’79 Corvette Stretch Limo That Starred In "Mystery Men" For Sale

We vaguely remember the plot of the '99 comedy "Mystery Men" starring Ben Stiller but the 1979 Corvette Limo that we found on e-bay definitely rang a bell. In the movie, the stretched Vette served as the super-villain’s (Casanova Frankenstein played by Geoffrey Rush) personal car.
The Vette’s transformation included extending the frame to over 23 feet (7 meters) total length and modifying the interior by adding two more opposing seats, bar, lights, and rear T-tops. Before its procrustean metamorphosis, the limo started its life as a 1979 3rd-generation Corvette fitted with an 185Hp strong 350c.i. V8 motor and an automatic transmission. Tangentially, did you know that the 1979 Corvette sold 53,807 units, a record number still standing today? -Click “Read More…” below for more images

Batpod: Batman's Two Wheel Obsession Breaks Cover

Remember that famous question “Joker”, Batman’s archrival asked: “Where does he get those wonderful toys?” In the upcoming Batman flick, “The Dark Night” that’s due out next summer, we’ll get to see one of cape crusader’s newest toys: the two-wheeler Batpod.
Batman’s version of any form of transportation means plenty of gadgets and the Batpod is no exclusion as its fitted among others with huge cannons mounted on the front of the motorcycle. Although it looks a big “home-made” chances are Batman can still kick some ass while driving it. Hell, Batman can kick ass driving a cardboard box, it’s just what he does. Posted by Dani

Joker's Car In The Upcoming Batman Film, The Dark Night

Making a short detour from our everyday-car spy images, we discovered this scoop photo on the movie website, Latino Review. According to the author, Joker will use the purple-colored 30’s pick-up truck in the sequel of Batman Begins, “The Dark Knight” which is due for release in July 2008. True or not, the pick-up looks so out of place and messed up that we couldn't imagine anyone else driving it but Joker.

Nissan Navara To Die 4.0... Limited "DIE HARD" Version Released

Nissan UK is celebrating the launch of the fourth instalment in the Die Hard film series staring Bruce Willis by releasing a limited edition Navara called “DIE HARD 4.0”. In all, Nissan will produce 444 individually numbered units of the “DIE HARD 4.0” version which is based on the recently launched 2008 model year 2.5 dCi Navara.
Just so you don’t get excited or anything, the only difference between the “DIE HARD 4.0” version and the Outlaw double cab plus optional Premium has to do with the hand polished stainless steel styling bar behind the cab area, the DIE HARD 4.0 body decals with a shattered glass effect, plus the individually numbered tailgate badge. -Continued after the jump
According to Nissan, five of the 444 trucks will be more prized than others since all the new owners’ names will go into a hat and numbers 1, 4, 44, 400 and 444 will be randomly allocated and in addition will receive a free specification upgrade as found on the top of the range Aventura model. The additional equipment over the standard Navara DIE HARD 4.0 includes a voice activated DVD satellite navigation with a full color 7” screen and a premium audio with MP3 CD compatibility worth around £1200.
The Nissan Navara “DIE HARD 4.0” goes on sale in the UK from July 2 with prices starting for the manual version from £18,995 (+ VAT) and £20,095 (+ VAT) for the automatic -€28.200/$38.000 & €29.800/$40.200 respectively.

Chevy Suburban From Soprano's Auctioned on eBay

The 1999 4x4 Chevy Suburban, one of two original vehicles leased by the production as Tony Soprano's car for the series, is being auctioned off on eBay. With 53,743 miles on the odometer, the bid is starting at $30,000. If your skeptical of the authenticity of the vehicle just get a whiff of the stale cigar smoke and the panel enclosing the vanity mirror on the driver's side visor signed in ink, "Be nice to my car” by James Gandolfini himself.

The Suburban also comes with a letter of authenticity from the Move Time Cars which leased the vehicle for the series. Honestly, couldn’t they have found an uglier car or are the producers just trying to appeal to the common folk? -Continued after the jump

Posted by Dani

Lindsay Lohan: Busted... Again For DUI!

Hollywood’s favourite DUI star, Lindsay Lohan was caught once again for drunk driving in Santa Monica early this morning (Tuesday, July 24). If you’ve lost count, its Lohan’s second bust in less than three months. The cops conducted a breath test which showed a blood alcohol level between .12% and .13% while California’s legal limit is 0.08%. As many might remember, Lohan wasn;t supposed to be driving since she had her license suspended during the last DUI incident in May. Unfortunately for Lohan, drunk driving with a suspended license weren’t her only problems as during a prebooking search, police discovered cocaine in one of her pants pockets! -Continued after the jump The police said that 21-year-old Lohan was booked on two misdemeanor charges of suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license and two felony charges of possession of cocaine and transport of a narcotic. Lohan was released however on $25,000 bail.

Pimp My Ride VW Bug On Sale For $40,000

Here’s one more “Pimp My Ride” project vehicle that’s up for sale. Gus, a reader of Carscoop, discovered Lawanna's VW Bug that aired on MTV’s Pimp My Ride Show episode 414, on the Los Angeles area Craiglist. The seller –we don’t know for sure if it’s Lawanna, is asking a mere $40,000. Not bad at all for a rustbucket on wheels that was half-way to the scrapyard before Xzibit took over. -Continued after the jump The VW Beetle’s theme was "Hair Force One" due to the fact that Lawanna was a hair stylist who was about to enter the air force. Among other things that the GAS crew did, was to install a sink with shampoo and conditioner dispensers in the front, as well as waterproof speakers and an iPod nano. Inside the car features a high-power hair dryer that got air via a scoop on the car's roof.
Link: Craiglist , Thanks for the tip Gus!

Transformer’s DVD Hits Shelves On Oct 16

The Transformers DVD is set to hit store shelves on October 16, and its jam packed with all sorts of goodies. The set will include the single-disc and two disc version, in addition to a 2 disc HD-DVD Special Edition. Other extras include director’s commentary, behind the scenes making of the movie and let’s not forget that GM had a little something to do with the Transformer’s disguise, so they’ll be adding some comments/advertising as well. So now you can actually put that fancy pants home-theatre system to good use, because as we recall, the sound and special effects in this movie were just sick! Press release after the jump. Posted by Dani

Via: Jalopnik

HOLLYWOOD , CALIF. - (September 5, 2007) The armies of CYBERTRON invaded theaters with a juggernaut fury that shook the summer of 2007, but on October 16, 2007 fans of all ages will discover that there is far "More Than Meets The Eye" to the massive mechanical behemoths when TRANSFORMERS arrives on Earth in spectacular DVD and HD DVD
two-disc Special Edition sets as well as on a single disc from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures; distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Earning over $650 million at the global box office to date, the massive production exploded onto screens from the creative minds of director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, in association with Hasbro, taking audiences by storm and becoming the biggest original film of the year. The first live-action film based on the enduringly popular "robots in disguise", TRANSFORMERS features the ultimate battle between good and evil, as the peace-loving AUTOBOTS seek to protect humanity from the evil forces of the DECEPTICONS. The action-packed film stars a hot young cast of
up-and-coming actors including Shia LaBeouf (Disturbia), Josh Duhamel ("Las Vegas"), Tyrese Gibson (Four Brothers) and Megan Fox ("Hope & Faith"), as well as seasoned performers such as Jon Voight (National Treasure) and John Turturro (The Good Shepherd). But the biggest stars are the TRANSFORMERS robots themselves - including fan favorites OPTIMUS PRIME, MEGATRON, BUMBLEBEE, RATCHET, JAZZ and more - brought to life by revolutionary new VFX techniques developed by the innovative digital wizards at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).
The TRANSFORMERS Special Edition two-disc sets provide an incredible experience with an arsenal of bonus material that delivers excitement and fun for long-time fans, as well as for viewers who are new to the TRANSFORMERS universe. The extensive special features include commentary by Michael Bay and two multi-part in-depth documentaries exploring the human elements of the film as well as the phenomenal robot stars. Presented in multiple parts, "Our World" and "Their War" include segments with Steven Spielberg discussing his love for the franchise and the early concept for the movie, the extensive casting process, the training, consultants and real-world weapons provided by the military to lend authenticity to the film, the evolution of the robots from Hasbro's iconic toy line to big-screen stars, the unique vehicles created for the movie, a discussion with ILM's legendary digital artists and much more.
The discs go even further behind-the-scenes with early sketch concepts of the robots and an in-depth look at the making of the SKORPONOK attack from writing and conceptualization through the creation of the stunning visual effects.
Out-Of-This World High-Def Content:
In addition to superior picture and sound and all of the above bonus material presented in high definition, the HD DVD presentation provides consumers with a host of web-enabled features, which are accessible through all connected HD DVD players. The
web-enabled features take advantage of technology that allows the studio to present the content in a new way. These cutting-edge, online features can be updated, providing consumers with an evolving entertainment experience months, or even years, after the disc is physically produced. Initial features include a TRANSFORMERS Intelligence Mode in which an on-screen dashboard over the film provides information about the robots and weapons, their strength levels, character updates and more. Plus, a GPS Locator that can access a map and GPS coordinates. Paramount's TRANSFORMERS HD DVD connectivity capabilities will reveal additional HD DVD exclusive features at street date and at various time periods in the future.
The HD DVD also includes a TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display) that lets viewers access running text commentary while watching the film and even view relevant behind-the-scenes footage in a picture-in-picture window. Additionally, viewers can explore the main robots' individual details in high definition with the TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector.
DVD:
The TRANSFORMERS DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Total runtime is 143 minutes.
TRANSFORMERS Special Edition DVD bonus features include:
Disc 1:
* Feature film
* Commentary by Michael Bay
Disc 2:
* The Story Sparks - Steven Spielberg discusses his love for the franchise and early concept art for the film. Explores how the writers adapted the cartoon into a live-action movie and why Michael Bay is the perfect director for the film.
* Human Allies - A look at how the actors were selected and their experiences on the set.
* I Fight Giant Robots - An exploration of the military training that
Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson underwent for their roles and the various stunts that the actors were asked to perform.
* Battleground - A piece on the senior officials from the Department of Defense and Air Force who consulted on the film to give it authenticity and the key locations that the U.S. government provided access to.
* Rise of the Robots - Explores the interaction between Hasbro designers and Michael Bay to bring the toy line roaring to life.
* AUTOBOTS Roll Out - Michael Bay discusses working with Chevy and its designers and the modifications that were made to the cars seen in the film.
* DECEPTICONS Strike - The film's military advisors discuss the "toys" they allowed the production to borrow: F-22 Raptors, Ospreys and A-10 Warthogs.
* Inside the AllSpark - ILM's digital artists discuss the challenges of bringing the TRANSFORMERS to life.
* From Script to Sand: The SKORPONOK Desert Attack - An in-depth look at the making of this particularly epic and challenging scene from initial storyboarding through production and visual effects.
* Concepts - Early sketch concepts of the robots.
* Trailers
TRANSFORMERS HD DVD
The HD DVD is presented in 1080p High Definition with English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus and English, English SDH+, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles. In addition to the above features that will be presented in high definition, the TRANSFORMERS HD DVD will also offer the following exclusive content:
TRANSFORMERS HD DVD (cont'd)
Disc 1:
TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display)--In this mode, viewers can access running text-based behind-the-scenes background information on the production during the feature. Users can also watch relevant picture-in-picture b-roll and video with Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers during select sequences.
Transformers Intelligence Mode web-enabled features consist of:
* Transformation Mode
* Health Meter
* Weapon Mode
* Robot Bio
* In Scene Indicator
* Text Ticker
* GPS
Disc 2:
TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector - Gives viewers an unprecedented look at the TRANSFORMERS robots through the exquisitely detailed models created by ILM artists. Users can zoom in on each detail for a closer examination and pause and change the rotation of the models.

Knight Rider Coming Back To TV In 2008

If you’re in your late 20’s – early 30’s like yours truly, you’ve probably spent countless hours as a kid in front of the TV watching Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff) and his blacked out K.I.T.T. 2000. Yes, we shamelessly admit that there was a time and a place were we dreamed of driving Knight’s talking Trans-Am –with a handful of chicks in it! But we better stop here before we make a complete “arse” of ourselves… Anyway, what we really wanted to tell you is that NBC is bringing back the 1980s action-drama series. According to Variety, the new "Knight Rider" could air as early as next fall. There’s no word on which car will substitute the Pontiac Trans-Am, but producers are exploring the idea of adding "evil" cars to offset K.I.T.T.

5th Gear’s Jason Plato Injured During Caparo T1 Accident

Being an automotive persona on a TV show is a risky business for your health. A few months after Top Gear’s host, Richard Hammond, almost lost his life in a horrific accident, Jason Plato from Fifth Gear was hurt in an incident during filming for the show. Plato, who also takes part in the British Touring Car Championship as SEAT Sport UK’s driver, was testing a road-going Caparo T1 at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire, UK when the 575Hp supercar burst into flames at an estimated 150mph – 241 km/h. -Continued after the jump Luckily, Plato managed to come out suffering only minor burns to both hands (the right hand being more badly injured), his face and the back of the neck. Fifth Gear’s host received treatment in the specialist burns unit of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital and he was released the same evening. Despite the serious incident, Plato vowed to race at this weekend’s final BTCC race meeting at Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire on Sunday 14th October, which is also his 40th birthday.



Jason Plato said: “We were testing the Caparo T1 for Fifth Gear, and we took it to Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, a private testing facility, which is common practice. There was a slight loss of power, I looked in the mirror and saw some smoke, there was a slight smell of oil and then suddenly there was this intense heat. The car spontaneously erupted into a ball of flame and I was sat in the middle of a fireball. I hit the brakes, brought the car to a stop as quickly as I could and jumped out.
“We found the nearest hospital on our sat nav and Phil Bennett [former BTCC racing driver who was at the test] took me to the local A&E. I would very much like to thank Phil, all the staff at Market Harborough and District Hospital, Kettering General Hospital and Stoke Mandeville Hospital for all the excellent care and treatment they so quickly administered.
“The back of my neck is burnt and so are my face and hands. I obviously couldn’t take my hands off the steering wheel whilst braking and my right hand is more badly burnt than my left. I’ll have to dig deep, but I’m still looking forward to the BTCC finale this weekend. It’s been a hard-fought season and I’ve led the Drivers’ Championship almost unbroken since winning the opening round, so this isn’t going to stop me winning the title on Sunday.”

Poll: Which Car Should Play In The New Knight Rider TV Series?

Since we learned last night that NBC has decided to revive Knight Rider (click here) with a new TV series next fall, we've been raking our brain to try and find the best candidate to surrogate Knight’s 1980’s Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am. Heck, we even stayed up last night playing around with photoshop just to see what KITT would look like if he were a Chevy Camaro –mmm, maybe, a Cadillac Cien –we liked this one, an Audi R8 –that sucked, even an Impreza WRX STi –that’ll piss off many Texans.
Which one of today’s production cars/concepts do you think would be the ideal choice for KITT’s role? And oh, if you know your way around with Photoshop, don’t hesitate to e-mail us a pic! Have your say in the comments below. -Chops after the jump

Transformers Movie DVD Released

We just received an e-mail reminder from Paramount that the Transformers DVD will officially hit retailer stores in a few hours -that’s Oct 16, 2007. The movie comes as a single-disc DVD, a two-disc DVD Special Edition and a high-definition HD DVD Special Edition. Extras include commentaries, a batch of behind-the-scenes revealing the back-story of the Autobots and the Decepticons along with the moviemaking that went into the desert assault in the beginning of the movie.
The HD DVD also includes a TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display) that lets viewers access running text commentary while watching the film and even view relevant behind-the-scenes footage in a picture-in-picture window. Guess you all know what we’re going to do tomorrow evening.

eBay: Matthew McConaughey Auctioning Texas Longhorn National Championship Tribute Bike

American actor Matthew McConaughey has put up his motorcycle, a commemorative Texas Longhorn National Championship Tribute Bike, designed and custom-built by Ralph Randolph's Knockout Motorcycle Co, for sale on eBay Motors. And it's for a good cause too as all proceeds will be dispersed equally between by Matthew McConaughey's Just Keep Livin' Foundation and Texas Exes Scholarship Fund.

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Star's In “I Am Legend”

A red 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 with signature white stripes will star alongside Will Smith in the upcoming Xmas blockbuster, “I Am Legend”. Set to make its debut on the big screen on December 14, the movie talks about Robert Neville (played by Will Smith), the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world, after a terrible virus hit mankind. -Continued
The story has it that Neville is not alone as the plague turned some humans into savage mutants. However since Neville was immune to the virus, he tries to find a formula to turn the mutants back to humans. And while he is at it, he also has some fun with the GT500 on the empty streets of New York.

1995 “Batman Forever” Batmobile Sold For $297,000

The Batmobile that stared alongside Van Kilmer (Batman) in the 1995 movie “Batman Forever” is one of our least favourite cinematic cars, and it’s not difficult to SEE why. Apparently, we aren’t the only ones who feel that way as the Batman Forever iteration of the Batmobile was sold at RM Auctions for a mere $297,000 (€202,500) which was less than half its estimated price ($600,000 to $800,000). -Continued after the jump

The 1995 Batmobile sold at RM Auctions is a promotional vehicle, never used in filming. Instead, Warner Bros embarked it on various promotional tours around the world before its eventual acquisition by Mr. Wiseman in 1999. The running and driving example was constructed in Australia with a fiberglass body and a custom tubular chassis. Its mold cost a reported $2,500,000 and an additional $300,000 was invested to complete the vehicle.

Interestingly, the buyer signed a Warner Bros. and DC Comics purchase agreement that includes the following restrictions:
1.The Batmobile may only be exhibited at purchaser’s permanent location and at auto shows conducted at parks, schools and other similar public places but not at shopping malls, markets, department stores or commercial locations.

2. The Batmobile may only be exhibited in a stationary state and must be mechanically unable to be driven while on display to the general public and must comply with applicable fire codes.

3.The Batmobile may be driven solely when necessary for maintenance purposes and may never be driven while in public view.
4.No modifications, alternations or cosmetic changes of any kind can be made to the Batmobile nor can the Batmobile be reproduced in any way.
5. The Batmobile shall not be licensed, leased or otherwise made available to any third party for any reason.

6. The Batmobile may not be used, referred to, photographed or depicted in any advertisement, endorsement or promotion of any commercial establishment, product or service of any kind.

7. The Batmobile may not be sold, transferred, leased or disposed of without prior written approval from Warner Bros. Consumer Products.