National Multiple Sclerosios Society to auction 2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Ford is working with the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise funds through the auction of a one-of-a-kind 2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca (rendering above). Ford Motor Company and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, are working together to raise money for MS programs and services offered to the 18,000 people in Michigan living with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Tickets may be purchased at a special website (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapter/mig/fundraising-events/mustang-raffle/index.aspx) that was set up to handle the event. Tickets are $10 each or 3 tickets for $20. Visit the site and take a chance to win this special high-performance pony car (worth more than $51.500). The drawing will be held on August 18 (around 5 PM) in Mustang Alley at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Ferndale, MI. For more information (and Mustang deets), check out the release after the jump.

Source: Ford - Press release after the jump.

Hyundai unveils Walking Dead Elantra Zombie Survival Machine at Comic-Con

Fans (or future fans) of AMC's zombie-apocalypse television series, "the Walking Dead" (and graphic novels) will soon see this vehicle grace their home screens. Hyundai, in conjunction with Walking Dead writer/producer Robert Kirkman, unveiled the Zombie Survival Machine at Comic-Con at the Future PLC (an international media group and leading digital content producer) area. The ZSM is a modified Elantra Coupe that was outfitted by the craftsmen at Design Craft to fight the onslaught of the undead. Somehow I don't think the modifications will pass Federal crash and pedestrian safety regulations. For more info check out the press release (with links) after the jump.

Source: Hyundai - Press release after the jump.

New Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition to benefit military families

The original Jeep was a military vehicle, so it is only fitting that the automaker has created the Freedom Edition Jeep Wrangler. The Freedon Edition Wrangler will come in any color as long as it's red, white, or blue (with slate gray accents) with the special "True Blue" hue (shown) exclusive to this special-edition model. The interior is a dark slate/black with special tectonic fabric and contrasting silver stitching. The 3.6-liter V6 (285 hp) is standard along with a standard features list that includes power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, UConnect® voice command connectivity group, and more. Pricing for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition will start at $28,165 (+ taxes, license, fees, options) for two-door models and $30,670 (+) for Wrangler Unlimited four-door models. The added benefit is that Jeep will donate $250 from each Wrangler Freedom Edition sold to charities that benefit U.S. military members. Funds will be split between the Fisher House Foundation and the I Support Foundation. Fisher House Foundation provides a “home away from home” for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury, while the I Support Foundation provides resources to troops returning home – such as jobs and various healthcare needs – and issues grants to 40 charities that provide valuable services to U.S. veterans. Now you can get a new Jeep and support the troops in one transaction. For more info, check out the press release after the jump.

Source: Jeep - Press release after the jump.

First 2013 SRT Viper sold at auction for charity

At the recent Barrett-Jackson Auction held in Orange County California, the first production 2013 SRT Viper was auctioned to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The $300,000 winning bid will go to support children and families dealing with the challenges of pediatric cancer. “We’ve enjoyed a lot of attention since showing the all-new SRT Viper to the world just three months ago in New York; and now being able to use some of that interest in our flagship supercar to generate support for this deserving charity is simply outstanding” said Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations – SRT Brand. “We’re extremely grateful to team with SRT and Barrett-Jackson on this auction effort,” said Dr. Jim Osborn, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Austin Hatcher Foundation. “The monies raised here will allow us to continue developing and funding services that empower families to live happy, meaningful and successful lives as pediatric cancer survivors.” As you may remember, SRT is now a separate division within Chrysler Corporation and the new 2013 Viper is the division's first all-new model, joining the Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Dodge Charger SRT8, and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Source: Chrysler/SRT - Press Release after the jump. Previous Viper post.

Nissan/MOS mix to create "Juke Box" mobile sound

Nissan is working with Ministry of Sound to create a mobile "world-class sound system" in a Juke that will be called, wait for it...the "Juke Box." Working with Martin Audio (the builders of MOS' "the Box" club sound system), the companies have created a Juke with a sound system that uses 18,900W to produce 150 decibels of sound that is completely self-sufficient in terms of power and production. The custom-built 19-kilowatt rig that powers the Juke Box's sound system fits into a standard Juke with a  set of custom made cabinets and enclosures housing two 18" powered sub units and the same Mid Hi enclosures that are used at Ministry of Sound. This enables exceptionally loud out-put without compromising on sound quality - one of Ministry of Sound's key philosophies. The Juke Box also features an integrated radio studio, allowing anything played on the system to be captured for broadcast via Ministry of Sound's digital radio app. The Juke Box will tour Europe and broadcast the "Nissan Juke Box Sessions" on Ministry of Sound's Digital Radio channel on Mondays. The Juke Box tour begins today at Le Mans and will be featured in the drivers' parade at the start of the world famous 24-hour endurance race. For more info, check out the press release and videos (2) after the jump. Now Nissan needs to work with Vanilla Ice to make the "Ice Cube" for this side of the Atlantic (sorry couldn't resist).

Source: Nissan - Press release and videos after the jump.

Mini Rocketman gets prepped for the Olympics

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London are just days away and Mini updated the Rocketman Concept in honor of the festivities. The updated Rocketman features a Union-Jack-inspired color scheme that is red, white, and blue all over. There is even a British flag design etched into the glass roof. With the increased interest in sub-compact citycars, the Rocketman seemed headed for production. Word from Mini scuttled that idea, but maybe this update shows that the Rocketman Concept isn't quite dead. The Mini Rocketman is attractive, even cute and the concept shows Mini's extreme attention to detail. This updated Rocketman features ideas like rubberized interior materials and the red Mini-logo grille. I like the handle-like taillights and how the glass roof makes the interior seem spacious. While the name may be off-putting to some, the car would make a nice addition to the Mini line-up. How 'bout it Mini? More info in the release after the jump.

Source: Mini - Press release after the jump.

Chevy Volt increases mileage numbers for 2013

For 2013, Chevrolet has increased the size of the Volt's battery pack to extend the plug-in hybrid's EV-only range to 38 miles. This gives the high-miling Chevy an MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) of 98 around town with a gasoline-only rating of 37 mpg. Many Volt owners have reported that they hardly ever buy gas, since the plug-in range handles the majority of their needs. Famous Volt owner Jay Leno, reported in an article that he hadn't bought gas for his Volt in months and that was before the battery-pack update. So if you "groove" on hyper-miling and low cost of use and fuel economy, then the Volt just became an even better proposition for your transport needs. The pics are fairly high-res, so click on the pic for a closer look. Don't forget that the new tech in the Volt doesn't come cheap, but the government's (and some state's) tax incentives still apply making the price of entry a little easier to swallow (yes, you need to get a charging unit in your garage for faster charges).

Source: Chevrolet - Press release after the jump.

"High Gear" Mustang chosen for all-women SEMA build

The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in las Vegas is an annual event that showcases what's new in the Vehicle aftermarket, but is increasingly attended by automakers. Ford has had a large presence at SEMA and this year the public was asked to select the vehicle that would be built for the event. Three 2013 Mustang GT designs were in the running including the eventual winner called "High Gear" (above), "Chromatic" (right), and "Fast Metal" (below).

The winning High Gear Mustang was "inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing, and architecture. High Gear is meant to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power." Unique touches include rose-gold chrome accents throughout the exterior and interior; satin-black body; plush, quilted suede seats; and a leather-wrapped interior. Modifications will also be made to the engine, undercarriage, drivetrain and sound system.

As title sponsor of the project, Ford donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT. Female members of SBN (SEMA Business Network) will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished car will debut at the 2012 SEMA show in Las Vegas, then be auctioned on eBay to raise money for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

Source: Ford - Press release and video after the jump.

Mazda and Fiat team up to develop new roadster

Fiat and Mazda have announced a joint project where the two automakers will participate in the development of a new rear-wheel-drive roadster platform that will become a new Alfa Romeo Spider and replace the current MX-5 Miata (Japanese-market model shown, right). The Alfa Spider was a popular sports car in the US even with the awkward add-ons that were needed to meet US crash standards (pic below). The last Spider, a front-wheel-drive model (pic after the jump), was never officially imported to the US due to Alfa's exit from the US market. By sharing development costs, both automakers get a modern roadster platform to underpin what is essentially a niche model. Mazda will build both roadsters in Japan, but the Alfa Spider and Mazda Miata will have unique styling, suspension tuning, and engines/drivetrains. Look for this new Alfa Romeo Spider to help spearhead Alfa's return to the US market.

Source: Fiat/Mazda - Press release after the jump.

2013 Roush Stage 3 Mustang to be auctioned for charity

Roush Performance and Ford Motorsports have teamed up to create a special one-of-a-kind 2013 Roush Stage 3 Mustang (regular 2013 Roush Mustang shown) to benefit the SAE Science and Technology Foundation's education programs. The auction will be held at the SAE Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration, which is being held Wednesday, May 16 at Ford Field. The special Stage 3 Mustang will feature a Ford Racing "Aluminator" long block (625 hp and 540 ft-lbs of torque) engine, a Roush-tuned suspension, custom SVT GT500 track pack wheels, Roush custom body components, and a customized Roush interior. Go to the SAE Foundation event website to view the actual vehicle. "We know how to make math and engineering cool again in the eyes of young students," said Matt Miller, director of the SAE Foundation and pre-professional programs. "To date more than four million students have been touched by the K-12 and collegiate programs in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces and territories." If a special Mustang fits your needs and you would like to help out science and technology education at the same time contact Renée Hayes at 724-772-8508 or rhayes@sae.org prior to the event. Of course, if you happen to be in the area, you could attend. Tickets are $320 each (this is a charity event) and pre-registry is suggested. The press releases (with links) after the jump include the Roush release announcing the new 2013 Roush Mustangs as well as a Roush video of the Stage 3 Mustang.

Source: NewsPress USA/SAE/Roush - Press releases after the jump.