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2008

SEMA Preview: 560-hp Challenger Convertible that Dodge won't build

Coach Builders Ltd. is known for its convertible conversions of the Chrysler 300C and Cadillac CTS, so after Dodge made the decision not to offer the Challenger in drop-top guise, it knew what it had to do.

The Florida-based company will bring a customized soft-top Dodge Challenger SRT8 to SEMA, packing a Vortech supercharger good for 560 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the hydraulically powered acrylic polyester cloth roof (complete with sound and temperature insulation), the Challenger is dropped courtesy of a KW coil-over suspension over 22-inch Foose wheels coated in Nitto rubber.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Here's a revelation: being stuck in traffic sucks. And it's even more infuriating behind the wheel of an Evo.

Despite what some scribes might lead you to believe, the Evos of yore (VIII and IX) weren't deplorable daily drivers. Granted, Mitsu's engineers erred on the stiff side with the Evo's ride, and it didn't help that the tiller provided more feedback than a Metallica sound check. But the real reason jaded journos harped on the old Evo's workaday unfriendliness was because nothing is more frustrating than piloting concentrated adrenaline in a sea of buzzkill.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4x2


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Jeep Compass

We weren't really sure what direction Jeep was heading when it introduced the Compass in 2007. Built on a shared platform with the Dodge Caliber, the Compass goes against what we normally think a Jeep should be - rugged, tough, capable, and... well... square. The departure from classic Jeep styling hasn't received rave reviews, and the interior has been a source of complaints, as well. Does the Compass deserve the criticism it's been receiving? We aimed to find out and secured a 2008 4x2 Sport model for the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4x2

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Monterey 2008: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

The wraps - and the roof - have come off the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport here in Monterey, finally answering a question few have asked and even fewer will sample.

As you'd expect, Bugatti hasn't just hacked the roof off the Veyron and gone to the pub. The windshield is slightly higher, the daytime running lights have been tweaked and then there's the showpiece: a removable, transparent polycarbonate roof, which blends the A-pillars into two painted carbon fiber strips that lead into the massive air intakes feeding the 1001 hp, quad-turbocharged, W16.

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Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430


Click either image for a high-res gallery.

Another year, another limited edition Lexus. But this year's Pebble Beach Edition SC430 (the sixth consecutive variant) is joined by the first-ever LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition. We know, the excitement is palpable.

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The Gumball 3000 comes through sunny Southern California


Click above to view a high resolution image

The Gumball 3000 started its 2008 tour this weekend, and we caught up with the rally in Huntington Beach, CA where the drivers stopped for a brunch and fashion show hosted by Lux5 Events at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. The group of 120 cars started out in San Francisco on Saturday and will also makes stops in San Diego and Las Vegas. From there the tour jumps continents and heads to North Korea, eventually ending in Beijing to catch a live view of the Olympic games. Enjoy our gallery of high resolution photos below.

Gallery: 2008 Gumball 3000

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First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR


Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Viper ACR

I have to admit that I'm biased when it comes to the Dodge Viper. I've had a soft spot for the venomous snake since the GTS coupe hit the streets in 1996. The aggressive design, powerful 8.0-liter V10 with 450 horsepower (doesn't sound like much now, but it sure seemed like a lot then), and the blue paint scheme with white racing stripes were the ideal combination for my dream sports car. I'm going to be that guy at the 2030 Barrett-Jackson purchasing a mint, low-mileage, numbers-matching 1996 or 1997 Dodge Viper GTS, and, of course, you'll be the one watching on SPEED commenting how I'm paying way too much for a classic American muscle car.

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s still available


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

For those of you desperately waiting for the next batch of Dodge Challenger SRT8s to be built after the announcement that the first 6,400 2008 models were already spoken for, fret not, supply is on your side. The Detroit News is reporting that while the majority of limited edition SRT8s were already sold before they were built, about one-quarter of the Challengers were set aside for dealer orders.

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