Mario’s ‘65 Mustang fastback has been in the family since new. Right now it has a stroked and turbo’d ‘92 5.0 under the hood capable of 560+ hp. Check out his ride page for all the pics!

And sometimes, the drift gets you. Vaungh Gittin Jr. took a pretty hard lick during qualifying for the Formula D round in Vegas, but fortunately, he walked away. Obviously, his Falken Mustang didn’t fare as well, but something tells me it will be perfectly fine by the time the team has to hit the circuit in Seattle.

Mr. Angry is once again embarking on a cross country journey. This time from he’s running from NYC to Reno, Nevada for Hot August Nights and then onto Monterrey, California for the Concours at Pebble Beach. The thing is, he hasn’t finalized his route yet, and he wants your help. Ideally, he’d like to hit as many tracks, car shows or cruise nights as possible, and would love to meet up with CarDomain member along the way. In fact, he’ll have Mr. Angry t-shirts to give out to anyone who manages to track down the ‘68 Charger. And of course he’d love to caravan with anyone who’s interested. Check out this thread at DodgeCharger.com and then let us know your route suggestions in the comments below. The road trip starts Saturday August 25 and of course Mike will be documenting the journey right here on CarDomain!

Since the first spy photos were leaked, I’ve been saying I think Porsche’s Panamera looks pretty awful. And while I don’t think the finished product is totally hideous, I think Stuttgart fell well short of attractive with the design of it’s first four-door. What do I find hideous? The way that some media outlets title something a “car review,” and then deliver an infomercial. There’s nothing even remotely critical of the vehicle in Car News TV’s “review” of the new Porsche—not even the almost obligatory “while some purists might not like the idea of a Porsche sedan…”—and I swear I recognize the narrator’s voice from a detergent spot or something. I can just hear her saying “and just look at what it does to grass-stains!” That said, there are still some good shots of the Panamera in action here.

Chicago’s “Mr. Norm” Krause has not lost his verve for hopping up Mopars. Back in the 1960s his Grand Spaulding Dodge dealership was a performance leader. Guys nationwide were members of The Mr. Norm’s Sport Club. The good news is that he’s still at it.

The newest thing to roll from his shop is a blown, Hemi-powered, convertible 2009 Challenger. This is cool stuff as Chrysler does not manufacture a “new” Challenger convertible model, nor does it equip any with Kenne-Bell blowers off of the assembly line. Check out more pics and read the press release after the jump.

Introducing the new 2009 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles from Mr. Norm, the name that’s synonymous with the most incredible high performance Mopars ever built and offered to enthusiasts. Based on the Challenger SRT-8, the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles echo the styling and performance of the original, iconic, E-Body muscle cars that inspired the creation of these vehicles. These drop tops mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of two legendary muscle cars that spans nearly 40 years.

The compelling presence of the original 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda can be seen in the appearance of these vehicles. Both are the result of impeccable breeding, a pedigree with genes handed down from their celebrated ancestors that can be appreciated by enthusiasts of all ages. Design cues recall themes and details readily recognizable by aficionados, and have been carefully selected and refined to imbue these mighty Mopars with the same sensation of raw excitement that set the original 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda apart from their contemporaries when they were new, and still continue to dazzle enthusiasts today. They’re bold, brash, in your face and exactly what you would expect from Mr. Norm.

Supercharged 426 Hemi Power…and More

Complementing their unforgettable appearance, the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles deliver overwhelming performance matched with superlative handling and braking in equal proportions. In doing so, they set a new benchmark for all muscle and performance cars in their category and beyond.

The Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles are a showcase for the latest in Gen III Hemi performance. Each of the engines is equipped with a new reciprocating assembly that includes a forged crank, rods and pistons that increase engine displacement to 7 liters, or the magic Mopar number; 426 cubic inches. Far stronger than the factory cast rods and pistons, these components provide the ultimate complement to the Mr. Norm’s Signature Kenne Bell 2.8 liter twin screw supercharger that pumps up the volume of the Hemi engines to a whopping 725 pavement melting horsepower.

Backing up the performance of the thundering supercharged Hemi engines on both convertibles is the Mr. Norm’s Hi Performance Rear Suspension System that replaces the stock components. The Mr. Norm’s Rear Suspension System utilizes the beefy Viper SRT-10 spec Dana 44 differential that’s mated to a significantly more robust driveshaft and half shafts. In addition, the 426 Hemi Convertibles also feature the Mr. Norm’s Chassis Bracing Upgrade that includes frame connectors and additional bracing for a stiff unibody structure. TTI manufactured the low restriction cat back dual exhaust system that produces an aggressive exhaust note that befits a blown Hemi. Balancing out the awesome power is an AFCO fully adjustable coil over suspension system that provides great stance and handling without compromising ride quality.

Accentuating the bold stance of the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles is a set of classically inspired Mr. Norm’s “Thrust” custom wheels that are sure to turn even the most jaded enthusiast green with envy. Inspired by the mag wheels that were popular when the first Hemi Challengers and Hemi Cuda’s ruled the streets, these new forged, multi piece, 20 inch wheels evoke all of the nostalgia of the originals, with the added benefit of 21st century design and engineering. Complementing the wheels is a set of ultra high performance Pirelli tires that provide the new Mr. Norm’s Hemi cars with the kind of grip that puts the bias ply wide boots of yesterday to shame.

Authentic Design

The appearance of the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles doesn’t merely hint at the rippling Hemi power beneath their sensuous skins, it conveys it loud and clear. Authentic E-Body influenced themes resonate through every inch of the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles.

The front of the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Cuda sets the tone for the entire vehicle with its bold ‘71 Hemi Cuda inspired grille and dedicated ‘Cuda Shaker hood that features a recreation of the exquisitely proportioned original Hemi Cuda Shaker by Mr. Norm’s Garage. Remaining faithful to its ‘Cuda heritage are new 2009 Cuda quarter panels, also by Mr. Norm’s Garage, that feature the correct horizontal character line that completely differentiates it from its Challenger stable mate, matched with bold Hemi billboard graphics and bright trimmed ‘Cuda Fender Gills. The attention to detail continues in the rear, where Mr. Norm’s Garage incorporates actual 1971 Hemi Cuda tail light assemblies that flank a custom tail panel with genuine ‘71 ‘Cuda script. Hemi Cuda exhaust tips exit conspicuously from the rear fascia, calling attention to the consistent detail and design continuity that this vehicle conveys. The Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger showcases the same attention to detail with its dedicated Challenger Shaker Hood, body side graphics and Hemi Challenger exhaust tips.

The interiors of the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles feature glove soft Katzkin black custom leather and suede covered seats that are accented with yellow top stitching that complements exterior colors and graphics. Mr. Norm’s embroidered logos grace the seatbacks and the custom carpet mats, a subtle reminder that these are very special vehicles. And in keeping with their ultra high performance theme, each of these 426 Hemi cars is equipped with a real pistol grip shifter for the six speed manual transmission, the essential component for those who revel in the thrill of shifting for themselves, and demand authenticity in their Mopars. Designed to appear like the original trendsetting Pistol Grip Shifter, these new shifters by Mr. Norm’s Garage feature a carbon fiber or wood grain handle that’s a mirror image of the original, mounted on a chrome plated arm.

Names that Honor a Great Legacy

Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda. No-nonsense names for no-nonsense ultra high performance vehicles. One look at them, and you know that these are two muscle cars that are not to be trifled with. The Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda pay homage to the heritage of the original Hemi Challenger and Hemi Cuda. In an era of generic look-a-like cars that have as much personality as an angry kitchen appliance, the Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles radiate the kind of charisma that cause young and old alike to stop and stare, while creating a burning desire to own one.

The Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda represent the renaissance of the breed of automobile that is uniquely American. Without question, the beauty, strength and power of these vehicles can be seen in even their most subtle nuances. The Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles are much more than ordinary high performance cars. By sheer virtue of their genetics, these are vehicles that link the past to the present while signaling the direction of the future.

Writing the Next Chapter in History

Pose the 2009 Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda side by side with the originals. You can easily see the resemblance between them. The bold body of the latest generation and its aggressive stance, coupled with the supercharged Hemi power that rumbles beneath the shaker hoods truly mark the next step in the advance of the classic American, big bore V8, high performance rear wheel drive muscle car. While they pay homage to the original Hemi Challenger and Hemi Cuda, these vehicles are totally modern. The new Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda Convertibles were created to ignite the passion of hard core performance enthusiasts who grew up with their legendary ancestors, while singing their siren song to a new generation who have yet to experience the excitement these vehicles offer.

When I was learning to drive, my Dad constantly reminded me that when you’re behind the wheel, “everyone on the road is trying to kill you.” It’s good advice, but apparently the driver in this clip either never heard it or totally forgot. Trusting that the guy you’re following—even if he’s your best buddy—is leaving enough room for two cars to pass is just foolish. Fortunately, there was plenty of desert available for a last minute swerve…

I was just doing my rounds on the blogs I visit daily, one of them is the blog that Jon Sibal runs. He posts about his cars, internet finds and about his work as a illustrator. Today I was greeted by these pictures of the Spirant 180SX that Jon dug up somewhere. This 180 is one of my favorites together with the one that Koguchi build and Antonio featured here on Speedhunters.

The Spirant 180Sx has had a update for the 2009 season, do we all remember how it looked before? Well for this year they went with a different bumper made by Carmodify-Wonder called the Glare. Continue reading at Speedhunters

By Jeroen Willemsen

A road trip doesn’t just mean seeing the sights, it means meeting new people and getting the local flavors from, well, the locals. Bill Miles and his son Connor, who we last saw in the Pacific Northwest, have since meandered down through California, around the San Francisco Bay and out into Nevada, and from reading their travelog, it sounds like they’ve talked to every living soul along the way, which makes for some great reading. Continue reading at Hemmings

We just posted pics from the DUB Charlotte show. Check ‘em out!

Now I am the first person to admit that I go to a lot of car shows. However with all the car shows that I go to it has been at least eight years since I have seen a car with a clear hood. That all changed at the Meguiar’s show on Saturday when I saw this VC Valiant Sedan. To be honest none of the clear hoods that I have seen in the past have done justice to the cars that they were attached to. I am pleased to say that this one actually looked really good. I think the big difference is that the owner has kept the clear section to the center of the hood instead of having the entire hood as one clear piece. The car has a 360CI Chrysler block which pumps out 627 horses at the rear wheels. No doubt the twin turbos help a bit. It took 3 years to build the car, but it was time well spent. One more pic after the jump.