CAR News

Gearhead Performance Group has unleashed the striking 2010 Pontiac Trans Am, a Chevrolet Camaro-based Pontiac replica that packs the well-known Firebird spirit and an astonishing 900hp 6.2 liter twin turbo LS9 power unit.

Boasting this amazingly masculine vision, the highly refined Camaro comes standard with a 6 speed transmission with hardened gears and drive axle mated to a LS3 engine with 426 horsepower. The 2010 Pontiac Trans Am visual furore is further complemented by a set of snowflake wheels in 22-inch. Inside, the Gearhead Performance specialist have styled the special muscle car with gold interior accents in 1970s style.

Mod list:

Standard: LS3 426 HP
Optional: Twin Turbo 6.2 ltr LS9 900 HP +
Custom suspensions available
Lowered 1? in the front and 2? in the rear
6 speed transmission with hardened gears and drive axle
22? custom wheels (snowflake available)
Functional fender vents for brake heat reduction
Gold interior accents

HURST Pontiac G8 Limited Edition

Hurst Performance Vehicles, one of the most recognized and respected names in automobile history, announced that it has teamed up with newly appointed Hurst Director Emeritus and legendary performance visionary, “Doc” Watson, to build two new Special Edition Hurst/Pontiacs – a 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. version of the G8 and a G6 convertible. Hurst Performance President, Ron Flint, and Watson made the announcement together on Saturday at a special event held at the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan – the birthplace of GM.

Hurst Performance in Irvine, California, will hand-build only 52 examples of the 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. – a modern-day version of George Hurst’s “Executive Hot Rod”. These numbered cars will feature Hurst’s iconic white/gold and black/gold colors along with forged alloy Hurst wheels, an exclusive Hurst shifter, supercharged engine, suspension mods and a specially trimmed interior.

Hurst will also commemorate Doc’s famous Pace Cars and build ten HURST/Pontiac G6 convertibles to be used as parade and special event cars.

“Doc started all of this with George back in 1960 with Hurst Performance Research. His Hurst H.O. Pontiacs have stormed drag strips and main streets across the country for 50 years,” said Hurst Chairman, Nate Shelton. “There could not be a better time to honor Doc and the legendary Pontiac marque.”

Watson’s contribution to the American performance landscape is unrivaled. During a 50-year career in the development, manufacturing and marketing of special vehicles, Watson brought to life more than 80 performance cars and racing vehicles, including the original Hurst Oldsmobile, the Hemi-Under-Glass and the 1972 Hurst/Pontiac SSJ. These new HURST/Pontiac’s are yet another chapter in his illustrious career.

“If we combine the wisdom earned through the heritage of past Hurst vehicles with the vision of globally beneficial vehicles, we will not be living through the death of the Muscle Car,” Watson explained. “Rather, we will see the birth of exciting, passion-filled performance vehicles – vehicles that will give new meaning to lean, mean, and environmentally clean machines. It’s a ‘new machine age,’ and Hurst will be first once again.”

Hurst Performance has once again partnered with the Woodhouse Automotive Family of Blair Nebraska as the exclusive Hurst Authorized Pontiac Dealer for sales and service of these exceptional vehicles.

Specifications, pricing and ordering information will be available August 1st on the Hurst website at www.hurst-performance.com.

For more than 25 years, the automobile manufacturer GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG builds exclusive sports cars which are based on the Porsche model range. Thereby, the company under the management of the founder Uwe Gemballa always sets standards regarding engine performance, innovative automobile design and exclusive interior. This is impressively confirmed by numerous lap records on the most difficult race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And also by winning many awards such as the renowned “red dot design award”. And last but not least by thrilled customers all over the world.

And also the latest super sports car – the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition – limited to only 5 pieces will conquer the motor sports hearts of its future owners in supersonic speed. Based on the Porsche Carrera GT the specialists from Leonberg near Stuttgart present an extremely attractive version of the MIRAGE GT. The eye-catching main evolutionary characteristic is the GEMBALLA body element production in carbon fibre. But that is not all: ultra-light aerodynamics components which have been optimised in the wind tunnel and a power engine with powerful 670 hp top performance render an impressive top speed of 335 km/h. A ground-breaking, hydraulic, height-adjustable coilover kit is especially adjusted to the GEMBALLA wheel-tyre combination GT SPORT Forged and this interplay provides perfect road handling. And also the interior is upgraded from the floor room to the roof lining. Perfectly processed and stylishly arranged leather and carbon turn every Mirage GT cockpit into an exclusive unique masterpiece.

Carbon – as far as the eye can see

Already the serial version of the Carrera GT presents itself with an abundance of ultra-light and high-strength carbon material. And GEMBALLA continues this trend in the MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition by using it as the main component of all body parts. Each single element of the GEMBALLA aerodynamics design is optimised in the wind tunnel, produced in perfect surface quality and accurately fitted into the automobile.

The core part of the newly designed MIRAGE GT front is the striking apron with the enhanced air inlets for an improved ventilation of the front coolers. In combination with the new front lip, GEMBALLA does not only achieve an aggressive look, but also generates additional downthrust. Also the front wings and the bonnet are replaced by proprietary development components. At the flanks, you find newly designed side skirts.

These calm down the air duct between the axles and send additional cooling air to the brake system through integrated passages. The new diffuser which is fitted into the new rear skirt stabilises the rear section at high speeds and in connection with the enlarged rear wing, it generates contact pressure at the rear axle. Further advancements are provided by the individually adjustable Gurney flap which is inserted in the wing profile. The body kit is perfected with the GEMBALLA roof channel as well as the air scoop of the engine compartment and the rear view camera casing.

3.7 seconds from zero to hundred km/h – accompanied by an incomparable exhaust sound

But the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition does not only impress with its fascinating design. As a result of an optimised engine management and a special exhaust system with sport catalysts and pneumatic valve control, not only the engine performance and the acceleration improve significantly. Due to its 670 hp / 493 kW at 8,000 rpm and 630 Newton metres at 5,700 rpm, the ten-cylinder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in breath-taking 3.7 seconds. The top speed is 335 km/h and therefore also faster than the basic model. For an enhanced gas pedal response, the GEMBALLA technicians fit a sports clutch with special pads. Especially when driving stop and go in city traffic, this is an enormous advantage and allows a smooth and bucking-free take-off.

Innovative running gear technology for the race track and for everyday use

The running gear components in the MIRAGE are especially adjusted to the enhanced engine performance and sporty driving manner. They consist of four individually adjustable coilover dampers in a unit with progressively coiled double springs. For everyday use, the electro-hydraulic height-adjustment is extremely innovative and enormously helpful. By pushing a button in the passenger compartment, it is possible to lift the body by 45 millimetres at the front- and rear axle and therefore allows driving over obstacles such as underground car park entrances and traffic ramps. Also by pushing a button or by reaching 80 km/h, the MIRAGE lowers itself to its original level. As the perfect wheel-tyre combination, GEMBALLA gits the multi-part rims GT SPORT Forged in the dimension 9.5 x 19 and 12.5 x 20 with tyres in the serial measurement 265/35 ZR19 at the front axle and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear axle.

Exclusive interior design without limits

GEMBALLA presents the perfect symbiosis between sportive functionality and luxurious ambience. The interior designers combine the most precious materials such as fine leather, ultra-suede and carbon fibre in a very stylish way. The leather which is processed with expert hand is very resilient and yet extremely soft. The characteristic natural product with its individual grain and the masterly decorative stitching render an extravagant look around the newly designed centre console. The latter is entirely made of carbon fibre and contains the GEMBALLA Multimedia unit and the Data Control System.

The harmonically integrated display presents driving data such as acceleration, cross-acceleration and deceleration values. Another highlight in the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition is the full-size airbag sports steering wheel with a diameter of 340 millimetres.

GEMBALLA – the specialist for high end Porsche refinements and innovative engineering design offers the entire refining set for the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition which is only limited to 5 specimen from 298,000 euros (net price, without basic automobile).

Firehawk, arguably one of the most legendary names in the history of Pontiac Muscle Cars is again united with a vehicle worthy of that unique badge: the 2009 G8-GT based Firehawk. Produced and available at SLP Performance Parts, Inc. (SLP), and select Pontiac dealerships nationwide, Firehawk offers the all-around powertrain performance, superior handling and braking, with headturning styling and value, true to its distinctive nameplate.

Following in the footsteps of SLP’s famed Firebird Firehawk is a daunting challenge. But one test drive will convince skeptics that the 2009 Supercharged Firehawk has recaptured and refined the special magic of the first generation Firehawk.

Available only on the 2009 G8 GT in any factory color, the Supercharged Firehawk’s performance and curb appeal are enhanced by a positive displacement supercharger, using the same technology as the supercharger GM supplies on the new ZR-1 Corvette, and highlighted by an aggressively styled flat-black painted hood treatment, reminiscent of early Muscle Cars.

To compliment Firehawk’s front-end appearance, the rear deck lid spoiler benefits from subtle but effective styling revisions, including a flat black paint finish. Helping transfer Firehawk’s power-to-thepavement are Bridestone’s P245/40R19 Potenza RE050A Pole Position tires* and the lightweight Firehawk 19″x8″ 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Firehawk Standard Content Includes:

• SLP TVS 1900 500 HP Series Supercharger Package
• SLP PowerFlo® Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• SLP Blackwing® Cold Air Induction System
• SLP Sport Suspension Package
• Flat Black Painted Hood and Grille Surrounds
• Painted Lower Fascia Grille Inserts (Body Color)
• SLP Rear Spoiler Painted Flat Black
• Firehawk 19” 5-spoke, Gun Metal Painted Alloy Wheels w/Machined Spoke Face and Firehawk Logo Center Caps
• Firehawk Badges
• Firehawk Car Cover
• Firehawk Leather (faux) Portfolio
• Firehawk Birth Certificate
• Firehawk Numbered Dash Plaque and Key Fobs (2)
• Firehawk Floor Mats
• Firehawk Embroidered Headrests

Price: $18,995 on top of price of G8 GT

Optional Firehawk Content:
• Competition Brake Package

Price: $4,995