[Official] Tanner Foust gets eponymous hotted-up Ford Focus ST from Cobb Tuning

Racer and Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust has partnered up with Cobb Tuning to create a special-edition Ford Focus ST. The limited-edition hatches will come packing a reflashed ECU, special intercooler, tweaked intake and freer-flowing exhaust for up to 20 percent more power than the stock creation. Cobb says that the changes should push the final dyno figure to above 300 horsepower. Buyers can also expect to find special carbon fiber aerodynamic bits on board along with a new grille, graphics and wheels. Cobb hasn't released pricing on this Tanner Foust Edition Ford Focus ST as of yet, but you can bet the whole kit won't be cheap.

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Chip Foose custom 1953 Ford F-100 sells for $170K at Barrett-Jackson

There may not be a more recognizable name in the world of custom cars than Chip Foose, and those star-struck (and well-healed) fans of Foose just had the opportunity to purchase one of the designer's custom creations for their very own garage. This 1953 Ford F-100 pickup was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the one item just about everybody has in their toolbox: WD-40.

Way back when, WD-40 was sold by the Rocket Chemical Company, and the vintage artwork on the door highlights that little bit of trivia. Under the truck's massive flowing hood sits an original 239-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, with appropriately modern updates, naturally. A set of one-off Foose wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero tires completes the aesthetic.

All proceeds from the vehicle sale will benefit two charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction.

1953 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP

Designed by legendary Hot-Rod designer and TV star Chip Foose, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose '53 Ford F-100 commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 multi-use product. With a vintage "shop truck" look, updated drivetrain and suspension, and custom paint, this special pickup looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early 50s, back when WD-40 Company was called Rocket Chemical Company. Features of the vehicle include: an original flathead engine from Edelbrock, speed equipment from Egge, BASF paint, one-off custom "vintage look" Foose wheels from MHT wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires, restoration parts from LMC Truck, a custom MagnaFlow exhaust, and more. Other companies that pitched in on the vehicle include: Street Scene Equipment, L&R Engine, American Autowire, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, K&N, and McGard. All proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities, Childhelp, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children and Victory Junction, which provides life changing camping experiences to special needs and chronically ill children. **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SEMA CARES** **WILL BE SOLD AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013**

News Source: Barrett-Jackson, Speed

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Lincoln to adopt Mini-like personalization strategy?

There's no single silver bullet that will cure all that ails the Lincoln brand, and Ford knows that just as surely as we do. Coming out with exciting new models like the well-received MKC crossover counts as several steps in the right direction, assuming of course that the production version is as appealing as the concept just shown at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but more is needed. According to Jim Farley, executive vice president of Lincoln, one more trick may be "mass customization."

Put another way, Lincoln is considering ways to allow buyers to customize their new vehicles right off the showroom floor, similar to how things are done at Mini, and, to a lesser extent, Scion, where Farley previously served as corporate manager. Imagine, for instance, ordering a new MKC with a large Lincoln insignia embossed into the leather seatbacks, according to Automotive News.

While we're not so sure anybody is all that interested in paying extra for more Lincoln logos, it's a strategy that has proven rather fruitful at Mini. Only time will tell if Ford's erstwhile luxury division will once again be seen as something truly worth reaching for, and if customers are willing to pay a further premium for customization.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

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Shelby unveils tuned Ford Focus ST, widebody GT500 Super Snake

Shelby American has made its name tuning various Ford products, and now the Focus ST can be added to this list. Just introduced at the Detroit Auto Show, the Shelby Focus ST doesn't add any extra horsepower under the hood, but it should still make sizable gains in performance thanks to an upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust systems. Also on hand at the Shelby display was a widebody version of the powerful Shelby GT500 Super Snake.

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2013 AEV Brute Double Cab

These are the guys who bring an M777 howitzer to a knife fight. In terms of overall rugged utility, the all-new 2013 Brute Double Cab from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is about as overkill as they come, and we can't seem to get enough of the beasts that this company produces. Unlike most aftermarket firms, always striving to lower cost and increase volume (but at the expense of quality), Michigan-based AEV takes pride in its OEM-quality design, engineering, manufacturing and testing. Everything is as good, or better, than the stuff from the factory, and they have been doing it this way for more than 15 years.

Launched at the recent 2012 SEMA show was the 2013 AEV Brute Double Cab. Its debut marked the company's expansion to a four-door Brute on the newer JK platform (drawing inspiration from the Land Rover Defender 130). I recently spent a few hours with the new truck in sunny Southern California, though unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was limited to pavement-only driving impressions.

Driving Notes

• The vehicles are assembled in a facility in Wixom, Michigan. To build the Brute Double Cab, AEV stretches the chassis of a four-door JK Wrangler by 23 inches and extends the rear frame to accommodate its custom composite honeycomb pickup bed. Overall vehicle length grows by 30 inches, to bring it to 216 inches overall.
• Unlike AEV's first vehicles, designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts seeking something different, the Double Cab targets those seeking the same capability but with added interior room and more room for cargo, all with the improved capabilities of the JK platform. It is not meant to replace a traditional pickup, but rather serve the overland market with more utility than a Jeep.
• My red test vehicle was a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 ($35,090) fitted with AEV's DC350 package – basically the same as the JK350 package, but on the Brute chassis ($39,999). In addition, it was equipped with a snorkel ($534), splash guards ($114), Warn winch ($250), 37-inch tire upgrade ($400), 4.5-inch suspension upgrade ($100), beadlock wheel upgrade ($850) and a rear slider ($311). Figure about $77,650 for its as-tested price.
• Upon close scrutiny, it appeared that AEV's craftsmanship and materials were top-notch and the fit and finish of the company's assembly work was impeccable. Note the little details like the fresh water storage tank in the rear bumper and the beautifully integrated engine intake snorkel.
• As expected from a vehicle raised considerably higher than stock, the step-in is a stretch and the driving position is commanding. Despite its high center of gravity, the Double Cab didn't feel tipsy or nervous during maneuvers. Handling is secure, but a wheelbase stretched to 139 inches all but destroys the stock Jeep's turning radius.
• The 3.6-liter V6, making about 285 horsepower, was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The added weight from the conversion and oversized tires do slow acceleration. While still perfectly adequate for on-road performance, those wanting more power for deep sand, snow drifts or more challenging conditions should consider AEV's 6.4-liter Hemi conversion.
• Our spectacular pictures don't do the Double Cab justice – it looks impressive brightly polished, but even better caked in mud. Next time.

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Speed to give away hi-po 2013 Shelby GT500 during Barrett-Jackson

Classic car lovers and automobile enthusiasts, take note: Speed's annual coverage of the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction in Scottsdale, AZ, is right around the corner, and with the planned 39 hours of live television will come one most-excellent giveaway, along with a few smaller-but-still-pretty-great prizes.

The headlining giveaway is a 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang HFB Special Edition. Want to enter? Of course you do. All you have to do is take part in Speed's Hagerty Fantasy Bid process and you're automatically eligible. A random drawing from all fantasy bid entries will determine the winner. The fantasy bidding process concludes on Sunday, January 20.

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Baker Drivetrain Arrives in Europe at the Big Bike Europe 2013

Rejoice, European Harley-Davidson owners: acclaimed aftermarket transmission parts manufacturer Baker Drivetrains will be present in Europe in May 2013, at the incoming Big Bike Europe 2013 event. Builders, retailers, service owners and riders will thus get the chance to see the Baker parts and meet Bert and Lisa Baker in person.

Big Bike Europe is an all-new expo for the European motorcycle industry. It will be focusing on parts and customization, moto tuning and accessories, performance, service and workshop-related issues and will be a non-selling event.

The show will take place in Essen, Germany, May 10th through May 12th, with the first day being an “Invitation Only” event dedicated to dealers, importers/ distributors, custom shops and builders/ customizers. Public attendance will be available May 11 and 12, with advance tickets as low as €10 ($13) a day.

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