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This is the 1993 Volkswagen Golf A59, a prototype developed when Volkswagen was considering entering the 1994 World Rally Championship.The A59 was powered by a unique turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 275 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and paired with a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive.Much of the bodywork is made from carbon-fiber and Kevlar, and the A59 features a distinctive hood with three large rectangular vents.Along with a highly modified Jetta GLI and some crossovers with camping gear, Volkswagen brought this silver 1990s Golf to the 2022 SEMA show. But this is no ordinary Golf, as evinced by the bulging wheel arches and hood that looks like someone attacked it with a hole puncher. This is the 1993 Volkwagen Rallye Golf 3 A59 prototype, designed to be a homologation special so that Volkswagen could compete in the 1994 World Rally Championship. But that never happened, and this Golf with an attitude remains a one-off.Michael Aaron|Car and DriverThe A59 prototype was built with help from a German firm Schmidt Motorsport, and took the Mk 3 Golf to the extreme with a specially developed engine, a completely reworked suspension, and swollen bodywork. A bespoke all-aluminum turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder was said to produce 275 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, over a hundred horses higher than even the most powerful Golf GTI production cars of the era. A six-speed manual transmission routed that power to all four wheels via a variable center differential. Michael Aaron|Car and DriverThe 16-inch five-spoke Speedline wheels—shod in 225/45R16 tires—were affixed to a front strut suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and wider control arms and a multilink rear suspension with Bilstein struts. Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs took care of stopping the A59.More Wild Stuff from SEMAMany of the exterior body panels were fashioned from carbon fiber and Kevlar, and the revised front bumper, muscular wheel arches, side skirts, rear spoiler, and chunky rear bumper hiding quad exhaust pipes gave the A59 a menacing look. The multiple cutouts in the hood for cooling were a unique touch, while the interior gained Recaro seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a digital dashboard. If the A59 had raced, Volkswagen would have been required to build 2500 of these fierce Golfs for the road, but the project was cancelled. That means that this remains the sole Golf A59, although Volkswagen says the powertrain went on to record class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in other vehicles.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The Toyota GR Corolla Rally concept draws inspiration from Toyota’s GR Yaris rally car, with boxy fender flares and a huge rear wing.The Rally concept features 3D-printed vents in the rear quarter panels and a full roll cage in the cabin, which also holds a pair of OMP racing seats and a fire suppression system.White 17-inch OZ Racing wheels complete the rally car look.Toyota returned to the World Rally Championship in 2017 after a nearly 20 year absence, and the rediscovered passion for motorsports has spawned a performance rejuvenation in Toyota’s road car lineup. First came the GR Yaris, a homologation special built so Toyota could race a three-door hatchback body style in the WRC. While the GR Yaris never made it stateside, Toyota answered the pleas of American buyers with the GR Corolla, which packs an upgraded version of the GR Yaris’ turbo three-cylinder, a six-speed manual, and a trick all-wheel-drive system. Now, before the GR Corolla arrives at dealerships in 2023, Toyota is showing off a customized version of the hot hatch that takes inspiration from the Yaris rally car at the 2022 SEMA show.ToyotaThe GR Corolla Rally concept stands out, literally, thanks to a wide body kit with protruding three-inch fender flares and integrated carbon composite side skirts. Those boxy fender extensions are open in the rear to channel dirty air coming off of the wheels, while a carbon composite front splitter and an elephantine carbon-fiber rear wing glue the Corolla to the road. The rear quarter windows have also sprouted 3D-printed vents that feed cool air to the oil and transmission coolers mounted in the cabin behind the seats. ToyotaToyotaThe Rally concept rides on 17-inch OZ Racing wheels for that classic rally look, with the tires wrapped in 215/60R17 Continental VikingContact 7 tires. The stock brake setup has been complimented by an extra set of rear calipers, with the Wilwood turning brakes helping rotate the car on a gravel rally course. The suspension includes fully adjustable TEIN Gravel Rally coilovers and while the turbo-three remains unchanged, it gains a custom exhaust.ToyotaMore from 2022 SEMAThe interior has been stripped down to the racing essentials, with OMP racing seats with harnesses, a fire suppression system, and a full roll cage, which is mounted around the now useless rear seats. There is also an intercom system to allow the driver and navigator to communicate on the rally stage, plus a spare tire and jack, while Toyota says the six-speed manual’s shifter was slightly repositioned for better ergonomics. For now this modified, motorsport-derived GR Corolla remains a concept, but maybe one day Toyota will take its exciting new hot hatch racing.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Toyota today revealed custom versions of the Tundra half-ton pickup and Sequoia full-size SUV at the SEMA show. These Tundra and Sequoia models were built for overlanding, which is a mix between camping and off-roading.The SEMA builds include a Tundra that doubles as a film studio and a lifted Sequoia with a vintage jet ski mounted on the back. Love it or hate it, overlanding is arguably at the peak of its popularity right now. For anyone who’s unfamiliar with the term, overlanding essentially combines camping and off-roading. Obviously, that combo requires a vehicle outfitted with equipment to accomplish both of those goals. With that in mind, Toyota today revealed several customized Tundra and Sequoia models at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show (now known as just SEMA).”Orion” Tundra by X OverlandToyotaBased on a 2022 Toyota Tundra Limited, this “Orion” truck was built by X Overland. Not only is it intended for traditional overlanding duties with its modified suspension and countless bolt-ons, but it also serves as a go-anywhere film studio. The “Orion” Tundra even put its capabilities to the test with an 8000-mile trek through Nordic country where its water-fording skills were on display (as seen below). In addition to the off-road hardware, X Overland outfitted the truck with a rooftop camper, a heating system, a 13.2-gallon water tank, and more.Toyota”Simba” Sequoia by X OverlandToyotaX Overland also built a custom version of the Toyota Sequoia Limited TRD Off-Road, which it dubbed “Simba”. It features an upgraded suspension designed to support the added weight of the gear onboard and maximize the SUV’s trail-worthiness. Called Icon Vehicle Dynamics 3.0, and utilizing a compression-damping electronic valve, it’s said to be the system’s first appearance on a Sequoia. Along with a Warn winch and a steel rear bumper, it rolls on 18-inch wheels with General Grabber X3 tires. The “Simba” Sequoia also has a rooftop tent with a hard shell as well as a dual-band transceiver radio. Toyota”Adventurer” Sequoia TRD Pro by Wescott Designs ToyotaBased on a 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, this “Adventurer” SUV was built by Wescott Designs. Its simple custom white paint job is accented by tasteful Toyota heritage graphics, and it rolls on flashy 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels paired with chunky 37-inch Nitto Recon Grappler all-terrain tires. The Adventurer’s suspension setup includes a 3.0-inch lift up front and a 1.8-inch lift in the back. Of course, it wouldn’t be fit for overlanding if it didn’t have add-ons such as a rooftop tent and a roof rack. The coolest thing about this Sequoia might be the vintage Kawasaki stand-up jet ski that sits on its hitch-mounted rack. Toyota”Ultimate Overlanding” Sequoia TRD Off-RoadToyotaThis 2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited TRD Off-Road was created by the publishers of 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine, in collaboration with CBI Offroad Fabrication. They wanted to build the most off-road-capable Sequoia, so they outfitted the big SUV with a 3.0-inch suspension lift, 34.1-inch Toyo Open Country mud-terrain tires, and a Warn winch. When it comes time to camp, the “Ultimate Overlanding” Sequoia features a rooftop tent and a 45-liter onboard refrigerator. ToyotaThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Various modifications and styling changes make this VW Jetta GLI concept for the SEMA show one of a kind. A widebody design and a set of Rotiform Forged “GRZ” Monoblock 20-inch wheels with custom finished AERODISC covers highlight the exterior additions. Performance modifications by RacingLine bring the Jetta GLI Performance concept’s output to 350 hp and 372 pound-feet of torque—up from the stock model’s 228 hp and 258 pound-feet.The wide range of concept vehicles that VW brought to this year’s SEMA show means that everyone will likely find something to yearn for at the company’s booth. But the highly modified Jetta GLI you see here is the standout of the bunch thanks to its performance upgrades and eye-catching visuals. This 350-horsepower Jetta GLI Performance concept comes from Volkswagen’s design center in California, while the engine tweaks came from tuner RacingLine.The exterior of the Jetta GLI Performance concept looks a lot more aggressive than stock. The front end brings in more air by way of larger grille intakes, while the modified rear end helps hot air escape through the functional vents at the rear of the widebody kit. The kit means the sedan is 0.8 inches wider than stock and creates a noticeably sportier stance. The custom matte black vinyl wrap with hexagonal graphics works well with the car’s factory Kings Red metallic paint. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four EA888 engine produces a solid 228 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque from the factory. Those numbers are bumped up to 350 hp and 372 pound-feet in the Jetta GLI Performance concept due to some additions under the hood. RacingLine installed its turbo-based performance package which includes a carbon-fiber cold-air intake and a performance intercooler. An oil management kit and oil cooler assist in keeping the motor’s oil at the ideal temperature. The best part? This concept sports a six-speed manual transmission, and there’s an upgraded clutch to handle the newfound power. More on the GLIWith all that added power you’d better believe upgraded brakes are part of the package. RacingLine attached its six-piston forged caliper big brake kit equipped with 15.0-inch carbon-ceramic discs. Additionally, a TrackSport coilover suspension kit, underbody braces, and a set of Rotiform “GRZ” Monoblock 20-inch wheels with custom finished AERODISC covers wrapped in summer tires were added to cap off the GLI Performance concept.The interior is tastefully modified with just a set of Recaro Pole Position ABE seats finished in a custom themed upholstery and a unique shift knob. All these modifications come together to create a more extreme version of the GLI we know and love. Although it’s a concept and you can’t buy one, you’re more than welcome to try and build one yourself.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Dodge has brought out its electric Charger Daytona concept for the second time, this time painted in Stryker Red and wearing carbon-fiber 18-inch wheels.Dodge also detailed the Charger Daytona’s lineup, with the 340-badged base model making 455 horsepower and the second-tier 440-badged model producing 590 hp.There will also be a top-spec SRT Banshee that uses an 800-volt electrical system, versus a 400-volt setup on the lower models, but the power output has not yet been announced.The Dodge Charger is nearly dead as we know it, with 2023 set to be its final model year and a slew of special editions beckoning the Charger and its Challenger brother out the door. The replacement for Dodge’s muscle cars will be electric, and Dodge has been busy preparing its V-8–loving fanbase for a gas-free future with the Charger Daytona SRT concept that debuted back in August. Now Dodge is trotting its burly concept back out for the 2022 SEMA show with a few updates, announcing power outputs from the 400-volt electrical system.StellantisWatch for a BansheeWhile Dodge still hasn’t clarified how many electric motors the Daytona Charger SRT packs, the automaker has now revealed a lineup of power levels for the concept. The lowest model—called 340 for the power output in kilowatts—makes 455 horsepower, while the next step up, the 440, brings 590 ponies. However, both models offer two horsepower upgrade options, called eStage 1 and 2, as over-the-air purchases from Dodge’s Direct Connection arm. The base model can be boosted to 495 or 535 horsepower, while the second tier can be pushed to 630 or 670 horsepower. Dodge also says that the most powerful model will be called the SRT Banshee and will feature an 800-volt electrical system, but the company is still mum on an exact power output for this range topper.DodgeDodgeDodge also hasn’t specified how these models will translate to production, with the Daytona SRT still officially a concept, but given the amount of thought Dodge has already put into it, we wouldn’t be surprised if a similar lineup eventually reaches customers. The Banshee will also offer Direct Connection upgrades, and the upgraded models will feature a “crystal” key (Dodge used quotes, so we assume it won’t be a real crystal).StellantisThe updated concept at SEMA is distinguished by its Stryker Red paint color as well as “Stage 2” badges on the fenders and 18-inch carbon-fiber wheels wrapped in 305-mm drag radial tires. Dodge will also use the SEMA show to get feedback from attendees on the concept’s Fratzonic Chambered exhaust system, which Dodge says boosts the hum of the electric motors up to a deafening 126 decibels, although we imagine this will be toned down for the production car due to noise laws in some states. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Ross Chastain needed to make up five positions on the last lap of the Xfinity 500 to make it into the final round of the NASCAR playoffs, and he did just that with an insane pass.Taking inspiration from video games he played as a kid, Chastain kept his foot on the throttle and rode the wall to blast past playoff rival Denny Hamlin right before he crossed the line.Chastain even upshifted as he made the bold overtake, and seemed equally surprised as those watching that the maneuver worked out.Desperate times call for desperate measures. On the final lap of the 2022 Xfinity 500, the penultimate race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Ross Chastain knew he needed to overtake Denny Hamlin to advance to the final round. With Hamlin five places ahead, Chastain made one of the craziest passes the sport has ever seen, riding the wall around the last two corners, slingshotting his way past several cars to beat Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota by a nose.This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.The move looked like something straight out of a video game, and Chastain readily admitted to drawing inspiration from the gaming world. “I think the first time I ever saw a race car do that was on the GameCube 2005 console,” he explained post-race, elaborating that his brother had used the same move to beat him when they would play the game as teenagers.More NASCARUnlike in virtual racing, however, it was a pass that could only have worked on the last lap. The prolonged contact with the wall certainly damaged Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet. Chastain was well aware that the move could have wrecked his car, saying, “I didn’t know if the physics would work to make it around the corner.” But with so little race remaining and a spot in the final four in playoff contention on the line, it was well worth the risk. And the physics did work, with Chastain able to keep his foot on the gas while the wall steered him left, even shifting up into fifth gear as he scraped along the barrier. The only way that the move could be made more epic is if Chastain manages to take his first Cup Series title at the championship race this coming weekend at Phoenix Raceway.This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Nissan dropped the Titan’s 400-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 into a Frontier pickup to create this concept for SEMA.The Frontier is only available with a 3.8-liter V-6 from the factory.Other modifications for the concept include special shocks, a widened track, different wheels and tires, and NISMO parts including a roof rack and LED lighting.The era of mid-size pickup trucks with V-8s ended a long time ago, but there was a time when you could get the Chevy Colorado and Dodge Dakota with eight cylinders. Nissan is reviving the idea with this special Frontier for the SEMA show that features the full-size Titan’s 5.6-liter V-8, along with a host of off-road modifications and NISMO parts.The V-8, which makes 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque in the Titan, is a major upgrade over the stock Frontier’s 310-hp, 3.8-liter V-6. And it’ll surely up the auditory drama as well thanks to its cat-back exhaust system. A cold air intake from NISMO is also part of the package.NissanApart from the engine swap, this concept truck is a Baja-inspired off-road beast with a highly modified suspension and all sorts of add-ons from Nissan’s NISMO performance parts division. The track is wider, necessitating wider front fenders, and the ride height is raised thanks to Bilstein coilovers and shocks. Nissan also says that the rear shocks increase the Frontier’s payload capacity. 18-inch wheels are wrapped in mud-terrain tires, and there are also spare tires mounted in the bed.More on the FrontierNISMO supplied the truck’s rock rails, roof rack, and LED lighting, while the winch is from Warn. The white, black, and red paint scheme features numerous graphics and sponsor decals.While the V-8 engine under the hood isn’t likely to make it to a production Frontier, some of the parts seen on this concept truck will be sold by NISMO in the near future, and some are prototype parts that the company is considering offering down the road.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Jeep customers have been known, a time or two, to modify their vehicles. As the brand adds EVs to its lineup, this isn’t expected to change. At least, not if the Electromod CJ Surge concept for the 2022 SEMA show has anything to say about it. The big deal here is an Electric Drive Module that provides energy through battery modules and power through a 200-kW motor. The customizers of tomorrow could also opt for the CJ Surge’s four-wheel-drive system and two-speed transfer case.Visually, the CJ Surge combines Copper Canyon body paint with gloss black and Surf Blue accents, with a sprinkling of EV touches here and there.As the Jeep brand moves deeper into electric vehicles in the real world, Mopar is bringing an “[exploration of] an efficient battery-electric propulsion system of the future” called the Electromod CJ Surge concept to the SEMA show this year. The EV hints at the tremendous options that Jeep thinks enthusiasts will want as they customize their future cars. StellantisBasic and blocky in black and orange, the CJ Surge combines classic Jeep design with next-level EV do-it-yourself thinking. Unsurprising, since this is coming from Mopar, Stellantis’s parts and accessories arm. Across the Jeep UniverseMost exciting here is the powertrain. A scalable 400-volt, 200-kW Electric Drive Module sits at the heart of a modular system that could be installed in classic Jeeps. In the CJ Surge, the customized four-wheel-drive system uses a two-speed Jeep transfer case with selectable gearing. Mounted in the rear of the passenger cabin sit 24 lithium-ion battery modules of unspecified capacity, but we’re not worried about made-up potential range numbers for a one-off concept like this. StellantisStellantisInstead, the CJ Surge is about the pieces that were used to make it. On the visual front, that includes the Copper Canyon body, gloss black and Surf Blue Surge graphics, and oversize concept fender flares, all of which make for an appealing Jeep EV you could easily imagine driving along the ocean. All-terrain 35-inch BFGoodrich tires with 18-by-9.0-inch Black Rhino Solid wheels have plenty of travel room thanks to a two-inch lift kit. Other exterior design features of note include a Jeep Performance Parts Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kit with a front winch, Surf Blue tow hooks, and amber LED fog lamps. EV-specific items include a custom charge port and a Mopar gauge that shows the battery’s state of charge.StellantisThat gauge sits above a Wrangler JK center console with a rotary shifter knob. The two seats—custom, of course, with black Sedoso cloth, houndstooth fabric inserts and Surf Blue stitching—sit on top of concept seat risers for elevated viewing. The driver gets to control a custom steering wheel with a unique JPP horn pad badge. The roll cage and fabric top are both custom-made for this concept. Much More MoparSEMA runs November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Aside from the Surge concept, Mopar is bringing another 10 concepts or modified vehicles including the Ram 1500 Backcountry X and TRX Gold Shot, along with eight Jeep custom vehicles that are making their SEMA debut this year. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More