The Vortex F1 sports car

The Vortex F1 is a lightweight, purist sports car which was unveiled at the 2010 SEMA show.

The F1 is produced by the Vortex Motor Company based in Seattle, Washington, and for an upstart car company producing an entirely new model, the Vortex F1 has a few safe hands to guide its development. The company's boss is a graduate of Cornell University and Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Industrial engineering respectively. The chief designer at Vortex is a veteran at both Ford and Mazda design departments where he was responsible for concepts as varied as the Ford Bronco and Mazda Taiki.

The Vortex F1 is based around a MIG welded steel spaceframe chassis which is engineered to handle engines up to 340 horsepower. The majority of the bodywork is formed from fiberglass, with the option of carbon fiber for those with fatter wallets. The wheel arches are made from lightweight aluminium.

Inside, the Vortex F1 features a pair of supportive bucket racing seats and harnesses. The standard dash features analogue instruments, but there is the option of a racing-style digital dash.

The suspension system of the Vortex F1 is based around TIG welded aluminum unequal length wishbones coupled with fully adjustable coil spring dampers.

Powering the Vortex F1 is a GM-sourced 2.0 litre turbocharged engine which produces 290 horsepower and 340 ft-lbs of torque. This is mated to a six-speed manual transmission which drives the rear wheels. The projected 0-60 sprint time of the Vortex F1 is an almost unbelievable 2.7 seconds.

the Grand Cherokee Jeep

Jeep has unveiled the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet in Los Angeles.

The range-topping Overland Summit is described as the "most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped Jeep vehicle ever produced." It features exclusive Rugged Brown paint, additional chrome accents and 20-inch aluminum wheels. To set the cabin apart, it has been outfitted with Black Olive wood trim, heated / ventilated Saddle Nappa leather seats and Berber floor mats. Available in December, the Summit will be priced from $42,495.

Likewise, the Jet has blacked-out headlights, additional chrome and 20-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the cabin boasts a nine-speaker premium audio system, supplemental side-curtain air bags, and a reverse sensing system. Priced from $1,495 ($995 on the Liberty Limited), the Jet package will be launched next month.

Ford 2011 Shelby GT500

Ford has announced production of the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be limited to 5,500 units.

While this isn't terribly surprising, initial sales have exceeded expectations. So far, dealers have logged more than 3,300 orders for the extreme muscle car.

According to Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager, "We are pleased with the pace of retail orders for the 2011 Shelby GT500. The car continues to be popular with sports car enthusiasts and collectors who are blown away by the increase in horsepower and performance. The limited production of the 2011 should make this year even more desirable."

As we have previously reported, the Shelby GT500 features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with 550 hp (410kW / 558 PS) and 510 ft-lb (691 Nm) of torque. While it comes nicely equipped, options include a glass roof (for the coupe), an Electronics Package (with voice-activated navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link, HD Radio and dual-zone climate control), and an SVT Performance Package with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires, lightweight wheels, a higher rear axle gear ratio, stiffer springs / dampers, and a lowered ride height.

2004 Mustang GT-R Concep

RM Auctions has announced plans to offer the 2004 Mustang GT-R Concept at their Ford-only event in Monterey, California.

Originally introduced at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, the GT-R Concept was a tribute to the Mustang's 40th anniversary. It features a Tremec T-56 6-speed manual transmission, a Winter's race-spec rear differential, a Ford Racing "Cobra R" heavy-duty clutch/flywheel assembly, a metal matrix composite aluminum custom driveshaft, Brembo brakes, and 20-inch wheels outfitted with Pirelli racing slick tires. Power is provided by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, with 440 hp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque, which still runs. Expected to go for $250,000 to $350,000, the GT-R Concept isn't DOT or EPA certified and can't be registered for use on public roads.