SEMA 2009: Scion xB Retro-Flavored Pickup Concept

While the standard Scion xB isn't even close to being the coolest toaster compact hatch in the market, the same can't be said about this retro-flavored pickup conversion of the economy car that made its debut at SEMA. Designed by Brandon Leung, the project vehicle harkens back to the classic pickup trucks of the 50s.

Extended bed aside, the xB also comes with custom-made, one-off machined billet 20-inch wheels wrapped in chunky 215/30 ZR20 Toyo tires, a custom Five Axis Design body kit, modded interior, TRD sport brakes and suspension parts and a heavily tweaked engine.

MR Car Design Blacks Out and Powers Up VW Scirocco to 370HP

Adding to the many tuning proposals available for VW's Scirocco is a new specially modified version of the coupe called 'Black Rocco' that was developed by German firm MR Car Design. Wrapped in a matte black vinyl, the Black Rocco features a full bodykit from Rieger that consists of a front apron, side skirts and a rear apron with an integrated diffuser that houses the four tail pipes. The red pin stripes and 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/30 ZR20 S1 EVO high performance tires complete the exterior package.

Underneath the bonnet lurks a heavily tweaked version of the Scirocco's 210HP 2.0-liter TFSI engine that has received a Stage 3 turbo kit, a new downpipe, reprogrammed ECU and a custom-made exhaust system for an overall output of 370-horsepower and 519Nm or 382 lb-ft of peak torque.

MR Car Designe also fitted the car with a new limited slip differential, a Stoptech high performance brake system and new coilovers from KW Automotive. The tuning firm has yet to announce pricing on its new Sciorcco-based model.

Unique Ferrari 599 China Fetches €1.2 Million in Beijing Auction

The single special Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition designed by artist Lu Hao was auctioned off to an anonymous bidder from Shanghai at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing on Tuesday for €1.2 million, or approx US$1.75 million at today's exchange rates. Based on a limited version of the 599 for the Chinese market, this one-of-a-kind Prancing Horse model is distinguished by the Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns applied on the body.

Along with the special 599, Ferrari also auctioned a few more objects from its collection including a racing overall worn by F1 driver, Giancarlo Fisichella and a helmet and a model car signed by Michael Schumacher (yes, that's him wearing the fuxia scarf), who unveiled the car to the international press this morning.

According to the Italian supercar maker, the proceeds from the auction will go to fund outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua University's Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italy's Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari's headquarters.

Honda Announces MUGEN Accessories for U.S.-Spec Accord Sedan at SEMA

Today at the SEMA Show, Honda previewed its new line of MUGEN accessories for the U.S. market 2010 Accord sedan that will be available on an a la carte basis through the firm's authorized dealers starting on November 11. The Japanese firm displayed an Accord sedan fitted with various goodies from its in-house tuner such as 18-inch alloy wheels, front sports grille, front under-spoiler, side skirts, rear apron, sports floor mats, machined aluminum oil filler cap and a unique front emblem.

Honda said that all of the painted Mugen parts will come color-matched to one of five popular colors for the Accord that include: Polished Metal Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, White Diamond Pearl and Taffeta White.

In addition to the Mugen-ized Accord sedan, Honda also displayed several other accessorized models including the Fit with MUGEN accessories, a Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Civic Si Sedan and a HFP Accord Coupe.

GM Decides to Keep Opel After All, Cancels Sale with Magna

In a strange turn of events (though some might rightfully disagree....), GM today announced that the company's Board of Directors decided to terminate the sale process of Opel to a Russian-backed group led by Magna and keep the European unit under its control. The U.S. automaker said that it took this decision because of an "improving business environment for GM over the past few months" as well as the importance of the Opel/Vauxhall brands to the firm's global strategy.

GM's president and CEO Fritz Henderson said in a prepared statement that the company will present its restructuring plan for its European division to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration. The U.S. automaker anticipates that the restructuring of Opel will cost around €3 billion, or about $4.4 billion at today's exchange rates.

"While strained, the business environment in Europe has improved." Henderson said. "At the same time, GM's overall financial health and stability have improved significantly over the past few months, giving us confidence that the European business can be successfully restructured. We are grateful for the hard work of the German and other EU governments in navigating this difficult economic period. We're also appreciative of the effort put forward by Magna and its partners in Russia in trying to reach an equitable agreement."

Siegfried Wolf, Magna's Co-Chief Executive Officer stated: "We understand that the Board concluded that it was in GM's best interests to retain Opel, which plays an important role within GM's global organization. We will continue to support Opel and GM in the challenges ahead and wish to thank everyone who supported the Opel restructuring process for their tireless efforts and dedication over the past several months."

So, what do you think about GM's decision to retain Opel and ditch Magna and it's Russian financers, will it be beneficial for both parties in the long run? Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment after the jump.

SEMA 2009: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets 911 GT3 RS Paintjob

Among the various Hyundai Genesis Coupe proposals showcased at SEMA is this funky example that was co-developed by RIDES and Lux Design. The Korean coupe was sprayed with a coat of Porsche 911 GT3 RS orange paint while the roof was refinished in matte black. It also features a custom body kit from Sarona Design that includes a new front fascia, rear bumper, grille, sideskirts and vented fenders, complemented by a set of 20-inch matte black alloy wheels from Vossen.

The coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was also upgraded with a Turbonetics GT-K 350 ceramic ball bearing turbo and Spearco front-mount intercooler while other performance mods include a full GReddy Racing Ti-C turbo-back exhaust, StopTech brakes and a new coilover kit that lowers the car's ride height.

SEMA Show: GM Drops Greener LS3 Crate Engine into Georgous '55 Chevy

To create a bit of a buzz around its new line of comparatively greener and more fuel efficient crate motors called 'E-Rod', General Motors prepared an eye-catching 1955 Chevrolet for the SEMA Show. The fully restored Chevy features a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 E-Rod engine that cranks out 424 lb.-ft. of torque. The list price for the E-Rod LS3 package, which does not include a transmission nor some other necessary components such as the exhaust system behind the catalytic converters, is $9,375.

"With the E-ROD system, you're getting 160 percent more horsepower than the original small-block V-8 offered in 1955, but with emissions performance and efficiency that wasn't even dreamt of half a century ago," said Jamie Meyer, product marketing manager for GM Performance Parts.

"This is how modern hot rods will be built. They'll have the efficiency of a modern GM high-performance vehicle, be environmentally conscious and emissions-compliant – all while providing the owner with a smaller carbon footprint," he added.

For more details on GM's new E-Rod package, check out the release below.

The E-ROD system components (from GM Press Release)

The E-ROD kit carries part number 19244805 and includes the same, basic LS3 engine that's found in the Camaro SS and Corvette (additional engine choices, including the LS7 and LSA, are planned for future packages). Standard elements of the kit include:

• 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque
  
• GMPP LS3 engine wiring harness
  
• GMPP engine control module
  
• Exhaust manifolds
  
• Catalytic converters
  
• Oxygen sensors and sensor bosses
  
• Fuel tank evaporative emissions canister
  
• Mass airflow sensor and sensor boss
  
• Accelerator pedal (for use with the LS3's electronic throttle)
  
• Air filter
  
• Instruction manual
  

In addition to the E-ROD system, the builder will need to source additional components to complete the assembly and get the vehicle running. They include:

• Fuel tank
  
• Fuel lines (re-circulating or returnless)
  
• Fuel pump
  
• Fuel tank vent line from the tank to the evaporative emissions canister
  
• Pure line from the canister to the engine purge solenoid
  
• Air induction system that incorporates the mass airflow sensor
  
• Exhaust system behind the catalytic converters
  

Additionally, the LS3 engine requires a front-end accessory drive system that is suitable to the vehicle. The instruction manual includes recommendations for the accessory drive kit, as well as the transmission, gear ratios and more.

The E-ROD kit does not include a transmission. GMPP recommends the GM Hydra-Matic electronically controlled 4L60-E four-speed automatic, part number 19156260, and transmission controller, part number 12497316.