Exterior – A Symphony of Custom Craftsmanship – PPG Paint Elegance

At a glance, “Notorious” may seem like a regular grey Barracuda but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The bespoke PPG paint blend of green and black creates a captivating masterpiece that transforms with light. The green seamlessly complements the gold wheels, setting the stage for an exterior that’s truly exceptional.

Aggressively Low Stance

The commanding stance of “Notorious” isn’t for show, as it showcases the engineering brilliance behind the scenes. Thanks to a Ride Tech air suspension system, this Barracuda grabs attention with its presence, matched by the thunderous NASCAR engine under its hood.

Meticulous Exterior Details

Every element of the exterior tells a tale of craftsmanship. The Kindig-It Design door handles contribute to its appearance, while the fitted glass reflects its commitment to perfection.

The front and rear bumpers of the car which are Barracuda parts have been meticulously adjusted and moved back, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Interior Tweaks

Inside the “Notorious” you’ll find an interior that some might argue is more impressive than its captivating exterior. The black and green custom paint continues inside with a matte finish, creating a special atmosphere. The steel dashboard, floor and transmission tunnel are hand-fabricated providing an elegant contrast against the leather upholstery.

The interior of the “Notorious” showcases precision and artistry in every inch as it is entirely handcrafted from steel, demonstrating a dedication to design. Discreet LED lighting has been strategically placed throughout the interior to add a touch of modernity while maintaining its charm.

Both the dashboard and centre console have undergone a transformation to embrace a unique style. Combined with Dakota Digital gauges, “Notorious” flawlessly blends the allure of the Barracuda with cutting-edge design.

Raw Power

Underneath the hood lies its crown jewel—the R5P7 NASCAR engine—a powerhouse that demands attention and respect. With 900 aspirated horsepower, this engine sets the tone for this entire build.

NASCAR Precision

The engine bay is truly a marvel of craftsmanship reflecting the aesthetically pleasing design of the interior. The engine bay itself is dominated by hand-built steel creating a visually impressive space. With the addition of LED lighting the engine bay becomes a captivating work of art.

Exceptional Performance, on the Road

At a glance “Notorious” may appear to be another exhibition piece but it defies expectations. Equipped with a Richmond Super T10 transmission, this Barracuda goes beyond being merely eye-catching – it is a vehicle that can truly shine on highways. With its 900 horsepower, it thrives when given the opportunity to stretch its legs.

Collectors Dream – Price and Specifications

If you have your sights set on adding “Notorious” to your collection, be prepared for an investment in the range of half a million dollars. This custom-built vehicle offers a blend of charm and modern innovation that would make any collector’s heart skip a beat. It’s more than a car; it embodies power, precision and unparalleled craftsmanship—a statement in itself.

Final Statement

In conclusion “Notorious” surpasses the boundaries typically associated with customization, from its custom PPG paint job to the crafted steel interior and the thunderous NASCAR engine under its hood. Every aspect tells a story of passion and unwavering dedication.

For car collectors and muscle cars enthusiasts, the name “Notorious” represents a timeless legend that has been brought back, to life a piece of history reimagined to suit the contemporary era.

The videos below also highlight the “Notorious” exclusive raw power and impressive stance as well as the wonderful impression it made at the 2023 SEMA Auto Show.

1970 Plymouth Baracuda “Notorious” – Videos

1970 Plymouth Baracuda “Notorious” – Media Gallery

Here is our list of the top 4 annual car events you should consider attending; if not this year, then next year.

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Goodwood is a famous English automotive garden party type of car event that takes place in England annually. It has been going on since 1994 and is attended by many celebrities who come to enjoy the hill climb and garden full of automotive history. The audience is given close access to the circuit at Goodwood. The record time done by a Formula 1 car at Goodwood was 41.6 seconds. Due to safety reasons, Formula 1 does not participate in the circuit race at Goodwood anymore. The ticket price for the event is around £58 for an adult.

Geneva Auto Show

The annual Geneva Auto Show is the most iconic and popular car event in automobile history and takes place in Switzerland every year. It has been going on since the invention of cars in 1905 and is still a famous event for car manufacturers to launch their new model for the first time in front of their global audience. The event is attended by all sorts of participants, including car manufacturers, traders, journalists, and car enthusiasts. The ticket price for the event starts at around 16 CHF for an adult.

North American International Auto Show

NAIAS is also an annual international level car show which is almost 30 years old now. The show is held in Michigan, US. It started off as a local car event but went international in 1989. The car, utility, and truck awards are the main highlight of the show, where car manufacturers are given awards based on expert opinions. Similar to the Geneva Auto Show, the NAIAS event is also attended by all sorts of audiences, from traders to car fanatics. The ticket price starts at $14.

Auto Shanghai

Auto Shanghai is the biggest car event in the Asia market and is held annually. It is officially known as the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. The event becomes a hub for digital innovations, reaching media and reaching out to influencers by giving live presentations in the event on new energy technology, along with being a new mobility platform for the latest innovations. The ticket price starts from 100 CNY.

The 2021 Geneva Motor Show will take place between 4-14 March 2021, in Switzerland. The event tickets start at 16 CHF. The visitors to the event can expect to see almost everything related to the automobile industry, including EVs, hydrogen cars, solar mobiles, car parts, tuned cars, supercars, concept cars, accessories, and body parts.

 As someone who is exhibiting at the event you can expect to:

• Grow your professional network by meeting with others in the industry all under one roof. The Geneva car shows attract audiences worldwide.
• Build up a brand reputation as all the famous car manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Mercedes, Toyota, Bentley, exhibit and unveil their models regularly in the Geneva car show.
• Perfect opportunity to unveil and release now models and products to the world as the global media also attend these events and products can go viral in a short time to create a buzz and boost sales.

As someone attending the event as a visitor can expect to:

• See and experience the latest car models and technology first-hand than anyone else.
• Network with professionals and other enthusiasts all over the globe.
• Enjoy the wide range of automobile on display, good photo opportunity
• There are many great restaurants and hotels near buy which will make you stay enjoyable. Bar’s offer special discounts for the show visitors.

Due to the current global health crisis situation the 2020 Geneva Motor Show has been cancelled. This will result in the models planned to be launched this year to be moved next year in 2021. Some of the key highlights for next year will be

• 2021 Audi A3 – all new sportsback version; hatchback and sedan.
• 2021 VW Golf GTI – better performance figures and new design
• Hyundai Prophecy Concept – sports car with 911 Turbo like looks
• BMW i4 Concept – beauty and performance
• Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport – a lighter version of the current Chiron
• Fisker Ocean SUV – labelled as ‘World’s most sustainable SUV’
• Fiat 500 – Electric version

As we can depict from the media gallery below, the BMW i4 is a futuristic concept, with an advanced design…nothing we have seen so far at a BMW product. All the design elements are beautifully combined together in an attempt to create the perfect body style.

Speaking of design language, Domagoj Dukec, CEO of BMW Design, has declared that:

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail. With the Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.”

The i4 Concept`s body is described as revealing a “visually powerful face to the electric age” of BMW, featuring new and much more aggressive kidney grilles at the front end, in connection with two vertical items that drop down the front spoiler.

There is also the new set of headlights with a combination of past and future themes, while the traditional four-eye layout provides a much more slender style. The front section also houses a lot of sensors, all part of what BMW calls an “intelligence panel.”

At the rear end, BMW has given it a more appealing and sportier feel and look, comprising a two-piece diffuser lower down, along with thin and wide taillight theme and swooping rear windscreen which increases the car`s aggressive looks.

Moving inside, the interior of the BMW  i4 Concept is exactly the way we expected it to be: high-tech and futuristic and comprising the latest gadgetries on board. The main highlight is the brand-new “Curved Display” screen with the media interface and instrument cluster combined in one panel; also, the layout of the gauge cluster for the driver lets you easily operate between the three “experience modes” available – Core, Sport and Efficient. The latter one also comes with the new “Assisted Driving View”.

Besides the futuristic and revolutionary design, and the high-tech cabin, the BMW i4 Concept is also a beast under the hood. It uses a fifth-generation eDrive electric motor, the very same that will probably equip the future model. The power is set at a staggering 390kW, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h done in 4.0 seconds.

The electric motor also uses a high-voltage battery, which has a capacity of 80kW, thus offering a driving range of around 600 km. Weighing around 550 kg, it will prove extremely efficient in terms of driving capabilities.

Due to enter production in 2021, the future BMW i4 will come out as plug-in hybrid and full electric models. You can find out more about the BMW i4 Concept in the media gallery bellow. Prices will be revealed towards the end of this year.

The tuning segment has also brought some fresh products, and one of them comes from renowned German tuner firm Mansory. Mansory is famous for its projects on BMW models, especially on the X5 or the X6. Besides BMW, the firm also deals with other German carmakers like Mercedes-Benz.

So, here we are with the brand-new 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 taking its aftermarket share of goodies at the exterior as well as under the hood. And I have to tell you that the whole deal is worth a lot of money, which is almost $360K.

Mansory took the social-media by storm with its latest creation, the tuner adding an eye-catching carbon fiber body kit as well as an impressive power stage under the hood.

Exterior Changes

The technicians from Mansory wrapped the car`s exterior with a flamboyant kit, consisting of new front and rear bumper from carbon fiber, along with huge fender flares to fit the big wheels, and a new hood scoop. Other carbon fiber elements can be seen on the extra parts of the four fenders and front doors, or on the roof attachments. There is also the black Panamericana grille, as well as the two-tone mirror caps with red accents. The entire kit is complemented with a new set of 24-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels.  

Massive Power under the Hood

Powering the stock 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 is a massive 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 585 PS and 430kW, which enables a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is mind-blowing…that at a top speed of just 220 km/h.

With the tuner`s new power kit, the juice has been raised to a whopping 720 PS (710 HP) and 530 kW, which makes it even faster. Unfortunately, the performance figures are not given, however, we guess around 4.2 seconds, a significant improvement from the stock.

Mechanically, this 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 has not received new aftermarket goodies. Even so, it proves to be highly-advanced with the stock suspension system which comes with a semi-independent setup at the front; the rear end features a rigid setup, all together proving better stance and grip. There is also the body-on-frame chassis that it stands on, now wider and longer and providing 55 percent more stiffness than the previous model.

As for the price, it was already mentioned – it stands at whopping $361,327, which is almost double than the MSRP of the standard model in Germany. However, those who are not satisfied with the stock features, can always resort to such drastic customizations. After all, we are dealing with a top-notch model from Mercedes-Benz, the AMG division.

Mansory isn’t the only aftermarket firm to show up with a customized and extremely expensive G63 at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. We are dealing here with Brabus, the tuning division from Daimler, which also deals with extreme customizations. The same 2020 G63 has received around 789 horsepower and a lot of new visuals; however, the price is much higher – $426,851. This project is called the 800 Adventure XLP by Brabus, and is actually an extended G63 with a bed right behind it. But we will talk about that in a future article.

Meanwhile, take a look at Mansory`s new take on the brand-new 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 and tell us what you think about the project!

The organizers of the show have also confirmed that the most important auto show of the year will be put off and not postponed. This is what they stated in a press conference the other days:

“The Federal Council’s top priority is to protect the population,” the authorities said in their statement. “It is responding to the latest developments in the coronavirus epidemic and has categorized the situation in Switzerland as ‘special’ in terms of the Epidemics Act.”

They also said that they regret the situation, as this is a “force majeure” to protect all the participants against the virus. GIMS also stated that “the show cannot be postponed. It`s not possible. It`s too big. It`s not feasible.”

Scheduled for an official opening on March 2, the organizers have asked the exhibitors to dismantle their auto stands by March 7, with all the tickets sold being refunded. It is quite a drastic decision, especially since carmakers all over the world have put their efforts into setting up the scenes to display their latest creations.

As aforementioned, the 2020 Geneva Motor Show will not be postponed, meaning that each carmaker will have to switch to live streams to reveal their new products. On that regard, organizers have also declared:

“A few days before the opening of the event, the construction of the stands was very nearly complete. A week ago, during the press conferences announcing the 2020 edition, there was nothing to suggest that such a measure was necessary. The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injonction of the Federal Council on 28.02.2020. The event is cancelled due to this decision.”

From A-to-Z, the 2020 Geneva Motor Show should have offered quite a display, with exciting new and revolutionary cars; however, we will keep you posted along the way and offer a closer look at what carmakers have to offer via online streaming.

First off, there are plenty of new electric cars debuting in Geneva, like Fiat`s brand-new 500 which is now fuelled by a powerful battery, while BMW`s i4 sports car is fully tweaked with the latest gadgetries.

Still on the German counterpart, Audi is ready to display the new A3 Series, already previewed a couple of weeks ago, while Volkswagen is putting out the brand-new Golf GTI with impressive performance. The long-awaited Mercedes-Benz E-Class fleet will also be revealed with design improvements and new engines.

On the sports car section, Porsche is ready to unleash the exciting 911 Turbo and Turbo S in coupe and convertible styles, while Alfa Romeo will reveal the new Giulia GTA, and the Stelvio Ti ‘6C Villa d`Este’.

Second, the supercar segment will offer premium products, such as the McLaren 765LT or the road supercar concept Espera Sbarro Saetta. Let`s not forget the tuning segment with exciting new programs that will be revealed in the following days.

Following a series of tests on the track in Germany, the new Audi A3 is almost complete now and ready to be unveiled next month in Geneva, the model coming with new improvements in terms of design and not only. However, just before the big event, a couple of journalists decided to take the sports car out for a spin in Sao Miguel, Portugal.

As we can depict from the media gallery below, the new 2021 Audi A3 will come with new changes around the camouflage areas. For instance, the front is set to be wider and is fitted with new corner vent clusters on the sides. It is also complemented with the carmaker`s latest headlight design.

However, the major change is the car`s more advanced Quattro all-wheel drive system, which provides increased fuel economy or enhances the car`s driving capabilities and speed. The system is fully-variable and features a new multi-place clutch pack. Thanks to that, the engine`s entire power is sent to the rear axle, which is a major change compared with the previous engine, which sent only half of its power to the rear. It also adjusts the distribution towards the front and rear more accurately.

Mechanically, the new 2021 Audi A3 is more advanced, thanks to the new suspension system, which now comes with optional adaptive dampers, providing thus improved response. The handling is also improved, as the car uses a new variable steering setup that works in tandem with a more powerful electric motor. As for the steering ratio, this is positioned right in the centre, providing just 2.5 turns from lock to lock. That lowers the steering weight during low speed, allowing an easy parking. At higher speeds, the steering wheel provides better stance and grip.

All these mechanical characteristics make the 2021 Audi A3 an “all-new model”, as the German based carmaker calls it. It still rides on the VW Group`s MQB platform, with the same width, track and wheelbase. However, as aforementioned, thanks to the more advanced Quattro all-wheel drive system, the car completely changed in terms of driving dynamics.

Underneath the skin, the 2021 Audi A3 also comes with an improved 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which now churns out 228kW and 400 Nm of torque. This means an increase in torque of around 20 Nm over the current model.  The power and torque will be sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto as optional.

Prices and full specs will be revealed at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show next month. Until then, please take a closer look at the 2021 Audi A3 while performing some track tests in camouflage, in Sao Miguel, Portugal.

The new 2021 Kia Sorento was detailed towards the end of last month in the first leaked images – being highlighted with a sharp design and fully-packed with the latest technologies on board; now, we have the official details and images of the model.

The new and much more modern SUV is larger than the previous one, and comes with the carmaker`s new design philosophy; it is also the first SUV from the range to come as a hybrid variant. As for the interior, it is fully-packed with the latest gadgetries and safety systems.

Design Details

The 2021 Kia Sorento looks eye-catching at the exterior with a daring design that highlights a strong personality and “refined boldness”, as the car manufacturer declared.

Starting with the front, the new Kia Sorento wears the new grille with the company`s “tiger nose”, along with slim headlights that incorporates LED daytime running lights, with “tiger eye” pattern.

At the back, there is new set of vertical-stacked taillights with squarer-edged corners. There is also the new roofline which maximizes boot space inside the cabin. Also, the rear end comes with more prominent horizontal lines as well, which increases the feeling of a robust SUV, while the lower rear bumper is wrapped in black sheeting. That gives the overall design a sharper and edgier feel than the present design.

Interior Details

In terms of dimensions, the new 2021 Kia Sorento is much wider than the current model. The A-pillar for instance, is 30mm back and comes with shorter front and rear overhangs, and a much longer wheelbase. That provides increased space inside.

Technology Details

Technology wise, the 2021 Kia Sorento is equipped with the latest gadgetries and accessories. There is the new 10.21-inch multimedia touch-screen on the dashboard, along with a 12.-3-inch digital screen for the instrument cluster. There are also some buttons that surround the main screen, while the climate control system is features by an “H” pattern for the vents.

As for the gear shifter, this one has been replaced by a rotary-like selector which supports driving modes and other control features.

Engine Lineup

Even if we do not have the official powertrains, reports state that the new Kia Sorento will be offered as a plug-in hybrid powertrain along with a hybrid variant. The first one will be backed by a conventional 1.6-liter turbo petrol. As for output, this will stand at around 170 kW. However, these are just speculations, with the official details to be officially unveiled at the 2021 Geneva Motor Show, which will open its gates on March 3^rd.

Until then, you are invited to see the media gallery below with the 2021 Kia Sorento, revealing an exceptional design with a strong personality.  Enjoy and don’t forget to tell us what you think about the new model!

Compared with the standard Golf model which is available only in Europe, both the GTI and the R will be sold in the United States. Prices are yet to be known at this moment.

The new 2020 Volkswagen GTI has little to do with the standard model in terms of design, at least. It is much sportier, has a slimmer styling, and is more aggressive than ever. The upgrades include aggressive front bumper with larger intakes, huge wheels, dual exhaust pipes and red brake calipers. 

The new Golf GTI sits on an improved version of the current MQB platform, being sold as a five-door hatchback only. Inside, the cabin comes with plenty of space for five passengers and is tweaked with enough cargo space for all of the occupants. Technologically, it features a new digital cockpit with head-up display as optional, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a new center console and an 8.25-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

Underneath the hood, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, with a standard 242 horsepower. The Clubsport version is more powerful, as it churns out around 287 horsepower. The power is sent to the wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the Clubsport variant, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is done in less than 6.0 seconds. More than that, according to the same Autocar, the carmaker is also said to launch a hybrid variant later on.

As a reminder, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf represents the eight-generation of the gorgeous model, putting thus an end to the seventh-gen model that first emerged on the market in 2014. Compared to the previous one, it comes with a lot of mechanical improvements. Technology and aesthetics have also been improved.

As for powertrains under the hood, the new Golf is launched with no less than five hybrids, with three of them using a 48-volt mild-hybrid unit, producing 109 horsepower, 129 horsepower, and 148 horsepower. Two plug-in hybrids closely follow, with a 13-kilowatt-hour battery with 210 horsepower and 241 horsepower, respectively.

Conventional motorizations include a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, with two powers – 89 horsepower and 109 horsepower, respectively, along with two variants of a 1.5-liter turbo flat-four with 114 horsepower and 148 horsepower. On the diesel side, there is a 2.0-liter flat-four pot with 114 horsepower and 148 horsepower.

Sharing with the GTI is a number of advanced driver assist systems, like blind spot monitor, forward collision warning, auto-dimming rearview mirror, high-beam control and lane-keeping system. Technologically, it shares the same gadgetries as the Golf GTI and Golf R.

Full details and prices of the new 2020 Volkswagen GTI will be known at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show!