full history is yet to be researched, the small coupé’s lowered roofline and ‘Zagato-type’ radiator grille give the car an individual and attractive appearance.

Related Links The 1949 Fiat 1100 E by Carrozzeria Ghia listed in the Classic Driver Marketplace Marreyt Classics' cars for Sale in the Classic Driver Marketplace

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Marreyt Classics

Fiat ‘Otto Vu’ Coupé by Vignale: One of thirteen

Fiat’s 8V, or ‘Otto Vu’ in Italian, is now considered to be one of the most desirable cars from the early 1950s. Various body styles were offered, including versions by Fiat itself, Ghia and Zagato. This Vignale-styled 8V coupé is arguably one of the most attractive.

The heart of the car is its 1,996cc V8, a small-capacity motor but one powerful enough to give the regular model sufficient performance to win the Italian 2-litre GT Championship year after year in the mid-1950s. Fiat 8Vs were regular sights on the Mille Miglia.
Under stylist Giovanni Michelotti’s direction at Vignale, the Turin-based coachbuilder constructed a series of 13 cars based on the tubular chassis, small V8, four-speed gearbox and independent suspension of the standard Otto Vu.


No two were identical, and this example was delivered new on 14 August 1953 to Pietro Melchionni, from the town of Alessandria in Northern Italy. Originally beige with a red roof, the car went through several owners, each with his own ideas on the colour scheme, finally ending up in the metallic silver with red roof design you see here.


Compare the car with a Ferrari by Vignale of the same period. The high sides, rounded tail and narrow cabin profile are similar. The exquisite detailing can only come from a bespoke commission.

Artcurial will offer this car for sale at its 2013 Paris Rétromobile Sale. Estimate: EUR 750,000 - 850,000.

Related Links All cars, motorcycles and automobilia from the 8 February Artcurial Rétromobile sale can be found in the Classic Driver Marketplace You can also visit www.artcurial.com

Text: Steve Wakefield(ClassicDriver)
Photos: Artcurial

Toyota GT 86 GT4 racer unleashed

Up to 400 hp

Developed by GPRM, this is a FIA-compliant GT4 version of the Toyota GT 86.

There are several racing versions of the Toyota GT 86 already available, but this is the first one designed to meet FIA regulations in the GT4 category. It was created by UK-based motorsport and engineering company GPRM and comes with a bespoke version of the car's 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine.

GPRM developed this engine in collaboration with Nicholson McLaren Engines and they say it's capable of outputting between 360 hp (268 kW) and 400 hp (298 kW). The final output will be determined after the testing phase is completed.

The Toyota GT 86 GT4 by GPRM will be eligible to take part in various GT4 competitions starting early 2014. There aren't any details about pricing right now, but it seems GPRM has already received an order for the racer.

Source: Toyota / GPRM

via worldcarfans